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Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - 10:46 pm: | 
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Sincethe shelf life of my message has expired would one of you kind custodians edit it to read the correct mileage: 1,088.64
Thanx...
and no EZ, I still have the Multistrada |
Crusty
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 05:03 am: |
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I never got to meet Fran Crane. She was a legend and one of my heroes.I never got to see Jimi Hendrix play guitar live, either.
Reg, that's cool. the most I've ridden my Uly in a day is 750 miles; but the first third of that , the temps were below freezing. For that matter, it didn't get too warm for the other 2/3 of the day. It's been a real long time since I did a really high mileage day. Now, you've got me thinking... |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:04 am: |
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Crusty...
I'm a warm weather hound; can't imagine riding in those low temps.In fact, I think I'd refuse to do so.
High-mileage days are a swagger area for a lot of riders. Certainly there's something to be said for being able to do them, but I've never really discovered the charm in doing so. I do a lot of 500-600 mile days, but it's because I have to. On the rare occasions when I'm riding on vacation I like to keep my rides to under 300 miles... gives me time to actually enjoy what I'm riding through.
A misleading thing about high mile rides is the territory they cover. I've ridden from Salt Lake City to Santa Cruz in one day, but that's relatively easy given the terrain. Try those same miles up Highway 1 from San Francisco and it's a whole 'nother thang.
Back to Fran... The thing that always impressed about her (and others of her ilk) was not her speed, but her ability to maintain a high average, regardless. Endurance riding takes a different skill set and mind set |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:15 am: |
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Reg,
It is the anal retentive machinist thing...
I'm still working a finding a bike I can spend eight to ten hours on. I might not make the leadbutt club but a 800 mile day sounds like a credible goal for me. The M2 was not it, the recently acquired FXD is closer and I'm working on it.
Just out of curiousity, on your 23 hour day, would you venture a guess as to the amount of riding time out of that (taking out fuel and rest stops)? And what your sustained running speeds were like?
When I drive cross country in a cage I stay with the flow and run most of it around 10 MPH over the posted Interstate speeds (seldom over 75-80). With breaks I usually wind up averaging 60 MPH for a 12-14 hour day including fuel/chow stops. That is more for the West and Central states, it slows down a little as you get further east.
Jack |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:37 am: |
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One fallacy that I have always tried to clear up is the mistaken belief that speed is how you cover a lot of ground.
Speed is an element, in my opinion, but more important is not stopping.
It's much more difficult to maintain a 55MPH average than many know. When you play with the numbers, you'll see why.
I have a speed that I consider optimum. I run that speed and try to hit an average number that I consider optimum.
I tried, while returning to Kansas from the BMWMOA in the Carolina to do a "balls out" speed ride. I observed several things.
An essential element to covering distance is limiting fuel stops to minutes. I try to PLAN my stop as to where, what amount of fuel I'll be taking on and I prepare a mental sequence of events that includes a "smart" dismount (i.e. making certain the engine is off, side stand properly deployed and all the things that happen when you hurry and don't think) the fueling, hitting the can, and sucking down a litre of water and a powerbar. The routine includes a systems check to make certain the tank bag is re-connected, not pinching the fuel vent line (don't ask- finger Lakes, NY enroute Cleveland, OH via Dunlop HQ to Ledgewood, NJ) This doesn't always work and I've lost 3 cameras and one iPod from unzipped pockets.
When I run the S-2 at its next "happy speed", which is 115MPH, fuel mileage drops off significantly, thus requiring more stops.
At "speed" I find myself suffering from fatigue associated with the long-range binocular "is that a Crown Vic" stare and associated hard-on-the-brakes false alarms. It's a tiring sort of riding.
Different strokes for different folks but I find that If I get on the bike, ride smart and smartly, limit the times I get off, make certain that when I do dismount it's at the last possible moment using the fuel/bladder matrix equation, I get back on the bike and repeat it again.
With time a person is able, within a 4 miles window to know how far an S-2 will go on a load of fuel and the planning becomes more precise.
When I land for the day, I take my daily estimates and recalculate for what REALLY happened. This actual average for the day becomes tomorrows "target speed used for computing estimated time enroute.
Your post about the GPS and a little (we can't talk about it here ) "special enhancement" currently being done to the S-2 have me longing to do another "little ride".
Court |
Skyguy
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:02 am: |
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I rode 962 miles from just below Tahoe to San Francisco, down the coast then all of the twisty roads back to Lake Arrowhead. I was hurting so badly by the end of the ride it was crazy. Most of the miles were twisty miles and ridden "at speed". Very tiring.
I also rode down the I-5 this winter (had to) and kept my speeds at 100 to 105. Gas stops were constant and as soon as I rolled out I would go back by cars that were going 80-85 in a couple of minutes.
Court is right, it is the stops that will kill your times. |
Jlnance
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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Court - I suspect you are right about the best way to cover distance. However, I would like to make a counter point for all the future generations who will read your post. 
