Iron Butt Bun Burner Gold (1500 miles in 24 hours) rides

[Todd2]

I know of at least two board members who have separate IBA Bun Burner Gold (1500mi/24hr) rides planned for April 8th, 2006. So I thought this would be a good thread to start to post our experiences, ask and answer questions, BRAG, post pics, tell us we're crazy, whatever. If anyone else who has made, or is contemplating on making, a Bun Burner Gold ride wants to post here, we can keep them all together. Thanks.

WISH US LUCK! Go for the gold! :lol:

Todd

P.S. Note to self: Don't forget to take the digi camera, again, Todd. :wink:

[ironmorph]

P.S. Note to self: Don't forget to take the digi camera, again, Todd.


I don't think you'll have time unless you learn how to take them moving! :)

Have a safe BBG 8)

[Todd2]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: This is true, this is true. Time is our worst enemy. Brunch in Kerrville when I return anyone? :D :D :D :D (as opposed to dinner :cry: ).

Good luck Clem - have a safe ride. My co-rider is squaking about the temps in the desert at night, now. (PSSST, I got heated grips. :D )


Todd

[Woot!]

The desert at night is tough. You might want to bring some of those instant heaters that work when exposed to air, good for 6-8 hours.

I'd be interested in what you use for seats.

Anyway, be safe and have a good time.

Woot!

[Todd2]

Great idea Woot. I've actually got some of those - somewhere (I moved). I'll look for them and bring some (for my partner in crime, of course) :wink: . I realy like that idea - that'll keep him going. I'm on a Russel Day-Long seat. I would not say its 'comfortable', but I've never gotten a sore a$$, or monkey butt - so I guess I can't complain. But, I don't rave about the comfort either (I think its designed for someone with a wider a$$ than me). I'd like to compare it, back to back, to the Ultimate some day. THANKS AGAIN for your 'heater' idea.

Todd

[Todd2]

OK - this is it! Bike's packed, TWO tanks full of fuel, I'm stoked. Leaving in 5 minutes to ride to our starting city. (BBG starts tomorrow.) If I make it - I'll post on Monday. :D If not, I'll just fade away in shame. :oops:

Good luck Clem!!! (whatever you decide to do). Later all.

Todd

[ironmorph]

my BBG is cancelled due to weather front heading this way :evil:

[Todd2]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
......................IBA BBG FINISHER.........................
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

~1540 miles in 23 hours 5 minutes.
I now know why the Iron Butt Association calls it an extreme ride.
Details to follow.

[Todd2]

Ironmorph - always another day to ride!

Take care.

Todd

[ironmorph]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
......................IBA BBG FINISHER.........................
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

~1540 miles in 23 hours 5 minutes.
I now know why the Iron Butt Association calls it an extreme ride.
Details to follow.

congrats Todd, I was thinking of your ride all weekend, as mine was sacked. can't wait for the details to do and not to do.
Clem

[bluto]

Congrats Todd! I can only guess as to how difficult this would be. I have done a couple of saddle sores but not the Bun Burner Gold.

How did the tour tank work out for you?

[jwhok]

That's a tough ride. Congratulations. Interested in the details.

[Todd2]

Still working on the details - some of which have surprised me. This ride is simply a matter of time management (and how quickly it slips away). I'll make a complete descriptive post when I have time. I assure you, it will enlighten you, or help you plan (or think about) your BBG ride (if nothing else, you'll get a few "don't do as I did" hints). :wink:

The Tourtank set-up worked flawlessly. AND it only took 15 min. to completely empty into my main tank at 75-80 MPH. I haven't decided why, yet, but I'm happy(er) its transferring fuel faster. (I just love it when the low fuel light goes back out.) :D I rode 250 miles before stopping for gas on the way back home after the IBA BBG. I knew I was pushing it, but the mileage to the next town worked out well, so I just kept going. Shure beats 116 miles (+ reserve).

As a general rule, I will be riding 200 miles and then start looking for gas on my cross-country's with the Tourtank from now on. Well............that is..... after I mount another one to my riding partner's V-Star. 8) Yet another project I have no time for. :cry:

Later.

Todd

[Woot!]

Sounds like a successful trip. I would guess that the pump was more effective going down the road since the engine was sucking up most of the gas and less was going back via the fuel return line. Hence, less backpressure to fight.

