[Dave B. K16B]

Hey Beemer friends!
I hav ebeen riding for 45 years with a 15 year break, started back up 15 years ago. Experienced in the saddle. I do have a question for anyone who has done a saddle sore 1 k..
Did you go straight through? maybe a 20 minute break every 2 hours? or did you do 8 on, 8 off and 8 to the finish?
Thnaks in advance for your help!!

Dave

 

[Arizona Jim]

I and most others do a straight through ride for the SS1000. Of course taking breaks, if you need them, is advisable. Have you looked at the IBA web site for tips? www.ironbutt.org

What is the longest distance you've ridden in one day before?

If your route is via mostly interstate highways you should be able to complete it in 16-18 hours easily. You won't have to speed to accomplish this ride. In fact by speeding your fuel mileage will be affected negatively and you'll loose that time by stopping for gas more often. Our bikes have, at least, a 250 mile range between gas stops so only 3 are needed. Depending on your route a 4th stop may be needed do to distance between stations. Minimal stop time is something to be aware of as a plus.

Carry drinking water and power bars or snacks to ingest while riding.

I'm sure our resident Iron Butt expert, Meese, will chime in with more words of wisdom.

 

[MotoToph]

Hey Beemer friends!
I hav ebeen riding for 45 years with a 15 year break, started back up 15 years ago. Experienced in the saddle. I do have a question for anyone who has done a saddle sore 1 k..
Did you go straight through? maybe a 20 minute break every 2 hours? or did you do 8 on, 8 off and 8 to the finish?
Thnaks in advance for your help!!

Dave

As Jim said breaks are advisable! If you have never done rides with multiple gas stops ranging 300, 400, 500 miles, or more you should. This will give you your answer on how you feel with distances and the type of breaks you need. Everyone is different. I always separate gas stops from restroom stops. I always bring my own food with me to cut down time. Especially, since my gallbladder was removed! Don't need to get into those issues I like to make light sandwiches and cut into small bits and eat the bite sized pieces while riding while riding. As well as snacks with protein. I bring my own water and drink via a water bladder in the tank bag. In warm months, I mix electrolytes into the water. Hydration is key. The Navy screwed up my circadian rhythm so sleep is pretty much a non issue for me. I do the ss1000 straight through. Some sleep 4 hours. I leave in the middle of the night to get home for a late dinner.

did you do 8 on, 8 off and 8 to the finish?

8 on 8 off? that and 6 on 6 off is very familiar to me! were you in the navy?

Others will chime in with a lot more experiance!

IBA Tips
A hydration option

 

[Dave B. K16B]

I and most others do a straight through ride for the SS1000. Of course taking breaks, if you need them, is advisable. Have you looked at the IBA web site for tips? www.ironbutt.org

What is the longest distance you've ridden in one day before?

If your route is via mostly interstate highways you should be able to complete it in 16-18 hours easily. You won't have to speed to accomplish this ride. In fact by speeding your fuel mileage will be affected negatively and you'll loose that time by stopping for gas more often. Our bikes have, at least, a 250 mile range between gas stops so only 3 are needed. Depending on your route a 4th stop may be needed do to distance between stations. Minimal stop time is something to be aware of as a plus.

Carry drinking water and power bars or snacks to ingest while riding.

I'm sure our resident Iron Butt expert, Meese, will chime in with more words of wisdom.

I have ridden 450 miles with passenger already... inclement weather...I have absolutely no doubt I could easily do more! I did Rt. 66 sol 5 years ago, with some looong stretches...did 66 in about 14 days.
I will be doing almost exclusively highways..heading west, and r/t my ss1k

 

[Dave B. K16B]

As Jim said breaks are advisable! If you have never done rides with multiple gas stops ranging 300, 400, 500 miles, or more you should. This will give you your answer on how you feel with distances and the type of breaks you need. Everyone is different. I always separate gas stops from restroom stops. I always bring my own food with me to cut down time. Especially, since my gallbladder was removed! Don't need to get into those issues I like to make light sandwiches and cut into small bits and eat the bite sized pieces while riding while riding. As well as snacks with protein. I bring my own water and drink via a water bladder in the tank bag. In warm months, I mix electrolytes into the water. Hydration is key. The Navy screwed up my circadian rhythm so sleep is pretty much a non issue for me. I do the ss1000 straight through. Some sleep 4 hours. I leave in the middle of the night to get home for a late dinner.

8 on 8 off? that and 6 on 6 off is very familiar to me! were you in the navy?

Others will chime in with a lot more experiance!

IBA Tips
A hydration option

Not navy...but an RN...used to loong shifts... Everyone has been helpful...I like the sandwich Idea...I also read where someone did a 2o minute break every 2 hours...and exercised (Jumping Jacks) on his break..I think maybe 20 minutes and a fuel stop every 3-4 hrs would be best... maybe hit a 3 hour nap if needed.
Thanks so far the advice has been stellar!