I have learned, the hard way, that motorcycle rides are much more enjoyable when I stop frequently and spend a decent amount of time off the bike. If you have to get between 2 points as quickly as possible, then by all means stretch the stops. But if you actually want to have fun, thats a loosing proposition. |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:23 am: |
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Jack....
here are the numbers:
Distance 1,101.64 miles
Time; overall 23hrs, 4 minutes
Time, moving 19hrs, 43 minutes
Time, stopped 3 hrs, 21 minutes
Avg. speed, moving 55.8 mph
Avg. speed, overall 47.7 mph
Altitude range Sea level to 9,628-feet
Temperature range 44f (est.) to 105F (documented)
Note the mileage is slightly different from what I originally wrote (the number here is GPS-accurate).
My goal was to finish in 20 hrs. with leisurely stops. Obviously missed that. There's a story here, but it will have to wait for the article.
BTW: the lead bike finished in under 18 hrs.
Also, the big piece that is missing is the route; none of the above can be evaluated without that bit of info. It'll be in the article.
The important part: The Buell Ulysses ran flawlessly, and remained comfortable the whole time. |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 11:46 am: |
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I want the article NOW!
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Angelwild327
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:18 pm: |
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At what point during 23 hours of riding, does the average person / rider become "dangerous" due to fatigue.. slowed relexes, things like that? Just curious, and I'm talking about the fairly average person..not a superconditioned long distance athlete type. |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:31 pm: |
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Thanks for the details Reg, it is interesting stuff. That was a long day. My newest handheld GPS (Garmin 76Cx) has a number of new to me good data fields for trips and I'm sure I'll spend time agonizing over the details.
I'm like Court, I'd like to read it now. If you want to throw a copy at jacker at midmaine dot com. Remember, I'm the guy that reads it all. :>
But if you drop us a note when you figure out the publication issue, I'll hit the local news stand for it.
Jack |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:41 pm: |
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angel....
I'm an old guy (63) in crap shape who does not participate regularly in endurance rides. What I do have going for me is 42 years of riding experience and an acute awarenes of the warning signs my body sends out.
We are capable of much more than we think. The limitations are not physical, but mental (I'm speaking of these endurance rides). If, prior to leaving, you focus on the fact that you won't sleep for the next 24 hours... then you might as well not start.
At about the 20 hour mark I was in a very dark canyon on a very winding road, mostly devoid of center and edge markings... and I hit that "wall" that runners speak of. Had I turned a corner and saw a "Surrender Here" sign, I would have.
But I've been in that mental spot before, and I knew the key was talking, literally, myself through it. I did, and I finished.
For me, the fatigue aspect hits hardest on the simple straight roads. Keep me on a technical portion, and I never get tired.
The secret... which everyone knows... is to keep your energy level up with food and hydration. My tank bags holds bananas, apples and those yucky power bars. And on my back is a Camelback (a great product) from which I average drinking one liter every 100 miles. |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 12:44 pm: |
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Jack...
I am contracted to do the story for American Rider. It would be unethical to give any more detail at this time. Don't mind talking generally, but the specifics are owned by others.
I appreciate the interest. If nothing else, I would hope that something I might write would cause someone else to try something... and then write about it. |
Daves
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 01:23 pm: |
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Damn Reg, I would not have guessed you that old!
Can't wait to read the article. |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 01:39 pm: |
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>>>I knew the key was talking, literally, myself through it. I did, and I finished.
you forgot to mention "out loud". |
Angelwild327
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 02:25 pm: |
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hey Reg,
Thanks for the info...very interesting indeed. I've seen doctors and even myself enduring the strain in the health-care world of 24 hour days, albeit not the same type of event as riding a bike, it's tough to focus and function sharply. I definitely find driving excrutiatingly difficult after about 19 or 20 hours straight...but you did a fantastic job...good going!!! Hope you had fun!
HUGS
Angela |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 04:12 pm: |
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Court... been there, done that, right?
daves.. uh.
Thanx, Angela, but let me put this in perspective... 22 of the 25 finishers (out of 34 entries) finished in front of me. T'wasn't zackly a heroic effort. |
Blake
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 04:15 pm: |
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Rocco,
Joe is a good guy for sure. I sure meant no offense towards him. Just some friendly gigging is all.
Joe,
Thanks for posting your entire quote. You too Jersey. I hope you weren't offended by my opening comments, they were not intended to be offensive, just all in good fun, thus the  . It seems some read it as
Loren,
Hey, was wondering if you were a BadWeBr too. Congrats to you too for making it into print.
Jersey,
It is too bad CW didn't run your entire letter. I think that kind of report would really have some folks thinking and re-evaluating the brand sport bike they ride. Stuff like that matters to me. I cannot be all alone in that, can I?
Reg,
You've convinced me to extend the edit post window to 30 hours.
