Quote:
Originally Posted by Zukeeper
no kidding, only one I knew about runs from cali to NC. I have a friend who rides in it and its on my to do list
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That's NOT something that I have a desire to do. While I can give the riders credit for their stamina and durability, it's too far out on a limb for me. While the Stampede is well organized and you're allowed to run at your own pace there's always a bunch that want to be first to complete the 'race'. If it's all true as reported, the 'winner' had to AVERAGE 70 mph for nearly 2 days. That's a disaster begging to happen. I'm going to offer you 2 alternatives to challenge you and your bike.
1) Each year 'The Horse/Back Street Chopper' magazine organizes a trip to the Smoke Out that they call 'The Long Road'. Each year it starts in a different location so that a variety of it's readers have a chance to participate. For instance, several years ago it started following the Smoke Out 'West' event in Arizona and riders had until the following Thursday to arrive at the Smoke Out 'East' which was held at Salisbury, NC at the time. The magazine staff sets up 'stops'/'check-ins' along the way each day that they try to space every 300-400 miles. You ride at your own pace, either in groups or individually, but you have to check-in at the end of each day. At the end of the day you can do as you please until the following day or participate in activities that the mag organizes, such as games, after hour tours, dinners, etc. This year 'The Long Road' started in Tennessee with stops in Atlanta,Ga and Florida before heading back north to the Smoke Out in Rockingham,NC. The total ride was over 1,000 miles in 3 days. It doesn't sound like much but most people have never riden over 300 miles a day for three days in a row on a bike. Besides, it gives you time to meet your fellow bikers, make new friends, enjoy activities, and spend time with your woman. They give a serialized comemorative medallion to everyone that completes 'The Long Road'.
2) My favorite thing to do was always the 'Iron Butt Run'. The 'Run' consist of 1,000 miles in less that 24 hours. You pick your own route and do it whenever you want. Sounds simple, huh? Not really. First you should contact the 'Iron Butt Association'(
http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm ) and let your intentions be known. They'll make sure you have all the info you need. Basically, it all has to be documented. All your gas stops have to have register printed receipts with date, time, and location. And you'll need a witness at the start and end. Mapping your run helps. And avoiding congested areas at peak times is important. For me, I head south on I77 to Columbia,SC, catch the I26/I20 exchange, over to I95 south to Daytona, west on Hwy #4 toward Orlando for a short ride, and then the return trip. You're going to end up averaging just over 40 mph. Still sounds simple doesn't it? First, you have to count on a minimum of at least 6 gas stops, one is 'required' every 300 miles but you'll probably need more. And you're going to have to piss and eat. Avoid coffee because the more coffee you drink, the more you have to piss. And as the ride goes on, the longer it takes to walk off the stiffness at stops. And half the ride is going to be at night when it's harder to stay focused. And don't forget the weather. If you're comfortable during the day, you'll be cool at night. Of course that will help you stay focused. After you complete the run send all your documentation to the Iron Butt Association and they will verify, send you your certificate, and list your name on their website.
To most people, completing the 'Run' is not much of an accomplishment. But those people have never done it. I did my last run at age 60 and it took me several days to recover. I'm 65 now so I've probably did my last one. But I may try it again if I reach 70. I have no idea of your age or riding background but I highly suggest that you do one or both of the above items before attemting the Stampede.
I ride mostly for leisure now even though I ride with a group once a week on trips averaging 300-400 miles. We may ride down to Myrtle Beach for a hot dog and back or to Ashville,NC for a tour of the vintage transportation museum and back, etc. BTW, 'The Long Road' is really well organized. They even have a support vehicle that leaves the stops a couple of hours after the riders in case you should have trouble along the way.