Triumphrat

davidc · 08-17-2007, 10:27 AM

Seven hundred miles and 19 hours into the trip - in the rain at this point - I threw in the towel. I was soooooooo tired and achy I could not go on, no matter how much I tried to build my determination. I was really disappointed in myself, but my condition simply dictated that I quit and sleep.

The trip itself was unremarkable: no traffic jams, deer encounters, or mechanical problems. I did, when night fell, run into more bugs that ever before requiring frquent cleaning of the face shield. For the most part it was quite pleasant. Headwinds, although not severe, plagued me right on to Buffalo. The cumulative effects were noticable. The bike purred along, however, without a hiccup. I did lose a quart of oil, from the new oil filter I installed I suspect, so I must investigate that.

I took five mpg. readings, and they defy logic. The first was 50 mpg. prior to the headwinds and at 70 mph. average. The second was 43 mpg. at 65 mph. average in the winds. The third, here's the strange part, was 52 mpg. at 70 mph. average in the wind. The fourth was 47 mpg. at 80 mph. average [w/o headwind], and the last 43 mpg. at 70 mph. average and no wind. Strange, but the first two were with many hills. Very strange in that I expected to be at 50 mpg or better throughout the trip.

Some expressed interest in trying this trip and asked for feedback, so here it is:

The map service I used, suggested by IBA, MapsOnUs, showed my town to Buffalo to be 421 miles and 6 hrs. 18 min. It took me nearly 11 hours with breaks for fuel/rest at about 2 hrs. 45 min. I put this guestimate on the high side as well. Thus, I really question the speedo accuracy. The odometer was right because I showed 428 miles. So, check your speedo if you can. Also, try using the map service first with a local two hour trip and see if what you get is what they say. I just assumed the travel time posted would be at about 65 mph.

I rode a stock T100, except for the bars [M bars]. The problem areas in order of main concerns first: the seat, the stock footpegs, the bars, the headlight, and lack of windshield or dart screen. The most comfy seat is needed [king/queen?], highway pegs for sure, stock or higher bars, and a light that actually lights. The only real twisties I encountered were in total blackness - SCARY and NOT fun at all. A small shield certainly would have been a help, but the other items do reduce it to an extra measure of comfort. An I-Pod ain't a bad idea either; I had a lot of songs in my head but couldn't recall the words. Therefore, I stuck to instrumentals like "Wipeout". For a few hours I hummed "Mack the Knife" because I knew the words.

I give much credit to those who have done these rigous long rides - even aboard a Wing. Those who do it on smaller machines, like a Bonneville, are truly some tough-a**ed riders!

A few photos, perchance. Me optimistically thumbed-up just before leaving, Binghamton, NY, and entering Buffalo.

It was quite an experience, even if I did not complete the run.

Oh, by the way, I did "make the ton" while on Rte. 15 in PA. No cops, no cars, no deer. The trip was not a total wash out!

D9 · 08-17-2007, 10:39 AM

DavidC, good on ya anyway - you done splendid - no way I could've gone
19 hrs - holy smokes, that makes you an Ironbutt in my estimation - enjoyed the write up & commentary...

cheers,

D9

Geoff · 08-17-2007, 10:40 AM

good on ya for the effort, and also for knowing when enuffs enuff.
people who endeavor difficult tasks know, failure is the path to success. You'll get it next time
G

sweatmachine · 08-17-2007, 10:40 AM

"oh the shark babe, has such teeth yeah"

Mack the Knife is a great song. I prefer the Bobby Darin version.

Sounds like a fun trip, pain is part of the fun! If it was easy everyone would do it! Good for you to know when to quit. Next time you'll make it!

NewOldSkool · 08-17-2007, 10:42 AM

Totally agree w/ D9. And I know about those bugs in NY after nightfall.
Are you planning on a rematch?
Mondo

KingOfFleece · 08-17-2007, 10:53 AM

I was waiting for you! Glad it worked out and you are safe. We have a HUGE deer problem here.

Hedge · 08-17-2007, 11:10 AM

Good Orderly Thinking Dave! You tried and surrendered without injury to yourself or your Bonne and will be able to fight this battle another day! Heck - I would entertain meeting you out of CT and doing it with you using the Buddy System the next time you want to go for it!

The K&Q would definitely be the ticket for that ride.

webonnielad · 08-17-2007, 11:31 AM

But there are many battles in a war. You lived to fight another day. Learned your limitations and You know what to expect next time.

Good try better luck next time.
all the best.

mistermellow001 · 08-17-2007, 11:56 AM

David, your trip kind of seems like a scientific experiment. You had an idea, planned it out, got it going, made observations, gathered data, and reported your results. It's neither a success nor a failure. It's information you now have about your equipment, your tolerance for various riding conditions, your stamina, etc. Your account of the trip is fascinating to me because I'm just not sure I could go even half as far as you did. Thanks for the report!

TB-T100 · 08-17-2007, 12:28 PM

Congratulations, not only for trying to do such a thing, but even more for knowing when enough is enough.