Long distance training

[skipcurt]

You're my hero hahaha. Did you do all your big buy rides on the ST? DO you use a Modular helmet? I've been back and forth on if I want one or not. When I try them on they "feel" weird. The construction of the front is different than a static bucket. I'm sure I would adjust to it. I just wonder if the benefits are really there.

Yep. All on my current ST1300. I used to absolutely swear by my old Arai (don't remember what model) and never thought I'd switch brand or style until the modular came out and starting seeing them at STOC events. For what I need the functionality is key. Open it up for getting gas, going inside a convenience store, ATM, eating while riding, drinking while riding, adjusting my glasses, cooling off, talking to someone, putting on lip balm...it's practically endless. I went to my local BMW dealer and Cycle Gear and tried on practically every brand out there and the Neotec simply felt and fit the best. I'll start that process over again probably next year but I'm not thrilled about the Sena add-on that Shoei has included or the price.

As far as Padden goes. I'm no Olympic athlete and never will claim to be. Just stating how I got there just like you asked minus the sarcasm. Good luck extending your miles and stay away from the honey buns.

Skip

 

[TPadden]

Just stating how I got there just like you asked minus the sarcasm.

Skip

“Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence.”

― Oscar Wilde (but he may have been demonstrating sarcasm)

I apologize for the sarcasm; but to be honest I have done many thousand mile days, and 2 /750 mile days in the past week on ibuprofen, honey buns, and Monster (purchased at Loves and Pilot).

Tom

 

[Shawn K]

I've always found the "preparation" thing a little bit humorous in a certain regard. I did my second SS1000 on my old Gold Wing this last March, and my "preparation" consisted of getting about 5 hours sleep the night before, getting up at about 3:00 am, putting on layers of warm clothing, and just doing it.

When it got warmer, I took layers off.
When it got colder, I put layers on.
When I stopped for gas, I ate a small amount of something (protein, not sugar), drank some water, and used the bathroom.
The rest of the time, I kept my butt in the seat and kept rolling.

It's only a day. It's not like you're setting off to do a triathlon. You don't need to be in some sort of prime physical condition to do a single day's worth of sedentary activity.

If you just can't make it, then find a nice hotel, stop, sleep, and go home the next day. It's not the end of the world.

If I were trying something like a CC100 or got an invite to the Iron Butt Rally, I'd approach it differently. But for a single-day SS1000 or BB1500/1500 Gold, I'd take a cue from Frank Zappa and just "shut up and ride my motorcycle".

Come spring of 2020, I'll probably take a crack at a BB1500 Gold. If I do, it'll probably be a situation where I look at the forecast for the next day, decide "Yep, that looks like a good day", go to bed a little early, and just do it. But what do I know?

 

[Epyon]

Im doing a Triathlon tomorrow . Hahaha. Ok so I just need to sit my ass down and ride. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t as you go. seems to be the general consensus. So is winter over yet, oh it’s hardly started .

 

[Shawn K]

Im doing a Triathlon tomorrow . Hahaha. Ok so I just need to sit my ass down and ride. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t as you go. seems to be the general consensus.

Pretty much, yeah. From my seat in the bleacher, it's the difference between those who do, and those who read about doing.

Everything I've ever learned about great accomplishments in life boils down to one thing - they're always accomplished by the people who refused to be defeated, not by those who were in some sort of perceived "superior" condition.

 

[TPadden]

Pretty much, yeah. From my seat in the bleacher, it's the difference between those who do, and those who read about doing.

Riding motorcycles long distances is a TERRIBLE bleacher spectator sport (other than the Dakar rally). Frankly the BIG difference is between those who do, and those who choose to compete. I just enjoy riding places that are great distances from where I live, and I'm in no real hurry to get there. The whole competition aspect encroaches on my riding enjoyment. I understand the need of the competitive challenge for other riders.

Tom

 

[T_C]

The whole competition aspect encroaches on my riding enjoyment. I understand the need of the competitive challenge for other riders.

I'm one of the ones that doesn't get the competition thing. Then again, I don't understand the appeal of major league or college sports either.

