SaddleSore / BunBurner craziness

[NevadaWolf]

For those tl;dr folks - I rode a lot.

First, a little background.

I only really started exploring the state of Nevada around 2003. But since that time, my definition of "local" began expanding until most of northern Nevada fell into what I would consider driving distance. My backyard ran from the California state line, to Gerlach, to Winnemucca, to Austin, to Tonopah. Beyond that was "just a little further". So long distance has never been an issue for me and if you've gone through Nevada you know that long distance is pretty much mandatory to get anywhere!

So I suppose reading @Alex's Iron Butt Rally prep and knowing I'd be doing a huge road trip at the beginning of July got me looking at the easiest of the IBA rides. The SaddleSore 1000 / BunBurner 1500. The SaddleSore requires you ride 1000 miles in 24 hours, the BunBurner is 1500 miles in 36 hours.

At first, the 1000 seemed insane, so the 1500 was automatically out. I reached out to two IBA riders who were listed as approved witnesses for starts/finishes. Both Pete Bansen and Brian Roberts proved to be an immense help in giving advice and encouragement. It was they who suggested contacting George Swetland, IBA member #5, who lives in the area. His suggestions went a long way to getting my plans finalized!

The route I planned kept me entirely in the state since I know where towns and stops are. I'd follow I-80 from the California state line (Verdi) to the Utah state line (Wendover) before turning south through Ely, Panaca, and Caliente. After Caliente, I was facing the famous ET Highway, a long stretch of highway where the are NO gas stations (and only one 'town' - Rachel). This was the tough one, I'd have to go easy on my throttle to make the distance but keep my speed up to meet the time. After Tonopah, things would get easier as more towns came along more frequently and it wasn't far to reach Carson and the finish.

The ride turned out to be fairly low key. I'd practiced my gas stops so those were about 2-3 minutes each, loaded up my backpack to carry four litres of water and my iPad (TUNES!), plus I had my tank bag stocked with a tupperware full of a Lunchable, carrot sticks, snap peas, jerky, licorice, and Lemonheads. Ice packs on the bottom of the tank bag kept the meat and cheeses cold, and I had a tail bag packed with minor long ride essentials (chain oil, tire repair and inflate kit, warmer clothes, and rain gear). I'd studied the road conditions (80 was almost a continuous construction zone!) and weather forecast (a rain storm was parked over eastern Nevada).

All in all, I am glad I did it. I know a lot about the state and riding through that much country had me maintaining a running monologue of places I had been, things I had seen, or history I knew. I know Nevada and though she still has places I have yet to be, I consider myself more familiar with her backcountry than most residents.

Of course, once I met Brian and George at the end, I realized I had only taken 18.5 hours to complete the 1000 miles. That left me 17 hours to attempt the BunBurner! What's another 500 miles?! I grabbed that by going straight out Highway 50 to Eureka and turning around back to Carson. 8 hours 15 minutes later I was back with just over 1500 miles indicated on my odometer and confirmed through Google Maps and DeLorme TopoUSA.

I am stoked I did that ride! Now I just need to comb through the other challenges that await and see what else our little 250 is fully capable of doing!

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Alex]

Nice work.

[csmith12]

[Jiggles]

How's ur butt?

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

How's ur butt?

Surprisingly, the only thing that hurt afterwards was my shoulders from holding my head still against the wind. On Saturday night, the wind was bad enough it was literally pulling my helmet off my head. I had to pull over to avoid choking.

[Jiggles]

****ing Nevada

[CycleCam303]

@rojoracing53 probably has an idea to come up with a 500 or 750 mile versions of iron butt rallies. Only difference is his would require you to hit all the awesome twisty roads in a limited time. Like a timed rally event. Hahaha the street equivalent of enduro. Same rules just in the street. Like surprise now you have to ride mt Hamilton in 90 mins flat for this checkpoint.

I'm impressed that you rode all that Teri. I don't think I could click off 1500 miles in a day very easily.

[LNasty]

Was that on the stock seat? Cause after just two hundred miles it feels like my prostate is in my throat

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

@rojoracing53 probably has an idea to come up with a 500 or 750 mile versions of iron butt rallies. Only difference is his would require you to hit all the awesome twisty roads in a limited time. Like a timed rally event. Hahaha the street equivalent of enduro. Same rules just in the street. Like surprise now you have to ride mt Hamilton in 90 mins flat for this checkpoint.

I'm impressed that you rode all that Teri. I don't think I could click off 1500 miles in a day very easily.

