Long Distance Riding

[Mexican]

Jenmom, my wife did 980 miles in 17 hrs last year, 15 minutes after she parked the Spyder she was on the field playing the soccer finals, which by the way they won!
She is 41 years old and she did not complain about the seat, she says she like it just the way it is.
Will do it allover again next may (if i can handle it)

[prmurat]

Sorry for asking: are these Iron Butt, 50CC etc open to 3 wheelers (Spyder/Trike) ??? Having rode non stop 600 miles a few time on my RT, I feel that "regular motorcyclist" competing in these marathon are the real heroes... IMHO there is nothing to be proud about doing in it on a 3 wheeler (apart of a sidecar!!)...

[otter28169]

[QUOTE=BikerDoc;589736]Last year coming back from Spyderfest I rode 850 miles then slept five hrs then rode another 250 miles to home easily within the 24 hrs with a stock seat but with utopia drivers backrest did more than that on the trip to the Adirondacks. I am 66 yrs old, have bad back, bad Knees, and sometimes a bad mood. But I just don't get all the whining about the stock seat. I rode 25000 miles on mine this past year & plan for more the next year without touching the seat

[/QUOTEes

You ride an RT, the RS-S seat is hard and sloped at each side to make "Hanging Ham" that much easier. I have put 250 miles on my sled in a day on rough trails (not like the groomed ones you see in all the pictures), and been fine. That seat on the RS-S would have my tailbone hurting before the 150 mile mark. This might be an issue doe to my large size and weight (275 lbs). I have put on the comfort seat and hope it will make a difference.

[joet82]

I did my SS1000 on the way to SpyderFest with my 09 RS and original stock seat. I went from Lakeside, CA, to Amarillo, TX, in 21 hours and 50 minutes. the thing that suprised me most, was that after I got through the first 4 hours, with my body screaming at me almost all the way cause of temps and I'd never been on it for that extended period of time for a long while...my body settled in for the long haul and I had no major issues afterwards except at breaks and gas stations where getting on and off, my butt would regain contact with the nerve endings. lol and as some other ryders have said. it's all up to you. your body will tell you wether you should go on or not.

as they say in Spyder Ryder of America - San Diego Chapter preryde meetings, RYDE YOUR RYDE. ryde how you're comfortable, if something sends you warning signs, take them into consideration and make a decision, keep going, take a break, or just stop completely.

Good luck and hope you are able to find out what it truly means to eb "SADDLESORE". haha

[docdoru]

Sorry for asking: are these Iron Butt, 50CC etc open to 3 wheelers (Spyder/Trike) ??? Having rode non stop 600 miles a few time on my RT, I feel that "regular motorcyclist" competing in these marathon are the real heroes... IMHO there is nothing to be proud about doing in it on a 3 wheeler (apart of a sidecar!!)...

Yes they are all open; one should try IB for themselves and the Spyder, not for the proud, IMHO.

[Bob Denman]

Nobody should have to prove anything, to anybody but themselves...

[NancysToy]

Sorry for asking: are these Iron Butt, 50CC etc open to 3 wheelers (Spyder/Trike) ??? Having rode non stop 600 miles a few time on my RT, I feel that "regular motorcyclist" competing in these marathon are the real heroes... IMHO there is nothing to be proud about doing in it on a 3 wheeler (apart of a sidecar!!)...

I understand where you are coming from, but that opens a huge can of worms. Is doing it on a 60's Brit bike more of an achievement than on a Goldwing. How about a 1908 Harley? Best to leave this as a personal measure of performance and endurance, where only the rider has any specific hoop to jump through. As long as you do it with the wind in your face and the sun on your shoulders, it's all good.

[Bootie]

I understand where you are coming from, but that opens a huge can of worms. Is doing it on a 60's Brit bike more of an achievement than on a Goldwing. How about a 1908 Harley? Best to leave this as a personal measure of performance and endurance, where only the rider has any specific hoop to jump through. As long as you do it with the wind in your face and the sun on your shoulders, it's all good.

[steve635]

I understand where you are coming from, but that opens a huge can of worms. Is doing it on a 60's Brit bike more of an achievement than on a Goldwing. How about a 1908 Harley? Best to leave this as a personal measure of performance and endurance, where only the rider has any specific hoop to jump through. As long as you do it with the wind in your face and the sun on your shoulders, it's all good.

I've never done a 1,000 mile day, but I have done 750, (El Paso to Houston) on a 97 HD Road King. At mostly 70 mph on the I - 10, I don't think the Spyder would be significantly less tiring.

