Thinking about a 50CC Attempt

[Hulked Up]

With the winter lull I have been thinking about my next IBA ride.  For the last two years my friend Doug and I have done an Iron Butt ride each season.  In 2005 we did a SS1000 and this year we did a Bun Burner Gold.
 
  We’ve had a goal of doing a 50CC (coast to coast in 50 hours or less) since 2005 and had planned to finally do it in 2007.  As I’m thinking about it, I see one major issue I need to resolve before the serious planning starts:
 
  Which route:  NY to San Francisco (2900 miles) or Jacksonville to San   Diego (2350 miles)?
 
  We both live in the Northeast, Doug is not too far outside of NYC, so there is a natural inclination to start there.  However this route is over 500 miles longer, which is not inconsequential on a ride like this.  In doing some research I couldn’t find too many people who did this route.  I was wondering if anyone here had done it?
 
  I know most people do Jacksonville to San Diego, which is like doing a little more than 2 Saddlesores back to back.  The NY to SF route is more like two BBG’s back to back.  I did one BBG and the thought of doing another one the following day seems a bit crazy, but it would be one hell of an accomplishment.  
 
  I think the IBA may have changed their classification on the NY to SF route as I seem to remember in 2005 it was considered an extreme part of the 50CC ride.  I no longer see it specifically mentioned on their list of rides, though there is a veiled reference to it in the rules of the 50CC.
 
  Any thoughts from the IBA riders?

[scott-sts]

Way too hardcore for me buddy.

[Bodhi]

Me too. I want to go coast to coast to coast, but I want to see things, eat at interesting places, take photos, meet people...

[Hulked Up]

Me too. I want to go coast to coast to coast, but I want to see things, eat at interesting places, take photos, meet people...

That's for the way back.  

[olderigetfasteriwas]

What are you going to ride?

[Davo]

The IBA still have the 50CC Gold, or called/mentioned as other terms. Usually known as 50CC the hard way

I did a Australian one in January, the first every at Gold level, Brisbane>Fremantle 4430k (2750m) in 45h22m

I chose that rather than the shorter (same as your shorter 2400m one) because like you I live close to the wider route. Made perfect sense rather than do a 1200klm ride just to start.

I say go do it, here is mine http://www.gtr-aus.com/davo/davo.htm click the IBA 50CC Gold linky

[Hulked Up]

What are you going to ride?

Well, another issue to think about.  Was going to take the VFR, which did well on the BBG, but after 1500 everything hurts pretty good.  Might consider actually renting something.

I say go do it, here is mine http://www.gtr-aus.com/davo/davo.htm click the IBA 50CC Gold linky

Thanks, I'll check that out.

[county]

I have been contemplating a 50 CC for 3 years.  That NY to SF is, IMO, a hard ride.  I don't believe it can be done without some serious lawbreaking.
 
For the Jacksonville to San Diego a lotta people get a W.Coast  IB member to meet them and lead them thru the mountains near the end of the ride.  
 
Even now, I-10 in Florida and Louisiana bears checking out.  
 
I have also considered departing from Charleston and Savannah...
 
Fort Stockton, TX is the mid-point and where a lotta riders catch their nap.  
 
Also, in March, I believe, theres a club that sponsors a 50 CC, a whole group of people depart Jacksonville at about the same time...not actually riding as a group.  The club provides witness signatures, lists of gas stations and stuff.  (Kinda the opposite of what a 50 cc is suppose to be about, IMO)

[Cal24Master]

You can do it reasonably.  You are basically taking I80 across most of the country.  The speed limit on 80 west of Iowa, which is about 2/3 of it is 75mph.  You can usually do 80-85 without much fear of performance awards.  If you keep your stops down to a minimum and average 70, that will give you 1500 miles in about 21 hours.  That gives you about 6-7 hours of sleep during the ride.  I have done it.  It isn't easy, but definately doable.
 
The Jacksonville to SD, or Santa Monica route is pure cake.  I10 the whole way.  I did it in 38 hours, and I stopped for 4 hours of sleep in Houston.
 