If there was a continuous canyon from here to the east coast even if it made the trip 4500 miles instead of 3000 you know that's the route I'd take and you better believe I'd be logging 16 hrs days
I
could totally make a road rally that followed the same rules as the dirt stuff but you'd better ready when I create a road version of the trial section because epic clutch control is only going to get you so far

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by LNasty

Was that on the stock seat? Cause after just two hundred miles it feels like my prostate is in my throat

Yeah, stock seat. After awhile I started feeling like I wanted to do some serious yoga postures while on the bike, but varying between standing up, hanging my feet down, moving back and forth on the seat, kept the stiffness somewhat manageable. Thought my legs would really hurt the next day but surprisingly all went well there!

If/When I try another run, I'll look into a more relaxed seat that doesn't drive me against the tank.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Alex

Nice work.

Originally Posted by csmith12

Thanks guys. and thanks for the inspiration, @Alex! Not too many Ninjettes in the books but figured I'd toss my little hat into the ring as well.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

****ing Nevada

Hey, >bleep<ing Nevada made this run possible. Few towns, 70+ MPH for most of it, VERY little traffic. And I didn't even get near the southern part of the state!

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by CycleCam303

@rojoracing53 probably has an idea to come up with a 500 or 750 mile versions of iron butt rallies. Only difference is his would require you to hit all the awesome twisty roads in a limited time. Like a timed rally event. Hahaha the street equivalent of enduro. Same rules just in the street. Like surprise now you have to ride mt Hamilton in 90 mins flat for this checkpoint.

I'm impressed that you rode all that Teri. I don't think I could click off 1500 miles in a day very easily.

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

If there was a continuous canyon from here to the east coast even if it made the trip 4500 miles instead of 3000 you know that's the route I'd take and you better believe I'd be logging 16 hrs days
I could totally make a road rally that followed the same rules as the dirt stuff but you'd better ready when I create a road version of the trial section because epic clutch control is only going to get you so far

The same weekend I did this, the local sport riders from Sierra Sportbike Assoc decided to link all the seasons runs together for a 600+ mile twisty day. The SSA Fecta. If you could close the roads down and treat them like a track for the event, that would be epic. But trying to race the clock with oncoming traffic... Err, pass! LOL I do need to find some twisties and run laps on them, my poor Rosso II's are rather square!

But if there was no time limit and one heck of a twisty road, or linked roads, across country, I'd be right there with ya (well, maybe many many miles behind you) cruising that road every single chance I had! That would simply be sick!

@CycleCam303 Thanks. It turned it to be less difficult than I thought it would, though still a mental workout to maintain focus and not let my average suffer. 1000 in 24 hours proved to be doable. But if I were to try the BunBurner Gold (1500/24 hours) I think I'd get off the bike a complete basket case.

[NevadaWolf]

Added a Google map to the original post. Not sure why I left that off. dur!

[CycleCam303]

I thought of you today. I went on a 210 mile ride this morning and my butt was hot and already getting tired. I stood up a few times and it was very short term relief.

Call me evil but I like the idea of a 600 mile sport ride. But it should be low key and forum based. For example today where i rode is part of a loop rojoracing and I do. It doesn't take us long because we pretty much only stop for gas. On social group rides it literally would take all day. It would be fun to do timed challenges over long courses. Post your time. Include real world situations like times driving rallies. If you get pulled over you lose those competitions because it kills your time getting the ticket and most car organizations will disqualify you. The key is run them like an iron butt rally. Just on fun twisty courses.

[NevadaWolf]

Yeah a 600 mile sport ride would rock! I don't much about road rallies or the rules on them, but if the course was set and the times just on the inside edge of legal, then yeah that would be a lot of fun.

Looking at that SSA Fecta route I am sorely tempted to ride it on Sunday. Especially with the heat rolling in again. Mountain play time!

[bfpower]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

****ing Nevada

truth.

[NevadaWolf]

Eh hem...

"Dear Teri *****:

You are receiving this e-mail because of your application for a ride
certification. This note is to let you know that your ride has been
approved and although your ride documents may take a few more weeks to
arrive, your membership has also been approved and entered into the
Iron Butt Association's member database.

Welcome to the Iron Butt Association!

Membership number: 56020

Michael Kneebone
President, Iron Butt Association"

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Alex]

[NevadaWolf]

Yep, that about covers it!

[NevadaWolf]

:fanfare:

It's officially official!!

[ForceofWill]

Awesome work Teri. Nice swag there too. I don't think I could come close to that with the stock seat though, definitely need a corbin.

[gibtzumich318]

I totally want to do this!

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by gibtzumich318

I totally want to do this!

Then do it.

I used Google to experiment with different routes, distances, and time. Then once I found something I was happy with, I researched all the towns I would pass through to find a large-ish gas station, preferably staying with national chains. If one was outside my range, I would look at neighboring towns until I had a fairly consistent pattern of drive time then fuel up.

After that, I studied the road condition and weather maps to ensure I wasn't heading into problems. I would repeatedly check those as the date approached.