 

[J-Luv]

You can do it! On my LD rides I only stop for fuel, for the most part. That’s about every 3 hours. I plan my stops, down to the station. I figure 200-220 miles per tank when rolling 75-80 (posted limit plus 10). I too bring a cooler with snacks and beverages. The advice above to read the iron butt tips is a solid. And Google around for other riders’ experiences. The Iron Butt Forum is also a strong source.
My advice, plan the ride and ride the plan.
HOWEVER, be prepared that it could become habit forming. I find I need to be planning a ride, have a ride planned, be preparing for a ride, on a ride, enjoying having completed a ride, or dreaming of a ride or three that I may want to start planning or at least considering what it would take. I don’t know why this is. But I’m going with it right now.

 

[Robert_W]

I've twice in my life done 1000 or more in one days ride no stopping except for fuel, piss, and choke and puke. One was 1250 miles. Hard to do and dangerous if you're not used to long long days in the saddle.

NEVER again.

Today 4 or 500 is more than plenty in one day. If that. Take my time. See the scenery. Not hate myself and wanna stop the next day.

 

[nigelhobbes]

I've only done one, and my stops were for fuel, a meal and nap in a cheap motel. I was able to do this in about 21 hours.

 

[heymattman]

I've done several SS1K rides, most of them are straight through, but I have stopped for a few hours of sleep a couple times. For example -

I just got back from the IBA Jacksonville party. On the way down there, I left after work at 5pm and rode from Tulsa to Tupelo MS, just over 7 hours. Stopped and slept for about 6 hours then hit the road about 7am and finished out the other half of the ride. Roughly 17 hours total ride time with a 6 hour break so 23 total. I've done this twice on the way to Jax.

The other rides have typically been a 6 or 7am start and ride until it's done. I'd say a 17-18 hour day is fairly typical for me. But I do take my time at the gas station and spend 10 or so minutes off the bike each time.

Best advice I can give is stop and get off if you get sleepy. Sitting in the saddle at 80mph is a lousy time to get heavy eyelids.

 

[revitupcycles]

straight through. if you need to stop stop. i usually eat a nice late lunch and try to relax and enjoy for a few minutes. A extra 5 minutes at a gas station just walking and stretching helps. I agree eating small snacks on road helps. if your a talker good comunication and calls may help.

 

[Dave B. K16B]

I've done several SS1K rides, most of them are straight through, but I have stopped for a few hours of sleep a couple times. For example -

I just got back from the IBA Jacksonville party. On the way down there, I left after work at 5pm and rode from Tulsa to Tupelo MS, just over 7 hours. Stopped and slept for about 6 hours then hit the road about 7am and finished out the other half of the ride. Roughly 17 hours total ride time with a 6 hour break so 23 total. I've done this twice on the way to Jax.

The other rides have typically been a 6 or 7am start and ride until it's done. I'd say a 17-18 hour day is fairly typical for me. But I do take my time at the gas station and spend 10 or so minutes off the bike each time.

Best advice I can give is stop and get off if you get sleepy. Sitting in the saddle at 80mph is a lousy time to get heavy eyelids.

Thank You!

 

[Meese]

I'm sure our resident Iron Butt expert, Meese, will chime in with more words of wisdom.

Yeah, I've done a few SaddleSore (100+) and BunBurner (50+) rides...

Start here:

How to safely and successfully ride 1,000 miles in 24 hours or less

And remember, it's not supposed to be easy, but it is supposed to be fun! If you get tired and find yourself less focused, then stop and stretch, or sleep if needed. And if you really need to stop, then stop, regardless of what the clock or odometer says. Better to stay safe and try again later with what you learned on that ride.

 

[jorgebri60]

Hey Beemer friends!
I hav ebeen riding for 45 years with a 15 year break, started back up 15 years ago. Experienced in the saddle. I do have a question for anyone who has done a saddle sore 1 k..
Did you go straight through? maybe a 20 minute break every 2 hours? or did you do 8 on, 8 off and 8 to the finish?
Thnaks in advance for your help!!

Dave

I did one back in 2019 on a C650GT Scooter . Not impossible. The breaks are your fuel stops. Leave really early in the morning 5-6 am and sometime around midnight you should be getting to your destination. Because of what I did my saddle sore on (the scooter) my fuel stops were no more that 150 miles MAX!. The longest stops were for breakfast, fuel/lunch, and fuel/dinner and they were all at fast food places so no more than 20 minutes. All my other breaks were for gas and a bottle of water or coke or as the night came, coffee. Good luck.

