Questions For The Vets

[101stpathfinder]

I seem to be the most inexperienced rider in the group, but I was wondering if I could set up a post for the vets to share

some helpful reminders and hints to the riders who might need their help. (?)

Like :

When should a rider secure a MedJet insurance ?

What is the best source (State) to buy an EZpass from ?

I am sure I will have more as the time gets closer, but reminders along the way about requirements would be great.

Sometimes the IBR section on the IBA site can be a little intimidating and less bike specific.

Thanks

 

[Ignacio]

I rented mine from New York, but that was before an excellent Wikipedia article was made that shows fees and details for each jurisdiction. If I had to do it today I'd consult it and decide which deal I liked best and it probably wouldn't be NY. Something about making sure you get a motorcycle transponder as the rates tend to be cheaper for bikes.

I don't believe there's a state-by-state source for MedJet. In fact, you should do it from the state you live in and just sign up on their website.

 

[SkooterG]

Don't **** up!

 

[101stpathfinder]

VERY funny :lol: :lol:

I found out in the 10n10 rally...

For Me... it is unavoidable ! :huh:

BTW Great info Matt !

 

[Colin24]

When should a rider secure a MedJet insurance ?

Whenever it is convenient for you such that it wont expire before the end of the rally.

Don't use MdeJet myself. But I timed renewing my travel insurance (which I buy 1 year at a time) such that it would cover me for the IBR National this summer and the rally next year. So basically I was able to cover my two big US trips with one year of coverage.

Assuming you buy 1 year of medjet at a time, I would factor in any or rides you might be doing in the next year and a bit and see if you could time things to cover both trips.

But of course at a minimum, have it done and running before you leave for the IBR start! :dribble:

When I ran in 2011 I believe they sent out an email about 6 months ahead requesting everyone to send in the relevant info from whatever the riders insurance was so it could be reviewed ahead of time to insure it met the IBR requirements. So if they do that again it would make sense to get the insurance then so you can get it preapproved. (watch the newsletters from Lisa carefully)

What is the best source (State) to buy an EZpass from ?

Can't answer this directly as I dont have and wont have an EZPass.

Any toll roads I hit I deal with them as I roll. Always made sure to have a wadd of cash\change handy. In 2011 I ran through Chicago on the morning of the last day of leg 1 and hit about a dozen toll booths. And then had to pay tolls when I was on the NJ Turnpike on Leg 2 and that was it for the whole rally.

Now I can certainly see how having one of these passes would be handy. Especially if you intended to be one of the hyper-competetive riders aiming for a top10 or better finish (cough cough, ignacio, cough cough). But for me, just trying to finish in 2011 (and trying to finish better in 2013) and factoring in other issues I just dont see it for me.

Now, if all these various systems could get all their collective $h!t together and make it work seamlessly across North America for all toll roads and bridges, then you might be able to change my mind.

As for any of the photo toll roads, they can bill me from my out of state and out of country plate number. And if when I am loading my bike I somehow accidently end up with the odd bungee cord that just happens to innoncently cross over the licence plate making just one digit of the number difficult to determine with sufficient confidence so that they can't bill me. Well, thats unfortunate for them isn't it.

- Colin

 

[101stpathfinder]

Thanks Colin for the info.

I work at the Post Office and for the next couple months I will be working massive hours.

Thus I want to start preparing bit by bit and not leave everything till the last minute. I am SO

far behind in prep. My '05 FJR is at 128k and coming off a UCCC ride and 10n10 rally leaves me

with revamping a few things. On top of that, I am starting to farkle my '08 FJR in case I change my

mind on which to ride.

I did my first multi day a few months back (The 10n10) I learned reading the rules was not enough.

There is much that is assumed that riders SHOULD know. I had several shortcomings that I am now

working on. i.e. First Aid kit, hydration device, half cover... I had never had the need for these items-

but they are required. Plus my top case departed the bike on the Haul Rd. so I am still working on a

decent mounting for the pelican.

BTW Colin ... Happy Birthday !!!

 

[Bounce]

When should a rider secure a MedJet insurance ?

we were supposed to do that?

What is the best source (State) to buy an EZpass from ?

i didn't. i took a stack of 100 $1 bills and glued one of the "short" ends together to make a peel-and-pay stack of bills that i kept in the tank bag to pay tolls with.

 

[Colin24]

I am SO far behind in prep. My '05 FJR is at 128k and coming off a UCCC ride and 10n10 rally leaves me

with revamping a few things.

Just keep chipping away at it, you still have time.

On top of that, I am starting to farkle my '08 FJR in case I change my mind on which to ride.

Gen I's rule. Dont distract yourself with that inferior Gen II (Of course, not that I am biased or anything )

Plus my top case departed the bike on the Haul Rd. so I am still working on a decent mounting for the pelican.

Keep in mind that all generations of FJR seem to have problems with the rear subframes cracking. Mine had shown signs of cracking a couple years before the IBR and I had it welded. Knowing what the bike was going to go through in '11 I took the subframe back off and had it seriously reinforced so that I would not have to worry about it at all.

I dont know what you mount off the back and how. But I would recomend a close inspection. And even if it looks fine I would recomend having it reinforced.

