| Author | Message | ||
     Revz |
Some may remember we tried this last summer and failed. This summer we made it.. Warning! Long write up to follow! On July 1, 2010, at 2:42 a.m. my son(17) and I set off on a IBA-Lake Huron SS1000. That means one lap around Lake Huron, 1000 miles in 24 hours. I was driving our 1974 BMW R75/6 with my son in the sidecar. My son had the GPS in the sidecar, powered by a 12v, mini battery so that the BMW would not loose power. We left Midland, MI with a start that was uneventful, albeit fairly cold, for a July 1. Our first stop was at Clare, only 30 miles to the west, this was a turn to the North to round Lake Huron in a clockwise direction. The maximum fuel range in the sidecar, loaded for bear with spare tires, tools etc., is about 120 miles. With the small (slower) bike and sidecar, we knew that there would be more stops than doing this with a more modern bike. Our next Michigan stop was uneventful. Soon we were crossing the Mackinaw Bridge as the sun was coming up, just a flat out beautiful day. The stop at St. Ignace, MI was bad because the highway sign says gas at second exit, which routes you back through town to the first exit. Time lost. Quickly through customs in Sault Ste. Marie into Canada and on eastward on Rt 17. Gas stops were a bit worrisome for the smaller range bike, but with a few stops, we managed to make it to Sudbury and make the turn South. Gas, gas, where is the gas? And isn’t it odd that the Northbound lanes of the highway are packed to the gills? But somehow the southbound lane is free and clear? Wonder what’s up with that? We would find out later... We ran into a gas station near Britt, Ontario on fumes. We were carrying a small bottle of fuel, just in case but didn't want to get run out. I thought I’d have to use the spare gas as we were at full range of 120 miles when we arrived near Britt. Then as we turned into the gas station I noticed the turn signals didn’t work, the wiring to sidecar had broken. No extra wire in the sidecar, so went into the trading store and asked if they had wire. Nope no wire. After walking around in the store, found an extension cord, bought it, snipped the ends off stripped it in two and re-wired the lights. Lost time but still on the road. Two more 90 mile stops before Toronto, and the sidecar is increasingly running rougher and rougher. I was slowly learning that a 1974 motorcycle and new Canada gas do not mix. But, on to Toronto, made the turn west on the 401, and needed to stop for gas. Sign said gas this exit. There was no gas this exit, wandered around until eventually finding gas. Now credit card is locked up, called wife to clear it up paid cash and went on. Time lost, and motorcycle really starting to run very poorly, beginning to back fire at low speeds. Made it to close to London, Ontario and gassed up, then headed into the city of London to look for a battery and fuel additive. Guess what, July 1 is Canada day, a National Holiday and everything is closed, except of course Tim Hortons. Wasted a lot of time in London looking for anything open and nothing was open. Back on the road toward Sarnia. Construction stopped traffic, then stop and go, very bad for an airhead, but eventually made it to Sarnia and one last Canadian gas stop. There we were told that we were 5 miles from the bridge to USA and it was a 2 hour line to wait. I asked if we waited at the gas station if the line would be shorter, the answer, “nope it’ll still be two hours, two hours from now.” Strictly by coincidence we met another group of motorcyclists in the same predicament as us. They were considering going down to Detroit to cross through the tunnel, which supposedly had no wait time. At that very moment a person from Sarnia said “I overheard your dilemma, don’t go to Detroit, go to Sombra and take the ferry, since no semi-trucks are allowed the wait time is 20 minutes.” Quickly calculating the detour of 15 miles South to ferry, it made sense so we were off. Just as we were told, the line was very short for the ferry crossing from Sombra, Canada to Marine City, Michigan. We quickly crossed the river for $4.00 dollars cash, into the USA and we were very glad to know that the stores would be open in the US. As we were smiling about getting into Marine City, MI, I realized we hadn’t gotten a ferry receipt. So we went into a candy store and bought a pack of gum, got a receipt and went on. Also got gas nearby for additional back-up. Even though we didn’t wait 2 hours to cross we still lost another big hunk of time. As