[Gixxerdale]

Well, we did it! Not like I planned it, but we did finish our 1000 miles in under 24 hours! Barely. This was the original plan. Start in LA at 4 AM, ride through California, Arizona, lunch at the Grand Canyon, back to California where some riders head home to LA and others head to Vegas for the night. Plan was for everyone to be off the road by 9 or 10 in the evening, didn't happen.

Four riders met in Chatsworth, CA at 4 am to start our jouney. My wife Julie graciously volunteered to get up at 3 AM to witness the start. Blas arrived on his trusty VFR, Clark on his ST 1300, James on his 954, and me and the Gixxer 1k. I'd like to thank James for being the only other sportbike rider I know of, that is as nuts as me in attempting this ride. Somehow, I don't think our bikes are the bike of choice amongst the Iron butt Riders!

James and I were giving our co riders a hard time about their heated grips and electric vests at the start of the ride. After all it's April, and promised to be in the 60 to 70 degree range, with only a very small chance of rain in the Grand Canyon.

By 4:20 we were off headed for our first stop in Indio, Ca, 162 miles away. Weather reports were for clear and sunny in California, so I don't know where the storn we narrowly missed during the darkness came from. That was the first clue that plans are subject to change.

Once arriving at our fuel stop in Indio, we noticed the 954 is shreedding the rear tire. With a quick pressure check and some extra air, James puts that problem to rest. Then the next problem was getting the 954's custom fuel cell (a little plastic gas can) re secured to the tail. The bungees kept popping the seat latch open. With a few extra hands involved, everything was back where it belonged. I got off easy with my fuel cells(2-33oz backpacking MSR fuel bottles) I just dropped one in each saddle bag and hoped they would never be needed.

Refueled and ready to go, it was time to find a little food and drink. So Clark being the thoughtful caring guy he is, asks a UPS driver, "Where is Starbucks around here?" Man did Blas get happy to hear it was right down the street. So we got some warm fluid and a light snack and hit the road for Blythe, Ca. 98 miles away.

I don't know if Clark and Blas were just picking on James and I or not, but they were busy stretching and twitching around all the way to Blythe. It was nice to see the sunny warm desert rolling by at a good clip. I don't know what was up, but during the darkness and ahead of us still, were large groups of Harley riders, mostly Ventura County taking the same road. Another Iron Butt Ride?

At 8:22 we arrive in Blythe, Ca. Much later than I originally planned, but I knew ahead of time there would be issues, I just didn't realize what kind! Refueled and ready, I'm set to see Arizona again! Next stop, Wickenburg, Az, 117 miles away.

At 10:49 we're in Wickenburg and fueled up for the next leg of our journey. With 376 miles behind us, were ready for some back roads and a few twisty corners. We point the bikes north and leave Wickenburg behind. Off on the horizon a few gray clouds a lingering. Nothing that looks threating though. Maybe hiding a few drizzles at worst.

We roll away the miles on the flat land and finally reach the base of the mountain. As we're approaching a Highway Patrol is busy ticketing a truck. Little did I realize we had just been baited and we took it hook line and sinker! The posted limit was 45 mph. There was no traffic and we had two lanes of uphill twisty mountan roads ahead. Four experienced riders that love mountain roads, our downfall today. So we all pick the pace up with the intention of having some fun after hundreds of miles of white line straghtaways. The gears drop and we're off. Clark a short distance ahead of me making use of the outside lane, me close behind using the inside lane. Blas andJames right behind us. A few nice corners roll by and thern Clark is signaling to shut it down! We do but to late. A white Arizona Highway Patrol car looking dead at us, DAMN!

 

[Gixxerdale]

Part 2 SS 1000

By the time he pulls out we had all swapped places and the AHP follows James and I at the speed limit, then he lights us up. We pull over but Blas and Clark are holding up down below. They get in the mix with a few cars and hope to roll by. Ain't gonna happen. The AHP walks out in front of traffic and stops everyone, with his gun ready, he signals Blas and Clark out of the pack and over to the side of the road.

He goes through the usual questions and states that we were clocked at 66 mph. No contest! So he says he is writting one ticket for the four of us and we need to decide who is going to get it. Great, sure a lot better than the four he could have written. So Blas being the clever guy he is says, lets draw sticks. Short one gets written. The AHP is fine with that idea so Blas makes the twigs the proper length and hands them to me. Did I mention I hate gambling? Did I mention I always lose when I gamble? So why would this be any different? It won't be, I'm left with the short twig in my hand. Wow, that was a fast $150.00!

So after recieving my Arizona Driving Award we are off at a much slower pace. After reaching the summit, I notice some stuff falling form the sky, very little at that. No big deal. It's to warm to stick. Once in Prescott we refuel yet again and head out of town.

