Posted: 12 October 2005 at 6:03pm | IP Logged

This is my thanks to you.

I just received my email of certification to one or more of my rides.  The email didn't say whether all were certified or just one, but I'm happy with any outcome that says "certified"!

I use Joggernot as my name because I don't jog; I ride.

My certification rides were very simple.  I got prepared using the guidelines from the "tips" and the forums that I could view.  All were great.  All were right.  I left Carlsbad, NM and traveled down a two lane road with no shoulders in the dark to Pecos, TX, turned left and rode to Meridian, MS on the interstate.  This was a Mapquest distance of 1007 miles.  With a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Silverado and a 4.5 gallon tank I had to stop about every 100 miles for gas because at 90 miles I would have to switch to reserve tank.  That gave me time to drink some water (no camelback) and visit the facilities.  I took a motel room at Meridian, MS for a rest, and then left for home.  At a little over 1600 miles I stopped and got some witnesses for the 1500 BB.  At 1850 miles I really wanted to call it quits, but it was so close I went on.  Total of 2021 miles in a little over 39 hours.  Rain came in Mississippi and when I was within 50 miles of home.  I took Atkins protein shakes, water, and some snacks.  Otherwise I lived off the stop 'n shops and Circle Ks.  Even drinking water at every stop (about an hour apart) I lost 9 pounds.  Yes, I started at 250 and came home at 241.  The 9 pounds came back overnight.  Naturally, my friends said that I was trying for the Iron Butt/Pea Brain award.  My wife asked me to get a cell phone and I did.  I used it twice to call her.

Thanks for all the help!  I couldn't have done it without the guidance of you folks on this forum and the Iron Butt Association.  Now I look forward to the license plate holder that will instantly be put on the bike!

I am no longer fearful of taking long rides on the bike.  I know I can do it, and I'm 59 also.

Lessons Learned

Check that the speedometer doesn't reflect in the windshield and block your view on the darkest night.  Mine does.  First time I noticed this even though I often ride in the dark to work.

Wear gloves that will provide comfort for 16 hours at a time.  Wolverine work gloves don't.

Check your oil every 500 miles.

Remember to fill in your log at every stop.

Drink a pint of water at every gas stop.

Liquid meals (e.g., Atkins Advantage) give you nourishment and liquid.

Take a clear and a dark visor for your helmet.  Change them before they're needed.  I did good here.

You can sneeze in a full-face helmet.  You might want to stop later.

Take a good visor and windshield cleaner and a rag.

Rubber rain suits melt on the exhaust pipes.

There are lots of animals on back roads just before dawn and just after sunset.  Largest one seen was an owl with a twenty-foot windspan leaving the road 20 yards ahead of me on a back road.  No collision, but see last lesson.

All the planning you've done doesn't help when you leave the maps in the garage.

All the food you've gathered doesn't help if you leave some of it in the refrigerator.

Adjust your headlight after putting all your gear on the back.

Take clean and dry underwear and socks.

Posted: 05 November 2005 at 12:15am | IP Logged

Sounds like a great ride! I love the roads out West when it comes to being able to make good time... I've gotten as far as Wyoming.

It sounds like you're getting terrible mileage with the 1100?? What kind of mods have you done or is it bone stock? My 1500 was getting about 45 mpg stock and is now around 40-41 at stage 1 (maybe as low as 39 if I'm running over 85mph.) My reserve is 1 gallon of a 4.2 gal tank. I usually hit it at between 125-135 miles. I'd have her looked at if you're burning 3.5 gallons of fuel in 90 miles. My 2¢ worth.

Anyway... great story, great ride. Hope to hear more in the future.

~Ron

Posted: 06 November 2005 at 5:17pm | IP Logged

You are right.  I'm already planning another ride out to see a cousin.  Seems he is 1,045 miles from here.  The mileage was terrible (my opinion).  Over the 2000 miles I averaged 30 mpg at 80 mph on the interstate.  If I drop down to 55 mph, I get the 45 mpg.  The engine had just had it's 8,000 mile service with a valve adjust by the dealer.  I'm thinking wind resistance makes the difference?  It is stock with a luggage rack.

Joggernot