SS1000 Sept 28th

[mattster31]

UPDATE : Here is the SPOT LINK. In case you might be interested in watching the progress.

I am a tad concerned. My buddy with the BMW still doesn't have it back from the shop. I thought I was a last minute kind of guy. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it will be the three of us.

As for the weather...................doesn't look very good

So I finally managed to arrange the time to go and ride my first SS1000. I've been very envious of those who have completed their own, and have enjoyed reading the ride reports that follow. I have thought of this ride ever since I joined the forum and was introduced to the IBA and the LD riding community. The IBR is certainly on my "bucket list" of things I want to accomplish before I die. That said, I thought I would post up a pre-ride report. I know it's just an SS1000.............sure lots of guys and gals have done those....................but not me. Although, I figure if I can ride a mountain bike for 24 hours, I can ride a motorcycle for 1000 miles.........well, we'll see.

I am going to include the "SPOT" link in a couple of days (I just need to be sure it will work). We didn't have the pleasure of following the folks in the IBR (other than the odd snapshot) so I thought it would be fun to post it up for this ride. I know it's not very far, and I'm not trying to beat any previous records, and I won't be picking up any bonii along the way (although I will be taking photos while I'm riding which should be interesting), I'm just enjoying the ride.

I will be riding with two other buddies of mine. One has an older BMW R1150RT that's been plagued with a multitude of problems (oddly enough, the final drive has been fine). He says everything is working great now, but the last trip he did out to the east coast resulted in a blown motor in Moncton, NB

The other pal will be on his Harley Street Glide. He's mechanic so that machine is always running reliably..........although he can only get about 250kms on a tank.

I've gone over mine with a fine tooth comb so it should be OK (knock on wood).

Here is the route I have come up with. SS1000

You will notice we are looping through NY state. Why you ask??? Well I've always wanted to see Lake Placid, and I thought the scenery would be much nicer. Not to say that good old Ontario doesn't have nice roads, but hey............I've ridden most of them before, and I need to see something different.

I was concerned about riding in both Canada and the U.S to complete the ride, so I contacted the IBA to inquire. Ira told me that it would be considered an SS1000 wherever I rode. He said that if I wanted to complete a km based route (SS1600K), then the entire route must be in a metric based country.

Now due to the Harley................I have had to schedule 8 gas stops. From what I have read and been told, the key is to keep them short (5-10min) gas up, have a small snack, drink some water, evacuate (you know what I mean)........and repeat. In a way it might be good to have a few more stops. I figure it will give us all a chance to stretch and stay fresh for the remainder of the ride, but we'll see if that pans out.

Some of the advice I have read says "you should do this alone, so you won't be held back by a slower rider". That seems to make sense, but what about the fun of the camaraderie between fellow riders??? I know these guys fairly well, and they are both motivated to finish, and know that we won't be stopping to have meals at the Olive Garden. I just have to think of something to tell US customs when we cross over. I know.......... be honest right? "Yes sir, I'm going to ride through NY state in one day....... just for the heck of it"

I'll post up the SPOT link before I leave.......with the ride report to follow.

 

[101stpathfinder]

Relax and enjoy the ride! An SS1000 gives you plenty of time. And when you have finished this,

which you will, at least you'll remember the ride with photos. After all, this will only be your first of

many IBA rides. You will be hooked ! Don't worry about riding partners until the more demanding

rides like the BBG1500. Then time is more of the essence. I did my SS1000 in such a scrambled hurry

(To Qualify for anther ride) that I took no pictures. I just returned from a 100CCC. The night before

self-doubt set in, I worried about the BBG1500 I HAD to accomplish on the way out. Now I see the worry

was for nothing. The ride was a challenge, but really much more enjoyment than I ever imagined. I am

glad to see the route you are taking will be a beautiful ride. Have fun!!!

P.S. Looking forward to a ride report. Next summer I'll be doing all great lake rides, 48plus, 10/10ths...

I could really use an expert Canadian riders advice or riding partner, Have a GREAT ride!

 

[FJRay]

Just ride your ride and take care of yourself. A 1000 miles in 24 hours is about 42miles per hour. You have plenty of time to eat and sleep. Remember it isn't a race its your challenge for you. Have fun.

 

[Bill]

If it were me, I'd head east on the 401 in the direction of Quebec City. When I'd travelled about 815 km (allowing a small margin for mileage error), I'd get a gas receipt, turn around and head back to where I'd started.

It's a much easier ride for your first attempt if you just head out in a straight line, turn around and ride home.

It's free advice so it's probably worth as much as you paid for it. <_< Good luck to you.

 

[mattster31]

It's a much easier ride for your first attempt if you just head out in a straight line, turn around and ride home.It's free advice so it's probably worth as much as you paid for it. <_< Good luck to you.

I see your point. I like riding straight roads too, but that stretch from Toronto to Montreal is BORING. I can't tell you how many times I've ridden that. It's painful :dribble: :dribble: I'm only doing it to get myself to the mountains in NY state.............more fun to travel some roads I've not been on before.

 

[mattster31]

Bump for the spot update....................