I didn't do the Iron Butt ride, although I found out there are some pre-requisites. And the Iron Butt is on a lottery basis. Not everyone that applies can ride. So I figured I would complete as many pre-requistes as possible.
First, is the Saddlesore. It's 1,000 miles in 24 hours. Someone I just met did this awhile back and eventually would also want to do the Iron Butt. She was suppose to go with me - but schedules change. One other person showed interest too but again bad scheduling. So I went by myself. Seems like all my long rides are solo. It's kinda nice too - gives me time to think, get away from civilization, more time to think, eat junk food, oh did I mention more time to think? Yeah, I do miss my alone time and just being able to hear silence - but in this case, all I heard was the rumbling of my bike as I was riding the interstate, oh yeah and my iPod.
But since moving to LA, there is constant noise - I guess that's the part of the seasonal trail I miss the most... listening to the quiet and nature - seeing the animals, mountains, beaches, etc. Maybe I'm just turning into the country rustic the parents raised me to be.
Anyway, the Saddlesore is all documented. To qualify, you actually need witnesses to verify the date, time and mileage on start and end. So I left yesterday morning at 425AM. Behind schedule but still was able to beat the morning traffic and I plotted out my way going East. My turn around point was in Winslow, Arizona. I decided I wanted to ride 500 miles and out and return. I could have returned more soon but wanted to be sure to get the 1,000 miles so I went an extra 70 miles just in case some parts did not count - everyone's mileage counter is not quite accurate and I didn't want to go all that way to find out I was short a couple miles. I had estimated a return time of midnight although I had until 425AM... and actually got back a few minutes before 11PM. Yup! Definately good timing... 18 1/2 hours of riding.
This is me at my turn around point in Winslow, Arizona. I wanted to keep track of my mileage so I took a picture and it looked kinda cool with the reflection. Riding long distances I like to wear my full-face helmet. Keeps the elements out. It also keeps people minding their own business. By this I mean, when I wear my 1/2 helmet around town people point, stare, honk or whatever else you can imagine when they see there's a girl riding a motorcycle. It also draws more attention at the gas stations... strange men come up to me as I'm refilling my gas tank and start talking. Kids and mothers come up (I guess women are less intimidating on a bike) and they ask if their kid can sit on my bike or have their picture taken on my bike, go for a ride, etc. I have no idea why either - there are plenty of women motorcyclists around. Women riders are actually a growing industry. Anyhow, I'm not a carnival ride as I often say to even some friends... I know quite the jerk, right? So a full-faced helmet is a bit more discreet and I think, more safe when riding solo.But back to my story... I really think back support is the trick. I took a luggage bag and just leaned up on it the entire trip. Of course it was full of snacks and water - I knew going through the desert would be quite warm and the mountains maybe alittle cool. But those mountains were downright cold! And the desert was very hot. I couldn't tell whether I should strip or layer because I had to pass through a couple mountain ranges and a desert. And I can't leave out the rain...
I was so excited about this trip that I wasn't able to sleep. If anything I got about 3 hours in so I was alittle worried that I would have to cancel this trip and try again at a later time. But I layered up pretty good and was quite warm. The cool morning air felt quite nice. Then as the sun rose, it got warm and I'd get alittle sleepy and it would rain. Then I'd wake up from the pelting - it kinda hurts going 80mph then the rain would stop. Then I'd dry off and warm up and get sleepy again. And it would rain again. That happened for almost 250 miles. Then the mountains came and the rain wouldn't stop. It was a good thing I remembered to wax my windshield! I always forget and when it rains the water just sticks to the windshield and I can't see - no windshield wipers. But with the wax, the rain just falls right off. It was awesome!
Flagstaff was a really nice area with mountains and trees. I almost regretted having to keep going. Then there was the dust storm. Luckily, my turnaround point came soon and I only had to ride 100 miles in the dust. Couple of cars were on the side of the road. I guess there was too much dust in the air the the vehicles couldn't run properly. But at least there were lots of police out helping everyone. The sad part is that the rain and dust mixed and clogged up my air horn... yup, and I don't know how to clean it. Luckily, I didn't have to use it on anyone but I really wanted to push the horn button. When I did, no sound came out.
Then on the return trip, there was lightning. Nothing to be scared of though. All in all - the elements were not a bother since I've ridden through way worse on other rides. I think the most difficult part was trying to stay awake. I was so tired. I pulled over a couple times for a quick nap but there was no way I was going to not finish this ride - especially after going 600 miles. After the turn around point, I was in the homestretch and there's no turning back after that. No way!
So this is a record for me... I've never gone 1,000 miles in one day. I've ridden 12 hours in a day and I've ridden 700 miles in one day but this is quite the new record. Oh yeah, once I finish this paperwork I'll be getting a certificate, pin and patch. So... when is the next one? Oh! But there's another ride called the Bunburner. 1,500 miles in 36 hours. That will probably be alittle too easy because people do the Saddlesore and Bunburner at the same time. After their 1,000 they get a hotel room for sleep and finish out the remaining 500 miles the next day. Easy... but maybe that will be next.
Reading people's reviews, I seem to be average. Most people complete the Saddlesore in 18 hours. Hmmm. There's a Saddlesore California ride... going 1,000 miles in 24 hours only in the state of California. Maybe that will be next. Who knows. But I'm up for another ride. Anyone want to come with?
The bummer part is a friend of mine whom I haven't seen in 3 years came to visit me at Bangkok Samurai. She didn't know I'm no longer with them. I met her on my trip to Antarctica and have been trying to meet up with her since but bad scheduling hasn't made it possible. Huge bummer.
