Kawasaki Concours Forum
Riding => Rides and Stories => Topic started by: B.D.F. on June 05, 2011, 01:15:34 PM
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Per my previous posting about this, I will be trying for a coast- to- coast trip in 50 hours starting tomorrow. For anyone who wants to have a peek and see my progress (or lack of progress), I will be using a SPOT locator to leave a series of locations as I go. Spot will update every 10 minutes with a current location although it does miss one and sometimes more cycles before it recovers and again yields the current location. My SPOT data is located here:
http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=2ed64debc2480041f (http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=2ed64debc2480041f)
See everybody in a <couple, maybe> of days.
Brian
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God speed, Brian, and may good weather pave a clear and open path for your journey!
I'll be watching your progress, with a hint of envy.. 8)
Stay within your limits, your family and friends count on you, don't let them down with unwise decisions..
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Well I see Brian is on his way and past New Haven, CT., on I-95. Headed SW towards NYC.
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Weird that the SPOT software shows the motorcycle going backwards! Hope that isn't the reality. 8)
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I wonder if he secrew up and had to turn around? Or maybe he's being hurt by the Westchester traffic getting toward NYC? :o
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OK, Brian is on I-80 headed west. Chicago here he comes!
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What was his official CC50 starting point? I'm guessing down Capt. Harbor or thereabouts. Right? Otherwise the route seems a little wrong.
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OK, Brian has crossed over into Pennsylvania, and is by Rt33. Go buddy, go!!!! :popcorn:
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What was his official CC50 starting point? I'm guessing down Capt. Harbor or thereabouts. Right? Otherwise the route seems a little wrong.
The starting point was Rye, NY and the ending point will be Ocean Shores, WA for a total of 3001 miles. That's why it looks like a goof up! ;D
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The starting point was Rye, NY and the ending point will be Ocean Shores, WA for a total of 3001 miles. That's why it looks like a goof up! ;D
What we need here from one of the people with some flash skills and too much spare time on their hands is an elapsed time clock so we can see how Brian is doing compared to how freakin' far he still has to go!
He's still in PA and looks like he'll be there for a while. "Landscape" oriented states are a bitch to get across, compared to the "portrait" states. ;D
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Well he's about midway between Toledo and Cleveland now. He's doing OK, I think! :o
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This is very interesting. I wish for him good luck and to be safe.
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Just checked and he's almost through Ohio, headed into Indiana. Drive safe!
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Looks like he should clear Chicago in the middle of the night. After that it should be clear sailing and will be more of head game to keep himself alert. He can make some time in the western states for sure.
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Entering the suburbs of Chicago, Should keep him awake 'til 1am.
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Good stuff!
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Looks like low 60s when he gets here, hopefully the Kaw gods are smiling and we get to meet up for the last stretch.
Go Brian Go!!
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Well it's about 4AM EST. I just checked in and see that he is near Davenport Iowa. He must be around the 1,000 mile mark or better by now. It's definetly more than 1,000 miles from his home. He had to ride a good ways just to get to the starting point of Rye NY! Go Brian, Go! :thumbs:
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I just checked in on him again. He looks to be in the area north of Omaha. He's headed more north now. I look again in a little bit if I can find time.
{ It seems he did have to back track right after getting his beach water in Rye yes at the very start! ...the atm wouldn't spit out a receipt, so he had to go find a gas station. Then a crazy women was flying by him and prevented him from making his exit, but he thought that back-tracking a little was the safer bet! }
By the time he got to Illinois, he had is average speed up to about 68MPH. And that was just before 10 last night. I don't know the exact time of the start. But from the info I have, I think the official start was approximately Monday, noon time EST! After the first 10 hours on the road he reported that he felt great. I don't have an update this morning though. ;)
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I plugged in his route from the water grab till about now and have him at about 1300 miles, give or take. He will have a bun burner gold in his pocket pretty easily by noon. I hope he grabs a power nap after that. I am in MN and we are expecting near 100 degrees today. Not sure what South Dak is supposed to be, but she could be a hot one!
