Thousand mile day.

[user 213]

The re-occurring misconception is that you can't do a 1000 mile day comfortably. That's just not true. It's not punishing, sleep depriving or fatiguing if you prepare the motorcycle and know what you're doing. Cert rides really just came about for me to see new areas in the limited time I had on weekends and days off. Stop when you want to, take pictures, enjoy the ride. It's a relaxed 18 hour ride with an hour break for lunch, etc. It's not for everyone and that too is the point. But in the confines of this thread, understand that there is no reason for it to be 'punishing'.

Many people riding endurance rallies do it for the challenge, but also the focus that comes with having a plan and riding the plan. Everything else is secondary when you're doing that ride. That focus is what appealed to me for rallies.

 

[Bounce]

Actually, I used the bag, with an extended drain tube exiting at the outside edge of my left boot’s heel @ground level. While pumping gas I’d be multitasking, then walk out to the grass patch at the sidewalk to open the valve.

Fifteen gas stops between Santa Cruiz and Jacksonville Beach — I felt like a dog marking my territory all the way across the country.

Brodie

Too many steps. Without the bag/valve, you can do that without stopping. As with Morris Kruemcke (thanks OCFJR), other riders are encouraged to NOT tailgate.

 

[user 213]

Too many steps. Without the bag/valve, you can do that without stopping. As with Morris Krumpky (sp?), other riders are encouraged to NOT tailgate.

Morris Kruemcke - Infamous for his funnel and pee tube on the bike and legendary form follows function attitude. The man could ride too.

 

[garyahouse]

Punishing.

- You did it wrong. Stop thinking it was such a massive challenge. It's an entry level ride...

So, I did it wrong? Ha. Now that's funny. Take a moment to hear me out. Truth is, if I waited to do it "right," I wouldn't have done it at all. That is probably the cry of many who think about it, but never do it. But rather than repeat all the circumstances that led up to my 50CC ride, and why I couldn't do it "right," please follow the link and read the ride report provided in post #40 on this thread. In that report, I laid out the circumstances. I had one chance to do this those many years ago, and did so knowing that I wasn't doing it right.

But then, for some guys, there is no right way to do it. You can't do the wrong thing in the right way. Some guys just should not attempt a ride like that. I certainly would not do it now that I'm 9 years older than the day I began that journey. I am not physically able. When circumstances line up that cause the right way to do to something... to become the wrong thing to do, wisdom dictates that you walk away. However, for me, it never would have happened had I cancelled or postponed due to the circumstances that created a much more difficult challenge for me. I posted in that ride report (referenced above) exactly (and in detail) why doing this ride the "right way" turned out to be such a challenge. I talked about lessons learned, and thanked the many members of this forum for their help along the way and encouragement to "keep on writing" as I finally completed what felt like the world's longest ride report. And by the way, OCfjr, my thanks to you for the inspiration to do that trip with a car tire on my FJR. At least that was one thing that didn't go wrong.

But the whole point I bring it up was this:
I had a dream, and I had one shot to see it through. Against all the odds (can you spell, "doingitwrong"?) I succeeded. That's the important thing. I wanted to do it the right way. But many, many things went wrong, before and during the ride. For me it was a personal challenge, and as I pointed out those many years ago, not something I would recommend to everyone. IBA rides are not for everybody. It was MY dream, My challenge and My journey. I posted it here on this forum so that others could laugh at my mistakes and celebrate my good fortune in completing that ride. It was one of the most difficult things I ever attempted, and to this day, one of my greatest personal victories. I would not be able to say that if I'd been fortunate enough to do it the "right way."

Success often lies in just what it takes to stop you. For too many, being unable to do it in the right way stops them from ever doing it at all. So for me, admittedly, I did it wrong. And it was indeed a massive challenge. It almost cost me my life (read the ride report). I honestly can't think of a greater physical challenge than what I accomplished that week of July 2013. And if indeed that's an entry level ride, I'm so very thankful I didn't attempt a higher level ride. I might not have been so fortunate.