The long riding I like to do because I like to do it. Some enjoy doing 200 mile days, low and slow. For myself, 800+ miles days, sit and let the mind vegetate. It's the ride I enjoy, maybe the destination. Each to their own, do what you enjoy.

 

[TPadden]

Some enjoy doing 200 mile days, low and slow.

At least 300 by noon ...

Tom

 

[W0QNX]

At least 300 by noon ...

Tom

You getting soft? We used to always do at least 250 before breakfast was even mentioned.

 

[jodog]

Riding motorcycles long distances is a TERRIBLE bleacher spectator sport (other than the Dakar rally). Frankly the BIG difference is between those who do, and those who choose to compete. I just enjoy riding places that are great distances from where I live, and I'm in no real hurry to get there. The whole competition aspect encroaches on my riding enjoyment. I understand the need of the competitive challenge for other riders.

Tom

I think that the IBR, and to some lesser extent certification rides, are perceived as competitive events. This isn't exactly true, altho in the IBR you do generate "points" that determine final standings. However, I could recount to you quite a few examples of Iron Butt riders helping out another rider even if it disadvantaged him in the final standings. For example, I was at a bonus location at the same time as another rider and noticed that he had not fulfilled the requirements to earn that bonus (he wasn't going to get credit) and I pointed this out to him and suggested he read the rally book again. He wound up finishing one place higher than me by less than that bonus. That's what IBR riders do. Others have stopped to help with flat tires, pick up the pieces after a "get off", or any other reason.

The real competition is with yourself. Can I do it, on my bike, on this day? The challenge is always to do something that you maybe didn't know if you could do. Can I ride coast to coast in 50 hours? Can I eat at 4 waffle house type spots over 1000 miles in one day? Jacksonville FL to Key West and back?

Some say that warriors need challenges and modern life doesn't give us that many opportunities to "prove" ourselves, if only to ourselves, in this manner. Heck, you don't even have to submit the paperwork -- just do the ride and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you were equal to whatever crazy route and distance you wonder if you can pull off. Hate the interstate? Great! Even better challenge to complete 1000 using only two lane roads.

 

[etalors]

The real competition is with yourself. Can I do it, on my bike, on this day? The challenge is always to do something that you maybe didn't know if you could do. Can I ride coast to coast in 50 hours? Can I eat at 4 waffle house type spots over 1000 miles in one day? Jacksonville FL to Key West and back?

Some say that warriors need challenges and modern life doesn't give us that many opportunities to "prove" ourselves, if only to ourselves, in this manner. Heck, you don't even have to submit the paperwork -- just do the ride and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you were equal to whatever crazy route and distance you wonder if you can pull off. Hate the interstate? Great! Even better challenge to complete 1000 using only two lane roads.

You are quite correct. I have done 750 miles in around 12 hours many times (most recently this past labor day weekend) and even a 1000 mile day riding back home from denver. Which have given me a sense of personal accomplishment. Did not feel the need to get certified.

 

[TPadden]

I think that the IBR, and to some lesser extent certification rides, are perceived as competitive events. This isn't exactly true, altho in the IBR you do generate "points" that determine final standings... Some say that warriors need challenges and modern life doesn't give us that many opportunities to "prove" ourselves,

Call it what you want; there is only one reason to keep a score and records. Comparing endurance riders to “warriors” is downright hilarious, if you need seat miles and a certificate suitable for framing to prove yourself, go for it.

Tom

 

[Shawn K]

Call it what you want; there is only one reason to keep a score and records.

Actually, there's more than one reason. Some people (like myself) like to chronicle and document things because that information tells a story in and of itself. Statistics are a good storytelling vehicle if you speak the language.

What I don't understand is the need for being dismissive of someone who makes a warrior analogy. @jodog is right on the mark - in the modern, industrialized world the fight for survival has been removed. Competition is being perceived more and more as "barbaric" by the so-called "enlightened". Measuring yourself against someone or something is viewed with suspicion or distrust by a growing number of people who perceive that as old-fashioned or ignorant.