Tom
IBA 161

[Gixster]

The Jacksonville to SD, or Santa Monica route is pure cake.  I10 the whole way.  I did it in 38 hours, and I stopped for 4 hours of sleep in Houston.
 
Tom
IBA 161

 Then again, that's due in no small part to that sub-200 IBA number you have.  

[scott-sts]

You have to figure there will be worse traffic on the NY to SF route.  
I've driven I-10 from Tallahasse to Baton Rogue and that road freaking flys!

[Hulked Up]

That reminds me of a question I've had about this route:  what counts as NY or SF?  Do I need to be physically at the harbor or just somewhere within the boundaries of the city?

[olderigetfasteriwas]

One must announce it from atop the Goden Gate Bridge (oh, and get a receipt).

[Rocket_Cowboy]

 Then again, that's due in no small part to that sub-200 IBA number you have.  

Then again ... I did my first one at under 41 hours ... but maybe it was my over-21,000 IBA number that slowed me down 3 hours?

That reminds me of a question I've had about this route:  what counts as NY or SF?  Do I need to be physically at the harbor or just somewhere within the boundaries of the city?

In the spirit of the ride ... you can't go Coast to Coast without stepping in the water on each side. Technically, they just validate that you have a receipt close to the coast, but I've also got pictures to validate that I was on each before/after the ride.

[Davo]

Certainly stepping into the sea at both ends is highly recomended, its a real buzz after crossing the country.

http://www.gtr-aus.com/davo/50ccpics.htm

[Specter]

The Jacksonville to SD, or Santa Monica route is pure cake.  I10 the whole way.  I did it in 38 hours, and I stopped for 4 hours of sleep in Houston. Tom IBA 161

That's the route I'm considering, since I can ride there from home to start. I figure a starting receipt from the Santa Monica Pier is about as "Coast" as you can get

[Hulked Up]

In the spirit of the ride ... you can't go Coast to Coast without stepping in the water on each side. Technically, they just validate that you have a receipt close to the coast, but I've also got pictures to validate that I was on each before/after the ride.

So, I've got to jump into Hudson River beforehand?  

[scott-sts]

So, I've got to jump into Hudson River beforehand?

 
Or the East River.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

So, I've got to jump into Hudson River beforehand?  

Actually ... the unwritten rule for a NY stop ... you have to swim three laps around the Statue of Liberty.

No, I wouldn't say that you have to jump into the Hudson River. As you asked, the only real requirement is that you get a gas station receipt that's close to the coast. In the spirit of the ride, I would think a picture of you on the coast would do ... but it's really all about the ride. Do whatever makes the trip special to you. On my first 50CC, I actually did the whole sand/water sample routine on both coasts. Ended up making a bit of a mess in my topbox, but I did it. When I rode the 100CCC earlier this year, I revised plans and just did pictures of me standing on the beach of each coast ... all three times. The pictures are for me, just like the water samples. Neither were needed for certification, and they are more for telling the ride report and stories to my friends and family after I got back.

[Hulked Up]

Thanks.  I appreciate that information.

100CC?    Got a trip report for that one?

[Cal24Master]

That reminds me of a question I've had about this route: what counts as NY or SF? Do I need to be physically at the harbor or just somewhere within the boundaries of the city?

I don't know if it is officially in the rules, but most of us make sure to get a sample of water from the ocean on both sides to document the ride.  I still have mine on a shelf.
 
Tom
IBA 161

[Cal24Master]

That's the route I'm considering, since I can ride there from home to start. I figure a starting receipt from the Santa Monica Pier is about as "Coast" as you can get

I had a witness at the Pier, pictures and then got a gas receipt in Santa Monica for the start.
 
Tom
IBA 161

[Hulked Up]

Certainly stepping into the sea at both ends is highly recomended, its a real buzz after crossing the country.

http://www.gtr-aus.com/davo/50ccpics.htm

Wow, great ride.  Seeing that map where you rode across the entire continent of Australia within 50 hours blew me away.  Amazing job.

I espeically liked this picture:  

[matthew77]

My goal in looking for more of a sport-touring bike is to start doing some of these rides. (More just out and out iron butt stuff.) Biggest issue is being from Oklahoma it sort of makes it that much longer/harder to do the cc type stuff!

