IBR 2015 Part 1 - Iron Butt Rally - Purpose, Summary

Thoughts from the Iron Butt Rally 2015 by Olaf Moon

Purpose

In 2015, I was a rookie entrant and “official finisher” in the IBR. I have prepared this document purely as my personal thoughts on the Rally, for a few friends and interested family members, knowing full well that some will be very interested and others will disagree with my views in some way.  However is designed to serve two overall purposes:

1.      To provide feedback to interested Long Distance Riders (LDR) who have requested it

2.      To provide a reminder to myself, of what I did right and what should be changed or improved upon, for the next rally.

In Summary;

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

I spent four years preparing for this rally, trying out different bikes, running a number of SS1000 IBA (Iron Butt Association) rides (and similar but longer IBA Certificate rides), 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.

What is the Iron Butt Rally?

The IBR started in 1985 and runs every second year. It is billed as “the World’s Toughest Rally” over 11 days – and all evidence suggests that this is the case, especially as it is run on public roads. It is not a race, but more akin to a scavenger hunt where riders earn points for going to particular waypoints, photographing them with their Rally Flag (and number) in the picture and moving on.

Typically it runs in three legs, with Leg 1 being about 82 hours, Leg 2 65 hours and Leg 3 95 hours. Sleep is at a premium; with riders typically getting about 3-4 hours’ sleep in 24.

There is a minimum target set to be a “Finisher” and receive the fabled “three digit IBA membership number” plus a plaque. There is no prize money. These cannot be “bought” so are at a premium and highly valued by participants. This year’s target was not just to accumulate the highest number of points, rather it was to visit a minimum 25 States and 50 National Parks – in my view this was easier than a straight figure, but others disagree. The organizers determined that the minimum distance required to achieve this was about 8650 miles. I rode 9650 miles and could and should have ridden about 10,800.

Why Do It at All?

There is a common question about why bother? It is often answered by a quotation

“There is no rational reason for what I am about to do” attributed to John Ryan, hero.

In fact it could be considered a very self-interested pastime, as few riders ride in teams or with a pillion (five in 2015). Some consider it even selfish. This is aggravated by the decidedly higher risk of failure or of an accident, appalling weather at times, and the cost of undertaking the venture, let alone the time required, plus the mental and physical demands. The entrance fee alone is US$1900 (which is great value as it happens). In summary, it is a brutal event but huge fun.

So why did I do it? – The personal reasons are;

1.      I love riding motorcycles – I feel great out on the road.

2.      I love a clear rational challenge – something with a specific goal where I could compare myself directly against others

3.      I like to find things to do that will stretch me –everything about who I am

4.      I wanted a good excuse to see much more of America, not just the big cities.

5.      I wanted a goal that would balance in a different way, against work and family.

The fact is, “I do find riding in the IBR to be as addictive as Crack – it’s that simple”.

Entering the IBR

Placing an entrance request to the IBA for a position on the IBR is quite a process. And I support that, because it whittles out the mischievous, and the un-committed. Some thousands apply and pay their deposit of about $100, nearly two years in advance. The process includes submitting a “riders’ resume” – something that every potential entrant should do, just to see what you have achieved so far!

About 120 people are offered places. Some are pre-ordained (the first 10 place getters from the Butt Lite Rally for example- see http://www.teamstrange.com/). Some are so extreme in the “Hopeless Class” that the organizers feel entitlement is warranted (if you ride a 25 year bike or 250cc Scooter e.g.). Some riders have been in so many (up to 8 past IBR’s) that they deserve another run. Some are just old – 79 this year (and he finished). Some have amazing riding resumes (how about 30 “Bun Burner Gold’s” – 1500 miles in 24 hours). Some are just “alien” from other countries like Belgium, Germany, Zambia, Ireland and Australia – and a proportion get a go. Many people who have “screwed the pooch” with the organizers don’t get a hearing – it’s not wise to turn up drunk and tell the Rally Master where to get off. But it happens.