Man, I do like that tourtank setup. Now, if I only had the time and money .... :)

Woot!

[Todd2]

Woot,

Yeah, that's my thought also, but it seems to be pumping the tank down 10 minutes faster, now. I just hope it continues.

Todd

[Todd2]

OK I crunched all the numbers, so I'm ready to give a detailed report now. I decided to break this into 3 posts, so you don't have to read what doesn't interest you, to get to a part that does interest you. First an overview, then gas stop x gas stop details with data, then closing comments/suggestions (revelations? - naaaaaugh). Also, this is what I did - right or wrong - I don't care - just simply what I already did. If you think I made a mistake - tell me, or, better yet, post what you did (or would do) - I'd like to know, and welcome your suggestions. Finally, this took a long time to compile. I couldn't cover it all. Ask questions and I'll be glad to explain any aspect in greater detail. I hope these posts help someone make their ride more enjoyable.

Todd

We decided to start in Kerrville, TX, ride to Benson, AZ (near Tucson) and return to Kerrville, TX for our route. This kept us out of Houston and San Antonio traffic (and roads), but required a ~300 mile ride from our hometown Houston, TX, just to start. We rode I-10 from start to finish - all freeway - no secondary roads.

We decided to leave between noon and 2 PM for a couple of reasons. First we wanted to maximize our time in TX during the daylight hours so we could keep the 75 MPH speed limit (TX speed drops down to 65 at night - New Mexico and Arizona have 75 MPH speed limits 24hrs/day). When we did drive in the dark in TX, it would be Sunday morning, and not Saturday night just after the bars closed. Also, the deer were in TX and not in the desert.

We decided to run steady speeds, and not race up and down trying to make up time. We were not going to go more than 5 MPH over the posted speed limit. This allowed us to go 80 MPH between the cities, and we stayed under 5 MPH (4.5 MPH over) the posted city speed limits. We didn't want the chance to get ANY tickets. Our thinking was, that any time we saved speeding would be lost talking to the officer and signing our names to the tickets - hopefully being allowed to ride away. Right, or wrong, so be it, that's what we decided on and that's how we rode the entire ride (well........mostly :wink: ).

After we arrived in Kerrville on Friday, we found a Motorcycle dealer "Destination Cyclesports" in Kerrville (worthy of the plug - I highly recommend them) that agreed to witness our start forms. I also had brought a friend (my long standing x-country riding partner, who would NOT make the ride) along to sign as a witness. We tried to talk to firemen, but no one was in the fire station. We decided we'd stop off at the police station when we returned, if need be (if the firemen were still out 'fighting fires'). The dealership would be closed on Sunday. Note: You do NOT need 'officials' to witness your start and end times for the BBG, but you do need 2 reliable witnesses. That's why I brought one of my own. :)

Finally, we decided to eat on the bikes - while ridiing down the road. We carried power bars (energy bars) and drinks (Gatorade and Red Bull) with us, accessible while riding. No stops for food - period. The power bars were a suggestion from an Iron Butt rider (a real one). The Red Bull was in case we started to get sleepy at night and the Gatorade…well, so we’d have something to pee.

We went to bed at a normal time Friday night and tried to sleep as late as possible Sat. morning. I actually didn't get out of bed until 10:30 Sat morn., but I slept poorly, as usual.

OK we ride to the dealership to get our paperwork signed and START THE IRON BUTT ASSOC. BUN BURNER GOLD. We are stoked!!!!!!

Final Figures (for those who don't want to read the details to follow in the next post):

Total miles: 1540 miles (odometer) 1522 miles (Mapquest)
Total Time: 23 hours 5 minutes
MPH average: 66.9 mph (by odo reading)
Gallons of Gas Total: 44.42 gal.
MPG average: 34.97 mpg

[Todd2]

START: KERRVILLE, TX - Details riding to this destination (end of this leg) - 12:18 CDT, 0/1500 Miles ridden Total, 0 Miles ridden this leg, 0 MPH ave this leg, 0 MPG this leg, +0 min. (+EARLY or -LATE) to complete the ride in exactly 24 hours.
We gas up in Kerrville, and I mean we're stuffed full of fuel, and get our official starting times! We're off! NO WAIT! The friggen gas pumps are still on CST = showing 1 hour early. :twisted: GRRRRRRRRR! :evil: At least I noticed. OK let’s go across the street and get new time stamped receipts. But where to put the gas? Hurry, get my riding partner's car, we'll both pump a buck's worth into it to get our starting receipts. “I only put premium in my car” – keep quiet beyotch, we’re not in the mood for humor. OK, Cool, NOW we're off - finaly. We are stoked for the ride! :D :D