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I've had his SPOT map up on the computer since yesterday. Cool to watch (in ultra-ultra slo-motion), especially since I know a lot of the route. You go, Brian!
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Looks like he is breathin down the neck of the half way mark ;D
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It's been fun to watch Brian go. From what I can see, he's at about the 24 hour mark since leaveing Rye NY and it appears he's at about the halfway point. I think if he can keep up the pace, he should be good to make it.
Ride Safe, Brian!!
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Yeah, I just checked in and see him west of Sioux Falls on I-90, near Mitchell. But according to the Spot device. He's still riding this whole ride going backwards. I always told him his thinking is azz backwards! :))
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He is averaging 63.5 MPH. He is doing really well.....
If he can maintain his current pace he should make it in roughly 46 hours!
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But according to the Spot device. He's still riding this whole ride going backwards. I always told him his thinking is azz backwards! :))
If you look at the image closely, it's ONLY the rider that's backwards. The scarf (silk, of course) is streaming behind the bike.
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If you look at the image closely, it's ONLY the rider that's backwards. The scarf (silk, of course) is streaming behind the bike.
I don't agree. Everything is backwards except for the scarf (the just happens to be silk)! :D
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Well he's just about out of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland and will be hitting the Black Hills National Forest next.
I hear that somewhere in the black mining hills of Dakota, there lived a young boy named Rocky Raccoon. And one day his woman ran off with another guy. Hit young Rocky in the eye. Rocky didn't like that, he said I'm gonna get that boy! So the story goes! ::)
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Almost to Wyoming...
Gotta give him credit, even if he does make it within the allotted time, it's still one hell of ride.
I'll take my long days in ten hour increments, thank you.
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In Wyoming......... Bozeman by sunset?
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Nice, he is up to 65 MPH average speed! From Rye NY to Rozet WY, 1897 miles in 29.2 hours = 64.97 mph, still roughly 46 hours total if he can keep going. When the sun goes down tonight he will really feel it. Ride safe buddy!
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It looks like he'll be in Billings shortly! I have to ask for forgiveness. I have left the progression to go riding with a buddy after work. So I've been away for about 5 hours. I could have missed something important! :o
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Does Tacoma count as the coast? It is actually a bit inland.
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Does Tacoma count as the coast? It is actually a bit inland.
IIRC he said he had to ride past it for the finish!
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Looks like he will end up in Aberdeen. Still a ways past Tacoma. Good luck!!
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Ocean Shores will be his finish point. I am still in high hopes of finishing the ride to watch his six, he may need someone to catch him when he gets there!
BTW, he's going backwards just to show Capn Fob just how great KiPASS is ;D
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Approaching Lolo Pass. He should be making good time in MT, I only worry about some of their grooved roads, they tend to chew up tires quickly. Weather is barely holding up for him, sposed to be sun in the AM, when he's arriving. I just loaded up the camera, I plan to keep an eye for his approach on I 5, once he hits I 5 I'll be in position to intercept. Anyone have anything they want to say to him upon his arrival? Want any special pics? I want him to moon the Ocean, should make for a classy pic for the Concourier.
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way cool.
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Well at this point he's still in
Montana Idaho, but not far from Washington. Still headed west on I-90. He is going by Mullan, Idaho at this time.
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Made it through Spokane! He's in Washington now.
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Looks like he was held up a bit due to construction at the border.. Time wise, it's gonna be a squeaker to get it under 50..
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Almost to the mighty Columbia River. About 200 miles to go.
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It looks like he's coming up on the Ginkgo Petrified Forest! I'm now thinking that he's really going to make it! :)
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Just checked on him (0920 ET) and given his time at Rye NY (1110 approx) two days ag0, he's got about 4 hours to complete the ride. I'm not familiar with travel times on the left coast having been to Seattle a couple of time two decades ago, but it appears he has the time to make it.
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He's on the outskirts of Olympia...looks like he's gonna make it!!!!
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Looks like he has time to make it and probably has himself thoroughly buzzed now and wide awake, so close to the finish line.
That said, do the IBA rules mean he literally has to be on a "coast" for this to count? Seems like Puget Sound should count.
