... I should be rolling down the East Coast, heading from New Hampshire to Florida for a small family gathering. I'm taking my motorcycle this time, and am noodling with the idea of doing the 1500 mile run as a straight shot rather than stopping for the night somewhere.
I did a 1500 mile run last summer as the first leg of my cross-country trip; I started in NH one day and kept going until I reached the far side of Minnesota the next day, covering 1500 miles (2400 km) in about 36 hours.
It's an odd kind of fun, I admit.
It's a whole different kind of riding where time, mental and physical energy, food and fuel all have to be planned and managed with very high efficiency. Prepping for a trip like that--- both the bike and oneself--- takes some doing.
As I write this, the bike's ready and waiting for me in the garage. I did a full service last week (oil, filters, etc) and checked the bike from front to back. I have the long route plotted and fed into two GPSes. (I carry a spare on long trips.) My camera's ready. My riding gear is recently washed and re-waterproofed. I'll be leaving in good weather and will dress accordingly, but I've also packed my electrically-heated winter riding vest and winter helmet visor in case I run into a long stretch of cold weather on the return ride.
Anyway, I'll be in Florida the next few days, so if my posts are a little late, now you'll know why!
Be careful and I know you will. 1500 miles in a day is unreal. I always do 500 tops.
ReplyDeleteHave fun and drive carefully!
ReplyDeleteI read all your trip report of the trip across America, and didn't register that you did 1500 miles in one day. Other than that I loved it as I do all your writing, but I have to say I'm disappointed in you now.
ReplyDeleteI consider your actions inconsiderate and dangerous, and should far from neing encouraged, be actively discouraged.
Here in the UK, there have been m,any cases of drivers prosecuted for driving while tired.
I see that in the US
http://www.safety.com/articles/driving-while-tired.html
your own country also now takes a dim view suggesting driving for 18 hrs is equivalent to drunk driving, and you plan to double that.
Sorry Fred, not a great example to set. Please change your plans/habits before you kill someone.
COlin
I've now fiollowed you
Colin, you need to re-read Fred's description of his trip. He takes power naps and in all ways acts responsibly.
ReplyDeleteI arrived safe and sound yesterday, covering the 1500 miles in about 32 hours.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the concern expressed above. I'm a member of the "Iron Butt Association. http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm
From the web site: "The 34,000+ members of the Iron Butt Association are dedicated to safe, long-distance motorcycle riding."
Properly done, long distance riding is NOT a race nor a drug-fueled death march. Covering 1500 miles in 32 hours requires an average speed of only 43 miles an hour. I did the ride entirely on superhighways, many with posted speed limits of 70mph. The difference creates time to rest, eat, sleep, exercise, etc.
I stopped 6 times for gas, three times for meals, and three times for naps. (I nap on LD rides at the first available rest area, once I detect any signs of fading alertness.)
So yes, covering very long distances in one go is a bit extreme, but if it's done with proper planning and NOT done as a race or as some kind of nonstop suicide run, it can be done quite safely.
In fact, the only very unsafe moment I had came at the hands of an Atlanta-area commuter who was talking with his passenger and blindly merged into my lane without even a glance in his mirrors. (In fact, his face was pointed at his passenger the whole time as he made his lane change.) I saw the move as it developed and got out of his way. If I hadn't seen it coming--- if I had been sleep-addled or otherwise zoned out--- it could have been trouble. But I simply moved over and decelerated, giving him the lane.
(Ironically, if I'd been in a car, its width would have made evasion harder.)
When he realized he'd almost merged into me, he looked shocked, and gave me a big stupid grin. I gave him half a peace sign in return. :-) I don't like to be rude, but he needed a little reminder that, no, it's not OK to nearly run others off the road.
So, I appreciate your concerns, but I did this ride as safely as I know know, and it went fine.
I took a bunch of photos. I post a ride report when I'm back, next week.
(BTW: I have the same 1500 miles to cover on the return trip...)