It is mental, most of the ride is from mental preparation. The first time I road to Texas on the Wing, I decided I would ride and not think about how far. The only time that it got concerning was around 9pm coming across the bayou's of La and I was physically getting tired. I stopped about 10 times in a two hour time frame trying to make it to baton rogue. That is not something you want to do, and decided if I was to do it again, my life is not worth it.

Fortunetly the next time I did it was on the Vision. I was well rested and found that I was not fatuged like I was on the wing. Had it not been for a major storm sweeping across Texas I could have made a Super Bun Burner, 1,500 miles in 24 hours. But I when I ride I'm ready to abandon at anytime and that some how keeps me going for the duration.

To maximize your time, minimize your stops. If you are making 30+ minute stops you're not going to make. It is better to make quick stops for gas and a bite to eat, 10 minutes, and move on, and then if you have to stop just to rest you'll have more leeway. That is another thing, I don't load myself up with drink and food. I minimize my eating on the ride. Hydrate yourself days before the ride, and then sip along the way. Nothing is more frustrating for me then trying to make miles and have to stop every 60 or 70 miles to relieve myself. I limit my eating to when I stop and actually took two gas stops to eat one large bbq sandwich. I kept a pack of crackers in my pocket in case I felt I need to eat something underway.

Also, days leading up to the ride, know your route, preplan your stops and check the weather patterns and be ready accordingly. For my Saturday ride I have been thinking about it every day and know the route very well and what to expect each step of the way. The idea is to finish and not die trying.

Just my tips and ideas, I encourage you to read, read, read and heed everything on the IBA site and then read from those who have shared their experience of their rides.