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I still show him east of McCleary. I'm not familiar with the demographics of the area. But on the map, he looks good. Hopefully he won't have to deal with much traffic and lights. If I have it right, it should be about 8:30AM local time. He should have at least two hours or more yet. Go Brian, you can do it Buddy!!!!!!! :hail:
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I called him and left a congratulatory message on his voice mail, telling him whether or not he makes it, how proud of him I am. I think he will do it though! We'll know for sure shortly!!!
And Andrea, if your still reading these, which I'm sure you are. You can start breathing again. As much as I think he was crazy to try this. He still managed to go out and do just that. Make this whole trip! I guess I'll cut him some slack for a week or so! :))
Note I show him coming up on Hoquiam. Just a little bit more!!!!
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ok, so how long is it going to take him to get back home?
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Well he's pretty much there. He did it! 8)
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ok, so how long is it going to take him to get back home?
Another 50 hours! ;D
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Congratulations Brian! When you're rested enough to actually understand what you're reading again, we're all really proud of you and your crazy trip! You done good! :D
Of course, we're also all awaiting your online return to give us a blow-x-blow report on the trip!
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Another 50 hours! ;D
i think i'd have someone come get me so i could sleep all the way back. hope he didn't suffer from monkey butt...painful.
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Looks like he made it! Congratulations!!!!! :grouphug: :hail: :thumbs:
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How 'bout that KIPASS?? 3000 miles, 49 hours and still tickin'..........................
Good job BDF
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How 'bout that KIPASS?? 3000 miles, 49 hours and still tickin'..........................
Good job BDF
3001 miles! Let's be accurate here.
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If you click on the satellite view in the upper right hand corner of the SPOT page, then zoom in, you'll see he's on the beach!!! It looks like he rode in a road called Damon Rd. (115).
8) :) :thumbs: :grouphug: :chugbeer:
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Yep looks like he made it, and in time too!
Left Rye NY at 12:14 6/6/2011
Arrived Ocean Shores WA at 13:52 6/8/2011
49 hours 38 minutes
3001 miles
Averaged 60.46 MPH
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Now that he made it safe. I wonder if he dipped his fob in the salt water yet? :))
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Way to go Brian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, that was great fun watching your little backwards bike cross the country over 2 short days ;D I really look forward to reading a complete ride report when you get rested up again.
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So, long story short, I passed him going the other way, got stuck in traffic and spent the next 40 miles eluding local LEOs in my efforts to catch him, which I did. He landed in Ocean Shores at 0912 PST. Tired, but happy. His cell crapped out on him sometime yesterday so the only comms he has had is the Spot Tracker. I'll post up pics shortly. His only real mis adventure was wind tore off the glove box lid!! KiPASS never stuttered, bike was steady as expected.
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Proof is in the pics as they say.
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Good job Brian, if only ATT&T was as reliable as KiPASS ;D
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So, long story short, I passed him going the other way, got stuck in traffic and spent the next 40 miles eluding local LEOs in my efforts to catch him, which I did. He landed in Ocean Shores at 0912 PST. Tired, but happy. His cell crapped out on him sometime yesterday so the only comms he has had is the Spot Tracker. I'll post up pics shortly. His only real mis adventure was wind tore off the glove box lid!! KiPASS never stuttered, bike was steady as expected.
The wind can be something awful out there....didn't tear my glove box lid off, though. Must have been one heck of wind burst to do that.
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He's back on the move!
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Congratulations Brian! :hail: :loco: :thumbs:
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Good job Brian!!!! That's seriously awesome.
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the longest ride i ever did was from near canton, oh, to hot springs village, ar. i was younger, in great shape, and beat to death from that ride. seriously, i don't know how some of ya do it. if i wore a hat, i'd tip it to you!
