seeking advice/comment for a 1000mi in 24 hr ride next month

2219 Views 56 Replies 34 Participants Last post by Charlie Chaplain, 4 d ago

OracleDba

Discussion Starter · 23 d ago

My local ohio IMRG is doing a 1000 mi in 24 hr ride June 10th we are meeting 4am and once assembled - away we go.

I think they did this last year too but I didn't attend.
I have no experience with a ride of this duration. I have already "signed up" 15 of us so far.
I will attend but no idea what to expect hence seeking input...

I am seeking advice/comment with 3 questions:
a) in the 30 day's between now and then what (if anything) should I do to prepare for ride.
b) what, if anything should I do in the 24-48 hrs before 4am June 10th
c) general advice.

Additional background:
I am not worried about my overall skill level, I ride almost daily, doing ~11K a year.
I ride at night often, ride in rain often enough, and parking lot practice almost every ride.
Though I confess most days describing what I do as parking lot practice is being generous.
There's a lot at corner of street and I whip in, and do a few fig 8's trying to hit 18' loops but getting 19' loops.
followed by at least one attempt of being at 20 mph with covered brake and trying to stop in 15' but getting 17'
with these two things done I decree myself done and proceed with the day.
I normally rise at 7.
'
I routinely carry:
a toolkit sufficient to jump batteries, inflate tires, and fix minor issues solvable with MC hand tools.
a first aid kit with stuff I have seen others need over the years: OTC pillls/bandaids/bandages/bug-bite/creams/anti-itch/ace bandages/two tourniquets.
3 bottles of water
I have a pouch with hard candy, BP Rx
I ride with ear protection
MC phone holder charges by magnetic induction when phone is cradled.
Mechanically bike in great shape and will be due for oil change end of May.

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crookedpinky96

· #2 · 23 d ago

I've done the saddlesore 1000 a couple times and a quite a few 800plus mile days.
Looks like you have everything covered.
All I would add is get plenty of sleep before and after the ride. You're gonna need it.
Also, make sure your seat is comfy for you, lay off the caffeine and you'll be golden. Relax and enjoy.

Also, spend some time on your playlist. Makes the ride more enjoyable.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

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Cameroni79

· #3 · 23 d ago

You’re way more prepared than I was. So here’s the tricks I learned after my first one. Take ibuprofen with you. You’ll know when you need it. Buy an air hawk seat and practice with it before you ride out. Do not leave it on. Put it on after the first stop, then take it off after the next. Keep swapping between the air hawk and your saddle. You’ll be fine.

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OracleDba

Discussion Starter · #4 · 23 d ago

@Cameroni79 Air Hawk. do you completely remove each stop or just let air out?
also which model to get and/or (what bike do you ride and what Air Hawk do you have?)
I have a Chieftain with an Indian "extended-reach" seat which is like standard OEM seat but 1" taller and 1" further back than standard OEM seat.
is this what you have? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013RGDGQ8

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Charlie Chaplain

· #5 · 23 d ago

Sounds like you are ready! My suggestion is to purchase a hydration backpack, one with a hose that clips on your jacket or vest. You can fill it with water and ice, and refill it when you are stopping for gas. Remember to blow through the hose when done drinking, or before you drink, to get rid of the Warm water left in there, lol.
Charlie

Reactions: 3

Cameroni79

· #6 · 23 d ago

OracleDba said:
@Cameroni79 Air Hawk. do you completely remove each stop or just let air out?
also which model to get and/or (what bike do you ride and what Air Hawk do you have?)
I have a Chieftain with an Indian "extended-reach" seat which is like standard OEM seat but 1" taller and 1" further back than standard OEM seat.
is this what you have? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013RGDGQ8

Yep! Cruiser large is the one. Here’s the trick, fill it with just enough air so that your sitz bones make contact with the saddle, but your rump kinda floats on the air hawk. It’s super easy on/off so no big deal there. You don’t even need to connect the pad. It’ll raise you up just a bit, but you probably won’t notice it after a few minutes.

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Joegopher

· #7 · 23 d ago

If your seat is comfortable, meaning you have done a 3-500 mile day previously without any issues, I wouldn't mess with the Airhawk - it changes your seating position and could actually create problems. If you are a caffeine drinker in the AM, stick with that routine. If you feel yourself getting a little tired, supplement with an energy drink of your choice, but I would not recommend doing that until you REALLY need it, and if you crash hard from those things, stay away.

Carry mints and are accessible and pop one when you need a jolt. I prefer altoids, but some I know like really sour stuff, etc. Don't eat large quantities of food during the day - think snacks. I usually eat protein bars, or beef sticks/jerky and cheese - keep it simple.

Last, continually changing your seating position and where you put your feet will help you manage "hot spots.".

Good luck and have fun with it!

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Tundra_Man

· #8 · 23 d ago

I did a Saddlesore 1000 back in 2007. I remember things getting really dark (mentally, not visually) between 500 and 700 miles. Every part of my body felt like it hurt. I would ride for an hour (so it seemed) and look down at my odometer and realize I'd only gone about 5 miles.

I felt completely spent, so I stopped for a supper break with 300 miles to go. As I ate I was staring at a hotel across the street. I came really close to bagging the attempt and getting a room.

I finally decided that there were plenty more hotels down the road, and I would keep pushing a little further before I made a final decision on bailing out. Once I got back on the bike and was out on the highway, I found the darkness had lifted. I easily finished the remaining 300 miles, and when I arrived home I actually felt like I could have kept going.

I'd say prepare for that possibility, and trust that you'll get through it.

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TigerGA

· #9 · 23 d ago

I’ve had an Airhawk since 2003 and use it on every trip. Makes a world of difference to me in comfort - no tailbone problems, hotspots, etc.

