Not sure about the date yet since that will depend on the weather.
Good decision. Never let desire get ahead of common sense. The road isn't going anywhere. If your initial date doesn't work out, there are plenty more to choose from. And if things go to heck in a handbasket during the ride, do the smart thing and call it a day.
A few months ago I was attempting to create a new certificated ride. Mike Kneebone and i had discussed it for months in advance, and I made plans after plans after plans. I knew that the possibility of critters would be a serious concern on my route, but I went ahead with it. At about 19 hours into a 40+ hour ride I called it quits. I was in a part of the country in which every corner had deer/elk on the road or on the side of the road or crossing the road. My final 50 miles were ridden at about 35-50 mph as it wasn't safe to go any faster. At that point I knew it was pointless to keep going and I got a hotel room just 17 miles short of a SaddleSore. Make the decision that allows you go get back home to your family.
I do have my route nailed down though. Doing a out and back from N. Ft Worth to Sierra Blanca. All interstate and plenty of fuel stations.
Good choice for a first attempt.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Just try to stop me.
Unless you're riding with an experienced IBA member that already has their share of certs, I always recommend the first attempt be done solo. There are too many variables; riding styles, speed at gas stops, smoker/non-smoker, endurance capability, etc. And then the tough decision on whether to stay with the broken down rider if one of you has a flat or mechanical issue; do you both lose out on the cert, or is it okay if the other one completes the ride?
Get rest beforehand, drink lots of water, know when to stop and take a break, don't push yourself excessively and don't be trying to beat some kind of time limit. It's not so hard as you think, take your time and finish.
I couldn't agree more. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. By the way, having the urge to pee helps to keep you awake.
Make sure you have some secure place to put your receipts. It sucks having to chase receipts across the gas station parking lot in the wind. At least, that's what I've heard, right, that's it.
You can buy a very small clipboard (6x8?) that is perfect for securing your receipt. Place a small piece of stiff plastic on the clipboard and you can slide the receipt under it. This is very beneficial for taking a photo of the receipt along with your odometer (you'll need to start doing this if you become a Premier member and begin submitting your rides electronically.
Just finished setting up my spotwalla account along with swconnect.
Another good decision. If you happen to lose a receipt (and didn't take a photo of it) this can be a good backup to your documentation.
You have no idea how good a fresh set of earplugs will feel after 500 miles.
Stretch it 70 miles r/t to Ft. Hancock and enjoy a good meal at Angie's Cafe. A hidden gem.
Until you know your own capabilities of LD riding I strongly recommend against any lunches/dinners. I'm a big proponent of salads, jerky, trail mix, etc. Good protein, low carbs, low sugars.
There are five steps to earning a SaddleSore certification;
1. Choose a safe route
2. get a start witness
3. collect and track receipts
4. get an end witness
5. copy and submit your documentation
Your witness does NOT have to happen at your first and last fuel stop. It is perfectly okay to have start/stop witness be a spouse, friend, family member, co-worker, etc, as long as they are "reasonably" close to your start/stop fuel stop. This can be done the night before the ride, or later in the day after you get back.
If you become a premier member you'll no longer need to have witnesses. Your Spotwalla tracks and your receipts are all that you will need.
Congrats on starting down the path to LDR addiction... just know up front that there is no cure.