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Well Brian's son Jared said that when he arrived. Brian ran for the shower, rather than the bed. The guy's proving to be like the Energizer Bunny! :hail:
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Well Brian's son Jared said that when he arrived. Brian ran for the shower, rather than the bed. The guy's proving to be like the Energizer Bunny! :hail:
Trust me, he needed it ;)
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Congratulations Brian, I never doubted you.. And especially I never doubted your bike.. :)
I envy you.. That totally rocks!! (and you made it harder for me to catch your mileage now)
JJ
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Now, friends that was quality entertainment. I am just flat filled with awe and respect! Sounds odd and it's not meant to be, 'cause this group absolutely understands the context, but you GOTTA wonder how the a** feels. I hope he doesn't have a meeting to sit tomorrow.
I cannot wait for the ride report and the preparation recap.
Brian, you have my utmost respect. You are a MAN!!! Thank you for two days of living vacariously like I haven't since the moon landing. Wow.! :hail: :hail: :hail:
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Congrats on a worthy achievement! ;)
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Awesome! Congrats!
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Well done, congratulations! :thumbs:
I'm looking forward to the telling of the trip's ups and downs, when you've recovered.
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Now, friends that was quality entertainment. I am just flat filled with awe and respect! Sounds odd and it's not meant to be, 'cause this group absolutely understands the context, but you GOTTA wonder how the a** feels. I hope he doesn't have a meeting to sit tomorrow.
I cannot wait for the ride report and the preparation recap.
Brian, you have my utmost respect. You are a MAN!!! Thank you for two days of living vacariously like I haven't since the moon landing. Wow.! :hail: :hail: :hail:
+ 1,000,000 :chugbeer: What RonDawg said sums it up perfectly, Congrats!!! You are da man and I never had a doubt...it's like I said, "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity" opportunity knocked and Brian answered. :hail: :hail: :hail: My A$$ hurts just thinking about trying this. :yikes:
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3001 miles in a tick under 50 hrs... that's like 2 Bun Burner Golds back to back! :o Congratulations Brian! Enjoy your recuperation!!! ;D I think you should spend some time rehydrating! ;)
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I got tired just thinking about this ride...Congrats. :thumbs: :hail: :hail:
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Just wanted to add my congrats as well. I hope one day to ride coast to coast, but in honesty, I don't want to try in under 50 hours. My hat's off to you sir! Bravo Zulu (well done)!!
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Just got logged into the forum. Am in Tacoma at the moment, and all is well. Not going to post much (logic functions not working well) but did want to check in. Finished in just over 48 HRS and I <believe> all is in order other than the final witness form, which I will have filled out tomorrow.
I will post more later. Thanks for the support folks.
Brian
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Congratulations on your journey!
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You are the man of men!!! :hail: :hail: :hail: Congrats and have a great rest. Can't wait to read the details of the ride.
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Wow. Only in my dreams. I cannot even guess how you did it. You Are The Man!
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Congrats Brian! I hoped you would be successful. (http://serve.mysmiley.net/animated/anim_19.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net/free-scared-smileys.php)
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Congrats Brian!
Not sure how I missed this thread.
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So do they have a organization for chrome steel butt? Yow! That's hard core. Congrats and my hats off to you.
Oh and BTW, what kind of seat do you have on your bike?
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So do they have a organization for chrome steel butt? Yow! That's hard core. Congrats and my hats off to you.
Oh and BTW, what kind of seat do you have on your bike?
He uses a Corbin with an Airhawk on top of it!
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He uses a Corbin with an Airhawk on top of it!
He may need to put one of these on top of the Airhawk after this.
(http://wpms2063.com/images/carex/CEXP703OO.jpg)
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Awesome Ride Brian, And yes I'm envious too!
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It can't be said enough, incredible ride Brian.
-David
Athens, GA
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Grats!
