Thinking about an Oregon SS1k

[BrettB]

So, I am thinking to try for a SS1k, and am looking for advice on my route. I see a lot of people do large portions on the superslab, but I am more concerned about having a good variety of scenery to keep my interest and not get lulled to sleepiness. So, my current idea is to start near home (Molalla, OR), head up to Portland and out Hwy 30 past St. Helens all the way to Astoria, then down 101 all the way to US 199 near Crescent City over through Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Klamath Falls, then up 97 through Bend, then 197 to The Dalles, down I-84 to Hood River, then 36 up over Mt. Hood, to Sandy, hang a left through Estacada, and back home to Molalla. Streets and trips shows that as 1064 miles. Is that a reasonable route, or is a coastal route a really bad idea when trying to complete a SS1k?

I ride the FJR 100 miles a day, almost every day, but have no real long distance riding experience. I have however driven pickup trucks straight through from San Diego on a couple of occasions with no problems with being fatigued...

I might be trying this with a friend, but depending on how that goes, anyone else want to go?

-Brett

 

[user 213]

The coastal route will kill you on time. The MTF did an Oregon SS1K back in '07 and had two routes. One is kinda boring, then there is a IBA member version that's a little more interesting. Riding it so you end up on the slab at night for the final leg works well.

Keep in mind that if you start around 4 am, you're done pretty much by sunset this time of year. That's a smart method because it reduces fatigue with the witching hours not being ridden and the bulk of the ride is in daylight. Not to mention your darkness hours are when you are fresh.

Check out the link and scroll down to click on the routes. LINKY There are S&T files there too.

Just the more interesting route is HERE as a pdf file.

Read the IBA tips page and forum posts about first SS1K tips.

You really should work up to this to get a better idea of what will bother you. 100 miles is an hour and a half. That's a far cry from 16-18 hours on the bike. Do a 500 mile ride and see what bothers you. See if you can fix those issues, then try a longer ride. In the end, it's the stopped time that will cause problems on a IBA ride, not the moving time. It's far easier to save time with an efficient stop than to make up time on the road.

 

[RenoJohn]

OCfjr has given golden advice. Especially on the coastal route. You've got sooo many wonderful roads in OR that you IMO no reason to spend such a long time being frustrated on the coast, perhaps work in a few short stretches as you zig-zag to the wonderful west/east roads that Oregon has.

For a first time SS1K I really like the "more interesting" route that Eric teased you with. Very straightforward, and functional. *IF* it were me doing that route, I would do it clockwise, and I would get a very early start that would put me in Eugene around nightfall. *I* would do it so that I could ride the last hours of darkness, when I'm the most tired and animals are harder to see ...... on the easiest, safest(?) section.

As far as building up. I'll say no ..with the miles you're doing, you're likely in better shape than most who attempt these ....just pick a day, get some rest beforehand keep the wheels moving as much as possible, don't worry about speed, but do worry about not keeping the wheels in motion. Also, know what time you'd like to be in major locations so when you get there, you know if you are ahead or behind of your projected schedule. And leave a buffer, IE maybe set your pace to do it in 22hours, so if something doesn't go perfect, you've got a buffer.

Your first SS1k is likely the funnerest one you'll ever do -mine was hysterical, especially looking back as in hindsight, there are so many things one would do differently, but that is why they are so fun.

Best of fun luck and safe riding.

 

[FJRay]

The words of wisdom from Eric and John are right on the money about staying off the coast. Ther are lots of good roads on the dry side of the state. I would be interested in riding some or all of it.

 

[jwhite518]

Can't add anything except "I'm jealous."

 

[Panman]

Thanks Eric and John, I'm working a route in Washington using the advice of doing the slab work at the end of the ride. That does sound like a good idea.

Doing a complete in state route in Wa. seems a bit tough to do though, as I'm trying to ride a circle Google has me pegged at 46 MPH and it taking 23 hours.

 

[650cent]

I think someone is planning a SS at WFO9. You might want to take that in and do your 1K then. They will hand out the certificates afterward, no waiting. https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=126117

Bill

 

[BrettB]

See, I knew you guys would have great advice, especially on whether to include the coast or not. The alternate route looks pretty interesting, though more freeway then I'd like. Still, can't remember the last time I saw Burns... I think it will make a good run, and since its been a SS1K route before, routing options are sorted. I don't want to plan something and have the IBA route me different and not meet the objective. However, FJRay, if you have suggestions on the good roads on the dry side, I'm all ears. I wouldn't mind adjusting the route for roads that are doable as an SS1K but aren't freeway. I-84 isn't bad, but I don't like the Eugene to PDX area part of I-5...too flat and boring (though its better then some of I-5 through CA, which I've done, so...)

And if you want to meet up to ride some/all, that would be great too.

