Will IBA take into consideration that someone traveled a longer, possibly slower route between 2 points rather than the shorter and possibly faster interstate route? I do not want to have to stop every 30 miles to get a receipt to show that I travel a more scenic route. I am planning on my first ss1000 soon but want to do it mostly on backroads. Possibly considering most of the blue ridge parkway and back with some other roads thrown in to get above the 1000 mile mark.
The basic rule is that it's up to you to demonstrate you rode the ride you claim by submitting sufficient documentation to do so. Just because you are taking a more scenic route doesn't necessarily mean you need to obtain a receipt every 30 miles unless needed to meet the above criteria. In fact, riding secondary roads, depending upon the route, may provide fewer, and not more, opportunities to take a shortcut. As mentioned, a GPS or satellite track can be valuable additional documentation, stopping more frequently to document the ride is the price you pay for a more circuitous route.
As an aside, unless you've completed some undocumented Saddlesore 1000s and have a good idea of what it will take, I would recommend against routing on roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway for your first certificate ride. You need to average about 42 mph, including stops, to successfully complete the ride. Spending a lot of miles on slow, traffic-filled roads may be fun and scenic but may not get the job done.
Ira Agins
Iron Butt Association