:thumbs:
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I just put my route together and got start and finish times and miles. When I finished the run I was disappointed that I had not made 48 hours and went eight minutes over that mark. But I was so fatigued that I really could not think or do complex things like add and subtract so I re-worked the numbers today and I DID MAKE IT IN UNDER 48 HOURS! Eight minutes less in fact (math was backwards originally). Again, I have to re-check this and submit it but it looks like the CC 50 came in like this:
Rye, NY to Ocean Shores, WA
47:52 Hours
3102 Miles
I started the CC 50 in Rye, NY but had to ride there from home in RI which was an additional 3 hours. So the total trip really looks like this:
Coventry, RI to Ocean Shores, WA
50:03 Hours
3265 Miles
I am still recovering but it is going OK. I can walk just about normally now although still pretty slowly; I cannot even believe how heavy my feet are.... it feels as if I am wearing a 75 lb. shoe on each foot. I expect to be back to normal before the trip back although what condition I arrive in will be interesting. Maybe I won't be able to actually get off the bike but will just ride close to the garage, lean over to rest on the wall and rest for a while. ;D
Brian
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I'm surprised you did not drop the bike when you finally finished.
Not many people would have the streangth to hold the beast up after a feat like that
Bill
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:thumbs: Congrat's!
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that's why you need a winch to lift you up from the bike and a wheelchair to get you in the house!
i hear you about being brain-numb: when i was in the service i went to a pre-ranger course for nco's. we hadn't slept that whole first week and still had to take notes, learn the ranger creed/history, knots, and lots of land nav. when it was over i tried to read what i wrote and it literally looked like some toddler scribbled all over it!
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Rye, NY to Ocean Shores, WA
47:52 Hours
3102 Miles
Well, that IS 2 BBG's, back to back. :o No wonder arithmetic was difficult! ;D You should be able to get certification for at least 1 BBG in there along with the 50CC. Your route was the most difficult one as well. Worthy of a 50CC Gold! (If there was such a thing). Just think, if you took the Jacksonville FL to San Diego CA route you would have ridden 'only' about 2400 miles. In fact, you rode about 700 miles beyond that by using the Northern route! Again... congrats! :)
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WOW. UNREAL. I haven't even got the balls to try a SS1000 yet. JEEZ man congrats!!!
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Am in Tacoma at the moment, and all is well. Brian
Congratulations Brian! Quite a feat for you young guys. :)
Mick
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Just to let everyone know, I will start toward home next Monday, 20 June. This ride won't be another CC 50 though and so will probably be fairly boring. But seeing as I still have SPOT and I will be using it so my wife can follow along, I will pass along the address of the new tracking page: http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=30444dfbaf665dece (http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=30444dfbaf665dece)
There will also be some planned stops along this route; nothing major and nothing too far off the direct line home but I would like to see a few things 'out here', at least on the way by.
Brian
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Have a great / safe ride. Thank you for sharing.
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So do you have a tentative route planned out yet to get out of Washington state?
Have you got your land legs back yet?
Are you planning on doing *any* sight seeing while you're over this way?
I'm still waiting to hear if there's a potential meet and greet in our near future, should I PM you?
I know, so many questions...
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Kind of- I am working out a route that is basically a line east but has stops and things to see along the way. Only a handful so far, and all in the west but it should be interesting.
Mostly. There seems to be some numbness that won't go away. Maybe I broke something. Maybe I am breaking in my butt for more long distance riding. Maybe that is the trick- once all the nerve endings are dead you can ride all day and night without any problems?
Yes, we have been out and about quite a bit but mostly by car. We did go into the city (Seattle) one night to see friends and rode by Puget Sound on the way home which was great.
Anyone can get a hold of me via PM or e-mail until tomorrow night. Heading back Monday morning. My wife is flying out of Seattle this morning, and of course it is raining here today and rain is also predicted for tomorrow, which is why I am riding out Monday.
It looks like I will ride by or stop at the Grand Coulee Dam, Beartooth Pass, Devil's tower, Mt. Rushmore, and people are telling me to stop and see Crazy Horse as well. Otherwise lots of I-90 and I-80 home.
Brian
So do you have a tentative route planned out yet to get out of Washington state?
Have you got your land legs back yet?
Are you planning on doing *any* sight seeing while you're over this way?
I'm still waiting to hear if there's a potential meet and greet in our near future, should I PM you?
I know, so many questions...
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Mostly. There seems to be some numbness that won't go away. Maybe I broke something. Maybe I am breaking in my butt for more long distance riding. Maybe that is the trick- once all the nerve endings are dead you can ride all day and night without any problems?
