BBG - Orange, CA to Ozone, Arkansas !!

[kaitsdad]

I'm starting the process for a BBG sometime in late August, or early September, and would appreciate the forum's input -

My route is fairly straightforward - Orange, CA to Ozone, AR. I picked Ozone as I have 3 uncles living there that I haven't seen in 20 years - and thought I'd stop by.

Almost all of the trip is on Interstate 40 - with a start time of 8:00 PM - this puts my CA, AZ, and NM transitions at night time - my only concern with this would be fuel availability, and forest rats in NM. I enter TX at around 9 AM, OK around 1:00 PM, AR around 5 PM, finish at 7:00 PM. 1 hour cushion.

I would appreciate any feedback/input on routing, experience with the roads, LEO's, random thoughts, etc.

TIA !!

 

[skyway]

Cool, Wonky's going state hopping!

Hal, not sure about any of your previous endeavours into LD riding, but are you familiar with this rule?

Plucked from here

"WARNING: Before you can apply for Bun Burner Gold certification (1,500+ miles in 24 hours), you must have at least completed one of the following; a SaddleSore 1000, a Bun Burner 1500 (1,500 miles in 36 hours), a SaddleSore 2000 (or other similar IBA ride), the Alberta 2000, Minnesota 1000, TimberButt, Tarbutt Rally, Utah 1088, any Cognoscente Group event, any MERA event, or the Iron Butt Rally. IMPORTANT NOTE: Other 24 and 36 hour rallies qualify. Their omission here is not intentional, it is just not possible to list all qualifying rallies. If you are unsure if a rally you finished is acceptable, please contact [email protected]."

 

[GunMD]

I did a BBG last summer (August) and had nearly the same route that you're planning:

I had no problems w/ LEOs or forest rats...but I was in Amarillo by the time it got dark...didn't have to deal w/ NM in the dark. I did manage to hit an owl (a BIG effin' owl) 5 miles from my starting point, as well as a couple of rabbits in the desert. The rabbits are a dime a dozen, but the owl scared the crap outta me.

As far as I-40: Construction work had it down to one lane in a few locations (speed 45mph for 10 miles), but overall it was pretty smooth sailing.

(Pay no attention to the stops on my map...they have no correlation to my BBG)

 

[Groo]

Is this what you needed to see Dean Tanji about (aux fuel cell)? Looks fairly straightfoward... keeping to the Interstate means you'll probably have a much better shot at finding gas in the wee hours of the morning. Depending on your range (will you have an aux. tank by then?) figure out how far you want to stretch a tank of gas, then identify stations along the route, and call them to make sure they'll be open.

Good luck. Your map actually shows my BBG route as well... Reno to Kansas City, primarily on I-80.

 

[kaitsdad]

Cool, Wonky's going state hopping!
Hal, not sure about any of your previous endeavours into LD riding, but are you familiar with this rule?

Plucked from here

"WARNING: Before you can apply for Bun Burner Gold certification (1,500+ miles in 24 hours), you must have at least completed one of the following; a SaddleSore 1000, a Bun Burner 1500 (1,500 miles in 36 hours), a SaddleSore 2000 (or other similar IBA ride), the Alberta 2000, Minnesota 1000, TimberButt, Tarbutt Rally, Utah 1088, any Cognoscente Group event, any MERA event, or the Iron Butt Rally. IMPORTANT NOTE: Other 24 and 36 hour rallies qualify. Their omission here is not intentional, it is just not possible to list all qualifying rallies. If you are unsure if a rally you finished is acceptable, please contact [email protected]."

Ian, Thanks for your concern. I appreciate it.

Yes, I'm aware of the regulations - my intent is to have the SS1K completed either prior to or during WFO5, most likely during. I am a big believer in building up to something like this - proper training, equipment, mind-set, etc., is all huge in a successfull attempt. (Consider your own accomplishments and example). Let's face it - I researched bikes for almost 2 years before PDP'ing Wonky - and right now I'm thinking years ahead on this stuff. IBA simply 'hits' something with me - I'm not quite sure what, but it does.

Heck, I may just discover during the pre-WFO5 California Dreaming ride that there's no way I can handle this kind of mileage - and if so, it's back to the drawing board.

But I'm certainly moving forward with the goal in mind. SS1K, BB or BBG, etc. Once I have the LD part down, then it's time to start booking rallies as I know I can tolerate the miles necessary - that part won't be an unknown.