[Wiredux]

So I am going to be doing my SS1000 going to spyderfest this year. I have the stock seat on a 2012 RT. Ill let you know at spyderfest how it was.

[Bob Denman]

We'll all be pulling for you!

[BeachSpyder]

As to eligibility for IronButt status, it was originally only for those who competed in the rally, and then they found their numbers dwindling, so they opened the "IronButt" classification to anyone that completed a certified Saddlesore 1000 ( this was explained at this years annual banquet). The only competition that is restricted to two wheels is the rally, though I think you will see more restrictions in the future. I have done two saddlesore challenges in the last two months, and the Spyder is a forgiving platform for accomplishing this task. It allows you to carry more luggage than a traditional bike, and lets you get away with the addle minded mistakes that come with 18+ hours on a bike. The necessity for frequent gas stops is a true Achilles heel for using the Spyder, and handling at speed can be less than stellar. On my rt, I am lucky to get 22mpg at 80mph, so the gas stops come too often.
As to the seat question, the variables deal as much with your personal geometry (height, weight, inseam, how do you carry the weight etc) as it does the bike geometry. In my case, I needed a semi-firm seat with extra room for my big butt, along with 29" inseam, and desire for a seat rest. I ended up buying an ultimate seat because it was ready quickly, did not make me stay off bike for 4-6 weeks without a saddle, was moderately priced, and came with good recommendations. I also use a sheepskin covered gel pad that I switch on and off over the 1000+ miles. After 600 miles on any saddle, you will gladly sit on thumbtacks just for a different feeling. After 800 miles your ass is not your primary concern anymore, at least not the one you sit on! Hallucinations, knee pain, wrist pain, chapped lips, chapped face, hunger, thirst, time remaining for completion....these take up your time more. And your next gas stop. Especially on an RT!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bob Denman]

You've really done a good job of making it sound like... fun!

[Bob Denman]

Time for the goat!

[bruiser]

Don't forget the MonkeyButt

[jenmom22]

Hi jenmom, nice to see you on the forum again. Lots of good advice about various seats and pads. Personally, I think stopping and resting for just a bit fairly often is the key to riding a long way in reasonable comfort. One nice thing about the Spyder's limited range is that it makes you stop a little more often. I usually try to stop about every 125 miles if fuel is available. Take a little time to stretch your legs and rub your bottom and you'll be surprised how many of those little 125 mile hops you can do in a day. Only takes 8 of them to equal an iron butt day.

Cotton

I like the idea of the sheepskin, and I'll check out the Walmart gel. I think the gas stops might be the best bet. I know I can get 140 out of a tank, but I plan on riding with several riders, and I think I'll go the "I need to get gas" route.

Thanks!!!

[jenmom22]

Yes they are all open; one should try IB for themselves and the Spyder, not for the proud, IMHO.

Well - seems to me that any Iron Butt ride is not a casual thing - takes endurance no matter what you ride/ryde. When I brought it up (that I want to do this) to the group, no one said, "oh, no you ride three wheels." I ride with a group of women - called L.O.W. riders (Ladies on Wheels), where we have trikes, Wings, Victories, Hondas, Harleys and a couple of Spyders. It takes all kinds, and like some above have mentioned, ryde your ride.

WHEN I do this, I know I will be proud of ME and my Spyder.

[jenmom22]

As to eligibility for IronButt status, it was originally only for those who competed in the rally, and then they found their numbers dwindling, so they opened the "IronButt" classification to anyone that completed a certified Saddlesore 1000 ( this was explained at this years annual banquet). The only competition that is restricted to two wheels is the rally, though I think you will see more restrictions in the future. I have done two saddlesore challenges in the last two months, and the Spyder is a forgiving platform for accomplishing this task. It allows you to carry more luggage than a traditional bike, and lets you get away with the addle minded mistakes that come with 18+ hours on a bike. The necessity for frequent gas stops is a true Achilles heel for using the Spyder, and handling at speed can be less than stellar. On my rt, I am lucky to get 22mpg at 80mph, so the gas stops come too often.
As to the seat question, the variables deal as much with your personal geometry (height, weight, inseam, how do you carry the weight etc) as it does the bike geometry. In my case, I needed a semi-firm seat with extra room for my big butt, along with 29" inseam, and desire for a seat rest. I ended up buying an ultimate seat because it was ready quickly, did not make me stay off bike for 4-6 weeks without a saddle, was moderately priced, and came with good recommendations. I also use a sheepskin covered gel pad that I switch on and off over the 1000+ miles. After 600 miles on any saddle, you will gladly sit on thumbtacks just for a different feeling. After 800 miles your ass is not your primary concern anymore, at least not the one you sit on! Hallucinations, knee pain, wrist pain, chapped lips, chapped face, hunger, thirst, time remaining for completion....these take up your time more. And your next gas stop. Especially on an RT!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Awesome write-up!
A couple of notes --
a) The RS doesn't have much trunk space (granted, more than a two wheel that doesn't have saddlebags). I usually keep a blanket in there, my rain gear and I can stuff a backpack in it. I figured for a SS1000, I wouldn't need more than that (with a change of clothes in the backpack).
b) My girl gets me 30-32 mpg, but I think I like the idea of stopping/resting every 125 miles or so. I might change my mind after the first couple of stops...

