Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Screamin_Beagle]

All I can say is be careful.  3 700 mile days is a LOT of riding......You may want to take an extra day on each end and really enjoy the ride.......

_Beagle

[Coolbreeze]

A few issues from my standpoint.  
A.  Do the 800 mile day on day one.  Your ability will start to drop on day 3, and that will let you arrive in better shape with a shorter day on the last day.
B.  Two-lane road is a definate plus for me.  Less stress from traffic, less wind buffeting, and easier more enjoyable ridfing makes for more miles covered in a day for me, and I get there in better shape.
C.  If you insist on riding in the dark, do it before dawn.  In my o2, it's a deadly combination with the end of a long day and reduced visibility.  I typically ride from when I get up, (a little after daylight, no alarm, just leave the curtains cracked and I'm up with the sun feeling rested because I woke up gently), until I get tired or it starts to darken.  Typically gives my about 750-800 miles in the late spring through early fall...
D.  Very frequent, very short stops work best for me.  I will actually take an off ramp, put the kickstand down at the stop sign, walk around the bike once, (acting like I'm looking it over), and ride right back on to the highway.  
E.  I seldom burn more than 3/4 of a tank while traveling.  (see D.) It's just one more excuse to walk around the bike, only takes about 3 minutes, and I'm back on the road feeling rested and like I have done something important, so I stop for gas frequently.
F.  Keep drinkin'.  have it within reach while riding, or just take those short stops.  dehydration makes ya sleepy too, and that's not good on a bike...
G.  If it stops being a fun ride, do something different.  This is NOT supposed to be a punishment.  Remember that you are doing this for fun.

All the above are just my opinion, but it works well for me.  The most important thing to remember is, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO ENJOY THE RIDE.  THAT'S WHY YOU HAVE THE BIKE.  THE DESTINATION WILL ALWAYS BE THERE, BUT YOU NEVER GET TO DO A RIDE OVER...  ENJOY THE RIDE!

[naitram]

All I can say is be careful.  3 700 mile days is a LOT of riding......You may want to take an extra day on each end and really enjoy the ride.......

_Beagle

we had talked about trying to leave the night before and knock off 200 miles, but this wasnt an option for everyone, based on this past weekends warm up ride, i realize just how ambitious 700,700,700 really is

[WFP]

It is actually tougher following...especially when the leader is having erratic Cruise Control!  

700 * 3 is a lot...  I've done 800 in a day solo.

800 700 600 is there any difference?  I don't know...I have never done it.

we had talked about trying to leave the night before and knock off 200 miles, but this wasnt an option for everyone, based on this past weekends warm up ride, i realize just how ambitious 700,700,700 really is

[Garznhogs]

Yeah, what Coolbreeze said. Longest day first.  [smiley=2vrolijk_21.gif]
When doing the slab, we (wife & I) stop every 100+- miles for gas, pee, drink, stretch, nibble. Highway is where we get most tired (bored). Got an insulated water bottle and holder on the handlebars, and M&M peanuts in the tankbag or windshield bag.
Like to be checking into the motel around 4:30; get better choice of room, plus time to swim before dinner. It's a V A C A T I O N!  [smiley=drink.gif]

Whatever ya do, ride safe.

Garz   [smiley=smoking.gif]

[WFP]

My only other concern is that I really do not feel arriving Tuesday is an option...Monday is required.  But, Weather is always in the back of my mind and an 800 mile day in the sun will be less than 500 in the rain.

[spydglide]

Hey Ya'll-

Ok, let me throw in a question here...

Two lanes or Highways?  What's the preference???

Later-
The "Rebel"

that's the $500 question, isn't it?  Riding Interstates (at least East of the Mississippi) isn't much better than hauling your scooter in a trailer.......you don't really get to enjoy a 'ride' and there's nothing to see except the same people at ea. gas stop.  You 'pound' your scooter and yourself on the super-slabs.....sure, you can run fast and make good mileage/time, but just do like Hub and pull the scooter to the destination and it'll be all clean and you can carry all your stuff that way.  I ride interstates only when I have to due to a schedule or when I get out west where the traffic isn't so stupid.  Isn't it always a trade off of 'time vs. money'?   har!  spyder

[naitram]

we just need to make steady progress, and stop often enough to stretch and stay relaxed

[spydglide]

My only other concern is that I really do not feel arriving Tuesday is an option...Monday is required.  But, Weather is always in the back of my mind and an 800 mile day in the sun will be less than 500 in the rain.