If your interested in what I did to my '05 for the 2011 IBR go here https://www.kolluzion.com/ColinsIBR2011/. Its a private page that has a bunch of pics of my bike during the prep for 2011. In particular look at DSC06134.JPG in Photo set 5. You might need to zoom in but its probably the best shot of the reinforcing I had done to the rear subframe.

BTW Colin ... Happy Birthday !!!

Thanks!

i took a stack of 100 $1 bills and glued one of the "short" ends together to make a peel-and-pay stack of bills that i kept in the tank bag to pay tolls with.

I have no idea if your serious or joking. But that is actually a very interesting and cool idea!

 

[Ignacio]

i took a stack of 100 $1 bills and glued one of the "short" ends together to make a peel-and-pay stack of bills that i kept in the tank bag to pay tolls with.

I have no idea if your serious or joking. But that is actually a very interesting and cool idea!

Sounds like a variation on the "Green Pass" that Roberts ran in 2007. It has the bonus of working on almost every tollbooth in North America.

 

[Bounce]

I got it from Greg Roberts and used it in 2003. Worked great. No tech to fail. No fees. No need for multiple transponders to lose/fail.

 

[101stpathfinder]

Between finally upgrading my computer, riding, lost email and a password change on the forum (IBR), I just retrieved my August newsletter from Lisa.

Just made motel reservations. Wondering from the Vets if these bookings look correct: 28-30 June / 4 July / 11-12 July (?)

and has checkpoint #2 been established?

Are roomshares common?

 

[Colin24]

Between finally upgrading my computer, riding, lost email and a password change on the forum (IBR), I just retrieved my August newsletter from Lisa.

Just made motel reservations. Wondering from the Vets if these bookings look correct: 28-30 June / 4 July / 11-12 July (?)

and has checkpoint #2 been established?

Are roomshares common?

Just did a quick confirm against my date's and they look good. But I am assuming that when I see XXXX you mean YYYY as follows:

28-30 June --> This is checkin on the 28th checkout onJuly 1

July 4 --> This is checkin on July 4, checkout july 5

July 11-12 --> This is checkin July 11 (which is a Thursday) and checkout on July 13 (the saturday)

------------------------

As for roomshares I think they are fairly common. Certainly a good way to save a few bucks.

Personally I am bunking by myself because [A] I might have a non-rider guest with me and Its nice to have the space to spread your stuff out in the room and not confuse it with someone else's stuff. 'Course this is all personal preference for me.

 

- Colin

 

[Bounce]

You know the next checkpoint before you get your rally pack for leg 1?

you get more than 3 months notice that you're in?

WOW! Luxury!

 

[101stpathfinder]

Now if they would have a suggested route and

a route to get a sure "gold" finish...

Just wishing for another '11. LOL

 

[101stpathfinder]

Another question comes to mind...

I made the reservations for checkpoint 2, then realized and wondered why have there been no

Mention of room sharing?

Room sharing (?)

A plus would be the obvious cost saving

A minus would be possible Wi-Fi sharing (?)

A mental zone interference with routing?

What is the wisdom of the vets?

 

[Ignacio]

What is the wisdom of the vets?

I shared with Skooterg in '09 for the two CP's and was a bit easier than sharing the night before the start IMO....especially the final CP. I thought we were both more on the same page with check-in, scoring, shower, sleep, get up for packet, focused on individual routing and rare comment like, "Hmmm...Key West sure looks like the winning route!".

I don't ever remember concurrent WiFi connections being an issue. Most hotels either have the same generic password and others that ask room #....I always lie as I want logs of any gay porn I download to look like they're coming from Warchild's room. Shhh.....don't tell him that.

 

[karstenp]

Room sharing is really a personal decision/choice.

I prefer not to share a room on any nights that involve rally planning. I need to focus on the ride that is right for me and leave when I am ready. Having a room mate may be distracting......but it could also save you from doing something really dumb or, alternatively, it may cause you to do something really dumb..... like going to Key West.

One of the hardest things for me at a checkpoint is planning on the clock and hearing the bikes take off from the parking lot while I am still planning. I can only imagine that it would have been more difficult if a room mate was also packing up to leave while I was still on the computer...

During the rally riding days, I am happy to share a room with someone. I shared a room twice during the 2011 IBR. One was by total chance and the other a last minute arrangement.

 

[Bounce]

Room sharing can be a good thing in certain situations. Catching a rider that hired a room for the night but only needs it for a few hours, you can move in and use it for the balance. Vice versa. If you see a fellow rider arriving, always offer your room to them in case they can use it. It's already paid for. Right?

 

[101stpathfinder]

Great advice !

My only multi day rally was the 10n10 and after the first day I saw other riders only twice But that was a no checkpoint 10 day ride.

Meese passed me in WV like I was sitting still and on day 9 I tailed another rider until he stopped for gas and I preceded to the next bonus.

I suppose with checkpoints, you have more "Converging"

I know most of you vets are ready to go, but I am just sick with nerves and self doubt... this is normal for a rookie?

The riding I am calm and confident with, but the technical routing is giving me nightmares. Up until last month I really could

not visualize the IBR ever happening for me... Now it is becoming an approaching train.