 

[user 90243]

The re-occurring misconception is that you can't do a 1000 mile day comfortably. That's just not true. It's not punishing, sleep depriving or fatiguing if you prepare the motorcycle and know what you're doing. Cert rides really just came about for me to see new areas in the limited time I had on weekends and days off. Stop when you want to, take pictures, enjoy the ride. It's a relaxed 18 hour ride with an hour break for lunch, etc. It's not for everyone and that too is the point. But in the confines of this thread, understand that there is no reason for it to be 'punishing'.

Many people riding endurance rallies do it for the challenge, but also the focus that comes with having a plan and riding the plan. Everything else is secondary when you're doing that ride. That focus is what appealed to me for rallies.

Your age?

 

[SkooterG]

Your age?

He's old as ****!

 

[user 213]

Your age?

59

 

[user 213]

Punishing.


So, I did it wrong? Ha. Now that's funny. Take a moment to hear me out. Truth is, if I waited to do it "right" I wouldn't have done it at all. Probably the cry of many who think about it, but never do it. But rather than repeat all the circumstances, follow the link and read the ride report provided in post #40 on this thread. In that report, I laid out the circumstances. I had one chance to do this those many years ago, and did so knowing that I wasn't doing it right.

But then, for some guys, there is no right way to do it. You can't do the wrong thing in the right way. Some guys just should not attempt a ride like that. I certainly would not do it now that I'm 9 years older than the day I began that journey. I am not physically able. When circumstances line up that cause the right way to do to something... to become the wrong thing to do, wisdom dictates that you walk away. However, for me, it never would have happened had I cancelled or postponed due to the circumstances that created a much more difficult challenge for me. I posted in that ride report (referenced above) exactly (and in detail) why doing this ride the "right way" turned out to be such a challenge. I talked about lessons learned, and thanked the many members of this forum for their help along the way and encouragement to "keep on writing" as I finally completed what felt like the world's longest ride report. And by the way, OCfjr, my thanks to you for the inspiration to do that trip with a car tire on my FJR. At least that was one thing that didn't go wrong.

But the whole point I bring it up was this:
I had a dream, and I had one shot to see it through. Against all the odds (can you spell, "doingitwrong"?) I succeeded. That's the important thing. I wanted to do it the right way. But many, many things went wrong, before and during the ride. For me it was a personal challenge, and as I pointed out those many years ago, not something I would recommend to everyone. IBA rides are not for everybody. It was MY dream, My challenge and My journey. I posted it here on this forum so that others could laugh at my mistakes and celebrate my good fortune in completing that ride. It was one of the most difficult things I ever attempted, and to this day, one of my greatest personal victories. I would not be able to say that if I'd been fortunate enough to do it the "right way."

Success often lies in just what it takes to stop you. For too many, being unable to do it in the right way stops them from ever doing it at all. So for me, admittedly, I did it wrong. And it was indeed a massive challenge. It almost cost me my life (read the ride report). I honestly can't think of a greater physical challenge than what I accomplished that week of July 2013. And if indeed that's an entry level ride, I'm so very thankful I didn't attempt a higher level ride. I might not have been so fortunate.

You did it wrong. You had no reason to be uncomfortable if you just took the time to learn how to be comfortable. Timing means nothing in this regard. All you had to do is learn to identify what bothers you and deal with those issues. Your age means nothing. I know 80 year olds that rode 100k miles in a year. She didn't do that by being uncomfortable on rides. The point, is that it's a simple thing to identify what's bothering you and fix it. You could have done your ride with much less discomfort and had a more enjoyable experience. Claiming a two day ride is something you only got one shot at seems to ignore the simple fact that every weekend has two days. I seriously doubt you are physically unable to do the ride again. I would encourage you to learn and do more rides, not give up on doing rides like you have already done. I would suggest that you learned from your ride and are capable of doing it again with less discomfort if you apply what you learned the first time.

The important thing is that anyone reading this take the time to learn so they don't have to do it "against all odds". This is not something worth risking your life for. And you don't have to. I'm sorry if you feel that diminishes your accomplishment. It is not intended to. It is intended to help others understand that LD riding isn't intended to be a once in a lifetime challenge, but a challenge that expands your knowledge and abilities and a paradigm shift in what you are able to accomplish.