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Cameroni79

· #10 · 23 d ago

TigerGA said:
I’ve had an Airhawk since 2003 and use it on every trip. Makes a world of difference to me in comfort - no tailbone problems, hotspots, etc.

This is the way. Please ignore anyone that says don’t get an air hawk. The most comfortable saddle in the world will hit you wrong somewhere at sometime. Air hawk will fix that.

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SeguinBenn

· #11 · 23 d ago

I've maxed out at about 750 miles in a single day, probably spent 12 total hours in the saddle, and another 3 carved up between gas stops and stretch stops. I have an Air Hawk which came in handy, but my biggest complaint was that sore hot spot in the middle of my forehead from the helmet. A VERY large and varied playlist helps melt the minutes and miles, and of course snacks and water. After that day, most of which was spent in fairly hot weather, I just plopped onto the bed in my room and didn't move again for nearly 9 hours. It was glorious.

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DanJ

· #12 · 23 d ago

SeguinBenn said:
I've maxed out at about 750 miles in a single day, probably spent 12 total hours in the saddle, and another 3 carved up between gas stops and stretch stops. I have an Air Hawk which came in handy, but my biggest complaint was that sore hot spot in the middle of my forehead from the helmet. A VERY large and varied playlist helps melt the minutes and miles, and of course snacks and water. After that day, most of which was spent in fairly hot weather, I just plopped onto the bed in my room and didn't move again for nearly 9 hours. It was glorious.

I used to get the sore spot in the forehead from my helmet also, many times I wanted to take it off and throw it in the ditch next to the road...then an old guy who sold helmets told me; remove the helmet liner(removable foam padding) and get down to the Styrofoam; use the back of a spoon to gently compress the area that contacts your forehead and reassemble. It's worked great for the last few years, I redo it every spring.

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1951vbs

· #13 · 23 d ago

I have done several 1000 mile day rides but always solo. I would be concerned about doing it in a large group depending on what strategy they are planning on following. For me, it is easier to ride my own ride, stop when I want, for what I want. For some, it might be easier to stay motivated if you are part of a group. I will be interested to get your after ride report.

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Twist it

· #14 · 23 d ago

So if you average 65 MPH you will be actually riding over 15 and 1/2 hours and when you add in gas, food and bathroom stops it will be a long day. Get a good night sleep the night before you leave. I would build my body up to doing at least 6 to 8 hour days in the saddle. Your arms, neck, core body muscles and I'm sure many other muscles should be used to the stress they will endure. I like to take off the fairing/windshield when I'm building up for a long ride. Let your body be used to being beat up by the wind then on the real 1000 mile ride put the windshield back on and have the luxury of the wind being blocked. Go to the Iron Butt Association website they have tips to help you complete the ride. Good luck, be safe and enjoy.

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Rusty Arse

· #15 · 23 d ago (Edited)

Have fun ! My Iron Butt experiences have always been solo, no group things. My advice is pace yourself, ride cautiously with a group of unknowns. Depending on the road, weather conditions It will take me roughly 14-16 hours to ride 1000 miles. I’m 70yo left western Wyoming last summer @ 5 AM mt. Arrived in Kansas City, Mo 1030 PM central 1020 miles later. Stock seat on my Challenger, 6 or 7 gas stops, 90ish out, 70-80 mph interstate all the way. Now if you really want to test your metal stretch it out to 1500 miles in 24 hours lol.

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HINK

· #16 · 23 d ago

- I leave my Airhawk on. No need to swap it on / off IMHO. KISS. If you’ve got yours properly adjusted there’s no need to change it. Mine stays on all season ~~ day rides, 800 mi days, etc.

- 5-hour energy works like magic but save it for the last five hours. Try it on a day ride ~~ some people get stomach problems. Take a bottle of water and a snack with it.

- make sure you have a set of dedicated low-light lenses. I have a yellow tone Wiley-X (range glasses) and a clear set of Smiths. Both have superb visual clarity. Again, try whatever you get before the ride. The Smiths are better for rain and urban environs, and the Wileys are better for open road.

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Mr. P

· #17 · 23 d ago

Air Hawk, two sets of gloves, water, a flat repair kit and some sour lemon candies I got in Georgetown helped me make it. Had to buy a sweater in FairPlay cause the temps at 10K ft. dropped so fast I would have died from hypothermia. Did it on the forth of July weekend. Started and ended in the dark. P.

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Wyld_Stallyn

· #18 · 23 d ago

I did a 1500 mile in 24hr ride, and 3000 miles in 72hrs and i dont remember preparing that much. I tried to get some good sleep, but that wasnt working out, so at about 2am i just hit the road.
Dont eat any heavy meals, that can make you lethargic. Everyone will emphasize water, lots of water. But you know how much water you need, its only 24 hrs. I drank more Mountain Dew and Monster energy drinks on my trip than i did water, probably 3:1. Drinking too much of anything will make you need to pee more, so factor that in.

The biggest thing i tell people is make sure you have a comfortable seat (or pad of some sort), a backrest, hiway pegs (having another position to put your legs in will make a huge difference), and some sort of entertainment (audiobooks, music, podcasts, etc.). The rest you can figure out as you go.

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Joegopher

· #19 · 23 d ago

Cameroni79 said:
This is the way. Please ignore anyone that says don’t get an air hawk. The most comfortable saddle in the world will hit you wrong somewhere at sometime. Air hawk will fix that.

I'll disagree with this. I have done SS on Mustangs and my Russell Day Long. If the seat fits you well you don't need any additional elements for comfort. Of course everyone's mileage will vary.

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SJ12DS

· #20 · 23 d ago

Cannot really add anything that hasn't been said already, other than enjoy the ride and take it all in.

Good luck.

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