Possibly my dumbest ride yet

[TriggerT]

So I got the OK from my wife yesterday to take a little cycle trip. Actually, she said she thought I should go, and then I started to think.....where to go?

I have been thinking about this little ride for the last few months. It would qualify for at least 3 IBA certificates (BBG, B2BI, and SS5K) and maybe more depending on how the times would end up.

Other than the obvious fact that I am out of my fooking mind, I am looking for any thoughts.

Day 1 is from Rockford to Gallup, and just over 1500 miles. BBG

Day 2 is then down to Calexico, about 575 miles

Day three is the B2BI ride up to Sweet Grass Montana 1500 +/- miles

Day 4 is a round about way to Fargo

Day 5 is home with a total of about 5050 miles for the SS5K

 

[Braenen]

Are you after the coveted Titanium Butt award?

That is one long ride.

 

[twistedcricket]

the most important question....when are you going?

 

[BwanaDik]

That's an 800+ mile run thru Kanuckistan on Day 4. Planning on making it in 24 hours or something less?

Try not to fall asleep on Day One, not too much to look at on that stretch.

 

[jwhite518]

You won't know if you can do it until you try. I say go for it.

Smart move having a short day in between the two BBGs.

 

[stryg8r]

Unless you've got a compelling reason to go to Fargo, consider staying in Canada until Kenora and come down via the Sioux Narrows. Awesome road. When you going?

 

[LDRydr]

Looks like fun. You didn't say when you're going to do this, but if you want to meet up in Calexico I'll be there on May 18th to begin a 48+ ride.

 

[madjackdog]

Who the hell do you think you are, Warchild? I didn't have to click on your profile to know that you're a young whippersnapper. You're going all that way and not coming to sunny San Diego? You've bitten off more than I could chew, that's for sure. More power to you, kid. Good luck.

 

[BIODSL]

Go for it TriggerT! Looks like a lot of fun. BTW...got SPOT? Let us know so we can follow along.

 

[TriggerT]

I am not even sure that I am doing this ride yet or not, but if I do I am thinking about the 21st of June through the 25th. That way I am riding during the longest daylight of the year.

IF, IF I do this ride, I will have a SPOT, and I will post a link to it.

 

[dcarver]

Just wondering if you've factored day time high temps and timing into your ride. St. George, Las Vegas, etc even during June can be gruesome during afternoon hours and take alot out of a feller. I guess I should expand that scope and ask 'have you considered temps, cold and hot, and timing' for the route? Or does it even matter? I'm just a CBA guy..

 

[James Burleigh]

Smart move having a "short" day in between the two BBGs.

Fixed it for ya, Jer.... :glare:

 

[TriggerT]

Just wondering if you've factored day time high temps and timing into your ride. St. George, Las Vegas, etc even during June can be gruesome during afternoon hours and take alot out of a feller. I guess I should expand that scope and ask 'have you considered temps, cold and hot, and timing' for the route? Or does it even matter? I'm just a CBA guy..

Temps are something I am worried about, and I need to confirm the two border crossings I am planning on are open 24 hours. If that is the case, I would try to start at something like 1 am. I normally get up at 3:15 am central time, so starting int he middle of the night like that would be "Normal" for my body clock.

I am worried about how safe it will be around the border. All I hear about on the news is how bad things are in and around Mexico. Anyone have any first hand knowledge of how good or bad Calexico is, and if there is a 24 hour gas station just inside Mexico?

 

[Aasland]

You're missing a lot of good scenery and bypassing a lot of great roads.

It appears that the purpose here is to get a bunch of LD certifications under your belt. Is that right?

 

[TriggerT]

It is to get at least two "EXTREME" IBA certifications, and also see some nice areas as I am flying by. I will also be going through some parts of the country I have never been to, and basically it is to get in a ton of saddle time in the few days I can be away. I don't know if I can really explain why I would want to do this ride , other than the challenge, and because "It's There."

 

[twistedcricket]

It is to get at least two "EXTREME" IBA certifications, and also see some nice areas as I am flying by. I will also be going through some parts of the country I have never been to, and basically it is to get in a ton of saddle time in the few days I can be away. I don't know if I can really explain why I would want to do this ride , other than the challenge, and because "It's There."

You have me thinking I should tag along... meet up around topeka and I'll veer off your crazy path at SLC and head home. I just want to ride in NM and AZ...the only two states west of NE that I haven't ridden yet.

 

[rickcorwn]

A couple of things, there's a lot of bad things going on around the Mexican border towns but it's not like there's bullets flying as soon as you cross the border. If you're in the wrong end of town looking for trouble you'll find it for sure. If you're right near the border crossing there's lots of military and government badges in the area so most of the bad guys are a little farther away. That said 1:00AM is kinda prime time for bad guys.

I've heard of people having trouble getting receipts at Pemex stations. You'll be getting there early enough to cross over in the daylight and check out the area. Find a Pemex and see if they have a card reader at the pump or if you need to go inside and if the time is close to right. My experience in Mexico is that they place a much lower priority on things like this than the average Mid-westerner.

The other thing is your MC insurance is no good across the Mexican border. Your there for such a short time it's hard to imagine there would be a problem but if some one does hit you or you hit them well things could get complicated. You can buy insurance online for a single day or two and it's pretty cheap, for insurance. This is where we bought our's for the Mexico trip this spring clicky

 

[TriggerT]

It is to get at least two "EXTREME" IBA certifications, and also see some nice areas as I am flying by. I will also be going through some parts of the country I have never been to, and basically it is to get in a ton of saddle time in the few days I can be away. I don't know if I can really explain why I would want to do this ride , other than the challenge, and because "It's There."

You have me thinking I should tag along... meet up around topeka and I'll veer off your crazy path at SLC and head home. I just want to ride in NM and AZ...the only two states west of NE that I haven't ridden yet.

That is a possibility as long as you promise not to try and change your oil the morning we are supposed to be meeting up. (Inside joke)

 

[sonicspeed]

i think you should go for it. and if i send ya a pic of myself, will you take it with you so i can say i did it too????