Posted: 31 July 2007 at 9:29pm | IP Logged

I just mailed my paperwork for my BBG. Here is a quick summary.

I decided I wanted to attend the Adv. Rider West Fest last week. It was great. It didn't take long for me to decide to do a BBG from Athens Tennessee to Grand Junction Colorado (about 1593 miles). Because I've driven the first 300-400 miles for business several time I decided to cover it at night.

I left work early to take a nap for a 12:01 am departure. I could only sleep a couple of hours, I was just too excited. My bike was packed. I awoke, quick shower to wake up even more and a stop by the police station on the way to the gas station beside to slab. My entire ride was the slab. Because I left at midnight I had only one gas stop that would require a 24 hour station which I called to confirm. My route took me to Chattanooga, Nashville, St. Louis, straight through Kansas on to Denver with a final stop in Grand Junction. I scheduled my gas stops at 300 mile intervals (GS Adventure Tank) so I had them marked on the GPS in locations that had several stations in the event of a problem.

The ride was good. I got sleepy for a few moments in the middle of the morning. Western Kansas was difficult with heat and very strong cross winds and Denver had a rain storm. I was worried I might not be able to keep the pace and I found myself continually doing the math in my head even though I had a GPS (which I believe is a real plus).

As I closed in on Grand Junction I started paying critical attention to the clock. I wanted as many miles as possible so I began to look for exits as 11:30 closed in. I made the decision to take the first exit after I passed the 1550 mile mark and so I did. I had ridden approximately 23 hours and 27 minutes.

I then eased on to Grand Junction, checked into the hotel and was so excited I felt I could ride another 500 miles. Instead, I double checked my receipts, took a shower and caught some zzz's.

Yahoo.

What did I learn?

(1) Planning is critical. I should have planned better for the end of the ride to know how many ending options I had. (2) The slab is necessary to make time (3) A GPS is really helpful (4) Start time is an individual choice, the midnight departure allowed for maximum daytime riding for me and I covered the highway I know in the dark (5) Quick stops are necessary. I wrote with a Sharpie on a 5 x 7 envelop what I should do at each stop. I placed the receipt and paperwork in the envelop so it was a constant reminder of what a stop should consist of (6) I didn't eat or drink prior to the ride so I had minimal restroom stops. I did carry a hydration bag (Platypus) in my tank bag so I could stay hydrated during the ride.

I'm sure I left some things out, but maybe this information will provide food for thought from those considering a BBG. It was a more difficult ride than my first SS1000 and more exhilarating!

Posted: 03 August 2007 at 7:36am | IP Logged

Congratulations on the ride & thanks for sharing it.

I'm was planning a BBG myself for this week, but the temps over my whole route will be close to 100F. I'm putting it off until next week in hopes that the heat wave will ease a bit. I have lots of vacation time on the books so I can pretty much pick my time as long as it's not on a weekend. I need to make it as easy on my old body as I can. 

Posted: 03 August 2007 at 7:55am | IP Logged

Lynn, I didn't know it got that hot in Pennsylvania.  That almost like Texas weather.  Here any time it gets below 90F, it's call a cold front.

Lowrider

Posted: 03 August 2007 at 9:19pm | IP Logged

Lowrider,

Us northerners can't tolerate the heat like you guys. I wouldn't mind if it was October all year round.

Posted: 04 August 2007 at 5:27pm | IP Logged

Jim Culp wrote: Nice ride, Frank.:)  A BBGold is a solid ride for anyone.  Way to go.  By the way, do you live in Athens?  If so, I'm not all that far from you.  I live in Johnson City which is about 150 miles up the road.

Hi Jim! I do live in Athens, just down the road from you. I'm in JC on occasion due to work. Next time I'm up that way, I'll drop you an email. Maybe we can meet. I would like to find someone to do a 50CC or probably a 100CC? Thanks!

Frank

Posted: 07 August 2007 at 3:02pm | IP Logged

Congratulations on the BBG!  This is what we like to hear...Success or at least trying!  Good job.

Joggernot