RIDE TO: OZONA, TX - 2:07 CDT, 138/1500 Miles, 138 Mile leg, 75.96 MPH, 28.79 MPG, +20 min.
I used my aux. tank for the first time on this trip to get to Ozona (I still love watching the low fuel light go back out!). We rode this first leg hard at 80 MPH true, by my GPS. That translated into 85 MPH indicated on the speedometer. My ride partner questioned the speed and I told him we have to travel a true distance, so we have to travel at the true speed. He accepted that (not like I didn’t tell him long before we left, but he swore his speedo was correct). We pull into the gas station, pay at the pump, gas up, fill in our logs and immediately leave again. We are stoked!

RIDE TO: FORT STOCKTON, TX – 3:44 CDT , 253/1500 Miles, 115 Mile leg, 71.3 MPH, 32 MPG, +30.6 min.
We stop for gas in Ft. Stockton on a short leg because my partner’s Valk. can not go farther than 168 miles and we decided to stop in the larger cities to give us a better chance that not ALL the gas stations could be closed because 1 clerk thinks she coming down with the bird flue. We pay and gas at the pump, fill out logs, and leave. We are still pumped. :D

RIDE TO: VAN HORN, TX - 5:37 CDT , 373/1500 Miles, 120 Mile leg, 63.71 MPH, 36.923 MPG, +30 min.
First gas station we pull into is closed. :shock: OK – no big deal, except we have to go to the other side of the freeway, now. We get there and gas up and start to fill in the logs and notice that the receipts show 1 hour earlier than expected – AGAIN!!!. :evil: Are we in Mountain Time Zone already? I say, “No - too soon”. We run inside and start asking the clerk all sorts of questions. Well, the pumps were off – “They didn’t change them yet”. We both yelled, “Print your name, sign this receipt, and put down your telephone number”. Basically, two bad ass motorcyclists, in a bad ass mood, just scared the livin’ crap out of this young kid and he would have done anything we asked him to do, at that time. :) Poor kid. We ran outside and sped away (back under the freeway to get back on the correct side again). We are wide awake, but calmed down, now. :)

RIDE TO: EL PASO, TX – 6:24 MDT, 508/1500 Miles, 135 Mile leg, 75.70 MPH, 38.33 MPG, + 49.50 min.
A good run. The gas stop is on the far side of the city – good. I ran as fast as the traffic allowed in town (without weaving in and out of traffic) – just over the 65 MPH speed limit. Reality sinks in as we both realize we have only ridden 1/3 of the way. :cry: We pay and gas at the pump, fill out logs. We are both quiet. I drink (chug) a Red Bull at the station and we ride again.

RIDE TO: LORDSBURG, NM – 8:32 MDT, 656.5/1500 Miles, 148 Mile leg, 69.37 MPH, 38.44 MPG, + 60 min.
I eat a power bar on the way to Lordsburg. It starts to get dark so I try to find my clear glasses in my bag behind me. NOPE! They are gone. :shock: *&^%$#! I can come up with plenty of theories, but I’m resolved to ride on without any glasses and let the tears run down my face. Over 100 miles later without glasses we pull into a truck stop for gas. The good news is we are an hour ahead of schedule. I had used gas from both tanks again, but only ran the aux. fuel pump for 15 minutes to see what happened – to my surprise, the aux tank was empty – it was pumped dry – cool. 8) I quickly fill up, log in, and run into the store to buy a pair of glasses as my partner takes a RR break. Well, they have no clear glasses so I buy a pair with the clearest looking lenses I can find. I rush outside to find my partner waiting near the street. OK, I GET THE HINT! I’m rushed to put on my new cheap sunglasses, helmet, gloves and off we go again.