Davo great pics from down under. Nice looking Connie as well...

[Cal24Master]

Then again, that's due in no small part to that sub-200 IBA number you have.

How low a IBA # you have has nothing to do with riding ability.  Doing a ride like a 50cc is simply a matter of making up your mind, and having the determination to do it.
 
Tom
IBA 161

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Thanks.  I appreciate that information.

100CC?    Got a trip report for that one?

The 100CCC is just 2x50CC ... coast-to-coast-to-coast in under 100 hours. I ran San Diego to Jacksonville then back to San Diego in mid May, just because I had business meetings in San Jose earlier in the month and wanted to take some vacation time around the same time. I've started a trip report, but then got distracted before I finished which is probably a good thing. I'll post up in the ride report section the summary report that I have completed already.

My goal in looking for more of a sport-touring bike is to start doing some of these rides. (More just out and out iron butt stuff.) Biggest issue is being from Oklahoma it sort of makes it that much longer/harder to do the cc type stuff!

I live in Dallas, so similar problem. For the 100CCC earlier this year, I was out in San Jose for business anyway, so I rode out for that, did my business, then headed down to San Diego to meet up with a friend then knock out the ride. I look at living in the middle of the US as a benefit ... I can make it out to most any LD rally on either coast from my house usually in less than a day's ride ... sometimes just a little over.

[Tony T]

 Then again, that's due in no small part to that sub-200 IBA number you have.  

 
How low a IBA # you have has nothing to do with riding ability.  Doing a ride like a 50cc is simply a matter of making up your mind, and having the determination to do it.
 
Tom
IBA 161

Yup, it’s the Rider and not the bike, (or number) that completes the ride. Just because someone has a lower IBA # doesn’t mean they are a better LD Ride than you, (with the exception of IBR finishers) it only means that they had their ride approved sooner than you.

I think it was Warchild that summed up the secret of LD riding perfectly by saying; “Sit there, twist that.”  

[Hulked Up]

I did some research and contacted a couple of Iron Butt witnesses about the start and finish points.  It turns out the start point in NY would be right off the George Washington Bridge.  In San Francisco there is a gas station right off Interstate 80 that serves as the end point.  The locations are not right at the water's edge per se, but I could go grab my water samples if I wanted to before and after the official ride.

The two witnesses I emailed were very accomplished Iron Butt veterans:  Will Lee and Daniel Cohen.  Will has completed two Iron Butt Rallies and Dan has done all 48 states in 10 days and also all the National Parks.  There is even a bio on Dan in Ron Ayres' book Going the Extra Mile.  Will told me that every 50CC ride he has witnessed has been successful, so I'm looking forward to finishing out in SF.

I'm working on planning out the gas stops now.  Hope to do the ride over the summer.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Good deal! One of the hardest parts for some people is getting witnesses lined up. Being in sales, I don't have as much a problem just walking up to random people and asking for an autograph, but what I like about using IBA witnesses is that you have the chance to meet people who have done these rides before ... and they have an idea what you're going through. For the 100CCC ride me and a friend did this year, we used a similar tactic and had George Zelenz, Chuck Hickey, and Pirate John lined up to witness us. Just meeting them and talking before and after the different ride segments was a blast.

If you don't already have it, one of the tools I like to use for route planning is The Next Exit, either in book or website form. They're mainly targetted to to the RVer crowd, but they'll give you a list of all services offered at every interstate exit. I try to pre-plan my fuel stops for these kinds of rides, as it gives me a good time estimate to know if I'm on time or running behind, plus it gives me shorter segments to look at ... tackle the ride one segment at a time and it doesn't seem as large as the entire overall trip.

[Hulked Up]

Thanks, I'll definitely check that out.  Right now I use a hodgepodge of different state websites:

Mile by Mile

Pennsylvania Highways

Truck Stop Info

I also like to plot out my gas stops in advance.  I don't use a GPS, so it's useful to know down to the mile when I need to stop.  It saves a lot of worry knowing there is a gas station right when the bike goes on reserve.

