Various Quotes from Richard Goff about the 2014 Vetter Challenge Ride at Mid-Ohio:
"The Vetter Challenge - AMA Vintage Days, on July 11, 2014 was run over Ohio roads including some interstate for a total of 154 miles. We were moving pretty briskly with about 10-15 miles at 70+ mph.

The ride went well. It was 82 miles down to the museum, and I made it there and started charging with 2 chargers.  Had I been awake, I could have charged about 15 mins on a rest stop on the way down.  I got about an hour and 15 minutes of charging. Had I gotten 2 hours charging, I think I would have finished the 154 miles. As it was, I made it 131.8 miles (about 1/2 mile from the rest stop on the return. where I could have charged again for 15 minutes).

I figure the Vetter Nose and side panels gave me about 25% improved range over last year.

Last year, my battery was dead after 75 miles.  This year, I went 82 miles with two bars remaining when I arrived at the Museum.  When I recharged the drained '9kWh' battery, it took 9.3 kWh. Recharging my Zero, it took 2x 4.65 kWh (after the ride) + the 2x1.28 kWh at the Museum, so my final number for 131.8 miles was 11.86 kWh burned. I DNF (Did Not Finish) so I couldn't be awarded "overall winner".

Cost per mile (including road tax of $0.39) = 1.38 cents/mile.  As you can see, if I can get enough battery/charging next year, I can win this!

Regarding the Challenge; Vetter allows the electrics to choose the out and back range. Since I was the only electric bike last year, I chose to ride to the museum and run out. This year, my goal was to get there, and I did, and more! I think it was a success for electric bikes to run 132 miles and ride with the gas bikes. I think the Zero battery management system shuts down the bike before the batteries are damaged. I agree that a shorter challenge would give more electric bikes the opportunity to run and win this Challenge.

I have commuted over 2000 miles last year. I have ridden to Roanoke and back a few times (42 miles each way without charging, and having juice remaining when I returned). I have about 17% more remaining now with the Vetter nose installed. I have only run out of "juice" in the two Vetter Challenges. We plan our rides not to run out. For what I do normally, I only need the built in charger. Range and charging time are not issues for me. Having the second charger (that I purchased for the Vetter Challenge) will give me more traveling options now.

Terry Hershner should win with electric in Wendover, UT in August (125 miles each way at slower speeds than he usually travels). With his 18kWh battery, he should have no problem beating the liquid fuel bikes.

Electric is the way to go, except for cross country touring, but that is changing fast. Terry Hershner is paving the way along with fast charging stations. I have 6 motorcycles. For the past year, I have ridden the electric Zero for everything except long distance trips. It is my choice of vehicle. The other bikes are fun to look at, work on and go for an occasional spin to warm the oil and exercise the battery. "

November ASM Talk