"As Addictive as Crack"

“Long Distance Motorcycle Riding is as addictive as Crack” - so said one Iron Butt Rider.

I spent four years preparing for the 2015 Iron Butt rally, trying out different bikes, running a number of SS1000 IBA rides (and similar but longer events), entering the 6 day “Butt Lite VII” rally, riding some long distances to Key West for example, and testing new approaches (such as alternate photographic stances in the winter BMR Rally).

Most new riders consider the most critical element to be their bike and the attached technology. It is not. The most critical element is the mental strength and approach by the rider, followed closely by the navigational strategy used by that rider. This rally is brutal. It breaks machines, men and minds. (And women). It is also a huge amount of fun.

Why Ride?

I learnt to ride a motorcycle when I was 15. Few times over the years, have I felt the rush and delight that comes with riding. Sometimes, when SCUBA diving, rock-climbing or skiing, we felt that same thrill of acceleration, of living-in-the-moment. To share this with my family and friends is one of the great pleasures of life.

Today, I dont have the physical fitness of an 18 year old. But we can still get the rush from that time. My pleasure is built around long-distance riding, often over 1000 kilometres per day, or even 1000 miles per day. This blog is about the feeling and motivation of long distance motorcycle riding. (LDR).