Practicing gas stops is a must. You need to be stopped the least amount of time possible in order for this to work. Though I've been told to fill up from the saddle, I just don't have the height or strength needed to balance everything. It takes me about 3 minutes to do everything at the pump. Or 5-10 if I need to clean my visor or oil the chain or change clothing or run into the restroom.

It's a lot of work to plan this out and make sure you and your bike are ready. But when the day comes and the clock starts, it's just another ride.

[gibtzumich318]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Then do it.

I used Google to experiment with different routes, distances, and time. Then once I found something I was happy with, I researched all the towns I would pass through to find a large-ish gas station, preferably staying with national chains. If one was outside my range, I would look at neighboring towns until I had a fairly consistent pattern of drive time then fuel up.

After that, I studied the road condition and weather maps to ensure I wasn't heading into problems. I would repeatedly check those as the date approached.

Practicing gas stops is a must. You need to be stopped the least amount of time possible in order for this to work. Though I've been told to fill up from the saddle, I just don't have the height or strength needed to balance everything. It takes me about 3 minutes to do everything at the pump. Or 5-10 if I need to clean my visor or oil the chain or change clothing or run into the restroom.

It's a lot of work to plan this out and make sure you and your bike are ready. But when the day comes and the clock starts, it's just another ride.

I was reading the site and was a little confused as far as the log to be kept. I need a witness at the start and finish and then witnesses at stops more than 30 minutes? So if I stop for 29 minutes I should be fine? I have also been playing around with routes on google maps.... Would you suggest mainly highway miles for the distance? Any tips and pointers would be great.. I did a 3.5 hour ride last night for 150 miles through back roads and my butt was tired by the end.. I think I need to build up a bit of endurance or get bike shorts with extra padding!

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by gibtzumich318

I was reading the site and was a little confused as far as the log to be kept. I need a witness at the start and finish and then witnesses at stops more than 30 minutes? So if I stop for 29 minutes I should be fine? I have also been playing around with routes on google maps.... Would you suggest mainly highway miles for the distance? Any tips and pointers would be great.. I did a 3.5 hour ride last night for 150 miles through back roads and my butt was tired by the end.. I think I need to build up a bit of endurance or get bike shorts with extra padding!

I'll give you what I know, but as I am new to this too my information may be off. This is what has worked for me.

Witnesses are only needed at the start and stop. One witness is good unless you are trying for a gold or insanity ride, then you must get two. I've been getting two regardless just in case. Plus I get to talk to more people.

Stops over 30 minutes just need something to show why your time is off so like a receipt from the restaurant, or a note you pulled over for a cat nap from 8:05-8:40, or whatever. On my recent log I had two periods were I was retracing my steps or getting lost, so I noted both the time that was lost and the mileage that was added.

The type of road is up to you. My first one I did on the interstate and highways, this second one I did on mostly rural highways. The key is being able to maintain a steady speed. Slow and go traffic is going to destroy your time. I was warned against curvy mountain roads but I found as long as the speed limit was high enough (50+) and the traffic light enough, mountain roads are no sweat since corners are no issue at all for our bikes.

Time is also important. Say your route takes you through a major city. If you go during rush hour, you're hosed. But if you can go through during the middle of the night, or midday when traffic is lighter, then that route will work. Or if you are going in while everyone is heading out, that will also work. The best advice I got on that was to work with your internal clock. If you're a morning person, get up a little earlier and be riding when you are normally awake. If you are a night owl, wait until your peak time to be out riding. That way you aren't fighting yourself awhile trying to reach your goal.

I try to focus on roads where the speed limit is at least 55, preferably 65-70. I personally don't like riding above 70 despite if the limit is higher. Keeping my speed around that, I tend to get an average of 200 miles out of my tank, so I look for cities or towns that are about 150-180 apart from each other (keeping it on the high end if at all possible). You may have more faith in your tank or a better set up so definitely know what you can do and plan just shy of that (my own opinion there). Keep the gas stops limited but enough you aren't risking running out ten miles from town.

Honestly, what I did before my first ride was build up to it. I was noticing my weekend rides were around 300 miles for the day. Then I was planning a trip where the first leg would be 300 miles, second leg 500 miles, and the final 700 miles. That's what led me to even consider the 1000. That 500 was tough because I went into it half hearted, wasn't really prepared clothing wise or with enough supplies, and that one beat me up. But the 700 I had preplanned it and knew what I was doing and mentally ready for the trip, so just over 16 hours later I was home and feeling great. Since then I've been doing 400-600 mile rides on either Saturday or Sunday simply cause I know I can now and want to enjoy the great roads around here.

I'll be able to write more tonight when I'm not at work. I have the advice I received from the members I contacted saved on my home computer that I can share.