RIDE TO: BENSON, AZ – 9:21 MST, 769.8/1500 Miles, 113 Mile leg, 62.2 MPH, +57 min.
Its pitch dark by now. I can not read the road signs. Everything is a blur. I’m afraid I’ve wind burned my eyes. I can’t even make out the mile marker signs anymore on the side of the road. I CAN read my GPS and stay in between the white lines, so I press ahead for another 100 mile leg. It starts to get cold. I have extreme difficulty navigating the exit ramp (no white line on one side) and I pull into the last gas station I see on the other side of the freeway. I parked at the pump. While walking over to my riding bud, I started to explain my predicament – “I don’t know if I can continue”. I pulled the glasses off to see if they were just dirty, and that’s when I noticed that there was a clear sticker over each lens that said, “UV Protected to 400 UV……”, and “Polycarbonate scratch proof lenses….”. :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: I thought he was going to piss in his pants we laughed so hard. :D :D :D I never noticed the clear stickers in my haste to leave Lordsburg. I fuelled, logged in, bought some eye drops and he put them in. As I was trying to blink my eyes clear with my head against a gas pump… I heard his bike start back up – off we go again. We lost time for the first time this leg. I think its because we stayed in Benson longer than anyplace else yet. At least we made it half way - now we can start counting the miles back down. :D

RIDE TO: LORDSBURG, NM – 12:15 MDT, 882.1/1500 Miles, 113 Mile leg, 59.47 MPH, 34.28 MPG, + 48.8 min.
It’s constantly cold now – it’s not coming in warm and cold waves anymore. I have my heated grips on high. It’s in the 40’s. I drink another Red Bull and eat another power bar while on the road. I’m getting tired of both. On the bright side, we are heading back, and I can see again! We hit construction – one lane behind a semi for what seems like forever. Eventually we get around, but it didn’t do our time any good and we lose time again this leg. We stop at the same station in Lordsburg, and perform the usual ritual. We don’t stay long.

RIDE TO: EL PASO, TX – 2:30 MDT, 1031.0/1500 Miles, 149 Mile leg, 66.22 MPH, 34.31 MPG, + 53 min.
We make reasonable time back on the way to El Paso. I had to pump fuel into my main tank again. While coming into town, the speed limit slowed to 65 MPH and I was running 69.5 MPH. Well, I managed to run up along side a Sheriff going 55 MPH. I slowed to match his speed and kept looking over at him wondering if I missed a speed limit sign, or if I could pass him. He just stared right back at me. I wouldn’t pass. He eventually took an exit and I then saw that the speed was still 65 MPH. I’m getting tired and really cold now. I figure that I can just hold onto my grips and keep warm. We make it back to the same gas station we stopped at before. At first it looked closed, but it was just late. We do the gas ritual and I drink a Red Bull – yuck, tastes bad! It feels like it’s very late at night and that I’m up way past my normal bed time – I’m tired, but NOT sleepy, just tired. I think how long 500 more miles really is. I remind myself to FOCUS only on the next leg – it’s not too bad.

RIDE TO: VAN HORN, TX - 5:37 CDT , 1160/1500 Miles, 135 Mile leg, 59.56 MPH, 37.81 MPG, +43 min.
We get through El Paso and drive into the desert on the other side toward Van Horn. At night, the speed limit is 65 and we’re in a “Safety Corridor” (double the fine for speeding). Well, keeping with tradition, I’m running about 70, but I’m not liking it. Finally, a semi passes us and I follow – my partner keeps up (first in line gets the ticket?). We tag along for the next 100 miles at 75 to 80 MPH. I’m freezing now, I have a death grip on my heated grips and my neck is getting stiff – I’m not relaxed. By the time we stop for gas, I’m shaking so bad I can hardly write in my log. My partner is shaking too, but I’m freezing now. He asks if I can make it and why I won’t put my rain pants on. I’m just too tired to try to waste the time, besides the sun is almost up – I think. :cry:


RIDE TO: FORT STOCKTON, TX – 7:34 CDT , 1285/1500 Miles, 119 Mile leg, 66.11 MPH, 40.21 MPG, +47 min.
I can see silhouettes of the mountains in the horizon, but it takes forever for the sun to come up as we head for Fort Stockton. In the meantime, I’m heating my palms on my grips and rubbing my warm hands against my knees to warm them up, at least just a little. It feels good anyhow. The sun finally does shine and the bitter part of the cold dissipates. These sunglasses aren’t too bad. I’m riding more relaxed again, but I can tell the night took a toll on me. I’m beat. We a both more talkative at the gas station – neither of us mention it, but I think we both realize we just may pull this off in time. We finally start to make time again on a leg. We gas, log and leave, as usual. BTW - Regarding the jump in mileage – he!! if I know why. :)