 

[garyahouse]

You did it wrong...

Sticking to your guns, I see. This continues to get funnier. But I have no ax to grind with you, sir, we have nothing to argue about. You are giving lots of great advice here... to the wrong man. If you'd read the report, you'd know that. There were 167 responses to that ride report, but none of them were yours.

I have exactly two days experience at this. I rode an average of 1200 miles each day, but everything that could go wrong... did go wrong. But that was the magic. OC, do remember watching Wild World of Sports many years ago? Remember the words, "The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat?" Those of us old enough to remember can still picture that poor fella and his skies flopping head over heals like a rag doll depicting the "defeat" idea. But the most inspirational stories on our forum were not because we planned everything perfectly and did it right. They are about accomplishing something great even against impossible odds. Mine was a tale of victory in the face of defeat.

Your advice to the forum is sound and thank you for posting it. I'll be happy to spend some time under the bus here, so that others might be encouraged to head off on an adventure.
But again, I would encourage you to read that report. CLICKY HERE

And again I thank you, OC, for your part in helping me decide to put a CT on my bike, at least the tire had no problems on that trip.

 

[Bounce]

59

Hell that's only old as half a ****!

Meanwhile... cut this back-and-forth out or I'll close the thread.

We're all in this together.

 

[ctfjr]

As a 'former rider' I'll chip in here to say that was one of the big reasons I sold my last bike 2 years ago, at 74. . . I realized I just wasn't comfortable doing 1k days anymore. I don't consider myself an 'iron butt'er but I was a Long Distance rider.

I enjoyed riding in the west, northwest and the Canadian Rockies. From CT it's a long ride to get there. So 1k days became the norm. I'd beat feet to get out there then do 10 hour riding days but maybe cover a few 100 miles.

On 9/11 on was in Deadwood. On 9/12 I rode 1300+ miles on my way home. That brought me to RT80 in PA in the middle of the night. Death by deer wasn't in my future or would have ridden the last 500.

I learned a long time ago not to criticize what someone rides, how they ride or how long they ride. Its one of those pastimes that's intensely personal - at least to me.

 

[torch]

I learned a long time ago not to criticize what someone rides, how they ride or how long they ride. Its one of those pastimes that's intensely personal - at least to me.

Amen, brother.

 

[super rat]

So you don’t bust on BWM riders? Not even fruits on KTMs?

Interesting

 

[garyahouse]

As a 'former rider' I'll chip in here to say that was one of the big reasons I sold my last bike 2 years ago, at 74. . . I realized I just wasn't comfortable doing 1k days anymore. I don't consider myself an 'iron butt'er but I was a Long Distance rider. I enjoyed riding in the west, northwest and the Canadian Rockies. From CT it's a long ride to get there. So 1k days became the norm... On 9/12 I rode 1300+ miles on my way home...

A 1300 mile day: oh my soul. That is truly amazing. Hey, got a question for ya. My first 24 hours in the saddle probably amounted to about 1250 miles if I include my 50 mile trip to the coast to begin my 2400 mile 50CC ride. I don't think I ever actually made 1300 miles in one day. But since I spent much of that day in the desert with temps hitting 117 in the shade (ha, what's "shade" when yer riding?), could that count as a 1300 mile day? Maybe I could get some extra credit or something?

 

[ctfjr]

You know what garyahouse? When it becomes important to you, you will do it. The roads out west allow for some serious speed - you just can't waste time. My 'meals' were at every gas station I stopped in

Talk to some real Iron Butt'ers. They have the real experience on serious mile days. 1k's are easy.

 

[Bounce]

And speed is never the solution. Seat time and not dawdling at every gas stop. Some people actually think it's "normal" to stop and take a break every 100 miles. NO cert will happen using that.

Basic math:
1000/24=42 mph average.
Fudge in some time for the unexpected so -2.
1000/22=46 mph average

1500/(24-2)=68 mpg average.

Every minute with the wheels stopped forces that target speed upward and above posted limits.