[Mr Bill]

I've looked at that and mapped it out 2905 miles.  That would be a lot of time to go for a ride!  I've never been further West than Az, Ut, Wy.  Someday I'll have the time.

Going through Chicago avoid rush hour!  I only go through here early am - before 5am on weekdays.

[Davo]

I also like to plot out my gas stops in advance.  

Anything more than a SS1600 I have my fuel stops all planned, spent 7mths to get the 50CC planned just right. From what I hav ebeen told its harder here because we don't have petrol every 100m or so, we have many sections with nothing for 300-400klms (180-240m) and most smaller town close at 5 or 6pm.

[Orson]

Then again ... I did my first one at under 41 hours ... but maybe it was my over-21,000 IBA number that slowed me down 3 hours?

I think whut Gixster may have meant was that someone with a number that low was crazy long before the IBA became infamous  

[PawnBroker]

Hey H-uped,

I'm in North New Jersey about 20 minutes outside NYC and would be up for a ride like this.  Keep me in mind when you decide on a time and route.

PB  

[torags v2]

Thanks, I'll definitely check that out.  Right now I use a hodgepodge of different state websites:

Mile by Mile

Pennsylvania Highways

Truck Stop Info

I also like to plot out my gas stops in advance.  I don't use a GPS, so it's useful to know down to the mile when I need to stop.  It saves a lot of worry knowing there is a gas station right when the bike goes on reserve.

PM me when you're ready, if I'm in town I'll witness for you.

[Hulked Up]

Thanks guys, working on the route now, but sidelined with some other projects.  Need to figure out a date for the trip and get some time off from work.  Going to try for 2 weeks on the road:  50 hours for this ride and the rest taking our time heading back to the east coast.

[Railer]

Keith i hope ya go for it! I have know doubt you can do it, and know you will enjoy it. Make sure the viffer's up for it.. Heard you were having a issue...

[county]

 
How low a IBA # you have has nothing to do with riding ability.  Doing a ride like a 50cc is simply a matter of making up your mind, and having the determination to do it.
 
Tom
IBA 161

Yeah right....you gonna go do a 50CC because you wanna with no previous distance riding experience, I don't think so.  You can't even get certified for extreme rides w/o some experience.  And you need the experience.  Some guy w/little or no experience is likely to fall on his ass (Or head) trying that.

[Cal24Master]

Yeah right....you gonna go do a 50CC because you wanna with no previous distance riding experience, I don't think so.  You can't even get certified for extreme rides w/o some experience.  And you need the experience.  Some guy w/little or no experience is likely to fall on his ass (Or head) trying that.

There are no prerequisites for any IBA rides.  Most people do a Saddle Sore first, but there is not requirement to do it.  A 50CC from Jacksonville to San Diego is just a little more than 2 back to back Saddle Sores.  

I did my first 1000 miles in 24 hours long before the IBA even existed.  It was in 1979 on a 750 Yamaha.  I rode with a guy on a 1958 Harley Pan Head.  We left Minneapolis at 03:00, had breakfast with my Grandparents in South Dakota, and were in the Cabooze bar having a beer at 23:00.  That was in the days of the 55 MPH speed limits, on two bikes that couldn't go over 110 miles between gas stops.

So I respectfully disagree with you that a rider without LD experiance would have little chance of being successfull.  Doing a straight ride down Interstate Highways with 70-75 MPH speed limits on a modern motorcycle is much more a matter of determination than experiance.

Tom
IBA 161

[Davo]

There are no prerequisites for any IBA rides

With respect, Tom are you on the right track here ?

There are prerequisites for a number of rides, being the ones listed as extreme, 100CCC is just one example.

2. Before you can apply for any ride referenced by these rules, you must satisfy the following conditions: To qualify for a Bun-Burner GOLD 3000, CCC GOLD, or Trans Canadian GOLD you must have at least completed one of the following; a Bun-Burner GOLD, the Alberta 2000, Capitol 1000, Nevada 1100, Minnesota 1000, TimberButt, Tarbutt Rally, Utah 1088, any Cognoscente Group event, any Reno BMW Long Distance Event, any MERA event, or the Iron Butt Rally.