Got it on the keeping moving more important then the speed. That's been my experience with driving long distances too, and I'm reasonably good at that (large bladder, am not one for frequent snacking needs, though in the car, you can snack while driving, but that's usually done more by my passengers then me).

I will be doing at least one kind-of minor "tune-up" ride in the next month or so with a friend making a ~300 mile (according to S&T) lariat maneuver that features Hwy 219 over Chehalem Mtn, then Hwy 47 to Vernonia, over to Clatskanie, Hwy 30 to Astoria, then back to Vernonia on 202, then back down 47 and 219 to get back. Now that doesn't qualify for anything, but should be both beautiful and fun! Can't wait for my friend to tell me which Saturday meets his schedule... I wanna RIDE!

I'm doubtful I can make WFO, otherwise I would seriously consider the SS1K there.

 

[user 213]

Thanks Eric and John, I'm working a route in Washington using the advice of doing the slab work at the end of the ride. That does sound like a good idea. Doing a complete in state route in Wa. seems a bit tough to do though, as I'm trying to ride a circle Google has me pegged at 46 MPH and it taking 23 hours.

WA can be tough if you want to stay off the interstates.

Stanwood North to 20,

20 East all the way to Newport,

2 S/W to Spokane,

195 S to Colfax,

26/127/12 to Walla Walla,

12 to Pasco,

12/82 to Yakima,

12 to I-5,

I-5 North to Stanwood.

~1025 miles, 22 hours approx.

More challenging would be to drop down 97 to SR-14, then West to I-5, and 97 isn't bad, but SR-14 is a killer, time wise.

 

[user 213]

The alternate route looks pretty interesting, though more freeway then I'd like. I think it will make a good run, and since its been a SS1K route before, routing options are sorted.

And even gas stops.

I don't want to plan something and have the IBA route me different and not meet the objective.

Not really an issue, you're going to be sending them a map with the route traced on it, along with copies of your receipts and the fuel log. The idea is to make it as easy for them to verify as possible. The challenge on non-interstate routes is getting corner receipts that show you couldn't have cut a corner. The odder the route, the more receipts you need to document it.

I-84 isn't bad, but I don't like the Eugene to PDX area part of I-5...too flat and boring

Brett! It's an hour and a half. Suck it up! :lol: Just watch out for LEOs.

 

[redtail]

I will be doing at least one kind-of minor "tune-up" ride in the next month or so with a friend making a ~300 mile (according to S&T) lariat maneuver that features Hwy 219 over Chehalem Mtn, then Hwy 47 to Vernonia, over to Clatskanie, Hwy 30 to Astoria, then back to Vernonia on 202, then back down 47 and 219 to get back. Now that doesn't qualify for anything, but should be both beautiful and fun! Can't wait for my friend to tell me which Saturday meets his schedule... I wanna RIDE!

Don't just log the miles as a tune-up. Actually practice the stops, including getting receipts. I thought I did!

My 2 cents!

 

[LDRydr]

Brett, why don't you come out next weekend to Umatilla for the short little 7-hour rally. You could use it for practice for a bigger ride. SEE HERE

 

[BrettB]

Hmmm, Umatilla... might be tempting...but maybe problematic for me

The thing is, I need another hobby (long distance riding and rallys) like I need a hole in my head. In general, I can be good for a day ride, even if that day ride be very long, on an occasional Saturday. Other then that, I usually can't do it. I have a small farm and a house that is in perpetual remodel, I work pretty long hours, I'm an associate youth pastor (volunteer) at church, and participate in TaeKwon Do. And a wife who is NOT into motorcycles.

Which is why I probably won't do WFO, even though I know its at a *beautiful* location.

The weekend of the 24th is the Ladies Retreat at church and my wife will be out of town, which means its up to me to take care of the boys. Now, they are 14 and almost 17 (but no drivers license yet) and can mostly fend for themselves, so... I need to figure out if they need any ferrying around, cause then I would for sure be stuck at home. If I can get away, Google says that Molalla to Umatilla is just under 4 hours, so if roll out time is 8am, then I need to leave by 4:00am (which would be hard, but doable). 7 hour rally means finishing at ~3pm. I could either hang out with the group and rest for an hour getting my own eats and be back on the road at 4, getting home around 8... or if I stayed for the BBQ, I would get a lot more rest, but would get home until 11pm at the earliest (BBQ starting at 6, saying I leave at 7). Tough, but maybe possible, if the boys are situated to fend for themselves... and I'd get 700 miles if the rally is 300 miles (Molalla to Umatilla is 204 one-way).

I've never done a rally or scavenger hunt, I'd need to be somebody's buddy and follow along

 

[BrettB]

Have another question, not related to thoughts on Umatilla, so I made a different reply...