Now things look a little different. A huge dark cloud cover is rolling in from the north. I figure if it holds and we hustle, we can make the Grand Canyon or at the least Ash Fork. Not to be the case. Suddenly the temperature starts to fall. Hmm.. remember those electric grips and vests I mentioned earlier? I could use them now! Then mother nature opened her doors and the snow started falling. They said a few clouds and a chance of light rain, LIARS! It's getting colder. The snow is getting blinding. I can only see James behind me. James passes and signals me over. We stop in amazement at the weather we find ourselves in. Then Blas arrives and point at the temperature on his instrument panel, 30 degrees. James is in textile gear and soaking up the moisture, same as me in my leathers. With the cold, the snowfall increasing rapidly and visbility nearly gone, we turn back in search of some shelter and Clark. No time to put on rain gear, with visibility going away so rapidly. We need some shelter. Yes, I know SoCal whimps can't even take a little snow!

We locate Clark and head back to Prescott in a total white out. Barely able to see each other let alone traffic and roads. We found an awning to park under and an Italian fast food place next to it.

Since our traffic stop I lost track of time and how long we spent where. While eating at the Italian place and trying to warm up, the snow continued for some time and we decide that the Grand Canyon is out of the question now, knowing how much snow falls there and on the roads during storms. We were positive it would not be passable on streetbikes.

Now our only option is to backtrack. We decide to stay as one group and abandon the Vegas overnight part. Now we see the sky clearing some so we make a break for it and head back over Ticket Mountain. That was one slow ride, courtesy of the Arizona Highway Patrol and some very wet road conditions.

We head down towards Wickenburg and then cut up Hwy 93 towards the 40 and Kingman. We lose even more time on the 93 due to highway construction. 160 miles and a near dry tank we pull into Kingman and refuel. The guy at the next pump strikes up a conversation, where I learn he just left the Grand Canyon today. He said the snowfall from todays storm was nearly knee deep. Sure glad we re routed now.

It's now 5:50 Pm and we are feeling the miles and the weather. Kingman is a warm 60 or 70 degrees, but I can't shake the chill from wet leathers earlier in the day. We decide we need food and hit the Denny's across the street. We are all dragging now. I think more from the weather than the miles. After 621 miles we're a little weary and take a long break at Denny's.

The decision is made to go towards Needles and take CA 95 south to Blythe. Darkness is coming so we hit the road, but soon it's dark. Then there is the Hwy 95 sign and off we go. Opps, it's AZ 95 . To late, no more back tracking. We keep going and eventually stop at Parker Az. 104 miles later. Now it's 8:50 PM and fatigue is really setting in on all of us. We take another long break trying to relieve some of the aches and pains.

We are now running out of time and energy to make it home. We push on and reach Blythe at 10:02 and 58 more miles behind us. I don't even remember this stop as I'm really drained by this point. I do remember heading for Indio and the winds picking up speed. The miles roll by but it feels like an eternity before we pull into Indio at 11:44 and 100 miles later. After getting gas the four of us attempt to strategize the final leg into LA. It's decided that Clark and James will make a last long leg to there homes down near actual LA. Blas and I are in need of some warm drink and food, so we break off and go find yet another Denny's to get in out of the now howling desert wind.

During our stop We decide to stick together until the 10 and 15 interchange where Blas was going to continue through the city and home. Me not caring for the city, headed of towards the 210 freeway. The winds have still not eased and I'm concerned with finding fuel this late at night out on the 210 freeway. The Gixxer just sucks fuel in high winds.

Well my concerns came when the low fuel light came on just as I passed Angeles Crest Highway. My only hope this late was to find fuel in Sunland. Nope, everything looked closed and I can't waste more fuel searching or I won't finish my ride in time. Back on the 210 and doing all I can to conserve fuel. I'm not near home yet and when the fuel light comes on I have 8/10s of a gallon. Worst case I have my 2, 33oz fuel bottles in my saddlebags to get me home.

I make it to my exit roll down to the 24 hour Chevron we started at. The only station around open all night. I pull in and its's nearly 3:00 AM. I made it, I just need to gas up and get my reciept. I swipe my card . Nothing. It won't work. No problem I'll have the cashier swipe it or just pay cash, right? I walk over and, no cashier. There is a purse on the counter inside. I wait, I beat on doors and windows and nothing! I'm screwed! There is no where else to get fuel and a receipt to complete my ride!

Then I remember, I have my company gas card! It works! I get my receipt and I am finished with my Saddle Sore 1000 at 1050.1 miles! 3:00 AM. An hour and 20 minutes to spare.

I need a nap!

Here are few pictures.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gixxe...hoo.com/ph/[email protected]/my_photos

 

[c50tiger]

:bluethum: Good, bad and ugly... but you made it - congrats!!

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

Wow!!! Gixxerdale, I say it again, you are the craziest biker I know!!!!!!

HOLY COW!!!!!!

I'm glad that everything worked out, and that you had such a memorable trip!

 

[Hunter]

Wow!!! Gixxerdale, I say it again, you are the craziest biker I know!!!!!!

HOLY COW!!!!!!

I'm glad that everything worked out, and that you had such a memorable trip!