RIDE TO: OZONA, TX - 9:21 CDT, 1402/1500 Miles, 117 Mile leg, 65.60 MPH, 31.37 MPG, +49 min.
Riding into the sun toward Ozona is bothering my partner so he turns his head to the side. Later he tells me he saw LOTS of deer in the woods. I see several dead deer on the road and shoulder. I’m glad it’s daylight now. I can easily navigate around them. We are wide awake and moving fast. The time seems to fly by (even though I know this is a short leg). The fun starts to come back to the ride and I’m thinking about finishing the ride in time. :) :) We gas, log and leave.

RIDE TO: KERRVILLE, TX - 11:23 CDT, 1540/1500 Miles, 138 Mile leg, 67.86 MPH, 31.97 MPG, +55 min.
The last leg to Kerrville almost flew on by. Funny, how 100 miles seems like nothing now. I was cruising at 80 MPH true, listening to the CB, watching the radar detector, passing traffic, and noticing a lot of cops on the road again. The ride was nice and warm (in comparison), sunny, and fun. I was up in spirits. Then my partner started to drop back. I kept on going until I could no longer see him and then I slowed to let him catch back up again. He indicated he was OK and I took off back up to 80 MPH. He fell behind again. I just kept up my speed. Come to find out, he was worried about getting a ticket and not finishing in time - after getting this close to the end - knowing he could finish in time at the posted limit. I was worried about not making it in time - for some strange reason. The exit to Kerrville came up almost too soon and we exited. As we sat at the light, waiting for it to change, we were both grinning ear to ear – about 1 hour to go to the last gas station ,which we could actually see now. I told him I’d cut through the construction, but with my luck, I’d get stopped and detained just long enough to lose. We both laughed – neither of us cut across. We arrived, and met my waiting witness friend. She wanted all the details. I reminded her I wasn’t finished until I re-gassed and got my ending receipt time and logged in. She took some pics as we fueled up for the last time.

THE END - 23 hours and 5 minutes to complete 1522 Mapquest miles (1540 by my odometer) to become the latest BUN BURNER GOLD riders in history! :D :D We were happy. :D :D :D My mind was alert. :lol: My body was tired. :cry: We found the firemen at the fire station and got all our signatures completed. My witness friend signed our paperwork and took off back home. We actually rode around to a scenic overlook, for some odd reason. We stopped for lunch and I started to crash. I slept for 3 hours back at the hotel that afternoon. Then we met for dinner and drinks to celebrate. We planned to walk back to the hotel – I slept well all night. The next day I rode ~ 300 miles back to Houston by myself at a nice leisurely 70 MPH. The ride home was enjoyable again. My partner? He was out riding a 600 mile scenic tour through the Hill Country. Hey wtf - it’s only a 600 mile day!

Todd

[Todd2]

OK – some have asked for any hints I can come up with, so here goes. This is what I did. It worked for me, but by no means is this the only way to accomplish the same goal. Do what works for your riding style. Also, see the 25 long distance riding tips on the Iron Butt site for a comprehensive list. Keep in mind MY tips below are for the Bun Burner GOLD ride, not all are applicable to the Saddle Sore 1000 (where you have PLENTY of time to complete the ride).

PLAN YOUR RIDE – Plan your ride – every single aspect of it. Plan everything out on paper first. See how it works out from start to finish. We went so far as to call the gas stations and talk to the attendant at 3:00 AM in the morning to see if they really were open when we would be there. This isn’t really necessary if your stops are in larger cities with more than one gas station, but at one time we were planning on fewer gas stops which required we stop at small towns. My partner’s Iron Butt rider friend talked him out of this idea, so we added more gas stops back into our agenda.

RIDE YOUR PLAN - Don’t make decisions on the road when you are tired and not thinking straight. Discuss, and agree on, how you will handle any situation that comes up (stay with your partner, or leave him on the side of the road – that’s the big one.) Decide before you leave. You don't want to decide: Can I make it to the next town or do I have to stop here for gas? Should I take the truck route or the business route through town? I actually thought about skipping a gas stop while riding, but then remembered my partner didn’t have the range I had. If you run out of gas just once – ITS OVER – you blew it – get a room.

