Long Distance Riding

[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. :doorag:

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]

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:joke 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!:roflblack: 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?:roflblack: 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!:yes::yes::yes:

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.

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

have heard many thoughts/concerns/opinions regarding IRON BUTT, is this some sort of club ? Any info/ideas on this thought, how to become involved ? How is it proven ? Let the games begin. Thank's.

 

[NancysToy]

http://www.ironbutt.com/

 

[Aussie spyder]

long distance riding

I completed a SadelSore 2000/KM here down under using a Air Hawk cousing. no problem.

 

[jwmcclellan]

My problem isn't that the OEM seat on my RT isn't uncomfortable; the problem is that on hot days while wearing bluejeans I feel like I'm getting a diaper rash from sweating so much. I don't know if the Airhawk would be good for keeping the butt cooler, or if I should wait until I can see what the sheepskin seats can do when I get to the SpyderFest. And I use powder before riding.

 

[cjackg]

Try a "BeadRider"... Cool & comfortable!

 

[NancysToy]

My problem isn't that the OEM seat on my RT isn't uncomfortable; the problem is that on hot days while wearing bluejeans I feel like I'm getting a diaper rash from sweating so much. I don't know if the Airhawk would be good for keeping the butt cooler, or if I should wait until I can see what the sheepskin seats can do when I get to the SpyderFest. And I use powder before riding.

Ahhh, the joys of having Monkey Butt! In all fairness, it is more the individual and the weather that determine how much you sweat and how much it bothers you...not the seat itself. Without other measures almost any seat can feel hot and sweaty...it is how comfortable it is that counts. If it doesn't fit, it will hurt.

There are exceptions. SpyderPops has a seat with ventilated fabric that does pretty well. I forget the brand, ask him. An Alaska Leather sheepskin can help. It seems like this would do the opposite, but it doesn't really. As mentioned, lots of folks swear by the BeadRider. If you don't have a bony butt like mine, it might work for you. That one breathes the best. Talcum powder or Monkey Butt Powder can help. Wicking polypropylene technical undergarments help, too. Just a side note...in the rain wicking undewear works in the opposite direction. If your raingear has a leak, it can soak up water like a sponge. Don't ask how I know.