[Hulked Up]

Same with Bun Burner Gold; you have to do a Saddlesore 1000 first.

[torags v2]

Same with Bun Burner Gold; you have to do a Saddlesore 1000 first.

Perhaps these rules came in after Toms certification. I did a failed 50cc (my first IBA) but I had to prove to Mike Kneebone I toured Europe a couple of times. I sqeezed a saddlesore out of it.

[Tony T]

I did a failed 50cc (my first IBA) but I had to prove to Mike Kneebone I toured Europe a couple of times. I sqeezed a saddlesore out of it.

I don’t get it, what am I missing here?  

You don’t need to prove you toured Europe to qualify for a SS1000.

[BlackValk]

The MTF is "sponsoring", if that is the correct word, a 50CC Gold ride, on  September 13Th 2007. This is the NY-SF, or SF-NY Ride. Witnesses are lined up in advance to make it easier. Check out their website. I'm considering this ride, too.

BlackValk
#25568
Venice Florida

[Scratch33]

Check out their website. http://www.mctourer.com/

Fixed it for ya.

[mike goodwin]

This is certainly not a swipe at mctourers forum  as they have done an awful lot in mapping out fuel stations for this ride or the 100 CC.
However i personally think you will be happier and will get more out of the ride by doing it yourself or perhaps with another rider than to get caught up in a herd fest.
No offense anyone.
I throughly enjoyed doing my 50CC ride all by my lonesome.
Even riding a 1000 miles from Houston just to start the ride.

mike

[BlackValk]

Thanks, Scratch for adding the MTF Link, which I forgot. For a moment, I presumed everyone knew of the MTF site, which of course, isn't true. From that link they should "click" on "Website" and then scroll down to the note about the 50CC Gold.

While I have accomplished 3 IBA rides,including a BBG, a 50 or 100CCC has yet to be done and I like a challenge, so the 50CC Gold appeals to me. To be honest, a BBG is not a easy ride, as Mike Kneebone has noted, and this ride, as another poster has noted, is "just" 2 BBG's back to back!

I don't know that it would be a "herd-fest", as most of the ride reports I've read concerning the Jacksonville to San Diego route, show that riders while starting at approximately the same time, do spread out. There will always be the fast, the middle and the slow riders. Most eventually get to the end okay. I suspect that far fewer riders will attempt this 50CC Gold, as it will be considerably more challenging than a JAX-SDO ride. Still, having a compatible riding partner is desirable, on a trip of this length, IMHO. As far as starting points, I believe that Mike Kneebone recently posted on the IBA site (regarding the 50CCG) that a starting point was the Eastern tip of I-80. As September draws closer I'm sure there will be a lot of posting about this ride.

BlackValk
#25568
Venice, Florida

[Hulked Up]

Thanks for the posts - that's cool that they set that group ride up.  Nice way to do it if someone doesn't necessarily want to tackle 3,000 miles on their own and the organizational assistance is always good to have.

I'm going to do the ride with a friend or two and will attempt it earlier in the season, but that's going to be a great resource for anyone thinking about the NY-SF run.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I think it's important to note that the MTF run is not a "group ride" in the normal context of the definition. Everyone meets at the same starting point, and witnesses are pre-arranged by the MTF, but it's not a big caravan from one side of the country to the other.

When I rode the MTF 50CC in 2005, riders were released from the gas station in groups of 3-4 every 5 minutes or so. Even before we made it to I-10, my group of 3 was thinned out. I don't think I ever saw a group of more than 4 riders together after we got out of Florida, until we hit the beach in San Diego. It was kind of cool though that you could be pulling off for fuel, and see another rider finishing his stop ... or have someone ride up as you were pulling out, but aside from that we were pretty much solo out on the road.

This year when I did the 100CCC, I rode it with another friend who has similar riding styles. That was a completely different experience. Not saying the MTF event is for everyone, but did want to clarify that it wasn't a massive caravan of 40 bikers in formation screaming down the interstate either.

[Cal24Master]

With respect, Tom are you on the right track here ?

There are prerequisites for a number of rides, being the ones listed as extreme, 100CCC is just one example.