RIDE RIDE RIDE – One thing I noticed on this ride was that I had to keep the ground moving under my tires - constantly. There was NO time for standing around, eating at Macs, RR breaks (OK, just once), nothing. I thought the best we could do was 20 hours. I predicted we’d be back in 22 hours. It took us just over 23 hours and we wasted no time. I do not mean run the red light and skid to a stop at the pump and run inside to pay at gas stations. But I do mean stay focused. Ride only on freeways – no secondary roads. Stop at stations on your side of the road, right next to the freeway, that have pay-at-the-pump. Move in a deliberate manner – get off bike, open tank, swipe card, pump, replace gas cap, put key in ignition, check mileage, turn key off and leave in ignition, fill out log, get dressed, start bike and ride off. You don’t want to be looking around for your key (after you just put your gloves back on) as your partner rides away.

STAY CALM – Ride in your normal relaxed manner. I had 14 hours of tunes before I had to listen to a repeat song. My BBG partner hates listening to music (he solves the world’s problems instead). Ride the way you normally do – stay comfortable. I rode while freezing with a death grip on the bars until my neck started to hurt. I would not stop to put my usual cold weather clothes on. That was a mistake – I was miserable and fatigued myself out. That was stupid. Next time…………… Chit happens. We hit single lane construction and got stuck behind a line of semis. There was no SAFE way around. Oh well……. We pulled into a gas station and it was full of cars. No other stations nearby. I saw a 17 year old girl get out of her car to pay inside and thought DARN!, this is going to take forever. I yelled, “TEN BUCKS IF YOU LET ME PUMP FIRST”. She looked at me quite puzzled, then gave me a great big smile and said “OK!!, this is going to be my gas money for the day, yadda, yadda, yadda…..” Yeah, yeah, I’m happy for ya, now move the car, please.

CARRY EVERYTHING YOU NEED – Don’t plan on buying anything but gas. We carried all our food (power bars) and drinks for the entire trip with us. If you do plan to eat on the road, eat at the gas stations you stopped at for gas. I really don’t think it’s a good idea to plan to ride through the drive through to pick up a couple of 99 cent tacos to wolf down in Jack’s parking lot. However, I do like something cold to drink and would run inside an empty gas station store, pay cash, and drink on the road, periodically. I finally decided what Red Bull smells like (after 18 hours) – those pucks in the bottom of urinals – tastes like it too (I imagine).

HAVE FUN – Yes, it is a challenging ride. But if you are not getting satisfaction out of doing this, and hate every friggen second and your only wish is for it to end – get another hobby. Long distance extreme riding is not for you. Stick to what you enjoy. You’ll only burn yourself out on something you really enjoy, otherwise (weekend riding). We have already talked about the Border to Border ride, for next year (Extreme? or Insanity????). I even peeked at a map – heck it’s not THAT far! :wink: Donde esta America, por favor? AND HURRY - EH!

Later

Todd

P.S. BTW - No my butt never hurt!

[ironmorph]

I yelled, “TEN BUCKS IF YOU LET ME PUMP FIRST”. She looked at me quite puzzled, then gave me a great big smile and said “OK!!, this is going to be my gas money for the day, yadda, yadda, yadda…..” Yeah, yeah, I’m happy for ya, now move the car, please

sounds like something I would do! I started laughing out loud! :D

EXCELLENT POST!

I really enjoyed it, I have to read it over again. Sounds like you guys had a blast. I am doing mine alone, since I am tired of planning stuff for others to find fault with, and backing out, again and again.

What is your next big ride?

take care,

Clem 8)

[jwhok]

Excellent recap. I can see a big difference in your ride and the Saddle Sore
we rode. I have been thinking very hard about the BB 1500 as we were at
almost 1200 miles in just over 21 hours. However that BB Gold 1500 is
obviously a very focused ride. Have to think long and hard about that one.

Congratulations, that will be a nice certificate to have.

[Todd2]

Ironmorph,

I know you can make the BBG alone, but riding alone diminishes some of the "fun factor". Hope you find someone to ride with. BTW - your friend that was beat after your ~360 mile ride in one day, would NEVER have finnished the BBG. Good thing he dropped out - he would have just held you back. Whatever you decide to do, have fun, and have a SAFE return home to ride another day. AND POST!