Wow, I didn't know how bad off you were. Guess I could cut you some slack then. ;)
I would suggest you pick up some kind of seat cover, either a gel pad, or maybe a beaded car seat cover that you cut down to size. Anything to change the pressure points without drastically altering the existing seat profile. Otherwise, after a day or two, you might be hating life. And after all, we don't ride these beasts to be miserable, do we?
I came across a guy a few years ago who took a beaded car seat cover and cut it down to fit his bike, and claimed it was the best thing ever for distance riding. He claimed it was easy to shift position a little when you felt an uncomfortable spot, and get a whole new comfortable feel. His had small (1/4" to 1/2") beads, not the big 1" sized beads I've seen. I haven't tried it, but for a few bucks, it seems worth a try given your situation. If it doesn't help after a few hundred miles, toss it.
Heading back Monday morning.
Too bad you couldn't hang around for a few more days. It looks like summer will start Sunday afternoon for some, Monday for most, and Tuesday for the rest. Yes, our seasons are clearly defined here. :D Summer in the PNW is the best anywhere!
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Well I don't know if I am 'bad off' but there are some 'results' from spending 51 hours in the saddle.
I currently use a Corbin seat with an Airhawk on top of it. I have tried the stock seat, a ZX 14 seat and a Russell (built for me and my wife) and find the Airhawk / Corbin combination works best.
As to the fun part, well that gets a bit negotiable after the second day. At some point I would say it goes over from fun to more of an endurance episode.
Yes, this seems to be a very nice area. In the week I have been here it has been overcast a lot but not much actual rain. The roads are pretty good although I-5 into Seattle is a bit rough (washboard like- it makes the bike oscillate front to back). Overall it has been a great trip and visit but time to head back now. Even leaving Monday I probably won't get home until Thursday or Friday.
Who knows- I may be back. My son lives here at the moment so of course this is likely to be a destination again.
Brian
Wow, I didn't know how bad off you were. Guess I could cut you some slack then. ;)
I would suggest you pick up some kind of seat cover, either a gel pad, or maybe a beaded car seat cover that you cut down to size. Anything to change the pressure points without drastically altering the existing seat profile. Otherwise, after a day or two, you might be hating life. And after all, we don't ride these beasts to be miserable, do we?
I came across a guy a few years ago who took a beaded car seat cover and cut it down to fit his bike, and claimed it was the best thing ever for distance riding. He claimed it was easy to shift position a little when you felt an uncomfortable spot, and get a whole new comfortable feel. His had small (1/4" to 1/2") beads, not the big 1" sized beads I've seen. I haven't tried it, but for a few bucks, it seems worth a try given your situation. If it doesn't help after a few hundred miles, toss it.
Too bad you couldn't hang around for a few more days. It looks like summer will start Sunday afternoon for some, Monday for most, and Tuesday for the rest. Yes, our seasons are clearly defined here. :D Summer in the PNW is the best anywhere!
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It may save you some stress if you head east out of Enumclaw on highway 410. It pretty much parallels I-90. Since you must go straight north through Seattle on a Monday morning (depends what time you leave though), the 30 miles north on I-82 will probably seem like nothing. Plus, you get a great scenic run around Mt. Rainer. Plus, if you find you're feeling spunky after 410, 821 looks like it would be a blast (instead of (I-82).
I did 410 last fall, and they had just finished repaving most of it. The surface was great. The only caution would be to make sure the snow has been cleared off for the season. Should be fine though, since we didn't get much low elevation snow this year.
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A very late congrats! Wow! Wish I had caught this thread sooner.
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Finally made it home last night around 2:00 am (Sat., 25 June). The bike and I are both in one piece and performing fine (more the bike actually). It looks like the final tally on the trip is 7080 miles between 6 June and 25 June, with 3102 miles being done in 47 hours and 52 minutes. I will report more on the trip out sometime later.
Brian
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I'm glad you made it home safe and sound(?), and that you accomplished your -48 hour CC50(northern route) is the icing on the cake.
Well done! :thumbs: