There is much more to long distance riding than just toughing it out and seeing how far you can go. For this ride, 1000 miles in 24 hours, someone probably could just hop on and go. But you have to have a plan...
For example, normally you would start riding early in the morning, but if you started riding at 8 am you would have to finish by 8 am the next day, which means you would be riding a significant about of time in the dark. In a car this isn't too much of a concern, but on a motorcycle there are significant risks to hitting animals.
Another strategy is to do the ride non-stop. Some people start very early in the morning like 4 or 5 am and just ride all day until 8 or 9 pm with no breaks and quick gas stops.
I decided to start at 11 am and ride about 12 hours, stop and sleep for a few hours, and ride the remaining distance early in the morning. I rode some in the dark but not too much, got some rest, and had time for plenty of breaks at gas stops (about 25 to 30 mins at a time).
I didn't stop for any meals but rather ate protein powerbars at gas stops and drank continuously from my camelback. When my butt got tired I shifted around in my seat or just stood up for a while.
During the dark riding periods I kept my speed down to the speed limit or lower, depending on the terrain.
When I completed my ride I was in good shape. My plan was good and I can see how people can extend for much longer periods. The next more difficult ride is called a "bun-burner" and is 1500 miles in 36 hours. Then there is the "bun-burner gold" which is 1500 miles in 24 hours. That is a nearly continuous ride with almost rolling stops thru gas stations. That is an overall average of 62.5 mph for the entire distance. But with a plan (and a comfortable seat) it is doable.
