How do you fix arm pump?

[Scott]

Last weekend at Blackhawk, for the first time in my life I started getting arm pump about 5-6 laps into my races.  Killed my lap times as I couldn't control trottle/brake like I wanted too.

Any suggestions as to how to reduce/fix this?  

[Eric Kelcher]

I carry a hand grip exerciser in the truck with me. When I was racing I would do about 150 reps alternating between hands every 20-25 2-3times a day depending on how much time I spent in the truck. This resulted in my grip level going up and amount of effor on the brakes was much less.

Other thing is relax and breathe just hold onto the bars don't try to straggle them. I tried to concetrate on only having the part of my wrist that was needed actually touching the bar. Fingers during accel, palms during braking.

[Gixxerblade]

Relax... ;D i used to have that problem but i found that if I relax my arms doing the chicken wing thing on straights I don't get it as bad through the rest of the track. Riding dirtbikes also helps because y9ou get arm pump so bad sometimes that you want to stop riding but when you get on a roadrace track it isn't so bad. just my 2¢  8)

[xseal]

I've been told, physiologically, its mostly failure to breath properly.

Hanging off less helps too, just 1/2 to 1 cheek, no more.  

[Jeff]

Relaxing is absolutely key.  I had issues with hand strength a few years, not to be mistaken for arm pump, and like Eric, I use hand exercisers daily.

It's easy to have a hunk of heavyweight silicone laying around to squeeze the crap out of while on incessent conference calls every day.

[EM JAY]

It's easy to have a hunk of heavyweight silicone laying around to squeeze the crap out of while on incessent conference calls every day.

  I think squeezing a hunk of "silicone" would help me relax too...    ;) ;D

  How bout saline?  

[Steviebee]

i only grip the throttle with 1 finger and a thumb as much as possible under acceleration.  

[Super Dave]

Get rid of the EBC brakes...

Look at how your controls are.  Really, there's a long list of items that will cause it.  I have it terminally from years of abuse of my right arm, so I'm sensitive to it.  

Massage therapy does help a whole lot.  

Usually, I can see many items at issue by looking at a bike.  Suspension issues can definitely be contributing items.

[Scott]

Ok, got the hand exercisors.  I do recall asking myself to breath a couple times out there.  

I'm clueless on suspension.

Super Dave, will you be at BHF on the 28th?  If so I'll come over to have you help me with a baseline suspension setup.

[Jeff]

 I think squeezing a hunk of "silicone" would help me relax too...    ;) ;D

  How bout saline?  

I knew someone would key in on that... LOL...

Another huge help will be to stretch your arms out very well before the race.  Bend your fingers backwards by placing them in the opposite palm and pushing.  it will stretch out your arm and hands pretty well.

[Super Dave]

Super Dave, will you be at BHF on the 28th?  If so I'll come over to have you help me with a baseline suspension setup.

I will be at the next Blackhawk.  But I don't do any suspension work with individuals that haven't came to any of my schools.  I leave that for my school program dates...and the website seems to be down...anyway...

I don't do the exersize things with the arm myself.  Different philosophy, and it only hurt me in years past.  You've got to know the real reason for the arm pump to recognize how to deal with it.

[tzracer]

I'm clueless on suspension.

Super Dave, will you be at BHF on the 28th? ÊIf so I'll come over to have you help me with a baseline suspension setup.

Try Ed Kwaterski (Trackside Engineering), he should be at the next Blackhawk (you can contact him through his web site). He is a Showa suspension engineer.

https://www.tracksideengineering.com/ecommerce/catalog_ms2.2/

Arm pump is more to do with being relaxed and proper breathing than with arm strength.