Saddle Sore 1,000 Tips and Iron Butt Association Envelope Opening

I completed the requirements for the Saddle Sore 1,000 through the Iron Butt Association and after submitting my paperwork, received my certificate in the mail (after about 6 weeks).

This video is my video of my experience, tips I offer those looking to take on this challenge, and the opening of the envelope that the Iron Butt Association sent me.

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Here are the quick links to help get you to various parts of this video quicker:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:34 - Showing unopened envelope from Iron Butt Association containing certificate and patches/stickers.

Tips I offer, broken into 3 sections -- Leading up to the Ride, During the Ride and After the Ride

Leading up to the Ride:

Plan your route
00:02:20 - Planning your Route to minimize traffic
00:03:28 - Planning for Fuel Stops (also use those for food and rest)
00:04:02 - Contingency planning
00:05:02 - My actual planning considerations for the route I selected
00:06:10 - Using Google Maps to plot Gas stop intervals (every 150 miles apart or so)
00:06:49 - Why plotting gas stops is important for nighttime riding
00:07:26 - How Waze navigation app can help you
00:07:48 - Caution where Waze detours are concerned for "avoiding highways"
00:09:33 - Why you DON'T want to plan on using "Avoid Tolls" during the night
00:11:17 - Plan on taking interstates/highways and whether you want to take tolls or not
00:11:28 - Know what acceptable payment methods are for tolls you'll be going through (Cash, CC, EZ Pass)
00:12:58 - Signing up for and using Spotwalla! Walkthrough for what it is, how to use it and how it works with the phone app, SWTracker
00:15:54 - Downloading and using SWTracker with Spotwalla with quick walkthrough of using the phone app.

Get your motorcycle ready
00:18:21 - Getting your motorcycle ready / serviced
00:19:29 - Ensuring your motorcycle is comfortable - Handlebars at the right distance from you, gel seats, etc

Get your gear ready
00:22:17 - Planning to wear comfortable LAYERED clothing
00:23:44 - Invest in quality riding gear: helmets, gloves, pants, jackets, boots, raingear, rain boots, rain gloves, cold weather gear (see my Gerbing heated gear video)
00:25:04 - Consider bringing along ear plugs to protect against wind noise and prevent fatigue

Get yourself ready
00:25:56 - Physical and Mental preparedness - combating FATIGUE!...getting adequate rest leading up to the ride
00:26:45 - Get sleep by any means necessary
00:27:31 - Planning meals and hydration

Documentation
00:27:51 - Understanding the policies and guidelines of the challenge you're undertaking so you can adhere to requirements
00:28:35 - My black notebook for notes I referred too during the trip


During the Ride:

Pace Yourself
00:29:39 - Steady pace & avoid temptation to speed
00:30:10 - Use Waze or Google Maps (or any other app) to know where Police Officers are ;)
00:30:52 - Take breaks to stretch, hydrate and re-fuel (even if you didn't plan the stops)
00:32:45 - Speeding up to pass
00:33:46 - Stay hydrated and nourished
00:34:41 - Monitor your condition and know your body/mind and stop when needed
00:36:52 - Safety First and run scenarios through your mind as you ride - have a plan
00:40:27 - Don't be a dumb ass
00:42:16 - Use Reflective gear
00:42:40 - Keep high beams on
00:43:11 - Keep an eye on the weather and wear proper rain gear (waterproof gloves, boots, modular helmet + rain jacket/pants)
00:48:05 - Ensure you stay in communication with friends and loved ones (Facebook, Life360, etc.,)

After the Ride:

00:51:01 - Rest and recuperate
00:51:19 - Review documentation and ensure accuracy prior to submission...ensure all receipts are accounted for and pics taken
00:51:56 - Reflect and Learn
00:22:41 - Celebrate your achievement (even if you didn't finish SaddleSore 1000, celebrate your good decisions for "safety first")

Opening of the SaddleSore 1000 envelope:
00:53:03 - Opening up the brown envelope
00:54:37 - Opening the 1st envelope (certificate & letter)
00:57:26 - Opening the 2nd envelope (patch, stickers and back)