"Plan, Plan, Plan, Execute", or, as my Pennsylvania Dutch Father (yes, he was from PA) always said, "Measure twice, Cut once".

I did a BBG last summer (August) and had nearly the same route that you're planning:


I had no problems w/ LEOs or forest rats...but I was in Amarillo by the time it got dark...didn't have to deal w/ NM in the dark. I did manage to hit an owl (a BIG effin' owl) 5 miles from my starting point, as well as a couple of rabbits in the desert. The rabbits are a dime a dozen, but the owl scared the crap outta me.

As far as I-40: Construction work had it down to one lane in a few locations (speed 45mph for 10 miles), but overall it was pretty smooth sailing.

(Pay no attention to the stops on my map...they have no correlation to my BBG)

Thanks for the feedback, GunMD, can you tell me your start time? Morning, evening, etc? Thanks.

 

[kaitsdad]

Is this what you needed to see Dean Tanji about (auc fuel cell)? Looks fairly straightfoward... keeping to the Interstate means you'll probably have a much better shot at finding gas in the wee hours of the morning. Depending on your range (will you have an aux. tank by then?) figure out how far you want to stretch a tank of gas, then identify stations along the route, and call them to make sure they'll be open.
Good luck. Your map actually shows my BBG route as well... Reno to Kansas City, primarily on I-80.

Odot, the Tanjii visit is simply coincidental.

And calling each station along the route to check hours is an absolutely fine idea !! Thank You.

 

[skyway]

Hal, there has been a little talk in the background of me accompanying 2 other riders during their first cherry popping SS1K ride. It will not be as demanding a route as the Mission ride, but we won't be doing a straight interstate run either.

This will by no means be my gig, but if your interested, I'll pass along your info to see if they mind another rider in the group.

Skyway - herding 'em up one ride at a time. :nyam:

 

[GunMD]

Thanks for the feedback, GunMD, can you tell me your start time? Morning, evening, etc? Thanks.

I met George Z at the 7-11 in 29 Palms at 0415. George was headed off to Denver that morning and agreed to be my start witness as long as I could meet his start schedule. I met it. Which brings me to another point that goes without saying, but I'll say anyway. SLEEP. Sleep often, and sleep early...and I'm not talking about during your ride, I'm talking about the few days leading up to the ride. I made two mistakes prior to my BBG. First mistake: Last minute preparation. I promised myself that I'd be all packed up and have everything prepped two days out so that my last night could be spent sitting on the couch drinking water and getting to bed very early...didn't happen. I was all spun up the night before the launch and didn't get to bed early and (due to last minute "spin up") didn't sleep well at all.

Second mistake: Lack of sleep all week leading up to BBG. I promised myself that I'd get a good night's rest all week before the launch and failed to do so. Again, I was a little spun up about my upcoming ride, but more than that I simply didn't exercise good time management that week. As a result of these two mistakes I found myself sleeping on the ground at a gas station around 8am that morning. I was doing much better after a 30 minute nap, but that's not the way I wanted to start the day.

And since you're a coastal type, don't under estimate how fast you'll dehydrate out here in the deserts of the southwest. Water up before you get thirsty. I carry a Camel Back and drink constantly, but really don't pee all that much...I refill with at least 24 ounces of water at each gas stop (often more than that).

And most of all...have fun.

 

[Groo]

[Odot, the Tanjii visit is simply coincidental.

Glad you liked the gas station suggestion... I assume you were addressing that to me... :blink:

 

[kaitsdad]

[Odot, the Tanjii visit is simply coincidental.

Glad you liked the gas station suggestion... I assume you were addressing that to me... :blink:

Doh....

Groo, sorry bud !! I was addressing it to you. And I appreciate it.

Man - I just can't keep the faces with the names ..... :dribble:

 

[Groo]

So how'd your meeting with Dean go...? Is he interested in building more fuel cells? He still hasn't responded to my PMs on the board.

 

[kaitsdad]

So how'd your meeting with Dean go...? Is he interested in building more fuel cells? He still hasn't responded to my PMs on the board.

Well, my meeting isn't until next Tuesday (16th)- and Dean and I compared schedules almost a month ago just to find a day when we were both in town. I seem to recall he's out of town on a business trip right now, and that's no doubt why he hasn't responded. Keep in mind that he doesn't do this stuff for a living - it's kind of an 'advanced hobby'.