That said it all. THANKS FOR THE PICS :mrgreen: Glad everyone made it safe and sound.

 

[Gixxerdale]

I'll remember this little putt for a long time! Oh and no "Monkey Butt"! Just a sore shoulder blade (old injury) and chilled to the bone! :mrgreen:

 

[Pinhy]

congrats! way to stick it out...my a$$ would have been on my way into a hotel at first sight of snow!

i am hoping you guys are going to split the $150 for the ticket, even though you are stuck with the points.

too bad you didnt get the 1500, but there is always the next ride!

 

[Gixxerdale]

The guys are paying the $150.00 fine and I get the points and I'll do the traffic school if I can get it transfered from Arizona to California. We'll see. I grew up in Arizona and it seems it's the only place I ever get ticketed! Maybe I should ride around the ouskirts of the state next time. :evil:

We did spot a few Hotels and it was tempting, but we're all just to stubborn I guess.

Next time I need to remember to close my vents when It's snowing,..... before it starts raining inside my helmet! :roll: Fatigue will get you everytime.

 

[LayinLo]

Great story, sounded like soooo much fun!

 

[themeatmanlandry]

Too bad about the ticket.

I hate the superslab too much to get any 1,000-mile awards of my own!

 

[Gixxerdale]

Too bad about the ticket.

I hate the superslab too much to get any 1,000-mile awards of my own!

I was overdue for the ticket anyhow. Last one was 1980! I'm usually real good about picking my time and place to play. But not on this ride. I fell right in! :evil:

We mixed it up between super slab and back roads. Made the ride much more fun, but burned a lot of time.

Not many pictures and the action ones suck due to operating the throttle and steering with the right hand and the left hand operating a digital camera while wearing a winter glove! I needed a tank bag so the camera mount was left at home. The mount goes back on today. I'm gettin to old to be digging around in a tank bag for a camera at 80mph and operating a camera one handed at speed. :roll:

PS, the wife wasn't happy about it either. And you know what happens when the wife isn't happy! No more one hand riding for me! :mrgreen:

 

[KAOS]

now that you broke down the ride. i.e. went 100+miles then stopped for abit, etc..

i know i could do it then. i said in your other post. "i couldn't imagine rideing the bike for 1000+ miles let alone 200-400." but with all the stops i think i could do it. actually i want to try a trip like that sometime this summer.

 

[SuzukiGirl1]

I'm kind of a wuss right now...I need a break every 50-60 miles in order to stretch out my lower back and knees. I get pretty sore. I'm trying to get stronger so that I can last longer, but I'm not there yet!

It just blows my mind to be able to ride 100 miles w/o a stretch break!!!

 

[Gixxerdale]

You will most likely need at least one other determined rider with you. I had three. If I was to do it myself, I probably would have pushed on to hard for to long and probably not finished. Plus there is more safety in numbers. Not a lot, say 6 or less.

Blas being more health conscious than the rest of us, kept us eating, drinking fluids and taking breaks more often than I would have done.

It's the details that will make or break a ride of that type. Do a whole lot of planning and route finding. Then find an accurate weather forecast. Mine was way off!

If I were going to do it again I would set a more direct route on Super Slab. The back roads were filled with tiny towns and 35 and 45 mph speed limits. This cost us a lot of time.

Now you've done it KAOS! I'm sitting here thinking....SS 1000 Version Two! A direct route. Thanks Seems I never get enough riding in.....Hmmm... no set plans for next weekend yet. :mrgreen:

 

[KAOS]

sweet!! i have a few friends that would be up for an "iron butt" ride this summer. actually.....well lets just say i've got some sweet ideas for the ride!!

 

[themeatmanlandry]

I'm kind of a wuss right now...I need a break every 50-60 miles in order to stretch out my lower back and knees. I get pretty sore. I'm trying to get stronger so that I can last longer, but I'm not there yet!

It just blows my mind to be able to ride 100 miles w/o a stretch break!!!

I hear ya' (sort of). After a good 2-3 hours deep in the curves, my elbows (specifically, the inner tendons @ the elbow) are hurting pretty good, as are my hips and wrists. I usually need to stop every 2 hours or so and take a 5-10 minute break.

 

[Louis]

I did 146 miles on my first real ride on my new SV. I was SaddleSore... Does that count?

 

[Gixxerdale]

I did 146 miles on my first real ride on my new SV. I was SaddleSore... Does that count?

Every ride counts. Now just make each one a little longer! :mrgreen:

 

[Dwayne Hicks]

I had a cellphone text message from Honda last weekend telling me there was a breakfast run on the Sunday morning out to Hartebeespoort Dam - about 100 miles from here. Somehow, although my bike is pretty reliable, and according to group riding rules, they should ride as fast as the slowest rider, I don't think the bike would take it, and my bike struggles to reach 100 km/h. It does it downhill at 11,000 rpm...

 

[JES883]

Great story!!! What a weekend. Glad you made it back safely.

And I'm still jealous, despite the snow, AZ Trolls and potential fuel woes.