soon as we started getting US gas the motorcycle started running better and better, but now time was a factor. We knew that we could still get the trip in, in 24 hours, but it was going to be close. So from Marine City, West to Lansing, turned north toward Mount Pleasant, arriving there at 12:53 a.m. on July 2nd. Looking good, only about 30 to 45 minutes to home and 2 hours to do it. Had to pay by cash, asked for receipt, he printed one out and handed it to me. Big mistake though was tired and didn’t check it closely. Receipt printed out was wrong date, wrong time, wrong gallons, oh no.... Arrived at close of Lake Huron loop near home at 1:24 a.m., odometer showing 1096 miles, GPS showing 1087 miles. We did it, nearly 23 hours, but we did it. But rookie Iron Butt mistakes and challenges loom over the ride. 1) Didn’t plan very well with regard to Canadian gas and old motorcycle. 2) Didn't call Visa and advise of purchases from Canada, 3)Didn’t plan well with regard to Canada Day Holiday, much lost time. 4) Though we didn’t need it, should have taken more spare fuel, gas just too far apart for old bike, scary. 5) No ferry ticket, stupid mistake, but picked up other documentation. 6) Bad receipt on big last turn, let down my guard from being tired. Although I did call the attendant at the station, he remembered the old bike with sidecar and said he would be willing to be a witness. He also said the manager may be able to print a log from that night showing gas purchases, we’ll see. Somewhere around 1087 miles by GPS, and 22:42 hours later, including much backtracking and lost time, we made it. We’ll submit the paperwork and see how it’s scored. Even if we lose our second to last stop, we are over 1000, but too close, we’ll cross our fingers and wait. Certainly, no matter what, this was a great trip to remember for a lifetime for a father and his son. Learned a lot, saw a lot, and certainly gained a lot of respect for everyone who wears the Iron Butt badge. I hope that we made it too.... _________________________ Larry, aka REVz '97 Buell S3T '74 R75/6, w/sidecar Gone but not forgotten... 96 R1100RT 95 R1100RSL 95 Honda Shadow 82 Honda Nighthawk | ||
| R100rs |
hats off to ya,i have done it several times on a '84 last edition r100rs,couple of times on a '00 r1100rt,damn near done it(850 in 24)on the 1125r.wasn't even trying any time i have done it,on the beemers was helped by tank capacity,throttle locks,comfy seat.1125r not so much  | ||
| R100rs |
do not want to give impression that any of these are I.B.A. certfied.never bothered,never set out to do it on any the rides,get on the bike don't want to get off  | ||
| Whatever |
Did you get any rain? I got rain forecast for Thunder Bay on the Superior Loop for Saturday night and opted for the Yoop Loop which I will post on here...  | ||
| Flynuly |
Outstanding ride..  ..I couldn't even imagine doing a SS1K with the hack. Would have to have arms like Popeye the sailor man. She tracks like an old truck w/o power steering and worn out ball joints. How old is your son? Can he apply to become an IBA member as a passenger? (all my certified rides have been solo) A great father/son memory that will only get better time. | ||
| Revz |
Sorry for the late post. Just received our notification yesterday that the ride was certified and approved. And yes, my son (17) was certified for the ride too. In fact his number is one lower than mine. But, he said, "technically my feet crossed the line before you." We did not hit any rain, but even on July 1&2 it was cold in the morning. (Message edited by revz on August 06, 2010) (Message edited by revz on August 06, 2010) | ||
| Iamike |
Revz- That's pretty cool, your son should remember that for a long time. The one time I tried an Iron Butt we got caught in severe thunder storms and quit halfway. Did it on the way back but didn't get any documentation. I could have done it coming back from Buelltoberfast last year but I was at 950mi. in 18hrs. but didn't feel like going 50 more to finish it. Do you have any more trips planned? | ||
| Revz |
Yes, more trips planned. Because we are in Midland,MI we are in a great place for take-off's to the IBA Great Lakes rides. I would like to get each of the four Great Lakes rides (Erie and Ontario are combined into one ride because of distance) Then try for all 5 in one trip in the Great Lakes 100. As I see my son eat, stay skinny, and grow taller I think the sidecar will be less of an option. Plus the Canadian fuel in the old sidecar problem I still don't have figured out |
