Planning my first IBA run

[5_19]

Jan 17 Is the start of a 4 day sales meeting that I want to attend in Orlando, FL. It's a little over a 1100 miles from Dublin, TX. 
I'm thinking (January weather permitting) leave early on Saturday morning (like 4 am)and see if I can make it. Worse case I get there on Sunday. Thursday the 20th is the last day of the meeting and I get a second shot on my way back. Either way Sunday afternoon I would like to meet up with some Florida Valkyrie rider if there are any in the Orlando area. 
I am planning on the weather cooperating so I can ride the  Valk. Worse case I drive a  car or p/u since I won't buy a plane ticket at the last minute. Any suggestions anybody. especially you IBA riders.

TJ.

[SideCar]

I like to use a radar detector and wear a camelbak so I can drink along the way on a long ride.  It keeps me from zoning out as much on the long straights.

[Disco]

We went KSU at 0400 and it took 16 hours of riding in 18 hours of total time to do the 1,053 miles from Denton, TX to Deadwood, SD.  Started in the dark.  Finished in the dark.  Did not see any deer.  If I ever do it again  , I'd try to leave early enough to finish in daylight.  We made 9 fuel stops including the end-of-ride stop at our destination.  The intervals ranged between 90 & 134 miles, depending on lots of factors.

In these efforts, the Interstate Highway System is your friend.  Are you going to start out on I-20?  How do you plan to get to I-10?  I-49 in Louisiana?  Avoid Houston.  Skirt New Orleans on I-12.  When I rode to Ft Lauderdale, I cut south off of I-20 at Canton and took 69 to Beaumont because it was 10 degrees warmer on 10 than 20.  I saw lots of deer and opossum in the Florida panhandle. 

Weather permitting, I know you can make it.  I know how you ride.  I'd probably pick at least 2 routes and let the weather determine which one to take. 

Good luck and don't be too anxious to get your stuff back from IBA.  I submitted in early August and still have heard nothing.

[Doc809]

It is my understanding that the IBA responds to their sanctioned ride participants first before considering the others.  We completed our ride and got our membership within three weeks.  You can make the ride without taking any unnecessary risks.  We did 1081 miles in 19 hours and 25 minutes.  That included 2 meal stops and lots of gas stops (Joe was getting 15 mpg on his valk, petcock issues).  I wear my IBA patch proudly on my vest and my decal on my valk windshield.  I'm sure you will do the same.  It is a special accomplishment.  Go for it and ride safe. L

[BnB Tom]

SUBJECT:  "Planning my first IBA run"

  Ah, yes.  I remember my first "I"rritible "B"owel "A"ttack.  And yes.  It did cause me to "run"

TJ you might wanta cut back on the dairy products and coffee...  might help.    

                

[Wanderer]

You'll get a little more daytime riding headed home, chasing the sunset. Sure will be easier with the sun at your back in the morning. I guess you can stop to eat and empty the bladder bag while the sun is setting, or are you going the diaper route?

Will you have your GSA by then, or are you riding the Valk?

[RainMaker]

Will you have your GSA by then, or are you riding the Valk?

Since he wants to get there, he'll probably be on the Valk 

[Rocketman]

January seems the wrong time of year for that, esp. for a first try.  The days are too short to get it all in daylight, and the nights are a bit chilly.  But, if you're not bothered by cold, by all means go for it.  I got one of mine on an Orlando to Houston (plus a detour) run.  I concur on the advice to start early enough to finish in the daylight.  That way the dark riding is done when you're not tired.   (of course, waking up early enough to finish in daylight might change that equation a bit.)

As for Tom's comment:  If you can plan your IBA runs, you're a better man than I.

[5_19]

Will you have your GSA by then, or are you riding the Valk?

Since he wants to get there, he'll probably be on the Valk  2funny

Yes I am planning this on the Valk, and Jeff I won't have a GSA by then!

A lot will depend on the weather. Like I said worse case a cage. I am not that pessimistic. Shortest route would be to go north and hit I20 and somewhere in LA go south to I10. If it's a lot colder going I20 I will go south first in the direction of Houston. Do I need to avoid Houston traffic early Saturday morning? If I leave at midnight that puts me in Houston at about 6am. 

[HayHauler]

You will have the streets to yourself at 6 am on Saturday mornings.  No problemo...

Hay 
Jimmyt

[5_19]

I have added a little extra fuel storage with a PINGEL fuel valve mounted on an all polished stainless steel tank for the trip. Just hoping the weather will cooperate in January





This gives me about 10.8 gallon capacity or an easy 250 miles and that's enough for 4 hours on the road.

[GreenLantern57]

Because IBR does not want a rider to be unsafe, as in road tired. They have this statement for thier Saddle sore (possible for all rides). IBR wants you to get off and stretch their legs and take breaks. Though that tank would be a great addition for west Texas and other areas where there is more than 120 miles between gas stations.
From the IBR website ----------
WARNING: If your motorcycle is equipped with a large fuel-tank, please note that you must stop at least once every 300 miles for gas (this is purely for documentation for your ride). Although we know it is possible to ride greater distances non-stop, we will not accept a claim of this type.

[5_19]

Because IBR does not want a rider to be unsafe, as in road tired. They have this statement for thier Saddle sore (possible for all rides). IBR wants you to get off and stretch their legs and take breaks. Though that tank would be a great addition for west Texas and other areas where there is more than 120 miles between gas stations.
From the IBR website ----------
WARNING: If your motorcycle is equipped with a large fuel-tank, please note that you must stop at least once every 300 miles for gas (this is purely for documentation for your ride). Although we know it is possible to ride greater distances non-stop, we will not accept a claim of this type.