I stand corrected.  It didn't used to be that way, but they apparently changed it somewhere along the way.  It has been awhile since I went back and read the current rules.  I guess reading comprehension does indeed count!

Tom
IBA 161

[Davo]

And I respect your considered reply Tom which is the norm for you as I have read, it's not always this happens.

Your Cal24 is something I would love to do, I have done some homework on running one similar here.... maybe next year.

[Davo]

Some regular MTF members here will know me and that I support the forum and all connected to it.

However I also would rather do the leg work, planing and then put it all on the line by myself than follow a preplaned ride. I understand thats not for all but isn't that part of being called "worlds toughest riders" I didn't think it was worlds best map readers.

I did mine on my own, well it had never been done before over that distance and start/end locations so I had no option. I would however do the same again and have a 100ccc planed also solo.

I strongly support solo planed and solo rides, there is no explainly how good you feel doing it and finishing it.
 
"I did it" feels so much better than "me and my mates did it"

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Understand completely Davo. When I did the MTF ride in 2005, I did it because I felt like there was a bit of a safety net there, and it was my first cross country ride. When we did it again this year, we took the validated gas stops list from the MTF site, but did all the witness planning, start/stop planning on our own. Like I said ... two completely different trips, over the same stretch of highway.

The MTF definitely got me out on that ledge though, and since then jumping on the bike with a days notice to head out to California, or signing up for the Cal 24 this year ... just comes more naturally.

[torags v2]

I don’t get it, what am I missing here?  

You don’t need to prove you toured Europe to qualify for a SS1000.

It just spoke to my experience since Mike wanted me to do 500 miles first. My 1200 miler (on my R75/5) from Mexico in 22 also helped.

Mike just wants to make sure someone doesn't get in over their heads. Its a good policy.

[DNA]

I have been thinking of a 50CC as well, and since I live close to DC, I was thinking of a DC - SF.  Chesapeak bay to SF bay?  Do you think this would be acceptable? It is salt water to salt water and a long ride from coast to coast?  Just mulling things over for now. Opinions appreciated.
-DNA

[Davo]

Someone closer to the coal face so to speak will give you a better answer but from what I know there is a minimum distance plus it needs to be coast to coast.

Here your "normal" 50CC is for us from Sydney to Fremantle 4000k ( two Aust IBR members here have done that as a 100CCC)
The longer one, your usual NY>SF is our Brisbane to Fremantle 4430k (I did that in Jan '06)

[boxergrrlie]

Then again ... I did my first one at under 41 hours ... but maybe it was my over-21,000 IBA number that slowed me down 3 hours?

In the spirit of the ride ... you can't go Coast to Coast without stepping in the water on each side. Technically, they just validate that you have a receipt close to the coast, but I've also got pictures to validate that I was on each before/after the ride.

Much congrats on your successful 100ccc Rocket Cowboy! I have followed your exploits through our mutual friend crazyst. I hope that I get to meet you on the road sometime. Maybe at the 07 Moonshine Lunch Run???

[Hulked Up]

I have been thinking of a 50CC as well, and since I live close to DC, I was thinking of a DC - SF.  Chesapeak bay to SF bay?  Do you think this would be acceptable? It is salt water to salt water and a long ride from coast to coast?  Just mulling things over for now. Opinions appreciated.
-DNA

I don't think that would work because it's not on the Atlantic.  Here's what I pulled from the IBA's website about the 50CC rules:

You may choose any two coast cities (obviously, one on the Atlantic Ocean and the other on the Pacific Ocean) you wish (Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California is the most popular) and use the rules that follow to document your ride.

[BlackValk]

The first thing to decide is this: Will this IBA ride be a relatively simple 50CC, which seems to allow a variation on start and end locations, or the more difficult 50CC Quest , sometimes called the 50CC Gold?  For the "Gold", I believe the locations are stated as New York and San Francisco, at each end of I-80. For the regular 50CC IBA ride, not everyone uses  Jacksonville, as I-10 construction and Texas large city traffic causes many to consider other routes. Try this site to read many, many ride reports for more ideas:  www.freewebs.com/eamonn01/

Hope this helps.

BlackValk
#25568
Venice Florida