Posted: 12 October 2005 at 6:47pm | IP Logged

I've been gearing up for a SaddleSore ride and hope to head out Saturday.

Ed Phelps, a local IBA extraordinaire, suggested Columbia, MD to Lake Marion, SC, near Santee--an up and back ride. Deciding to avoid VA, where the Valentine1 isn't welcomed, I considered several destinations and ended up with Winchester, KY.

I appreciate reading the ride reports and picking up tips. Let's hope I don't have to work this weekend so I can ride.

I have some options mapped out for the WV repaving project on 79 for the trip home.

I have some bike pics on http://www.tontodonato.com , my V1.0 web site.

I used the MapSource software that came with my Garmin Quest, but also checked out the exit services with the Delorme s/w. The issue was the gas stations that closed at 10pm. Exxon's web site, with the ability to search for 24 hour stations, helped. I have a SpeedPass Timex watch. I had to work to locate some gas stations on MapSource. It couldn't find some addresses, so I had to zoom around and compare the map on the Exxon site until I could set the waypoint.

Keep up those posts from all over.

Posted: 13 October 2005 at 6:31am | IP Logged

Although it's not a bad idea to map out gas stations that will be open, I can't imagine that you'd have too much trouble finding an open station in the US - especially if you're on somewhat major roads.

But I guess it depends upon what your bike's range is on a tank of gas.  Once you think it's late enough to start worrying, just fill up when you've got 50 miles or so left in the tank.

Not to mention that doing a SS1K with a V1 should leave you more than enough extra time for a few addtional stops for gas.

Good luck!

Posted: 15 October 2005 at 8:03pm | IP Logged

I made the SaddleSore run today. I'll write up a report soon and put it on my web site.

As it turned out, the mountains decreased my gas mileage and I had to find gas stations along the way instead of stopping at ones in my plan.

Tony

Posted: 17 October 2005 at 6:25pm | IP Logged

If you want to increase your distance between fuel stops I have a 15 litre alluminium fuel cell from my Fireglide (Roadglide) I might be convinced to sell.  It is a 5 sided tapered horse shoe design I fabricated this past winter. It adds 3 inches of height to the tourpack! If you are interested send me a email.

ve5rus@sasktel.net

It requires modifications to your tour pac and a simple inline fuel pump to give you extra fuel onboard.

Russell

Posted: 17 October 2005 at 6:44pm | IP Logged

you know? maybe one of the wisdom ideas ought to be that every vehicle ought to have some sort of fuel log.  my milage varies widely depending on the activity. i have been caught out by a drastic drop in fuel economy caused by conditions that i dont normally ride in.

i do the numbers on the gas reciept and note odd conditions on the back of the paper.  after a while, i got pretty good at being able to ride down to the last few tenths of a gallon left in the tank before gassing up.

way back in the 60's, there were a lot of economy runs.  you would be surprised that the vehicle operation info still applies into this century. slow but steady gets it every time.