Author Topic: Anyone in the Iron Butt Assosciation? (Read 5001 times)

ZillaX · « **on:** November 18, 2006, 07:09:08 PM »

I've been dying to do an Iron Butt ride, but haven't wanted to risk not making it home on my old Nighthawk. So I am definately going to do at least one this year now that I'll have a bike that is less than a million years old! I was just curious if anyone on here is in the IBA and what rides you've done.

Sven · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2006, 07:51:57 PM »

Can't give you any pointers, but I'm curious if you are looking to get a slot in the IBR or just do one of the other self-certified rides, like the Saddle Sore?

Last year I was all into the idea of the 1000-miles-in-a-day thing, and then started planning something that would allow me pretty high speeds and few stops (as in freeway riding). I thought of a run through the state capitals in GA, AL, MS and TN as being a sort of theme. As time when on, I started wondering what the point of going past a lot of interesting places and people I need to visit and not getting to enjoy seeing/doing, and the attraction just faded.

Who knows, I might make it one day, but the urge to stop for a few pix and check out the tourist traps would sink me.

solman · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2006, 06:45:10 AM »

I haven't done an Iron Butt ride, but I did ride 2800 miles over the course of 1 1/2 weeks. I was needless to say quite sore. Some of the things that I would do different and pointers:

1. Use a throttle lock - Having to hold the throttle the whole time gets quite rough and takes a lot of energy after a while.

2. Get a good MP3 player - Anything to help take the attention of a sore butt and cramped legs can't be a bad thing.

3. Have good clothing - It is important to have good clothing to handle any weather scenerio that may occur during your trip.

4. Drafting - It was nice to find a SUV or equivelent to draft behind if you don't have a large windshield/fairing. If you do this, make sure that you keep a safe distance. BTW, this is slightly illegal.

5. Relaxing - When done for the day, have a beer or two, and/or jump in the pool/lake for a swim/floating.

ZillaX · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2006, 10:05:56 AM »

Thanks for the advice Solman. My wife and I put in a 400 mile day two up this summer. That ride pretty well convinced me to buy good gear. I've been riding all fall with my new gear, what a revelation! I'm sure I'll be putting a taller window on the Bandit right away, and if I can't sit in the seat for a whole tank without getting off the bike the seat is going to go next.

solman · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2006, 10:44:44 PM »

Hey, no problem, just passing on my experiences to others. I just wished that I would've known a few of these tips before the ride. Others I figured out during the ride.

oremike · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2006, 04:23:50 AM »

I've not done a SS1000 yet, but my longest day ride was 860 miles. Only thing I can offer is to plain ahead for your ride. I let home early in the morning with no plain other than to go for a ride. I ended up along way from home with basicly no money in my pocket, called my wife and said I'm heading home so the farther I get the less far you need to drive to come and get me. When I got home I was on reserve with 3 dollars in my pocket. That was a little too close for comfort.
Mike M.

Sven · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2006, 10:14:39 AM »

The MC Consumer News ran an article a couple months back, with some follow-up stuff in the next issue or so, about how to prepare for LD riding. Sorry, I pass my issues on to others, so I can't cite the specific issues, but someobody else here might have them and can send you the articles if your library doesn't have them (as if!).

Anyway, I'll repeat my curiosity as to what KIND of IBA ride you want to do, and why.

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2006, 01:44:57 PM »

Quote from: "Sven"

Can't give you any pointers, but I'm curious if you are looking to get a slot in the IBR or just do one of the other self-certified rides, like the Saddle Sore?

Last year I was all into the idea of the 1000-miles-in-a-day thing, and then started planning something that would allow me pretty high speeds and few stops (as in freeway riding). I thought of a run through the state capitals in GA, AL, MS and TN as being a sort of theme. As time when on, I started wondering what the point of going past a lot of interesting places and people I need to visit and not getting to enjoy seeing/doing, and the attraction just faded.

Who knows, I might make it one day, but the urge to stop for a few pix and check out the tourist traps would sink me.

I'm with you! I don't see the attraction either. I've done 800-900 mile days (and still had a night's sleep) when I was riding from one coast to the other and my goal was to get to the other side of the country back in 1977. Had there been an IBA and/or I'd known about it then, I probably would have signed up and got the pin. But to do it for "fun"? Just not my cup of tea. I prefer to ride in the daylight so I can see the sights... and animals.