[gibtzumich318]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

I'll give you what I know, but as I am new to this too my information may be off. This is what has worked for me.

Witnesses are only needed at the start and stop. One witness is good unless you are trying for a gold or insanity ride, then you must get two. I've been getting two regardless just in case. Plus I get to talk to more people.

Stops over 30 minutes just need something to show why your time is off so like a receipt from the restaurant, or a note you pulled over for a cat nap from 8:05-8:40, or whatever. On my recent log I had two periods were I was retracing my steps or getting lost, so I noted both the time that was lost and the mileage that was added.

The type of road is up to you. My first one I did on the interstate and highways, this second one I did on mostly rural highways. The key is being able to maintain a steady speed. Slow and go traffic is going to destroy your time. I was warned against curvy mountain roads but I found as long as the speed limit was high enough (50+) and the traffic light enough, mountain roads are no sweat since corners are no issue at all for our bikes.

Time is also important. Say your route takes you through a major city. If you go during rush hour, you're hosed. But if you can go through during the middle of the night, or midday when traffic is lighter, then that route will work. Or if you are going in while everyone is heading out, that will also work. The best advice I got on that was to work with your internal clock. If you're a morning person, get up a little earlier and be riding when you are normally awake. If you are a night owl, wait until your peak time to be out riding. That way you aren't fighting yourself awhile trying to reach your goal.

I try to focus on roads where the speed limit is at least 55, preferably 65-70. I personally don't like riding above 70 despite if the limit is higher. Keeping my speed around that, I tend to get an average of 200 miles out of my tank, so I look for cities or towns that are about 150-180 apart from each other (keeping it on the high end if at all possible). You may have more faith in your tank or a better set up so definitely know what you can do and plan just shy of that (my own opinion there). Keep the gas stops limited but enough you aren't risking running out ten miles from town.

Honestly, what I did before my first ride was build up to it. I was noticing my weekend rides were around 300 miles for the day. Then I was planning a trip where the first leg would be 300 miles, second leg 500 miles, and the final 700 miles. That's what led me to even consider the 1000. That 500 was tough because I went into it half hearted, wasn't really prepared clothing wise or with enough supplies, and that one beat me up. But the 700 I had preplanned it and knew what I was doing and mentally ready for the trip, so just over 16 hours later I was home and feeling great. Since then I've been doing 400-600 mile rides on either Saturday or Sunday simply cause I know I can now and want to enjoy the great roads around here.

I'll be able to write more tonight when I'm not at work. I have the advice I received from the members I contacted saved on my home computer that I can share.

Thank you for all your advice! I think building up to the ride would be a good idea. Anymore advice/tips you want to share I am all ears!

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

Awesome work Teri. Nice swag there too. I don't think I could come close to that with the stock seat though, definitely need a corbin.

If I was sure I wouldn't crack the fairing, I am tempted to punch the pins to the bike - sort of like the taxi badges. But once I get more than two, it might start looking silly.

Having never ridden on a Corbin I'm not sure how much the difference would be, probably quite a bit, huh?

I just keep moving around, sliding back and forth on the seat, putting my feet on the front pegs then back pegs, standing up, hanging my legs down and dragging my boots. Even @Jiggles Captain Morgan pose at times. I wonder if someone has come up with a yoga routine to do while sitting on a motorcycle. LOL the only thing I wish I had was frame sliders again so I could put my feet forward. Been sorely tempted to try kicking my feet up on the handlebars, but then sanity steps in and promptly yells at me for the next two hours.

A throttle control greatly helps in the quest to stay comfortable.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by gibtzumich318

Thank you for all your advice! I think building up to the ride would be a good idea. Anymore advice/tips you want to share I am all ears!

Let's see...

Have a way to carry layers. Both rides I needed to go from cold and/or raining weather to baking hot dry desert. I ended up buying a mesh jacket to use as a base coat then build upon it and the underlying tshirt. My tail bag is stuffed full in the heat of the day.

Carry chain oil and lube up regilarly. I was doing every three hundred miles but the service guy said I was doing too much so backed that off to five hundred. That may get changed though as I learn what works. I am also experimenting with alternating between lube and WD-40.

My tank bag is my snack cooler. I lined it with the insulated silver stuff from a folding cooler bag and toss in the first aid chemical ice packs that don't need to freeze. Cookies and meats and cheeses stay cold for a few hours but toss in some jerky or other long lasting snack and you've got food for the day.

My backpack holds two 2 liter water bladders, and one hose over each shoulder. Freeze one bag prior to the trip and drink from the liquid one until empty. By then, at least around here, the frozen one has melted and you've got another round of cold drinks.

I'll dig through the excellent emails I got from more experienced LD riders for their wisdom.

[NevadaWolf]

FINALLY!! IBA updated their finishers list and my name is now on the website!! TWICE!