There are many people (again, like myself) who aren't content to "lead lives of quiet desperation", and who want to be challenged. You learn something about yourself when you strive to do what most people won't attempt. Whether you succeed or fail in your attempt, the willingness to face a challenge is, in itself, of value.

So yes, some people do want a "certificate suitable for framing to prove yourself", because it's a way to commemorate something. It's a way to say - even if only to yourself - that you dared to think of something bigger than most people, and you set out to see if you can achieve it. If you're content to do those things in your life and have only the memories, then so be it. But why be flippant and dismissive of those who want something more?

 

[TPadden]

What I don't understand is the need for being dismissive of someone who makes a warrior analogy...So yes, some people do want a "certificate suitable for framing to prove yourself", because it's a way to commemorate something.

I don't mean to be dismissive of anyone's accomplishments but that doesn't mean every endeavor is equal.

Eating more hot dogs than anyone else also doesn't deserve a "warrior" description in my estimation. That doesn't mean I'm dismissive of the individual effort or commemorative something involved and deserved; competitive eating takes a lot of training and work. Everyone deserves a medal to commemorate something; that doesn't make everyone with a medal a hero or warrior.

Tom

 

[Uncle Phil]

that doesn't make everyone with a medal a hero or warrior.
Tom

I have always reserved the term 'warriors' for those boys and girls that have 'seen the elephant' - had hot lead and other projectiles throwed at them from the enemy for the purpose of killing them …

 

[ardykay54]

I have always reserved the term 'warriors' for those boys and girls that have 'seen the elephant' - had hot lead and other projectiles throwed at them from the enemy for the purpose of killing them …

Tom threw me a beer once......beer can kill me!.........I'm such a warrior!!! (I also saw a pink elephant in Iowa.)(Beer again?) Russ.

 

[ardykay54]

I don't mean to be dismissive of anyone's accomplishments but that doesn't mean every endeavor is equal.

Eating more hot dogs than anyone else also doesn't deserve a "warrior" description in my estimation. That doesn't mean I'm dismissive of the individual effort or commemorative something involved and deserved; competitive eating takes a lot of training and work. Everyone deserves a medal to commemorate something; that doesn't make everyone with a medal a hero or warrior.

Tom

Got in a sweet corn eating contest with 'Old Guy' once.............I deserve a medal for putting up with Bob!!.....Russ.

 

[TPadden]

I have always reserved the term 'warriors' for those boys and girls that have 'seen the elephant'

...and then there are a select few American Warrior GODS (non-posthumous); four come to mind:

Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Daly USMC- two Medals of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Navy Cross, and a Silver Star

Maj. Audie Murphy USA - Though he was only 21 years old at the end of the war, he had killed 240 German soldiers, had been wounded three times and had earned 33 awards and medals; the Medal of Honor, a Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit with Combat V, and two Bronze Stars with Combat V.

Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller USMC - holds a record-tying 5 Navy Crosses as well as an Army Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and two Legions of Merit.

Last but not least, the little known and remembered Navy's Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James Williams - he holds every level of valor award with a Medal of Honor, a Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit with Combat V, two Navy and Marine Corps Medals, three Bronze Stars with Combat V, and two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V.

Tom

 

[ardykay54]

Back to the subject............Bought a ST, joined this forum, and started riding to events and RTE/RTCs ........put more miles on the ST than any other bike I've owned! Great training! Russ.

 

[Grumpy]

Reading about others riding 1000+ miles in a day is always nostalgic for me. About 1980, my wife and I and some close friends were in Colorado, heading back to Indiana on our bikes (we had a Yamaha 850 back then). While sitting at lunch and on a whim, I said something to the effect of "why don't we try for a 1000 mile day today?". I had no inkling of such a thing as Iron Butt rides and did not know it was a thing. I just thought it would be a cool thing to try. We rolled into a motel late that night and the wife was crying, she was so tired. We did the 1000 miles, I got to mark that one off the list and the wife forgave me sometime in the early 2000s .
We have some business interests and family that are about 1000 miles from home and I would love to be able to do it on the ST in one day, but two back surgeries, a pinched nerve in the neck and a wife with a good memory and a large club suggest that may not be the smartest idea for me.