Bill, ya'll also need to consider rear tire mileage on those scooters since they're gonna be 'loaded' and you'll 'melt' the rubber off on those hot interstates running fast.  Unless you both leave w/ almost new rear tires, you might need to schedule a stop on the way home to mount a tire.  And, on the interstates, I've gotten tied-up for HOURS when a accident or road construction brings the whole thing to a standstill.  That kills the good time you were planning on making on the interstates too.  Just remember: Murphy's Law.  :-? har!  spyder

[spydglide]

we just need to make steady progress, and stop often enough to stretch and stay relaxed

Exactly!  And this ain't your 1st rodeo.  You got youth on your side too, gonna be a GREAT RIDE!   [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]har!  [smiley=drink.gif] spyder

[WFP]

Will be at 4500-5000 miles when I leave...usually make 10-11K myself...the trip is 5600 plus the CC Area rides plus my Sturgis Area rides...may need to use my spare sturgis day for a tire change!

/Bill

Bill, ya'll also need to consider rear tire mileage on those scooters since they're gonna be 'loaded' and you'll 'melt' the rubber off on those hot interstates running fast.  Unless you both leave w/ almost new rear tires, you might need to schedule a stop on the way home to mount a tire.  And, on the interstates, I've gotten tied-up for HOURS when a accident or road construction brings the whole thing to a standstill.  That kills the good time you were planning on making on the interstates too.  Just remember: Murphy's Law.  :-? har!  spyder

[naitram]

Will be at 4500-5000 miles when I leave...usually make 10-11K myself...the trip is 5600 plus the CC Area rides plus my Sturgis Area rides...may need to use my spare sturgis day for a tire change!

/Bill

maybe we can get a mini group buy

[SEGeaserGlide06]

I have done a few Iron Butt rides and the info they provide on their web site is spot on.  On my first ride I did it "Balls to the wall" at 80-90 the whole way.  I stopped more often cause the gas mileage drops off at those speeds.  I did 1000 miles in 23 hours and felt like I had.  On my second run I took a more moderate speed 65-70 with cruise control and did around 175-180 miles between stops.  I made 1500 miles in 30 hours.  The biggest difference was less fatigue from the wind.  That 10-20 mph difference adds up over time.  You cover more miles because of less stops for gas.  I grabbed a small snack at each stop and carried a few small snacks in my vest pocket.  I also got one of those "CamelBak" (http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm) hydration packs, filled it with ice and water and had a few liters of cool water always handy.  Bonus was it kept me cool during the hottest parts of the day.  Also keep your arms covered with a light colored long sleeve t-shirt, it will reduce your dehydration and keep you from getting sun burnt.  I also started way before dawn.  I got out around 4-4:30AM to get as many miles done before the sun came up so I could stop right after dark.  For me being tired riding in the dark is not a place I like to be.

Good riding and have fun. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[hogasm]

I agree with SEGeaserGlide06. Have done many Iron Butt rides. You need to be in shape yourself for the ride. Dehidration is a major concern on your ride. If you maintain a slower 70-75 mph speed, you will get better fuel mileage and you will be able to get farther during your day. Stops take more time than most people think. 1000 miles is very obtainable in 16 hours on a steady pace. Cover your arms and replenish your body with water to reduce dehidration. Be safe and have a good ride!

[Fired00d]

.....Take stops as you need to, for as long or short as you need to.....and DON'T fall asleep at the bars (uhhh, handlebars), it's scarey as hell wakin up at 75mph......that is something you'll only do ONCE.....and hopefully live to type about it.

FR8TRN,
Sounds like we have something in common. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] On my trip back from Sturgis I did this, and I now have the nickname of "Sleepy" from the group of guys I rode out there with. All it takes is one time doing this, and wake up drifting into another lane w/a car in it. Only thing that comes to mind to describe this is an old saying I've heard.....

"Shaking like a dog chitting razor blades." [smiley=nervous.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]