Whose got an iron derriere?

[tenbob]

When out n about, chin wagged with fella bikers about the distances they cover on there typical jaunts n after watching some travel vids last night, some with the female variety getting on with it, got me thinking I'm a right wuss when it comes to what mileage I'd attempt in one day let alone day in, day out. Think me limits so far have been around the 250 mile mark. : Said to the Mrs, when spring comes along I'm gonna do a run to see Ben Nevis in a day (no not a mate O0 but a mountain in Scotland for those that dunna know). It's a 'mere' 370 miles and 6.5 hrs in the saddle obeying GPS rules, from me and have done this trip once before with others but in stages... Guess this is nipping out to some of ya. So me poser is, what's ya typical daily milage or maybe even more appropriate, ya time spent in the saddle, for a single day or multi day trip?
I'm prepared to be shamed... ::017::

 

[Dogdaze]

I've ridden several times from the UK to Zurich in a 12-13 hour straight run door to door, about 1100kms, second longest single day ride was 500km and about 7 hours through multiple pass's in Switzerland and Italy, but mostly 2.5 - 3.5 hours is my average for a day ride out at the weekends through the mountains.

 

[2112]

You can always break the journey up with a stopover in Northumberland Rob, a bed & hearty breakfast is available at my place ::008::

I've done 650 miles before (this year as it happens on the S10) and 570 miles twice (my house to Reims in France via the tunnel on a Varadero & Stelvio respectively) and a lot of 400/450 mile days. Sadly, these are not the most pleasing of biking days but are a means to an end, usually to get me to the Alps in a timely manner to maximise my time in the interesting bits. It should also be noted that the UK roads are very congested compared to our fellow S10 brethren in the USA & Canada, meaning big mileage days simply aren't possible. Also when you get into Scotland and past Edinburgh/Glasgow the roads get very tight and wiggly (A9 excepted), making progress relatively slow even on a bike. The further North you get the narrower they get too, although that is a lot of the attraction.

Just ride as long (in hours) as you feel comfortable, forget the mileage and don't allow yourself to become tired as that is when the accidents happen. Like Ford I've done the 12 hour days in the saddle and they are mentally draining, especially after dark as you have to concentrate so much harder. The other thing is to try and strike the best balance between distance and enjoying the ride to keep yourself happy. Best of luck with the trip Rob ::008::

 

[stutrump]

I've done lots of 400 mile+ days before now and regularly (at least once a week) do 300 mile+ days. All pretty tedious work related stuff though. Thats why I prefer to do less miles/drink tea/chat when Im out just for fun.

 

[RhodeTrip]

I prefer to limit my time in the saddle to 9 hours (11hrs total); I find that I'm not as alert if I push for longer days. When planning a trip I try to plan for 7-8 hours in the saddle whenever possible; have done 12hrs a few times but not something I like doing.

Jim

 

[Dogdaze]

I will just like to add this, if you plan on long riding days, I get going early, pre-dawn if possible, that way you are riding into the light, rather than into darkness at the end of the day. As Bry pointed out, in darkness there are more possibilities of mishaps.

 

[Checkswrecks]

We have a bunch of Iron Butts on the forum and the bike is ideal for it.


It's 986 miles from my house in Maryland to my sister's in the Pensacola area. I start out at 4 am and arrive about 9 pm with rest and gas stops, so about 18 hours. (1 time zone difference) My longest single day was here to Sioux Falls Iowa, so a bit over 1,200 miles. Some folks like EricV will chime in and blow me out of the water for distance though.


Pacing the water, eating light, snacks, and naps are the key to me.

 

[stutrump]

Blimey...you guys in USA rock when it comes to mileage...I love it!! We'd run out of space if we did that many miles here..ha-ha

 

[Checkswrecks]

Now that I'm on the dark side of 60 I have to confess that my need to prove things to myself is continually shortening.
LOL

 

[Brick]

I was going to mention that its a bit different here in the States than over there. It's easy to do long days with big miles here. Especially when you get out west where you can see tomorrow one way and yesterday the other!

I've done some big miles but don't really enjoy that anymore. I mist confess that I really do enjoy riding the http://sc-ma.com/ Three Flags Classic. http://sc-ma.com/rides/three-flags-classic-tour This years 3 Flags (we used to start IN Mexico... not any more the boarder towns are too dangerous. Away from the boarder I LOVE Mexico!) the start will be in Tombstone, Arizona and the finish will be Kimberley, BC, Canada. This is a 4 day 3 night ride and NOT in a group. There are a few check points along the way but other than that ride any route you want. It's a great event!

This past July I and my friend (Mate) flew to Munich rented bikes and rode the Alps for 20 days. It was 19 days on the bikes with one day sight seeing. We rode 5,356 Km which is 3,328 miles. It was fantastic! That was only 175 miles a day but it was in the ALPS! It's a big difference than here in the wide openness of the States.

I live in and love riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and a typical day of romping in the curves and hills here is 250 - 300 miles. Fantastic.