What I can tell you is that he has responded to every phone message and PM I've sent him. So hang in there.

I will be discussing with him the possibility doing another run for 05's and earlier as well as the 06.

I'll keep ya posted !!

 

[Groo]

Hal,

You da man... thanks!

 

[beeroux]

Heya Egghead.

I have no idea what kind of "best day" you've had mileage wise, but definitely get a 700-800 miler in before you do a SS1K. Back in the day, I did a 420 miler, then a sweet 800 miler just to get a feel for what was gonna be what.

Definitely go from 1K to 1.5 in one shot. You'll know how you feel, and can feel good about the trip.

Your route is cake, except some construction in NM, which never seems to end. You should be fine.

GunMD, I totally forgot about the owl! That was like hitting a fucking PLANE! Glad you were leading. <G>

"Houston we have a prob......uhh, never mind, we just hit a motorcycle."

GZ

 

[kaitsdad]

Heya Egghead.

GZ

:dribble: :blink: :dribble: :blink: Don't tell me. :blink: Now I have a new forum name ? :dribble: :blink: crap.

GZ, I've done a 480, looking for multiple 500+ on the California Dreaming ride in July - then a SS1K at WFO, (if it's offered). We'll see if my yolk gets scrambled. Heck, I might just turn into an omelet.

 

[beeroux]

Kaitsdad,

I'm not the Ride Coordinator for WFO but I will design a medium hard ( not TOO many twisties ) SS1K just for you.

Many IBA types will be there to sign you in and out. It'd be a real blast to have some of you crank out an SS1K while at WFO.

Hell, I might join you. In Nevada, you can run a grand after breakfast and be back for dinner. <G>

Stay tuned.

GZ

 

[kaitsdad]

Kaitsdad,
I'm not the Ride Coordinator for WFO but I will design a medium hard ( not TOO many twisties ) SS1K just for you.

Many IBA types will be there to sign you in and out. It'd be a real blast to have some of you crank out an SS1K while at WFO.

Hell, I might join you. In Nevada, you can run a grand after breakfast and be back for dinner. <G>

Stay tuned.

GZ

GZ, You design it and I'll run it. My butt and Wonky permitting.

(hope I'm not going to regret this ... )

 

[chickey191]

not sure if I agree with Z's suggestion that jumping from a 1k to a 1.5 BBG is the way to go.

Going from a Saddle Sore to a Bun Burner would be my recommendation - treat the Bun Burner like you were attempting a BBG.

A ss1K is pretty easy. a BB is even easier - both have the same avg. speed - but you can get lots of sleep in for a BB. A BBG requires you get your speed up to something like 62 mph - which is not the problem. Keeping it there is the problem and stopping every 250 miles (more often if you are running in NV because you will have to get gas where you can in some locations) and keeping the average up becomes a problem. I think it is a pretty big jump from a ss1k to a bbg. A bun burner will give you the knowledge of whether or not you can stand to sit on the bike for that long and whether or not it is something you really want to do.

The bbg requires prior entry level rides for a reason - it is borderline to an "extreme" ride and should be treated with respect.

as for doing a saddle sore to wfo - if you just want a ride -

from reno to Salt Lake City is 505 miles depending on which exit you leave reno from and which exit you turn around on in SLC - straight I-80. Gas available 24 hours most of the route - you would want to make sure you fill up in a couple of towns - like Winnemucca, but gas is readily available. A more scenic route would be using US 50 instead, but gas becomes a bit of a problem at night.

A boring route - but probably one of the easiest to do. You can't totally whack it through there, but you can certainly ride at a pretty good clip outside of most of the towns (and there aren't many). A more rural route would be like fernley - to austin to tonopah - maybe over to alamo to vegas and back up. map it out and it should be close to a 1k'er.

not sure if I'll be at WFO or not - may have to drop by just to give you guys some crap.

 

[beeroux]

Kaitsdad.

I have created a nice scenic 1K day for anyone who wants to ride it at WFO.

Again, plenty of IBA witnesses will be around to sign you out and in.

Just a short bit of twist and the rest is wide open NV roads. I'm guessing 14 hours for the average Joe.

To keep things fun, I'm not telling the route, but rest assured, it's a great ride with many awesome things to see.

You'll come back chuffed and proud.

Make WFO you're 1K destination, you won't be dissapointed.

GZ B)