[Mad Mac]

It seems that some of you have already made trips on your TWs in excess of 1,000 miles in 24 hours, which would qualify for the Saddle Sore 1,000. However, as of 9:15 a.m. central time this morning, I could find no TW200, TW125 or TW225 listed on the Certified Iron Butt Association Rides website.



Perhaps I overlooked one, but they also have special listings for smallest motorcycles, for example:



Smallest Motorcycles to finish the SaddleSore 1000:

Mike Johnson 04/10/91 Yamaha YSR50

Henry Tate 06/14/08 Yamaha XT-200J



As the fifth of only eight V-Max jockeys to earn a certified ride in excess of 1,500 miles, a Bun Burner in September 2003, I would like to see a TW200 join the elite list of Certified IBA Rides. It will not be my TW, as I am too old and decrepit to attempt such a torturous endeavor. Anyway, it would interfere with my drinking.



Best wishes for success.

 

[qwerty]

Some of us "need" no official recognition. We ride for other reasons besides the adoration of others.

 

[Jon H]

I did a Saddle Sore 1000 shortly after beginning riding street bikes about 8 years ago. Only dirt bikes before then. I didn't do it for any recognition, but found it a worthy challenge that many would not attempt and some would not finish. My ride at the time was a BMW 1150GS, which was obviously overkill and I greatly admired seeing some guy finishing on a Honda Rebel 250. Very cool. I would love to see more guys doing this on a TW or other small bikes. You can really see some sights over that day. Quite a blur really, but worth doing.

 

[lizrdbrth]

I live for the adoration of others.

That and the fact that here on the left coast unless all the stars align perfectly and your routing was right you could easily time out on a TW just makes it more interesting.



It's on my list for this spring. Only bike in the barn without an official Saddlesore on it.

 

[Jon H]

You're crazy man! I was right at 20 hours and REALLY ready to get off the bike. I honestly don't know if i could have gone another 3 or 4 hours. Please report back to us on that.

 

[lizrdbrth]

A former member "Warren" and I were simultaneously (but unknown to one another) researching sheltered routes outta SoCal. Out here they're harder to find than one might imagine without encountering either a mountain range, steady climbs or prevailing headwinds.



http://tw200forum.com/forums/96177/ShowPost.aspx



He pulled 600 in 14 out of the San Diego area in practice runs. Fuel mileage was all over the map and can be difficult to account for.



I'm guessing the logistics on the eastern seaboard or in some parts of the midwest would be more favorable.



I'm old and decrepit, too. 'Bout the only asset remaining is an iron butt.



Or so I claim.

 

[Splinter]

Lizrdbrth, I would be game to try it if you feel the need. Maybe some time after the Baja 500? I will have installed the XT350 tank I found by then and should have roughly the same range as you do.

 

[Jon H]

Sounds like a claim well supported and good enough for me. And hooda thunk about LD riding on a TW. 200cc's of blazing fury. Very good. The year I rode the course was called something like "A Tour of Colorado". http://www.COFreewheelers.org/1000-in-24.html Plenty of hills, curves, small towns, stop lights and mountain passes. Lotsa clutch and brake action all the more to perfect hand and finger cramping. Nearly froze my privates off riding at night in the mountains and I had a lot more clothes than some. Oops, am I complaining again even after all these years...

 

[phelonius]

If one is to try 1000 miles on a TW, I have this observation from many long rides in the past.

Since Sunlight naturally tends to help you stay awake and alert, and since with less than the usual speeds, do it this way.

For the week ahead of the ride, practice waking up at o200 AM and staying awake through the day.

Stop this regimen a day before the ride and sleep solidly the day before the ride. Certain teas and herbal remedies can help with this.

Awake the day of the ride about 9 or 10 PM in the evening having readied the bike the day previous. Immediately set out on the road so that you will be riding in the dark during your alert period. As morning arrives the daylight will fill your vision and react naturally in your brain to help you stay awake. As the hours pile up you will have the benefit of daylight during the hardest part of the fatigue.

Unless you are riding the superslab at 65 most of the time, you will probably average 55 for the trip. With a normal gas tank, you will probably make more than 10 gas stops. Carry a supply of gas in a jerry can for the times you will pass through areas of closed gas stations.

This will cut into your average speed but help with fatigue by improving blood circulation periodically.

Check your oil level every stop and have some along to top up with. Unless you have 303 - 304 Bridgstones, wear earplugs to lessen the howl of tires and the machinery noise of the engine as these contribute to fatigue.

Do not use coffee until the later part of the ride when you will need it.

As for monkey butt and other saddle sores I recommend a custom saddle and gold bond powder.

Mount a Go-pro camera so you can document the ride without having to stop to dig out a camera. pictures of city limit signs etc.

Keep all gas reciepts for the time and date info proof.

Expect to be buzzed by the end of the ride.

