best way to stay sharp on long drive
 

Obviously, if/when I get tired, I'll stop. I'm not going to push my luck at all.

That said, I'm driving from San Antonio, TX to Byers, CO shortly and was wondering what's the best way to stay sharp. Are there any tricks?
I'm half considering chocolate covered espresso beans. Dumb idea?

Thanks,
Skip

I've got a buddy that swears eating pickles will work. I can't get the nerve to try it!

You'll definitely get an adrenalin rush when you wake up bouncing along on the shoulder. Stay safe.

When I get tired I pull over and nap for 10-15 minutes. Anywhere that's safe will do. Works like a charm, gets me at least a couple hours before I need to stop again.

Once a year I make a long drive. This year it was round trip to Salk Lake City. The drive home can be tough. This year I took one dose of the 5 hour energy drink. It did just what I wanted. I did not feel wired at all, just normal. I slept fine that night. I figure one dose a year should be safe.

I do ALOT of road trips both for work and personal adventure!

Rule #1 - if you are tired, stop and sleep. Sometimes 15 or 20 minutes of a nap is all you need to stay frosty. Limit your total driving time and don't exceed it. Sleep in the car if you have to, don't risk your life or anyone else's when you are driving.

Now about the keeping sharp. Great music is a must. Even better if you aren't embarassed to sing out loud. :D No big meals, small or snacks only. Big meals make me really sleepy.

Stay curious along the way. If you see something of interest, stop, get out and take a look at it. I live in Oregon, the first time I saw a dead armadillo in Texas - I STOPPED! DANG! THAT WAS A WEIRD CRITTER!

Enjoy yourself. Find beauty in the country you pass through. It makes the miles go by.

angela

I wanted to see the wast cost after college and drove from Virgina to up Niagra Falls. After two days (dumb youth) I was falling asleep on the wheel. So I ppulled over and nap for a little. it was about 1pm. When I woke, thinking it was 15-20 minutes? No, it was dark and I was hungry. I checked my watch and see it was after 1030pm. so much for my 10 min nap.

I have used a spray bottle and give my face a little blast right in my eye. that will prolong it for about 30minutes to another hour.

Be good and stay safe.

http://img.21food.com/img/product/20...g-00460350.jpg

Actually, I find singing along to music is good. Audio books work well for me, too.

I almost always drive with the window open, which keeps me alert.

Sunflower seeds, coffee, salty food ( French fries), favorite podcast/ talk radio....

I've been driving 20+ hours a week for the last three months, and that's what I'm doing. But I've been known to stop for a 5pm siesta on occasion.

Hot girl riding shotgun?


Eating's pretty effective. It's rare to fall asleep while you're eating.

its after you eat (that big fat burger for lunch) that gets you. I know what you mean about snacking.

by all means,, stop and walk, take a nap,, coffee and loud music

Jeez, I guess. I've looked for that stuff. It's not in my grocery store. (Ralphs, Kroger)

Keep the brain active. Do math problems in your head. Try and figure out how many acres a golf course is.

Yes, there are times I get back in my car and am shocked at how loud it is...

I like to switch between music and podcasts. I load up the iPod with music playlists and sports talk radio. When the topic has been completely analyzed by Mike and Mike, kornheiser, Wilbon, Bill Simmons, Jim Rome, Scott van Pelt, and Hill and Schlereth, I'll switch back to music. Repeat as needed.

All those podcasts are free from the EspN pod center. That way you don't have to wait on commercials or search for content on the radio. And switching from music to talk and back seems to reboot my energy and reduce fatigue.

I found arguing with the wife works well.

Eating Pickles? Not sure what the connection is there, but you're saying you can't get the nerve up to EAT a Pickle! Well, I guess Potted Meat is out of the question, Lol! 15 minute Power Naps is the ONLY way (but not everybody can do them) jmo

Thanks all. Good tips...