First SS 1000 attempt

It was kind of an impulse thing. I learned Friday that someone was headed to FL to pick up a parts bike and I invited myself along. I've been taking longer and longer rides in preparation for a possible trip to Alaska next year, and I wanted to see how the bike and I would hold up for a really lengthy ride. We agreed that I'd leave early and let them catch up with me when I stopped for some shut-eye. With two of them, they wouldn't need to stop. On impulse, I decided to try for a SS1000 while I was at it. That's an award from the Iron Butt Association. Document a ride of 1000 miles in 24 hours. Soon after work I was bundled up and on my way. A few hours down the road, I learned they were having vehicle problems, and had to call the trip off. Time for plan B. I had no reason to go to FL specifically, so I arranged to have lunch with my daughter and her hubby of exactly six months in Asheville, NC. I worked out a rather crooked route through VA, NC, SC, NC, and then back through TN, VA, MD, and DE that would be enough for a thousand miles in 24 hours with miles to spare. I did it, though the IBA might not accept my documantation. Total in the first 24 hours, about 1050. I left about 5 PM on Friday, got home Saturday night about 11. Total for the trip, 1402. Did 995 on Saturday alone. Official or not, the ride was fun. I'm looking forward to my next one. Maybe I'll make myself my own certificate. I ended up riding a large portion of my miles at night, and night riding was okay. Slept from 1 to 5:30. If you bundle up enough, and keep the wind out, mid-30 temperatures are doable. I was not uncomfortable, but then, I'm from Minnesota. It was chilly. Maybe a warmer sweater, and cinch the waist. Warmer socks. I'm sure the BMW jugs helped keep my feet warmer. Cheap ski gloves are almost good enough insulation. Rain suits are wonderful for keeping out the wind. Riding slowly feels really weird after a couple hours at highway speeds. One of North Carolina's finest gave my first performance award in over ten years. (I saw plenty of people pulled over in every state.) He let me take his picture, and when I asked, he told me informally (you didn't hear it from me, and this is no guarantee) that they start enforcing after 9 miles over. Saw no live deer, two deer carcases on the side, three more as hamburger covering large spots on the road. A semi really does a number on a deer. Bike ran like a top. Rider made one goof--rode about a hundred miles with the kickstand down. Had quite a scare the first time I needed to lean left. Didn't do much sightseeing--concentrated on the road and the traffic. Fall colors were great, though. I'm tireder than I thought I'd be. My hands are tired (weak) and somewhat swollen. Shoulder blades got sore, wrists hurt some. I'm going to try earplugs--the wind noise deadened my hearing for a while. I'm hoarse from humming to myself steadily for all those hours. Butt felt fine the whole time. That Corbin seat actually works fairly well. Never wished for pain meds, often wished for quiet. Hannah and Daniel are fine. I was pleased to see that they sat next to each other, not across. Dad (me) picked up the tab. It was good to see them. I saw a couple on a beemer in DC. It was refreshing to see and ride with them for a while. Saw several bikes during the day, but only one other during nighttime. Ran into one fellow who knew about the IBA, said he wants to do a SS someday on his 650. He also has a Jack Russel, as we do. Nice guy. I didn't report in often enough Saturday, and the wife was anxious. Note to self: Call home every time you get off the bike. When I finally got home we shared a big hug and kiss. On impulse.