 

[XPLSV]

As others have said, put your safety first...you can adjust things as needed for another day. I did about 665 miles on my HD Softail Deuce several years ago and when I got home, I swore up and down that was the max I could do on that bike. I've never felt the inclination to try and do an SS1000 on it. I had a Goldwing with a stock seat...around 800 miles, I'd get very uncomfortable in the saddle and be twitching around for the rest of the ride. That was kind of what was the final push towards the GTL and what I have done with it. 1500 miles on that Russell Day Long seat is more comfortable than 800 miles on the Goldwing. This is, of course, for me...you have to figure out what works best for you. I took the Wife along on one...had a lot of concern with her dozing off behind me...thought crossed my mind to belt her in as I constantly would shake her leg and such

 

[XPLSV]

You can do it! On my LD rides I only stop for fuel, for the most part. That’s about every 3 hours. I plan my stops, down to the station. I figure 200-220 miles per tank when rolling 75-80 (posted limit plus 10). I too bring a cooler with snacks and beverages. The advice above to read the iron butt tips is a solid. And Google around for other riders’ experiences. The Iron Butt Forum is also a strong source...

I drink/eat mostly from my cooler (in conjunction with a gas stop) rather than try and buy something at a gas station or other stop...the time really adds up if you are pushing a BB1500 Gold and encounter any type of traffic backup. Three hours is kind of pushing it for my bladder...so that may be the determining factor more than the gas needle for me But if I stop for gas, I'll hit the bathroom. Occasional road side pull-off on occasion. There are some remote stretches out in the West where there might not be too many open gas stations in the middle of the night, so that is something to also keep in mind. Also be wary of the cold in the cooler months and getting dehydrated in the hot months!

 

[Booger Man]

I have done a couple of three SS1000 but it’s been a few years since I had done one . Last May on a Thursday night I wanted to see if the old guy could still one. Left at 5:30 the next morning and was home at 10:30 in the evening . 1013 miles. It wasn’t a certified IBA run. I don’t need someone to tell me how far I rode in a day. Stopped for gas & pee when needed and my packed lunch and dinner.

 

[wellcraft]

Hey Beemer friends!
I hav ebeen riding for 45 years with a 15 year break, started back up 15 years ago. Experienced in the saddle. I do have a question for anyone who has done a saddle sore 1 k..
Did you go straight through? maybe a 20 minute break every 2 hours? or did you do 8 on, 8 off and 8 to the finish?
Thnaks in advance for your help!!

Dave

Buy a comfortable aftermarket seat if you haven't already done so

 

[JohnS1955]

I have done a couple of three SS1000 but it’s been a few years since I had done one . Last May on a Thursday night I wanted to see if the old guy could still one. Left at 5:30 the next morning and was home at 10:30 in the evening . 1013 miles. It wasn’t a certified IBA run. I don’t need someone to tell me how far I rode in a day. Stopped for gas & pee when needed and my packed lunch and dinner.

Nice run. It’s an accomplishment under any circumstances. 👍

But I will say doing it officially and earning that IBA license plate holder is an eye catcher. I was at my dealer for service last week and a GS guy came in behind me. His first words to me were questions about the riding needed to get one. He wasn’t sure if he’d attempt it on his GS, but it was a good conversation.

Where I really have fun with it is at motorcycle hangout spots like the Rock Store. I get lot of attention from the HD/Indian guys in the costumes who do a lot of grunting and otherwise show indignation when they read “Toughest Riders” on the frame. They might ask what it means, and then space out at the notion of 1000 miles in a day. 😬

It’s OK to let the world know you’ve done it. Take pride in the accomplishment.

 

[AZK1600GTL]

I have done a couple of three SS1000 but it’s been a few years since I had done one . Last May on a Thursday night I wanted to see if the old guy could still one. Left at 5:30 the next morning and was home at 10:30 in the evening . 1013 miles. It wasn’t a certified IBA run. I don’t need someone to tell me how far I rode in a day. Stopped for gas & pee when needed and my packed lunch and dinner.

A license plate to affirm you're a tough rider? hmm Ok...I like how you do it boogerMan....ride to ride...

 

[Booger Man]

Nice run. It’s an accomplishment under any circumstances. 👍

But I will say doing it officially and earning that IBA license plate holder is an eye catcher. I was at my dealer for service last week and a GS guy came in behind me. His first words to me were questions about the riding needed to get one. He wasn’t sure if he’d attempt it on his GS, but it was a good conversation.

Where I really have fun with it is at motorcycle hangout spots like the Rock Store. I get lot of attention from the HD/Indian guys in the costumes who do a lot of grunting and otherwise show indignation when they read “Toughest Riders” on the frame. They might ask what it means, and then space out at the notion of 1000 miles in a day. 😬

It’s OK to let the world know you’ve done it. Take pride in the accomplishment.

l have my Certified IBA ride & license thingy from years ago. Just can’t see paying IBA what ever they are charging now to tell me what I already know. I do “take pride” in the accomplishment. Had a friend who was a big into IBA who rode in two of the big rallies. He did 7 back to back to back etc 1500 miles days in a row. Now think about an accomplishment……….