The IBA BtoB (Border to Border) ride has been mentioned for next year. That's as far as we've gotten - just small talk. But riding in Canada AND Mexico in the same 24 hour (insanity) or 36 hour (extreme) time period appeals to me for some reason. Who knows. I also ride a x-country ride (1000+ miles away from home) with my riding partner (on her V-Star 1100) every year as one of our annual vacations. We've been doing this for 10-12 years now. We've been all over the country - just at a much more relaxed, sight seeing, back road, kind of pace (with PLENTY of pee stops). :wink: And food, don't forget food, or she'll turn beeeeeeyoooooochy on ya! :wink:


Jwhok,

Our (my riding partner on her V-Star and my) SS1000 ride was made at about the same pace as your 1200 mile trip. You're correct, they are different rides. In retrospect, the SS1000 was a cake walk, as far as time management was concerned. Time was NOT an issue on that ride. The BBG is all about time (and the ability to sit in the saddle, etc). You can do it, its just a different ride, requiring a different attitude. There's just no "burgers at the half-way point rest stop", or "just 10 minutes rest this time, under that tree to cool off a little".

Here's another hint I came up with while on the BBG. You must cover at least 250 miles every 4 hours to finish. These are easy numbers to calculate in your head. Every 250 miles, as verified by the mile post, or your odometer, (and I mean exactly - to the mile - just 'cause I'm anal), figure out your progress. For example, after crossing the 500 mile mark, you have travelled 2, 250 mile segments. 2 times four hours is 8. Check your watch to see how much under (hopefully) you are from your drop dead time. This is a lot easier than trying to calculate at each gas stop (546 miles in 7 hours 48 minites is good, right?).

Also, adjust your riding to meet your times every 250 miles. If you are cutting it too close for comfort, step it up a bit for the next 250 miles and see how you are doing. If you lost time in the previous 250 mile leg - determine why and stop doing that. This also keeps you from ending up with 100 or 200 miles, or so, left to ride and realizing "OMG- I'm not going to make it", and then trying to run at 100 MPH when you are tired (unless you are comfortable riding at 100 MPH - but then again, if that's the case, then why are you so late?). Calculating out your progress while on the road, gives you peace of mind, and hey - what else ya got to do?

Good luck, guys (and gals). Ride safe.

Todd

[Todd2]

Well, I just got my official BBG Certifications from the IBA in the mail today. :D :D :D :D

This should give everyone an idea of how fast/slow they work. My riding partner for this BBG hasn't heard a thing (they only cashed his check a couple of weeks ago, as opposed to ~10 days, or so, after I submitted mine.) He worries alot so I'm not passing up this golden opportunity. :lol:

The black plastic "plate back" Says:

"WORLD'S TOUGHEST RIDERS" - which will be covered by the state license plate, unless mounted elswhere.

and

"IBA BUN BURNER GOLD
1500+ Miles In 24 Hours" - at the bottom, which CAN be seen when the state plate is installed.

Other misc. stuff included in the packet from the IBA was, a congratulatory cover letter, an 8x11 Certificate, 2 pages of IBA history, a generic IBA sticker, a Pin that acknowledges the BBG ride, and a copy of IBA's Website page with my name on it (what it WILL look like whenever they update their site).

Of course, you have to PAY them to get this stuff. All I really wanted was the license plate back (and I suppose my name on their website).
:lol: :lol: :lol: Feeble minds are so easily impressed. :lol: :lol: :lol: Seriously though, it was a fun challenge.

Y'all have fun with your adventures. And please ride safe.

Later.

Todd

[Big-G]

Thanks for posting your details.....awesome read.....not sure about the 1500.....that is a complete act of indurance!

Going for SS sometime in the near future.

Congratulations.

G

[Todd2]

Have fun Big-G,

And by that I mean, have fun planning your route, picking your stops, dreaming about the ride, riding the ride (of course), wallowing in the pride of victory :D, and thinking back on what worked as expected and what didn't, then what you'd do differently if/when you did it again. Its all fun - including the stories (and bragging rights to your riding buddies :wink: ). Be safe, and let us know how it goes. Good luck.

Todd