I agree I don't think I can ride 250 miles without stopping. That said I also don't want to look for gas every 100-125 miles either. I find myself always planning around gas stations. Better get gas at 80 miles because it's 50 miles round trip back to a gas station. If I don't like it it comes back off. Can't wait to go try it out on a long trip.

[GreenLantern57]

That makes perfect sense. The economy has shut down lots of gas stations.

[Valkpilot]

I have added a little extra fuel storage with a PINGEL fuel valve mounted on an all polished stainless steel tank for the trip. Just hoping the weather will cooperate in January





This gives me about 10.8 gallon capacity or an easy 250 miles and that's enough for 4 hours on the road.

I like it!

Gravity feed, or fuel pump?

[Willow]

I'm not sure I like it, TJ.  It's a significant change on your center of gravity and, when half full, it's a liquid in a shape that allows a really quick weight shift.

East Texas to Florida should have few or no fuel dry stretches longer than a normal reserve range (unless you have one of those ridiculous 7 mile pingles).

Take your breaks at 140 - 150 miles and you'll be fine on both time and fuel.

One more thing, TJ.  Carry some extra fuel on a test run and run your bike out of gas, paying special attention to your distance from top of reserve to dry.  This exercise will help develop your confidence in your fuel range.

Even under the worst fuel mileage conditions you should get at least 80% of your normal reserve range.  My normal range is 43 miles so that means I can absolutely count on 34 miles when I first switch to reserve.

[5_19]

I have added a little extra fuel storage with a PINGEL fuel valve mounted on an all polished stainless steel tank for the trip. Just hoping the weather will cooperate in January





This gives me about 10.8 gallon capacity or an easy 250 miles and that's enough for 4 hours on the road.

I like it!


Gravity feed, or fuel pump?

David,
It's gravity feed. Filled it up yesterday and after 133 miles it went on reserve, at 160 miles it was empty after that I switched to my regular tank. This was riding with an average speed of 67 mph. I filled up both tanks and since I had put about  an gallon or so in the back tank I don't know for sure what it's capacity is yet. I do know it's range and my guess would be about 30-32 mpg.

I'm not sure I like it, TJ.  It's a significant change on your center of gravity and, when half full, it's a liquid in a shape that allows a really quick weight shift.

Willow,
I was also concerned about the same thing (I don't really like the looks) and you are referring to gravity thing. Took it out for a spin (180 miles) yesterday with that in mind. It also doesn't have any baffels in it. The whole thing maybe weighs 45# full of fuel. That's halve the weight off my wife and it doesn't move around like she does (sure hope she not reading this  ) . I thought the bike was handling better with a little weight on the back. It's a non issue for me so far. My next test it load up all gear, some of which goes on top of the fuel tank and than see what happens. I am taking baby steps with my size 15 on this thing as to cover all the basics as to not get of balance to much.
Willow I know your not biased  on the colors, you think it would look better painted to match the bike?  TJ

[GreenLantern57]

Just out of curiosity.....
Why no baffles?

When you take it off the bike, I assume you use the Pingle, but what do you do with the hose attached to the fuel system?

[5_19]

Just out of curiosity.....
Why no baffles?

When you take it off the bike, I assume you use the Pingle, but what do you do with the hose attached to the fuel system?

I toyed with the idea: baffles or not. I couldn't really figure out how to make them effective and working and weld in place. We are not talking about that much weight and you need them the most when the tank is halve way full/empty. When I was researching about the baffles I found other options like a foam type product that I can add later, problem solved. That's what I would use if I think I need something.
As far as the hoses are concerned. Two hoses are hooked up to the tank, one hose is the vent line and the second is the fuel line hooked up to the 3-position Pingel. Yes I also have a reserve on the back tank and it let me go about 28 miles. When I remove the tank I simply plug the fuel line, stow it and the vent hose under my seat.   ~TJ

[GreenLantern57]

Guess the foam would be like making it a fuel cell!
Thanks for the answers!

[Willow]

Willow I know your not biased  on the colors, you think it would look better painted to match the bike? 

lol!  Yes, a Blue and White paint job would improve the appearance and I know just the painter who could do it.

Let me reiterate, though, that even if you get it to work perfectly, it's still something you just don't need.  You'll do fine with or without it.

Incidentally, I rode my Blue and White 1900 miles from Florida to Arizona on a holiday weekend with only the 5.3 gallon tank.  I did come close in West Texas, but I never ran out of fuel and I seldom fueled early.   

[5_19]

The forecast calls for warmer  weather by Thursday of next week. I plan on leaving around midnight Friday into Saturday. Looks like it's a go. Since I recently figured out how to use my Blackberry to post on the board I am going try and post as I go. I will be posting on the TEXAS board because only the top 4 post show up on my BB.The general board has to many new  post's.
.....I can't wait..... let's ride! TJ

[RainMaker]

The forecast calls for warmer  weather by Thursday of next week. I plan on leaving around midnight Friday into Saturday. Looks like it's a go. Since I recently figured out how to use my Blackberry to post on the board I am going try and post as I go. I will be posting on the TEXAS board because only the top 4 post show up on my BB.The general board has to many new  post's.
.....I can't wait..... let's ride! TJ

Looking forward to your posts - ride safe, big guy!

[Hollyday]

Hey TJ... be careful and can't wait to hear about your ride!

Have a blast hon!

Liz