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Old 12-21-2017, 12:04 AM   #1
MarkG   MarkG is offline
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Mile Eater Silver

I bought the 2008 Nomad December 22, 2007. It wasn't too long afterwards I joined KawaNOW and it was a fantastic resource for information. It was a wilder bunch back then and I was eventually talked into being the Safety Riding Moderator. The VBA has grown considerably from the original roots of ten years ago.

Not having ridden for several years, 30 miles before needing a break from the saddle was a little discouraging. Eventually I worked up to a few hundred miles a day. Last year I was corrupted by Gene “Wanderer” and Bud “Idaho.” Maybe it was time for me to prove riding long distances were real. My first Iron Butt Association SaddleSore 1000 ride was in September 2016. After breaking the psychological barrier of 1,000 miles it became enjoyable. The Bun Burner GOLD, 1500 miles in 24 hrs., was a little tougher but not bad. Not paying attention I realized the Mile Eater Silver was possible in my first year of Iron Butt riding.



Gene and I have done the 50CC Quest, 50 hrs. Coast to Coast, along with a couple of other rides together. It’s been fun. Knowing I can be anyplace in the US in two days leaves more time to explore. Yet 70 miles from Ouray CO to Durango CO took eight and a half hours when I was enjoying the scenery. Nine long distance challenges have been completed so far. I’m working on the route to Jacksonville FL again in March. Maybe Why AZ to Why Not MS and Why Not NC to be different on my way to Florida. I have traveled to 37 states so far, the Northeast is on my to do list in the next couple of years.

The BMW K 1600 GTL I’m using now has been ridden over 23,000 miles since January. Whether 1,000 miles or 3,000 miles it’s just a number. “Plan your ride. Ride your plan.” Do something different outside the box rather than the same old ride.

I hope everyone has fun and enjoys their riding in the coming year.
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Old 12-21-2017, 11:48 AM   #2
JD Hog   JD Hog is offline
 
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Congrats
That is a huge accomplishment
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Old 12-21-2017, 12:23 PM   #3
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Quite the accomplishment Mark. Congratulations.
That being said, it never crossed my mind to do the long distance rides in the shortest time.
I am a slow down and smell the roses type of guy.
I want to see the states I am traveling through and enjoy their attractions.
Again, Congrats , to each his own.
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Old 12-21-2017, 09:39 PM   #4
ldhthept   ldhthept is offline
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Impressive
 
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Old 12-22-2017, 06:48 PM   #5
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GREAT job Mark, LD riding can be/is very addictive, one of those things that you just can't explain. But do it and you understand.

That first Saddle Sore can be such a barrier in your head.

THANK YOU for being part for the TOUR of HONOR
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Old 12-23-2017, 09:47 AM   #6
Glasshousebc   Glasshousebc is offline
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Great accomplishment. Thanks for the inspiration


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Old 12-23-2017, 09:49 AM   #7
Glasshousebc   Glasshousebc is offline
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Originally Posted by Top Cat View Post
Quite the accomplishment Mark. Congratulations.
That being said, it never crossed my mind to do the long distance rides in the shortest time.
I am a slow down and smell the roses type of guy.
I want to see the states I am traveling through and enjoy their attractions.
Again, Congrats , to each his own.


I’m with you, I like to take my time though... still, it’s an inspiration to read, eh?
Here’s to stopping and smelling the roses next season. -21 up here at the mo, so reading about riding is all I can do 🤦🏻*♂️😆
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Old 12-23-2017, 05:25 PM   #8
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That is fantastic Mark, Congratulations to you!!
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Old 01-30-2018, 02:00 PM   #9
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Congratulations Mark. That is quite an accomplishment and you should be very proud. I need another extreme or 48 hour ride to get my bronze level. Some day when I have the time I'll try the Silver level certificate. Finding the time in a calendar year is tough.
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Old 01-31-2018, 11:03 AM   #10
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This is some doing! Congratulations Mark!! A few of these I know you did with Wanderer. Is he in this club now too then?
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Old 02-01-2018, 03:27 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by Rasta View Post
This is some doing! Congratulations Mark!! A few of these I know you did with Wanderer. Is he in this club now too then?
I need one more ride for the Silver Certificate. I plan on riding a SaddleSore 1000 all within the borders of Oklahoma in the next month.
 
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Old 02-01-2018, 01:31 AM   #12
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Wow Mark. That is impressive.

I wish I had the time that you and Gene do to enjoy motorcycling to the max.

Ride on!

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Old 02-01-2018, 09:38 AM   #13
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Something tells me you'll make it Gene!! LOL
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Old 02-03-2018, 06:35 AM   #14
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Go get em! Congratulations!

Ride safe,
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Old 02-27-2018, 03:53 PM   #15
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Well you certainly jumped in with both feet, uh both wheels, after not having ridden for many years with a large touring bike and long range accomplishments. Impressive.
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