In reading on MCT and IBA, there are some references to safe speeds. Do they consider safe speeds to be the speed limit, and would disqualify your ride if the receipts show that your moving average was a little above the speed limit? In general, when not in town, I ride at +10 or so, a little faster then the flow of traffic so you have less worry about what's coming from behind (still check my mirrors a lot, I know there are folks crazier then me that might run me over). I know LEOs won't agree and will say that the speed limit is the safe speed, but I feel safer when moving a little faster then traffic.

Using the time stamps and distances in the alternate route suggested above, it shows an average speed, even counting for stops at less then the speed limit...

Hmmm, I almost didn't post this becuase then I kept looking at the alternate route sheet, and the overall time of near 18 hours is much closer to what I figured I would take. My analysis that led to the questions above were just through the first three stops. I know I would be well ahead of the timestamps by the third stop given the roads and my riding style. But the overall 18-ish hours sounds about right with stops for lunch and dinner... ah, I'll leave the post anyways to see what people say

-Brett

 

[BrettB]

Don't just log the miles as a tune-up. Actually practice the stops, including getting receipts. I thought I did!My 2 cents!

Good suggestion. I'll try logging it on a IBA log sheet for practice, though for receipts, I always get them, and always write my odometer reading on them, then plug them all into Excel when I get back to the PC - every fillup or maintenance my bike has ever had is all documented in Excel. For gas, it includes gallons, price/gal, total cost, and mpg between fillups. (I average 42mpg)

 

[LDRydr]

Hmmm, Umatilla... might be tempting...but maybe problematic for me
SNIP

I've never done a rally or scavenger hunt, I'd need to be somebody's buddy and follow along

Or you could just do a quick ride out for the start, see what the start of a rally looks like, then ride a leisurely ride home, part on WA 14 and then cross over at The Dalles, Hood River or Cascade Locks. The BBQ Iggy is talking about would be the night before at his place in Tri-Cities WA at 6pm (Friday). You may even see some rain or cold temps, which you may also see on your SS1k ride, no matter how well you plan it.

Re your question about speed, remember, it's your ride not somebody elses. So ride the speed you feel comfortable riding. Nobody is calculating your average speed but you, and nobody is going to ask you questions about it or invalidate your ride. And by the time you add in fuel and food stops its hard to nail down anyway (unless you're looking at your GPS if you have one). To do a BunBurner Gold (1500 mi in 24 hours or less) you have to average 62.5 MPH over the 24 hours. Quite doable when the speed limit is 65, 70, or even 75 (ID, MT).

 

[user 213]

Have another question, not related to thoughts on Umatilla, so I made a different reply...In reading on MCT and IBA, there are some references to safe speeds. Do they consider safe speeds to be the speed limit, and would disqualify your ride if the receipts show that your moving average was a little above the speed limit?

A little common sense applies here. If the speed limits for the bulk of your route are 45 mph, then it's simply not possible to do a SS w/o speeding. That's going to get you denied.

If you complete the SS in 8 hours, it's pretty obvious you had your hair on fire the entire time. That's going to get you denied.

For the most part, reasonable and safe are left up to you, and the LEOs. With your stops factored in, there is enough leeway that 99% of people will not have a problem. The Cert does not say how long it took. The reason is simple, you have 24 hours and there is no bonus for getting it done early. There is no reason to speed. Simply ride at your normal comfort level. :glare: And don't mention the speed factor when submitting your paperwork. It's not on the forms. If they have questions, don't worry, they will contact you and ask.

FWIW, VERY few people get their rides denied for speed issues. Far more common is lack of miles due to odo error and poor planning/documentation.

 

[Panman]

More challenging would be to drop down 97 to SR-14, then West to I-5, and 97 isn't bad, but SR-14 is a killer, time wise.

OCfjr, I just googled your route from my door 1015. I can get my first and last gas reciet at the little store on the north end of Lake Goodwin but that would take four miles off and that would seem to be a bit thin to turn for varification. I have to keep playing with it. My first route I tried did take me down 14 and that was 23.5 hours, I think if I do this I don't want to cut it that thin on time.

 

[BrettB]

hehe - plans continue to firm up, now looking at doing this in June probably. But of course I have to keep tinkering with the route...

Thoughts/feedback on this route:

https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source...=7&dirflg=d

which is basically substituting Hwy 26 for I-84 - google has it taking a significantly longer time, but I would *think* 26 wouldn't be THAT much slower, but would love feedback from folks who have ridden it. Going through John Day should be a lot prettier to make it worth it.

Another alternate which keeps the time on I-5 down, but makes it short on total miles, is this:

https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source...=7&dirflg=d

I really like it, but it shows 1,008 miles, which I worry is too close for variance.

Thoughts?

FJRay, if you are still interested, you would be welcome to join some or all of it. And if you know the roads on the ideas above, I particularly want your feedback whether you join or not

-Brett