Long Distance Safety
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
Long Distance Safety
I am doing a Saddle Sore 1000 this June. The route is well planned and I'll be riding with a few other guys with a kind of "buddy system" (you either both make the 1000 miles or neither of you does, but you stay together). My wife is really worried about the length of the ride. I'm basically getting the "do whatever you want" response, but it's more than obvious she doesn't want me to go. I'd be interested in some experienced and informed opinions on the dangers of a long distance ride.
BTW, I'm not just looking for ammo in my discussion with my wife, and I don't need a bunch of guys telling me "get some stones and do what you want". I sincerely care about her worries and I want to be able to either ease them or, if appropriate, give heed to them.
Thanks,
BTW, I'm not just looking for ammo in my discussion with my wife, and I don't need a bunch of guys telling me "get some stones and do what you want". I sincerely care about her worries and I want to be able to either ease them or, if appropriate, give heed to them.
Thanks,
Last edited by AtticusFinch; May 27, 2010 at 08:52 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: North of Chicago
Google something called SPOT. It's basically a tracking device that will track your route. It has an OK button, if you can't make it to a phone. She would be able to follow you on the net. My brother in law is doing a 7k trip by himself this year and this is what he has. It also has a 911 button, just in case. It will send an alert to the nearest station and they will send help to those coordinates.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 6
From: Fargo ND
When I did it we left at 3 am and we got back around 11pm. We stopped every 100 or 150 miles and had to baby my friends indian back home (bad chain). It was a long day but we didn't push it very hard and had the idea going into it that we weren't going to risk our lives for a number and a patch. We plan on doing the 1500 in 24 hrs this year. If you have trouble seeing at night don't even think about it. You should also be in something that resembles shape, you don't have to be golds gym greatest but if you have trouble walking steps long distance riding isn't for you. There are alot of good tips and info on the iba website, if it feels right do it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Remember 1000 miles in 24 hrs less requires an average of 42MPH and only requires 5 or 6 Gas stops.
Fatigue is the biggest danger, especially if your riding in traffic, bad weather and at night. Start very early in the morning, take frequent evenly spaced breaks (like every 100 miles). Set up your plan for 20 hrs and remember you have plenty of time if you start getting behind.
If you can plan, on making a big circle around your home that way your never more than a couple hours away.
Fatigue is the biggest danger, especially if your riding in traffic, bad weather and at night. Start very early in the morning, take frequent evenly spaced breaks (like every 100 miles). Set up your plan for 20 hrs and remember you have plenty of time if you start getting behind.
If you can plan, on making a big circle around your home that way your never more than a couple hours away.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
...... the new HOG magazine happens to have an article in it about a guy from Pueblo, CO who rode 31k miles in 31 days to raise $ for the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc.
....... Said he had one 1600 mile day.
.... that's 20 hrs @ 80mph ....... ?
...... be safe when yer out there, bro.
....... Said he had one 1600 mile day.
.... that's 20 hrs @ 80mph ....... ?
...... be safe when yer out there, bro.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 773
Likes: 24
From: Findlay, ohio
I too am planning a solo saddlesore ride in May. Prior to the ride, I plan on doing a "test" trip of 350 miles, which I should be able to do in about 6 hours. If my test ride goes well, then I will go for the saddlesore. I figure the ride will let me know how to proceed and prepare.
Good luck with your ride and be safe!
Good luck with your ride and be safe!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 4,546
From: Illinois
Remember; live to see another day. If you start feeling fatigue, or have a bad feeling, whatever the reason don't be afraid to call the ride quits. I've bowed out after 100 miles into a SS1000 due to bike problems. Mental stress will take a toll on you also. Another good site is the Motorcycle Tourers Forum http://www.mctourer.com/
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 0
From: Western Wisconsin
Remember 1000 miles in 24 hrs less requires an average of 42MPH and only requires 5 or 6 Gas stops.
Fatigue is the biggest danger, especially if your riding in traffic, bad weather and at night. Start very early in the morning, take frequent evenly spaced breaks (like every 100 miles). Set up your plan for 20 hrs and remember you have plenty of time if you start getting behind.
If you can plan, on making a big circle around your home that way your never more than a couple hours away.
Fatigue is the biggest danger, especially if your riding in traffic, bad weather and at night. Start very early in the morning, take frequent evenly spaced breaks (like every 100 miles). Set up your plan for 20 hrs and remember you have plenty of time if you start getting behind.
If you can plan, on making a big circle around your home that way your never more than a couple hours away.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,217
From: In your head rent free
Front load your miles. Ride long when you start and take many breaks at the end.
Start early rather than ending late.
Avoid cities completely if possible, but definitely at the end. I did Rapid City to Chicago and the worst part was the last 50 miles into the city. It would have been significantly easier the other way.
Eat real meals. Sugar will make you crash and caffeine will drop you suddenly. That being said, 5 Hour Energy drink will get you through the last couple of hours.
It is better to be slightly warm than slightly cold.
Take a long resting break 3/4 of the way. Eat and relax for at least an hour. Two if possible.
Make sure the bike is 110%. If you start to have mechanical issues, scrap the ride early.
Check your ego. Better to try and quit, then try and die.
Start early rather than ending late.
Avoid cities completely if possible, but definitely at the end. I did Rapid City to Chicago and the worst part was the last 50 miles into the city. It would have been significantly easier the other way.
Eat real meals. Sugar will make you crash and caffeine will drop you suddenly. That being said, 5 Hour Energy drink will get you through the last couple of hours.
It is better to be slightly warm than slightly cold.
Take a long resting break 3/4 of the way. Eat and relax for at least an hour. Two if possible.
Make sure the bike is 110%. If you start to have mechanical issues, scrap the ride early.
Check your ego. Better to try and quit, then try and die.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 3
From: 2 miles from the Sun!
Hello
Good luck w/ your ride! Ihave one in the works 1k in 24 or less! I think the info on the IBA site sugestions are probabbly from those who have done it and used those to map out my route. Any way you asked about the ride and your wife's concerns, I scrapped a ride from CT to Fl back in the early 90's for my wife for the same reaso she was worried. All I can say is never again it still bum's me out when I think about . Hey I'm still here and so is my wife and we are as much in love now if not more than 19 years ago. Make your choice just do it with her, it will all work out.
Good Luck Russ
Good luck w/ your ride! Ihave one in the works 1k in 24 or less! I think the info on the IBA site sugestions are probabbly from those who have done it and used those to map out my route. Any way you asked about the ride and your wife's concerns, I scrapped a ride from CT to Fl back in the early 90's for my wife for the same reaso she was worried. All I can say is never again it still bum's me out when I think about . Hey I'm still here and so is my wife and we are as much in love now if not more than 19 years ago. Make your choice just do it with her, it will all work out.
Good Luck Russ