Should Interstate or 2-Lane Road Make a difference?

[doc_cj]

Just curious about the rules for this IB stuff. Should it make a difference whether you rode the 1000 miles via Interstate or 2-Lane country roads. For my money, I'm more impressed with the 2-lane backroad ride than an Interstate hyper-speed jaunt.

While I'm on it ... should it make a difference whether you're riding mountains or flatlands? Cold or Warm weather? Got rained on or wonderful sunshine the whole trip?

Most would agree that these can make a big difference, so should they really make a difference in the recognition your get for the achievement?

Final thought ... is two-up, long-distance harder or easier than solo? What about a group of riders vs a single?

[Tombstone]

Final thought ... is two-up, long-distance harder or easier than solo? What about a group of riders vs a single?

"He travels fastest who travels alone."

[Craigs1800Redretro]

1 OR 2 other bikes is good, i know it can be done, but it has to be tough to stay on country roads only and make it in less than 24 hours.
weather, ...don't make a difference until you tell the story,
and i believe a passenger can get recognition also. 2-up has to be harder, twice the issues...
Craig

[ironmorph]

Hey Doc, the problem with backroads is the speed is typically 10 MPH slower, and while that does not seem like a big deal, it can add up significantly. I prefer interstate, only for the fact that I seem to get further faster, and the fuel stops tend to be a bit quicker. Night time riding makes better time, but watch for nocturnal critters! 8)

[knarF]

Just curious about the rules for this IB stuff. Should it make a difference whether you rode the 1000 miles via Interstate or 2-Lane country roads. For my money, I'm more impressed with the 2-lane backroad ride than an Interstate hyper-speed jaunt.

While I'm on it ... should it make a difference whether you're riding mountains or flatlands? Cold or Warm weather? Got rained on or wonderful sunshine the whole trip?

Most would agree that these can make a big difference, so should they really make a difference in the recognition your get for the achievement?

Final thought ... is two-up, long-distance harder or easier than solo? What about a group of riders vs a single?

I think the biggest problem with the 2 laners is the delays that go with accidents, it would suck to get 14 hours into your ride and get an hour delay cause theres no detour. It seems that if its just an IB cert your after the interstate is the best bet.

[Klattu]

Just curious about the rules for this IB stuff. Should it make a difference whether you rode the 1000 miles via Interstate or 2-Lane country roads. For my money, I'm more impressed with the 2-lane backroad ride than an Interstate hyper-speed jaunt.

While I'm on it ... should it make a difference whether you're riding mountains or flatlands? Cold or Warm weather? Got rained on or wonderful sunshine the whole trip?

Most would agree that these can make a big difference, so should they really make a difference in the recognition your get for the achievement?

Final thought ... is two-up, long-distance harder or easier than solo? What about a group of riders vs a single?

The route is all up to you.
As long as it is over 1000 miles, your free to chose.
You get no bonus for anything, just a better story.
The 1000 miles must be by a map computer program, not your odometer.
Fuel tickets you turn in show your route, not what you say you did.
So be sure to buy fuel at every turn.

I always include a 2 lane section in my long distance ride to make it more enjoyable.
Some tourist destination is nice too.
Don't want an all interstate trip just to rack up miles.

[Todd2]

Just curious about the rules for this IB stuff. Should it make a difference whether you rode the 1000 miles via Interstate or 2-Lane country roads. For my money, I'm more impressed with the 2-lane backroad ride than an Interstate hyper-speed jaunt.

While I'm on it ... should it make a difference whether you're riding mountains or flatlands? Cold or Warm weather? Got rained on or wonderful sunshine the whole trip?

Most would agree that these can make a big difference, so should they really make a difference in the recognition your get for the achievement?

Final thought ... is two-up, long-distance harder or easier than solo? What about a group of riders vs a single?

Doc,

I have to agree with the previous comments. However, if you want to make time and finish with some time to sapre, then the freeway is the only way. And I ride cross country on back roads for fun during my vacations (day after day after day - I love it) - just not when riding IB rides. Anything that can slow you down will. Mountains, curves, stop lights, small town traffic, rush hour traffic, etc, etc. It surprisingly adds up rather quickly too. In fact, the 1500/24 IB riders claim it cannot be completed in the NE due to congestion. BTW - that's my next planned IB (in Texas/NM).

Plan for nice weather by picking the time of year - not too hot and not too cold, but its not easy to plan around a rain storm - plan for it (proper riding gear). Check the weather before you leave and adjust your plans. Again, anything that can slow you down, will.

The 'recognition' is simply time, distance and documentation dependant - nothing else counts - its your good or bad luck (and as stated before, your braggin' rights).

Riding two up increases the 'stress factor' regardless of how well y'all ride together. Most of the 'real' IB riders prefer to ride alone because eventually you'll get on each other's nerves for the smallest of things and piss each other off - increasing the stress factor - making your ride miserable. Its hard to find a truley compatible long distance rider, and unfortunately, that is often first discovered while on the road. Discuss how you will handle all options before you leave so there are no surprises or arguments and you do not piss off your best riding partner. Remember you'll still want to ride with them again next Saturday afternnon, after this is over.

Finally, have fun. Its easier than you think (the 1000/24 anyway). Good luck. Let us know how it went. I'll post my 1500/24 results here after my attempt. Barring weather, acts of God, or mechanical issues, I'll make it!

Todd

[doc_cj]

Thanks for all the various comments. So far my longest in a day has been just over 800 miles, and that wasn't really that bad. I'm sure I could have done 1000 without too much trouble ... though I have to admit I did have an IB by the time I was done.

So far I've enjoyed mostly riding back roads and used interstates only when needing to cover long distances really fast. With the VTX you sit on 75 to 80 without a lot of problem, and if you don't hit too much traffic you can swallow the miles pretty quickly.

I think I'll plan a trip for fairly early where I go ahead and hit the 1000/24 on the leg back. I find that coming back it's easier to pile up the miles. My previous rides of 700 and 800 were both on the leg back, and they made it easier on my overall perspective.

[VTProf]

Hi Doc_cj, and welcome to the insane world of LD riding!

If it's your first SS1K then plan a route that allows you to use the interstates. You'll find this same advice posted on the IBA website. Take a look at these:

http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm

http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/getdocument.cfm?DocID=1

Remember, it's not just the riding on a SS1K it's also keeping accurate records, etc. So, pick an easy to manage ride the first time and then set your sights on a more challenging route the next time!