I'm no IBA expert, but I thought you had to have an individual SS1000 or better to enter into any IBR events.

ZillaX · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2006, 03:18:36 PM »

I would like to get into the IBA thing because I like doing things other people don't. I love adventure and I want to get to know some of the hard cores in the IBA, these people must have some wild stories! I plan on starting with a SS1000 which is the easiest ride you can qualify with and go from there. By the way my wife says she's coming with on that first ride!

Old_n_Slow · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2006, 07:03:22 AM »

Here's everything you need to know about the IBA rules for qualifying.
http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm

About the only things I can offer you are (1) wear proper riding pants, not jeans, the difference in long distance riding is really remarkable, jeans will make you suffer, and (2) Ear Plugs. If you enjoy tinnitus leave your ear plugs at home and spend the three weeks after your ride saying "What?" to everyone.

H2RICK · « **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2006, 11:58:42 PM »

Zillax: If you've got a boney butt like mine, you'll want to do something about that Torquemada instrument Suzuki calls a seat. The foam in there is like concrete. I could stand it for about 20-30 minutes at most. I took it to my upholstery gal, she cut off the top half of the foam and glued on some much softer stuff and now I can go for the whole tank without stopping....although I'm considering a small sheepskin to make it REALLY comfy. I've talked to a lot of people about the skins and everyone, without exception, swears by them....although a lot of them ARE cruiser riders.....

Well, we'll see....

pmackie · « **Reply #11 on:** December 06, 2006, 12:18:20 AM »

I use a sheepskin on my 600. The sheepskin, along with my leathers make the bandit seat all day comfortable for me. The sheepskin basically help reduce the chaffing on the inside of my legs, and gives it a little more cushion. I always use the sheepskin on long rides (ie multiday).

Vidrazor · « **Reply #12 on:** December 07, 2006, 09:18:16 PM »

I found out from someone here, who found out from an Iron Butt Alumni, ironically enough, about a standalone cushion known as the AirHawk. It's an air-filled cushion the continuously redistributes your body weight evenly across it. It's the most ingenious design, and it works fantastically.

The longest ride I've done so far is a 300 mile ride from North Bergen NJ to Cape Cod MA (on a Bandit 400!), which with some unfortunate traffic wound up being an 8-hour ride. There's no way in hell my ass would've survived that ride without the AirHawk! I got off the bike as if I had done an hour's ride (ass-wise, anyway, I was pretty damnned tired).

So if you're going for a torture run, I highly suggest the AirHawk.

Airmotive · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2006, 01:13:31 PM »

Took the B6 on a few 1000+ mile days. I use an artificial sheepskin saddlepad from a local tack shop. $20.
Fold it over a few times and it adds about 2" to the seat height and allows airflow under yer bum.

Also, a decent pair of bicycle shorts with the padding in the butt helps.

A well planned 1000 miles can be covered without too much sweat and you can be back home in time for a late dinner. Just make sure those things which you normally don't worry about for a month or so are in good order. Especially tires.

My last long ride from Manitoulin, Ontario to Dallas had me discovering just how rapidly a cupped front tire can deteriorate in the last 500 miles of its life.

I also discovered what a worn chain feels like at highway speeds....for 300 miles.

Other than that, stay hydrated and warm. Use a clear face shield with sunglasses. The temptation to keep a tinted visor on past sunset just because you have another 100 miles until your next fuel stop is bad.

It's better to start very early and finsih with daylight left. That way the more difficult nighttime riding is done while you're fresh. Fewer drunks on the road from 3AM to 9PM as well. (Depending on when the bars in your area close.)

The best advice is this: Don't be afraid to admit when you're beat. Have several overnight stops along your route planned, and be willing to stop if you're fatigued. You WILL be fatigued, but be able to tell if you're a hazard to yourself.[/img]

ZillaX · « **Reply #14 on:** December 11, 2006, 01:04:43 AM »

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm gonna be giving a saddle sore 1000 a try as soon as weather permits this spring.

By the way it was about a 45F day today and I took the old Nighthawk out for about 25 miles. You don't get to ride on the 10th of Dec. here in Minnesota too often! Would have rode all day but I had to get some X-mas chores done. Was a good ride though, just a little short.