5 ways to Prepare for Ironman 2012

How to Ride a Motorcycle 1200 Miles in 24 Hours

If you decide to do the BOSS Ironman 2012, log on to their website and read instructions carefully. In a nutshell, pass the designated route and keep a fuel log a with all receipts.

1. Plan your route. Choose roads that allow for higher speeds. Try to avoid going through too many stop signs or traffic lights, because they will slow you down. Know your bike's touring range (how many miles between fillups) and make sure you'll be able to buy gas when you need it. Many riders use trip planning software such as MS Streets and Trips, because it calculates distances and has gas station information.
2. Prepare your motorcycle. Your tires should have enough tread to complete the ride, and be properly inflated. Your riding position should be comfortable for long periods. A relatively upright position is best, though people have done this ride on racer-type bikes or ape-hanger'd cruisers. You should have a way to rest your throttle hand, either a cruise control, throttle lock, or wrist rest. Verify that your lights work, because you'll need them.
3. Have the right personal equipment. Besides the standard safety gear like helmet and boots, you'll need to be prepared for varying weather. This means layered clothes and a rain suit. It will be very helpful to have earplugs, because all that wind noise can be very fatiguing over a long period.
4. Have a way to stay hydrated. Many people have a Camelback, but you can rig up any type of container with a drink hose so you can drink while underway. Pack snacks for the road. You can eat energy bars while moving.
5. "Plan your ride and ride your plan." Now that you've prepared, go out and do it. Enjoy the trip!

Tips:

• Practice fast fuel stops. You should be able to get out of a gas station in 10 minutes. This may seem minor, but if your bike has a typical fuel range, you'll be stopping quite a few times. Develop a routine that you follow each time so you can do a fuel stop automatically without forgetting where you put your gloves.
• Think about riding alone or with others. The more people you're with, the harder it is to synchronize fuel and bathroom breaks. You'll be stopping more frequently, and for longer periods. On the other hand, you may feel more secure having someone watching your back, and it's fun to share the experience with a buddy. Make an informed decision.
• Daylight is your friend. Plan to ride during the summer when the days are longest. Try to time your ride so you do most of your riding during daylight, especially the last few hours, when you are most at risk due to fatigue. Some Iron Butt riders are so efficient that they can log the whole thousand miles between sunrise and sunset.
• One approach is to depart around sunset and ride until the wee hours, then stop at a motel and grab a few hours of real sleep. Get up early, eat a quick breakfast, and head out to finish your ride. Sure, the sleep could cost you your shot at 1,200 miles -- but not sleeping could cost you much more. Besides, riding when you are bleary-eyed and yawning isn't much fun.
• If you plan to do much long-distance riding, invest in a custom saddle and a good windscreen. If not, or if your bike isn't very comfortable, think about renting a bike instead. Minor discomfort can become excruciating pain over a thousand miles, and you will avoid racking up miles on your own motorcycle.
• Plan your eating carefully. Small amounts of high-protein, low-fat foods can help to keep your body's energy levels even; sugary snacks and large hot meals are probably best saved for your post-ride celebration.
• Try a 300- or 500-mile ride first. It's far less dangerous and you will learn what works for you and what doesn't.

Warnings:

• A rider's level of physical and mental readiness declines geometrically during long rides. A thousand miles in one day can be a dangerous undertaking. If you must do it, manage your risk by training for the event (see the Iron Butt site). Although the motorcycle does most of the work, a long ride is an endurance event -- and losing can cost you your life.
• Don't speed. You can do this ride by obeying posted speed limits. The added stress of speeding will make you more fatigued. This sounds funny but it's true. High speeds also decrease your fuel efficiency.
• Stay away from stimulants, even caffeine. If you find yourself getting drowsy, stop and nap for 15 minutes or a half hour. You'll be amazed at how well that recharges you. Drugs impair your judgment.
• No ride is worth injury or death, just to meet a goal. If your ride is not going well, abort the mission and grab a hotel room.