 

[Wee Willy]

Yup...IBA Saddle Sore (SS) back in October 2009. Details below.

Did the SS qual ride with a buddy, 1k miles in 24 hrs or less. That gets you a license plate frame you can see on the bike, a nice little medal and an IBA number you can impress your friends with, if they're the impressible type.

The biannual rally is the next level of insanity. I follow the daily posts when they're rolling. Hat tip to any Forum riders for finishing. That's a real achievement. Many past & present riders in the rally on FJRs. I bought my Feejer with an eye toward running an IB rally some day. I rode this SS on my Feejer. It was a fairly easy day, I suspect, compared to my buddy on his Kawi Ninja.

Here's the route we took - it was a perfect autumn day in CA-NV for it. Our only big mistake was rolling onto PCH late in the ride. We got stuck behind a 35 mph cager for almost 45 miles. But it was nearly a full moon and the light on the surf made this leg memorable.

#	Date	Time	Zone	Location	Avg Speed	Odometer	Delta	Total
	2009	24 hrs	US		Odo mph	Whole Miles	Miles	Miles
1	3-Oct	0407L	PDT	Initial fillup @ Sand Canyon Mobil, Santa Clarita, CA	0	8468	0	0
2	3-Oct	0558L	PDT	Refuel at Pearsonville, CA Shell	64.3	8587	119	119
3	3-Oct	0820L	PDT	Refuel at Bishop Creek Chevron	56.4	8706	119	238
4	3-Oct	~0950L	PDT	Breakfast at Hays Street Café, Bridgeport, CA	57.4	8796	90	328
5	3-Oct	1155L	PDT	Refuel at Gardnerville, NV Chevron	50.5	8862	66	394
6	3-Oct	1435L	PDT	Refuel at Elk Grove, CA Chevron. Lunch at attached McDonalds (~30 mins).	51.4	9006	144	538
7	3-Oct	1725L	PDT	Refuel at Gilroy, CA Chevron	51.6	9154	148	686
8	3-Oct	2040L	PDT	Refuel at Cambria, CA Chevron	50.1	9297	143	829
9	3-Oct	~2300L	PDT	Refreshment stop at Santa Barbara, CA McDonalds, State St.	50.6	9423	126	955
10	3-Oct	2335L	PDT	Refuel at Santa Barbara, CA Shell	49.2	9426	3	958
11	4-Oct	0115L	PDT	Return for refuel to Sand Canyon Mobil, Santa Clarita, CA	50.0	9524	98	1056
	Totals	21.13 hrs					1056 Odo mi

Cheers,

 

[Bounce]

WOW! Less than 200 miles between fillups adds a lot of time - even at 15 minutes from hitting the exit until leaving the entrance for a fuel stop.

1000/120 (miles per tank)=8.33... So 9 stops.
1000/200=5 stops. So you save 4 stops at a minimum of 15 minutes. That's an hour saved for riding.

 

[Factor]

I found myself in San Diego in June after taking my daughter on a trans-continental HS graduation ride. She flew back home to Raleigh and I was perfectly set up for a 50CC. The problem was, I didn't take the FJR. I had to opt for the Valkyrie as it has a passenger backrest and armrests but came with a 120 mile tank range. By the time I got to Arizona, I knew it wasn't going to happen and let off the mental pressure, went to see the Winslow Crater, and just enjoyed the endless hours of watching the ground shift from one biome to another. I even slept in on the second morning. 2,400 miles in 65 hours. With 22 stops for gas. I was zen at gas pumps.

 

[biknflyfisher]

Here's the route we took - it was a perfect autumn day in CA-NV for it. Our only big mistake was rolling onto PCH late in the ride. We got stuck behind a 35 mph cager for almost 45 miles. But it was nearly a full moon and the light on the surf made this leg memorable.

Man Wee Willy, doing Hiway 1 at night is daring. I did a 540 mile loop around Central Cally yesterday that included Hiway 1 from Morro Bay to Monterey, and there is stuff in the roadway that sloughs off the hillsides every time I’m through there (including yesterday).
That was a great loop you did!
Biknflyfisher