[Chocaholic]

I've been riding for 40+ years. Only went on one long trip. 7 days, Smoky Mountains, etc. Was fun, but I was young. I ride for enjoyment now and am reasonably proficient...but find after a certain number of hours, enjoyment fades along with reaction time, focus, attention and desire. As weather deteriorates, all the above do as well, only faster.

Someone above mentioned that your faculties aren't what they once were. Perhaps that's true but the bigger challenge is that your sense of mortality is considerably more acute than it was when you were young...I know mine is. I suspect that's the bigger factor.

I'd suggest two back to back 8 hour days in the saddle. Then decide if it's your bag and if you're doing it with the attention and focus that you find safe. If so, sure, go ahead. The whole "iron-butt" challenges just seem stupid to me. What do they have to prove?

Remember these words: Ride your own ride. Period. If multi-day, rain or shine, hot or cold is your thing...go for it. But be honest with yourself. There's no special place in heaven for guys who ride for the wrong reasons.