 

[Splinter]

I agree to what phelonius is saying. I did a non stop from Chorpus Christi, Texas to Long Beach, Ca in 22.5 hrs. It was a chore to say the least, but when I was done, I think "buzzed" is putting it lightly. Granted, I was in a pick-up truck and not on a TW. Anyway, I do think it would be an experience none the less.

 

[lizrdbrth]

Splinter, strap a pillow to that thing and get ready. lol.



I figger I'll just plumb in either a stock tank or another XT tank on the rear rack, swap to a stock rear tire and gearing and go for it. You'll have your old tank if you decide you've lost your mind and want to come along.



Tortoise vs. hare. The extra fuel should minimize the number of fuel stops to around the same number of miles as a bigger bike. The rest is mind over matter, butt over braindeath, etc.



Presently the flattest, warmest option this time of year, taking wind into account is:



I-15 to San Diego, portions of the old road where it's a straight shot, maybe from Corona, south.

I-8 to Casa Grande, Az.

I-8 back to Yuma

I-95 to Parker

Hwy. 62 home



The leg from Parker home could be a cold sumbuck if we're making bad time, but with no downtime we should come in under 24.



I usually run to the western N.M. border then do a turnaround, but that's a lotta slab and too many long climbs in the cold and wind on a slow bike, no matter how you route it.



Ditto for heading north or jumping over to the coast. Sooner or later elevation, wind or cold will kick yer butt.



When I'm on a bike that's capable of 100+ mph I tend to leave at or near sunup. We'll prolly need to heed Phelonious's excellent advice and leave in the wee hours to avoid commuter traffic in the S.D. and Phoenix areas.

 

[Mad Mac]

One sheltered route would be the Natchez Trace. 444 miles one way. No stop signs or traffic lights the entire distance. Smooth two lane black top through a tree lined park. 50 mph speed limit is enforced. Ride both ways. No fuel or food on the route, but side trips for fuel and food could be planned to fill in the other 112 miles.



If I was to try it, I think I would trailer to Jackson or Nashville, get a good night's sleep in a motel, a normal sleep cycle. Leave in the morning after a good breakfast, say 9 a.m.. That way when most exhausted the following morning, it would be daylight. It will probably take the full 24 hours because of the 50 mph speed limit.

 

[ktrout01]

I'm planning one for Spring. It'll be a loop around western New England - upstate New York. I'm going to try and keep most of it on state roads with the exception of the first leg being a blast up I-91almost to the US/Canada border then curve through upstate New York to Buffalo and then turn back towards home. The bike is just about ready with a Clarke tank, Cyclerack and 2 Rotopax 1 gallon gas cans. I put highway sprockets on so she'll cruise at 65-70 mph without screaming. About the only thing I really need to do is install some kind of seat pad to make the saddle more comfortable.

 

[qwerty]

What's all this crud about sleep schedules, caffiene schedules, BMWs, yada yada yada? What a bunch of candy asses.

Just ride.



Tdub and I did Arlington TX to Saluda NC via Spartanburg in 21 hours a few years ago. Left about 4:00PM after 4 hours sleep after being up all night servicing the bike and mounting tires, chain, and sprockets. Then hit some twisties for fun. Warrior Mountain Road back down to Saluda, US176 from there to East Flat Rock, and back to Saluda for a few insurance miles. Still have the receipts and start and finish witness info and all. Just never sent it in. I did stop for a couple 1-hour naps, and by a LEO in Georgia for doing 84 in a 55. Good thing he was a dualsport rider himself and "decided" an 84mph reading on a TW200 indicated a laser malfunction.

Completely stock TW200 except rejetted carb, 15/47 sprockets, o-ring chain, TW203/204, and an auxilary tank T'ed in from the top box.



Yup, stock seat, pre-Stearns ATV covers. Started with the recommended bicycle shorts, but stopped 20 miles into the ride and tossed them in a garbage can. Couldn't take the feeling of the wad of padding being shoved up my rectum. I'm convinced guys who like those pants are gay.

 

[arbolmano]

So if we could coordinate, I'd be down for running SAG with you Socal men on one of my big bikes.

Will

 

[lizrdbrth]

As the fifth of only eight V-Max jockeys to earn a certified ride in excess of 1,500 miles, a Bun Burner in September 2003, I would like to see a TW200 join the elite list of Certified IBA Rides. It will not be my TW, as I am too old and decrepit to attempt such a torturous endeavor. Anyway, it would interfere with my drinking.



Best wishes for success.

V-maxes are awfully thirsty. How many fuel stops to a Bunburner??

 

[Mad Mac]

V-maxes are awfully thirsty. How many fuel stops to a Bunburner??

Too be on the safe side, I fueled up every 90 to 100 miles. I plotted the stops out on a map in advance and had the list of stops in front of me on top of my faux tank so that I would not over run one. 750 miles each day required eight stops. I also used each stop as an opportunity to drink a little cold water. It was the last weekend of summer and I was crossing the southwest. More here...