Rulez
The rules are really simple, and there are really only 2 things you need to know.
(#1) Your clock starts the minute you pull that first gas receipt. Make a not of that time.
Have an envelope, hopefully something weather proof to put your receipts in. Everytime you get gas make sure the receipt is a good receipt.
By that it needs to be (ideally computer generated).
But must have:
a) Date/Time
b) identifiable location (not just Store #2345, but hopefully Shell #234 (address) with a city, state. If it doesn't have this, go inside and get a hand written receipt to back it up, the gas station will have a rubber stamp that that stamp checks with, or the old fashion Credit card smasher that will imprint the address. This is important (see #2 below).
(#2) your Route looks pretty straight forward, but know this. To validate your route, they will use the addresses for your receipts. So on that outlier point #9 on the maps below, plan on getting a receipt to prove you went there. Even if you only put $1.00 worth of gas in the tank.
If for instance you get gas at say point #3 and point #7, and there is a 50 mile shorter route between those two points than you actually rode, they will take the shorter of the two calculations. Which could hurt you. They go by calculated distance and not your ODO.
(Reference Tony's first Around Lake Michigan run Oh 7 years ago where he was short by 2 miles). When we re-rode it, we actually ran 50 miles west (out and back) to make sure we got 1000 miles in.
So do your homework now, and make a good educated guess as to where you'll stop (mileage wise) and pre-pick a couple places. Stick with bigger gas stations if you can, your chances of a good receipt are much higher.
Also you don't have to do a loop. Maybe it is just working out that way for you but you don't have too.
1000 miles is actually fairly simple and easy if you manage your hydration, do quick fuel stops, etc. You'll have time to stop for dinner (fast food) and rest now and then.
Good luck, wish I could go with ya.
-MD
You only need one witness as stated, but more won't hurt. It's generally easy, just ask.
I usually say, hey, I'm doing this charity ride, and for purposes of verification I need a witness. It is highly unlikely that they will ever contact you but if they do, you're simply witnessing that you saw "Me and this motorcycle, here at this time". It's that simple.
I've never been turned down. Just keep in mind the witness does need to be contactable, so the manager of the gas station is a better bet than the person at the desk.