On marathon moto-riding: There's something fulfilling about covering long distance in a relatively short time, something Pony Express-like about it. I enjoy pushing the envelope on most any activity, which is why I don't take up flying aircraft. I agree with you though Reg, if I'm wanting to enjoy the ride, I'm looking at something around 300 miles or less. Traversing the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2000 and again in 2001, I found that 300 miles was a pretty good upper limit and then often I was pulling into camp at twilight.
The most painful marathon ride I've done, the one that most tested my will to keep on going and finish, was the mid-Summer GT race at Oak Hill Raceway a few years back. A mere 30 minute race, covering around 40 miles. I thought I was going to die. At some point I had cramps in every muscle in each leg. Can you say "out of shape"? What a hard lesson that was.
The 920 mile ride in 18 hours from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the long way round to Kilgore Texas was cake in comparison.
But I'm with you; given the choice, I'd usually much prefer more leisurely riding scenarios. That 920 miler was achieved out of pure desperation. What had initially been planned for two legs turned into one as I was so sorely missing my wife and home.
Hey Court,
Ever try one of those Camel-Back canteen/bladder deals for liquid refreshment while riding? They are wonderful in hot weather and most filling stations will let you refill with whatever cold beverage from their soda fountain you like.
Re: "We can't talk about it here"
You have email. 
(Message edited by blake on July 13, 2006) |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 04:38 pm: |
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>>>T'wasn't zackly a heroic effort.
As the proud new owner of an AARP card let me say that it was "as heroic as it needed to be". Frankly, I'm having more fun just DOING this stuff than I'd ever dreamt I would. Winning and leading the pack are long relegated to the "back when" storesi, but the riding contiunes to get more fun!
Got a camel back that goes right in the pocket of the Aerostich. On the really hot days, I start with it pretty well frozen and these days I lace it with 4C's fruit punch powder.
Reginald we MUST ride together again soon before we end up in walkers. I just had the most glorious phone conversation with a fellow who was a law enforcement officer in Erik Buell's 'hood when he was growing up. He's a Buell owner/afficianado and, like us, has done a poor job, God bless him, of growing up.
Fun stuff. . . I hope your article has info on that GPW thingy. Henrik and I are modifying a couple S2's and I'm "gadget curious".
Court |
Curtyd
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 06:41 pm: |
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I've got a few long distance bits under my belt. My perspective is it's the wind coming in at you from all angles that wears you out the most. That's why there are diminishing returns at upping your top speed. It's a geometric rise, it seems in wind force on the body with every 5 mph bump in speed. You still feel that wind from the sides even on the Goldwings it seems. Good thick Aerotitch-type jacket and pants, thick gloves and full face helmets are a must if you are going for multiple days of multiple hours. I cruise in the 70-to 80 range or so and find if it's much higher I just get worn out sooner. It is the stops that slow you down ,which is why I am a solo rider when going cross territory. I can't abide by everyone else's stop frequencies, and I have learned to endure weather over the years, and don't want to worry about the other guy when making time. I'll probably get slower as I get older but still end up with longer days. I agree to really enjoy the the trip 250 to 300 miles is the optimum, time to eat, look around, check out side roads. the key is to have unlimited time to do that, which I assume I NEVER will, but who knows? |
Jon
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 10:01 pm: |
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Reg,
I can't wait to read the article. I am growing fond of the idea of a bike like the Uly, Multi, or the Hyper Motard.
The way I creep up on a purchase is to read till my mind bleeds than preach the correctness of my choice to everyone I meet, sit on the decision for a while longer then pull the trigger in a massive rush of buyer impulse purchase. Never to regret the decision later. |
Mbsween
| | Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 12:48 am: |
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Court,
Your aren't kidding that keeping the stops to a minimum is difficult. Especially as you get to the later stops. My (fill in the body part) hurts...
I was on a mission on the way back from homecoming. It was the "quickest" I've done 800 miles in, and this was with the luxury touring X1!
I do like riding the long days, its my method for improving mental health (what little of it I posses anyways). I really like the rallies where you get in a long day, a couple short days, then another long day. About as much motorcycling as one can on the time budgets I have.
Egan wrote a good one on this topic "Wasted Miles" in Leanings 2
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Blake
| | Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 - 02:32 pm: |
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One of my favorite techniques for making good time when needed: When coming upon congested slower moving traffic, like the double line convoys that NAFTA conceived and birthed upon our highways, if fuel level has dropped below halfway, exit and refill using the credit card at the pump pit-stop method, no potty break; stay on the bike; leave helmet on; I've even got it down to where I can leave my gloves on too. With that short couple minute lag, you can then blast ahead unimpeded until you catch back up to the congestion and sometimes the impassable traffic will have cleared enough so that you can negotiate your way past it. If it is really bad, pull off and eat/relax for a while or seek an alternate route.
I'm an optimization freak. Kinda freaky like that sometimes. Every trip to the grocery store and then the unloading at home involves an exercise in fuzzy logic and efficiency analysis. Henrik knows what I am talking about. God help us.  |
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