HStocker Posted January 22, 2011 #1 Posted January 22, 2011 Is this do able or am I a brick shy of a full load? Any suggestions would be appreciated. My son completes boot camp in late june. I would like to attend the ceremony. I have limited time off from work. Looking at riding there and back 3 days each way, 800 first day MN to CO, 900 second day CO to Nevada, 500 miles 3rd day Nevada to San Diego. I have done a couple back to back 750 mile days in the past so the length of time on the bike doesn't worry me, more the terrain (desert and mountains) and a strategy if something fails on the bike so far from home. The bike has 80,000 miles on it, and is in good running shape.
CaptainJoe Posted January 22, 2011 #2 Posted January 22, 2011 YIKES! Saddle times.......... 800mi = 16 hrs? 900mi = 18 hrs? 500mi = 10 hrs? Calculated assuming an average of 50 MPH! Gonna make for some Loooooooooong days! If you do make it we might have to look into giving you some sort of IRON BUTT award! Afraid I'd have to take the cage if you only have "3 days"...
Freebird Posted January 22, 2011 #3 Posted January 22, 2011 I agree...those are long miles for 3 days in a row. I've done one...even two days like that but three in a row and then turn right around and do the same thing coming home can be brutal. It can be done but I ride for enjoyment and really don't think I would enjoy it very much. But, if the miles don't bother you and the bike is in good shape, I wouldn't worry about the mountains and other terrain. The bike should be fine.
Condor Posted January 22, 2011 #4 Posted January 22, 2011 You may not be worth a hoot once you get there. The whole thing is supposed to be injoyable. If it were me I'd fly. Probably won't be much more if gas gets up into the $4/gal range. And hey... you'll get a free grope...
CaptainJoe Posted January 22, 2011 #5 Posted January 22, 2011 I swear, if I have to fly I'm gonna eat massive doses of cabbage before I go and they can frisk me all they want! WhooooooooooooooooIE!
mraf Posted January 22, 2011 #6 Posted January 22, 2011 Bike wise probably no problem. Human wise one word "Ouch". Fly and enjoy the ceremony.
RedRider Posted January 22, 2011 #7 Posted January 22, 2011 (edited) Why poke along for 3 days. Can be done in 2 (if you and your bike are prepared). I ride Long Distance rallies and will attest that your bike will do it. However, in the real world, this is a pretty easy 3 day run. 900 miles for the first day is easy since you will be on interstate (Nebraska and eastern Colorado are REALLY boring) the whole way. Believe it or not, but speed is not your friend when you are trying to get long miles. It kills your gas mileage and makes you stop more often. Stick to 65 MPH even when the speed limit is higher. If you are able to borrow an auxilliary gas tank, it will help. Cheap and easy to plumb in. If not, carry a couple of gallons for insurance so you aren't stopping too often. This will allow you to ride until your tank is empty without the pucker factor. The key is to keep the wheels turning. If you have a stock seat, I recommend getting a sheep skin and/or an AirHawk (or borrow the Airhawk). Also, you will want to find underwear and pants that do not have seams running across your butt bones. If you have a pair of riding pants, going commando under them (or wearing gym shorts only) may do it. Stay hydrated. Wear your protective clothing at all times (keeps you hydrated even though it may be warmer). Make sure your bike is in tip-top condition. Especially the tires. Changing tires on the road is time consuming and very expensive (don't ask me how I know). Visit the Iron Butt Association website and check out the 29 hints for LD riding. http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm Yes, it can be done. If I can get the clearance from the tower, I will be accompanying my brother riding from Dallas to LA. My return to WI will be attempted in 2 days. Most importantly, if you are feeling tired - STOP AND REST! Nothing is so important to risk falling asleep. LD riding is fun. And if done correctly and under control, can be as safe as cruising around home. Thanks to you and your son for your sacrifice and service. Let me know if you have questions. RR Edited January 22, 2011 by RedRider
rod Posted January 22, 2011 #8 Posted January 22, 2011 Yes it is very doable. Get a couple of practice runs in to make sure you are up to it physically. For long days back to back I do short stops every 1.5 to 2 hrs. so I don't get tired at all. Rod
jlh3rd Posted January 22, 2011 #9 Posted January 22, 2011 the last way i like to ride is with a tight deadline...i feel it compromises my safety level......you'll have two......and like condor said, you won't be worth a hoot.....how many long rides have you done ?....... but, yeh, it's doable.....
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