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...but after a couple months of planning & waiting for halfway decent weather, I took Tuesday off & rode an Iron Butt trip--the Lower Great Lakes 1000 (circling Lakes Erie & Ontario) in a little under 21 hours. My legs are still a little sore & my butt would be too, if it wasn't still numb. :lol: Just sent in the paperwork this morning, hope to hear from them by end of June.
I know from other posts that there's been some interest in these rides, so allow me to share some of my thoughts:
1. My physical preparation for this was basically nil. I'm not in the best of shape, but as someone posted in another thread there is some good to exercising beforehand, especially w/ the abs. If I was in better shape, I think I wouldn't have needed to rest as often in the later going, and I'd probably be less sore now.
2. Choosing a clockwise route, I left Cleveland area around 3AM to avoid Detroit rush hour, which I think paid off. Really not much traffic to speak of except for a little on the 401 outside Toronto. Lots of work areas, however, but no significant problems.
3. There were a few moments around the 400-mile mark that I didn't think I was going to make it. This is when my hands got sore (no throttle lock or cruise, and enough wind & traffic to deal with) and my butt explained why this is called the Iron Butt ride. Essentially it was a matter of counting down to the next fuel/rest stop. The range on my 99 Aero @ 75-80 mph is about 120 miles, but that worked as a good interval for stretching & resting.
4. My favorite parts of the ride were both the scenery and the people I met. Friendly people everywhere; even the guys @ Canada & US Customs had good words for the bike! 8) Also, the toll collectors were patient while I reached in my receipt/toll Ziploc "necklace" for what I needed; I still needed to take my gloves off, fish for the needed change, get & stow the receipt, put the gloves back on & take off (6 times on the trip).
5. My least favorite part? Not being able to spend more time in the areas I passed. Beautiful scenery in many places (especially 1000 Islands area) that I'll keep in mind for another (longer) trip next time. I was also reminded of the many members of this group who live in the areas I passed on the trip & whom I hope to meet in Niagara this August.
6. If I had to do over again (I could see doing another ride later this year or next), I'd (a) get in better shape beforehand & (b) look into a throttle lock & back rest for my Corbin seat. In fact, I think I'll start shopping now... :wink:
Sorry for the long post, but was excited @ finishing this thing & wanted to share.
I know from other posts that there's been some interest in these rides, so allow me to share some of my thoughts:
1. My physical preparation for this was basically nil. I'm not in the best of shape, but as someone posted in another thread there is some good to exercising beforehand, especially w/ the abs. If I was in better shape, I think I wouldn't have needed to rest as often in the later going, and I'd probably be less sore now.
2. Choosing a clockwise route, I left Cleveland area around 3AM to avoid Detroit rush hour, which I think paid off. Really not much traffic to speak of except for a little on the 401 outside Toronto. Lots of work areas, however, but no significant problems.
3. There were a few moments around the 400-mile mark that I didn't think I was going to make it. This is when my hands got sore (no throttle lock or cruise, and enough wind & traffic to deal with) and my butt explained why this is called the Iron Butt ride. Essentially it was a matter of counting down to the next fuel/rest stop. The range on my 99 Aero @ 75-80 mph is about 120 miles, but that worked as a good interval for stretching & resting.
4. My favorite parts of the ride were both the scenery and the people I met. Friendly people everywhere; even the guys @ Canada & US Customs had good words for the bike! 8) Also, the toll collectors were patient while I reached in my receipt/toll Ziploc "necklace" for what I needed; I still needed to take my gloves off, fish for the needed change, get & stow the receipt, put the gloves back on & take off (6 times on the trip).
5. My least favorite part? Not being able to spend more time in the areas I passed. Beautiful scenery in many places (especially 1000 Islands area) that I'll keep in mind for another (longer) trip next time. I was also reminded of the many members of this group who live in the areas I passed on the trip & whom I hope to meet in Niagara this August.
6. If I had to do over again (I could see doing another ride later this year or next), I'd (a) get in better shape beforehand & (b) look into a throttle lock & back rest for my Corbin seat. In fact, I think I'll start shopping now... :wink:
Sorry for the long post, but was excited @ finishing this thing & wanted to share.
