The Bun Burner Gold elevates LD Riders to a whole different level. Of the nearly 60 000 IBA members, fewer than 4000 have a BBG and I believe about 50% of first time attempts fail.
My first attempt failed, but it also taught me what was needed to make it a success. So lessons were learned.
To begin with, it isn't 1500 miles. In my case it was 1550, and even cutting it fine you will want 20 extra miles. Also, it isn't 24 hours. It is
under 24 hours and for planning purposes you need to build in a cushion of at least 30 minutes.
So we are looking at 1530 miles in 23 1/2 hours. Believe me, those minutes matter and I know at least one guy who scraped in with only 7 minutes to spare.
If you are doing a circular route, or an out and back, plan to use the same gas pump or ATM for your start and end reciepts. That way minor variations in timings will not cost you the certificate. ATMs are more reliable, but the same pump at a gas station is usually good if time is tight.
I can go from ramp to ramp, filling main and auxiliary, in about 7 minutes. The difference between 7 and 15 would allow double the number of brief stops! So practise your routine and shave off the minutes if you can. Doing so allows you to be more confident of the moving average, and that helps the crucial overall average.
I plan a gas stop every 250 miles, as 1500 divides nicely by 250. I have a range of 400 miles, so I am never critical on gas, and that worry is removed completely.
Keep the wheels turning. As long as you are moving, and the overall average is roughly above 64 mph, you WILL make it. The math doesn't lie even when your head plays tricks on you. All you need then do is stay on the bike at or slightly above the posted speed limit, and the certificate is yours.
Plan your stops, and plan one decent length stop at either 750 or 1000 miles. By decent length I mean at least 30 minutes. Then you have that to look forward to, and once done you are on your way home. It's an emotional thing, the nearer you get to home, the easier the miles seem even when they are the last miles, and should be the toughest.
When to start is a difficult choice and an individual one. I like to get the night driving over early, so in summer I will plan to finish around 7 pm. That gives you the major boost of riding into daylight when half of the ride is done. It works for me, but not for everyone. Some prefer a good sleep and an early morning start. You have to make that choice for yourself.
I don't eat much on a cert ride. Just snacks from my tankbag, and plenty of water. Lots of water, you will need it.
The BBG can be completed in less than 24 hours, and 1800 miles in under 24 hours is fairly commonplace, but those rides are done by guys who really have the routine down pat. Still, it's comforting to know it can be done
I was on schedule to complete the BBG in 22 hours. That was on a 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale. The last 90 miles was on Texas back roads. In the end I was left with 3 hours to complete that last bit, so I took a longer break simply because I could. Staying alert and realizing you have time to take it easy helps a lot.
Completing this ride elevates any rider into the next level. The SaddleSore 1000 is a tough ride by any standards, but it is the introductory ride for the IBA. Many of the other rides are no tougher than the SS1000, they are just longer. The BBG is longer AND tougher. It is called "Extreme" for a reason and the sense of accomplishment is major.
This is not an easy ride, but it is very doable for those who prepare effectively.
Enjoy it.