The smartest thing you can do is ride YOUR RIDE only what you enjoy! ::021::

 

[Pterodactyl]

Spousal Unit and I have each done our own Iron Butt Saddle Sore rides, but we are not true long distance riders. When we are traveling we go as far as the roads, our schedule and our desire to smell the roses allow. For example, we went to Panguitch, UT last year. It's 750 miles via interstate. Took us over 4 days to get there by taking our time and picking our way thru MT, WY, ID and UT. Coming home we had to be back by a certain day, so we rode the 750 in one day. Overall, I'd say we typically average 400 miles a day and our longest day while travelling together is 800 miles coming home from Vintage Days ay the Barber Museum. By the way, when we travel separately she tends to go farther in a day than me.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Now that I'm on the dark side of 60 I have to confess that my need to prove things to myself is continually shortening.
LOL

I'm just barley casting a shadow on 50 and I'm already there. My longest day is around 650 miles. Don't have aspirations to ever beat that.

 

[EricV]

Now that I'm on the dark side of 60 I have to confess that my need to prove things to myself is continually shortening.
LOL

There you go! We ride to have fun, so do what fits for you and helps you enjoy the riding. ::012:: ::012::

I got into long distance riding back around 2004 and discovered endurance rallies, which are sort of a scavenger hunt by motorcycle where you get a list of bonus locations, each with different points, and you have to choose which ones to go to, plan a route that you can ride in the time allowed for the rally, and then try and do it. First back gets you nothing. Highest mileage only bragging rights, but highest points wins the event. That makes it a game of strategy and planning, but you have to be able to ride the plan too! It brings a great deal of focus to the ride, which I enjoy a lot. 24 hour rallies typically have 1000 mile minimums or a little more. I've done rallies from 8 hours to 11 days. On a 10 day rally I covered over 12k miles and saw a lot of the country. On that rally my routine was to ride 20 hour days, be off the bike for 4 hours and soundly sleeping for 3 hours. I sleep in 3 hour cycles, so that worked well for me at the time.

Even though I'm mostly done doing endurance rallies I still get in a 1000 mile day or more now and then and do the odd 8-12 hour endurance rally with my wife. It's not uncommon for my wife and I to ride 8-12 hour days. (she rides her own bike) But keep in mind long days are an incremental process and we've been doing this for years. The bikes are set up so we have aux fuel cells, water on board and can eat and drink while riding. We've both finished the Iron Butt Rally as well.

Just out for a casual ride we might only poke around for 100-200 miles, but see things and make more stops and just have fun. On my own one time, I got up around 6 am, geared up and hit the road in Portland, OR, then rode North to Bellingham, WA filled up with 11 gallons of gas and rode to Prince George, British Columbia (Canada). Aside from the border crossing, I didn't put a foot down between Bellingham and P.G. or about 500 miles/800 kms. That was my fuel range at the time on my FJR. The Super ten has a range of about 450 miles. I've ridden tank to take many times w/o stops.

 

[RhodeTrip]

Going for coffee is usually 120 miles round trip. I like to run from RI to Wilmington VT for breakfast, 340 miles no slab.

Jim

 

[kurt1305]

Did it years ago and realized it was painful and not very rewarding. I prefer to ride for enjoyment now, not to see how far I can go.

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

Most rides are under 300 miles over the daylight hours. Once did 700 miles in a day and it was not fun (on a 2012 Suzuki DL650 WeeStrom). Have not tried it on the 2014 S10 ES with cruise control ...

 

[hojo in sc]

I've done several 1,000 miles days (1,600 kms) and next year will have at least 2 if not 3 1,000 miles (1,610 km) 3 straight days. Eat properly, hydrate, refuel, repeat.

 

[EricV]

Did it years ago and realized it was painful and not very rewarding. I prefer to ride for enjoyment now, not to see how far I can go.

The longer distances aren't for everyone. No point if you're not enjoying it. But, it doesn't need to be painful. There is a learning curve to discovering what bothers you as you increase the miles, then making changes to alleviate that discomfort so you can enjoy the ride. For some, it's just minor changes in ergonomics and learning how to keep the blood circulating. I have a friend that does 1k days on a stock seat and I could never do that w/o discomfort. For others they eventually get to the point where a custom seat and various other changes occur to allow them to ride farther/longer in comfort. For others, it's a different bike if that's what they want to do.

As for enjoyment, some find it enjoyable to challenge themselves. I'm happy riding for enjoyment too. It's just a little different from what you find enjoyable. No harm there for either of us. ::001::

 

[tenbob]

Plenty here for me to catch up on, but a guys gotta keep his gel happy n take her out once in a while... I guess? : Hi ho hi ho, its off to the pub I go... Hippy new year dudes. ::003::

 

[Arkyrider]

Longest ride 663 miles in 13 hrs riding 2 up. Have rode a couple times over 500 miles in a day but I prefer to keep it around 250 - 300. Shorter rides gives me a chance to take detours and check out the sights.