Thanks for your input - taken to heart and butt!

[NancysToy]

Awesome write-up!
A couple of notes --
a) The RS doesn't have much trunk space (granted, more than a two wheel that doesn't have saddlebags). I usually keep a blanket in there, my rain gear and I can stuff a backpack in it. I figured for a SS1000, I wouldn't need more than that (with a change of clothes in the backpack).
b) My girl gets me 30-32 mpg, but I think I like the idea of stopping/resting every 125 miles or so. I might change my mind after the first couple of stops...

Thanks for your input - taken to heart and butt!

Remember that your endurance and well-being is just as important as that of the machine. Better to take time every 125 miles when you get gas to rehydrate yourself and get a snack or meal, and spend an extra hour in your journey to make it back up, than to over-tire or dehydrate yourself and have to abort the trip...or get sleepy or punchy toward the end.

[BeachSpyder]

Why the $&ck can't we have a like button for good posts? Excellent reply and I think she has plenty to chew on now from all of us. I am constantly amazed at the quality of responses we get to questions posed to this group. Excellent!

[otter28169]

Why the $&ck can't we have a like button for good posts? Excellent reply and I think she has plenty to chew on now from all of us. I am constantly amazed at the quality of responses we get to questions posed to this group. Excellent!

Look right between our two posts and you will see the thumb's up, that's how you like a post. Is that what you mean?

Just sayin'............

[spydaman60]

[QUOTE=BikerDoc;589736]Last year coming back from Spyderfest I rode 850 miles then slept five hrs then rode another 250 miles to home easily within the 24 hrs with a stock seat but with utopia drivers backrest did more than that on the trip to the Adirondacks. I am 66 yrs old, have bad back, bad Knees, and sometimes a bad mood. But I just don't get all the whining about the stock seat. I rode 25000 miles on mine this past year & plan for more the next year without touching the seat

[/QUOTEes

did brp take a mold of your butt to make their stock seat?(just joking) each butt is different, and you must be one of the lucky ones to match their design. I couldn't take 300 miles without changing mine, however, I go 260 pounds and they didn't ask me for a mold of mine! by the way, wife and I have an ultimate and we love it!

[SPYD1]

I have never gone more than 150 miles in an afternoon? BUT the person who sold me the Alaska sheepskin said its best to go stock for a while, then put on the Sheepskin for a while, then maybe the Beadriders for a while and then back around again?
Variety will spice up your rear end so its happy!

I totally agree. Sitting in anything for that long will bother most. You need something to adjust your pressure points.

[Iride]

I bought a used 2011 RSS (stock, no mods) in December 2012 and did a Saddle Sore 1000 right after I got it. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam and found the stock seat very comfortable. I've done Iron Butt rides on my Yamaha FJR and my Kawasaki Concours and for me, the stock Spyder saddle is even more comfortable than my other bikes.

Bill in San Antonio, TX

I haven't been on for awhile (was having issues with posting, and been super busy)...


Question - I am very interested in doing a saddlesore (the first step in being an Iron Butt member). I have the standard seat on my 2012 RSS. Do you think this is possible (the 1000 miles in 24 hours) with the standard seat, or should I put it off, until I can find/install an upgraded seat?

If I should put it off, what and where should I get as an upgraded seat?


Thanks!!!


Sam

I need to upgrade my picture - Charlotte (my yellow RS) was traded in for the matt green one in August - her name is Spitfire...

[Wiredux]

So I will be headed out to Spyderfest in 24 days. I will start a new thread when I head out and make sure I post pictures. I will have the spot running during the entire trip so yall can follow along if you are still at home and not on the road yet.