LD Riding Seems to be Continuing to Grow in Popularity...

[Hulked Up]

This is just based on the backlog at the IBA over the documenting the rides.  I submitted a ride in September and still hadn't  had my check cashed after 3 months.  I inquired and learned that the IBA is now processing rides from June, six months ago.  

When I sent in a ride last year it took about 3 months to get my documentation.  So, either they have a lot less volunteers to process the stuff or there are a lot more people doing the long distance rides.  I'm guessing there are more people getting into LD riding.

Not complaining, just interesting.  I'm happy the IBA is able to do it.

[BlackValk]

Hulked,   You might as well prepare for a long wait....and having your check cashed, while a good thing, does not mean that your package is being mailed anytime soon. I'm sure that the great increase in Cert applications, bolstered by so many Motorcycle Magazine articles this past year has given the IBA a lot of good press.  Information releases by IBA and Mike Kneebone, state that paid staff members have been hired and their training is being accomplished, so it isn't all done by volunteers. Mike  has also stated that "he" is about 60% of the delay problem, as nothing goes out without his personal approval of the process. There is value in that, I believe.
As others have stated, on this subject, it is probably better to put it out of your mind, and let it be a pleasant surprise when it arrives. I know, easier said than done, huh.

For me,today marks the 22nd  week point, from the day my last submitted paperwork arrived at the IBA Mailbox, with the check cashed 5 weeks ago today. Nothing yet, but since it isn't the first cert for me, I will tend to just forget about it, for now. Others, have been waiting longer than I have. It is just the way things are...

BlackValk

[Davo]

Guys, be concerned when it hits twelve months...... ask me how I know  

[dabrew]

Funny this topic has come up. The local board I am on is usually all about sportbikes blah blah, but recently the sport touring section has picked up quite a bit of interest. A few members on this board are also over at B.A.R.F.  nice to see some excitement for some LD riding for a change

[DredheadV2.0]

Holy crap.     Mine was turned around in the space of less than three weeks.  That wasn't so many years ago, either.  2003 I think.

[Windblown]

Reasons for more LD riders and documentation wait.

Growth of 40 something riders.

Bikes are better and (some)  more comfortable.

More folks desire to document their accomplishments.

IBA is a non-profit org and unemployment is low.

Congrats to all who have done an IBA. I never have and probably never will.  I can't sustain the needed level of concentration to safely ride that far at a pace I enjoy.

[dabrew]

 I never have and probably never will.  I can't sustain the needed level of concentration to safely ride that far at a pace I enjoy.

But at least you are smart enough to realize that

[jude]

Yep.  Still waiting on my SSK and BB.  Pushing 4 months and my checkbook is still waiting a check mark...

[Sport]

I make at least one long tour each year and have noticed that not only have the LD riders increased in numbers but they're riding much farther away form their home than they used to.  Seeing bikes in Glacier NP with PA or MD or ME plates is great!

[helodoc]

I'm not completely convinced that LD riding as a whole is gaining popularity, or is it just the saddle sore series of rides? Look at rallymaster.org, the MTF has organized 40-50 SS1k rides this summer. It wasn't that long ago that a 1000 mile day wasn't a certified ride! The MTF has cornered the market, but true rally riding in the style of the IBR & IBA hasn't kept pace. Yes there are Spank, Butt Lite and a few other multiday rallies and well as a hand full of 24 hour bonus seeking events, but the numbers participating in these events are small. I'm curious as to the break down of certified rides last year. How many SS1K vs. 50cc or something like that.

Don't take this wrong. I am proud of my SS1K, but it was just a stepping stone on the way to bigger events and rides. I wouldn't care if it didn't get certified, I did it to see if I could handle a thousand miles in a day. The trick is putting several of them together.

[Hulked Up]

Could be something to that.  I went back and looked at my 2005 SS1000 ride on the IBA database.  There were 95 other people who completed the SS1000 (and later got certified) on the very same day!  

It makes sense that there are a lot more people doing the SS1000 than a 50CC, but I still consider the 1,000 mile day a long distance ride.

[helodoc]

No question there! the SS1K is indeed an accomplishment, and something to be proud of. It has become a money maker for the IBA. I'm just curious how many people never try another IBA ride, but continue to brag, which bring up another topic. Rumor has it that some insurance companies and some Military commands are cracking down on IBA riders. Could this be due to the popularity of SS1K rides? and what will be the final impact be on our "sport"?

It seems to be a catch 22. The SS1K gets new riders into the fold and earns some money, but could be having a negative effect overall on the IBA. IMHO.

[ss2]

Meh.  I agree helodoc, but as for the last bit, it's not going to affect the big picture too much.  "Wild Hogs" will have more of an affect on the motorcycling scene than the IBA would ever dream to.  Not poking at the IBA or Mr. Kneebone by any means with that statement.  

Money rules and media affects a lot of what people do.  Wild Hogs will no doubt sell a few hundred Harleys.  Absurd?  Perhaps.  Unrealistic?  No.  But the IBA isn't made of a bunch of money.  They are busy enough putting on their 11K mile party for their friends.  Which gets as much attention as the movie Cabin Boy.  

Personally, I'd credit the internet for the greatest growth.  The internet makes it a lot easier to sign up for stuff.  America is lazy.  Getting a stamp and sending the letter stopped a lot of people from every sending in an entry.  There's also the need to belong to something now that everyone online is trying to establish some kind of online identity.  Some people have some great fulfillment by tacking IBA #45u09e0940 in their signatures.  This advertises to others who want to play the game.  Some people actually enjoy the challenge.  Others are in it because their friends did it.  Some really hardcore riders probably never knew about it.  Some probably still don't.