Iron Butt Deux

[Pharkmeh]

I used to regularly do a run from Queensland to Adelaide (family) in a cage - approx 1300 miles/ 2200 kms - always around 20-22 hours - cracked 19 hrs once in an old holden monaro....:shock:

have done many 36-48 hour runs in a rig....8-[

but neva eva would I think it fun or a test of leetness to thunder that far or fast on a bike ffs...


....but what ever makes ur caterpilla fly I suppose - goodluck to yas

 

[Ironbutt]

My reservations have never been 'extreme' just an inner awareness that all is not quite right. The sleep deprived condition is extremely dangerous, to rider and others on the highway with him. In fact, it's a condition right up there with DUI. When I got back to Lexington after my marathon ride I was totally, completely, exhausted. I couldn't imagine being in this condition for over a week.

Well....

The short answer is that it's much more mental than physical. Frankly, the first few days are the most difficult (at least for me) but then I seemed to fall into a "zone" if that makes sense. You have to bear in mind that the Iron Butt Rally is actually a reading comprehension and map test held all over North America. It isn't a pre-planned ride where competitors simply ride to the next destination. It's much closer to a photo-scanvenger hunt than anything else. Because of this, staying mentally sharp is key. Routing, following written directions, and of course, riding efficiently and safely are key for finishing. To finish well takes a bit more...and a little luck.

Above all, the Iron Butt Rally (and the Iron Butt Association for that matter) requires a sense of personal responsibility. It's really no different than anything we all do in life; do what you enjoy and know your limits. It's that simple. For what it's worth, the Iron Butt Rally has enjoyed a remarkable safety record over the years. When one considers that roughly 100 riders start the IBR (for modern rallies since~97 or so) and the average milage of finishers is ~10,500 miles, the rare occurance of serious accidents and no crash related deaths is rather remarkable. Select any other group of people/number of people/any type of vehicle(s) traveling ~800K miles in an 11 day period and I'd be willing to bet finding a combination that yields a better safety record might be pretty tough.

It's a great feeling of accomplishment to complete a Saddlesore (1000 in 24) or any other award for the first time. There is something strangely magical about covering 1000 miles in a day. Thing about this; take out a map of the US (or pull up a mapping program) and draw an eliptical line starting from your house out 1000 miles. Look at all of the places you could ride to in 24 hours! It's pretty crazy...:-D

If anyone has an interest in completing a personal ride (saddlesore, bun burner, etc.) either starting or ending anywhere near Houston, Dallas or other points around Texas, drop me a line and I'll be more than happy to sign you in or out. If you'd like to know more about the IBA, the Iron Butt Rally, or endurance riding in general, shoot me a message and I'll help anyway I can!

Allen Dye

 

[kalessin]

And check out the long list of various Ironbutt ride completions, there's a few Suzuki GS bikes sprinkled in among all the BMWs, Hondas and Harleys....