Iron Butt ride, do you submit it or do it for you?

[Andrew]

Does anyone ride IBA type rides for the fun of knowing they have done it and are happy with that? Or does it need to be certified for you?
I have done more than a few IBA style rides, for some reason or another I have yet to send any of them in. To be more honest I just ever cared to. I did do a 50cc this last year with the intention of sending it in (just for the license plate frame) But alas when I got home I just never did.
My thought is, am I the only one who just does not care if a sanctioning group approves my ride?

Maybe a better question would be " Why do you ride IBA type of rides?"

[atypical1]

Funny, Miles, Dagor6, and I did a SS1k on the way to the STN National this year and I have yet to turn in the paperwork. I'm not too worried about getting the plate as doing the ride and knowing I can do it is good enough for me. But, not to say that I wouldn't want to see that plate on Seth's D16RR  

james

[squeezer]

I've done the paperwork for two, got four more certs doing rides where the paperwork was taken care of.  I like having them on the wall.  As a general rule, though, I just ride.  I've lost count of 1K days.

[zer0netgain]

I did one...filed the paperwork.

I've done a couple since then, but frankly, I don't want to waste my money and someone else's time to get a certificate for it.  It's not like you get a nice prize after turning in 10 or more.

[jwhite518]

I file the paperwork if the cert would be unique, i.e. the first time I did a particular ride. I don't file for the 2nd and 3rd time I did the same ride. This applies to a Saddlesore if there's something interesting about the ride. (Same State, spelled the word WEENIE, etc.) Last week I ran a BBG and, while I didn't get witnesses, I did keep a fuel log and held myself to the same standards as if I were planning to file.

[Bounce]

+1 on unique rides. Doing the documentation and following through with the paperwork is just as much a commitment as doing the miles. follow through is the hardest thing about the multi-day rides (SS2K, etc). getting back on that bike and doing it for a 2nd, 3rd, etc. day is harder than many people think. similar to getting home and having the stick-to-it-iveness to follow through with the paperwork. anyone who's done a ducmented 1k day and an undocumented one knows that the addition of the paperwork makes it tougher.

but i agree about the certificate whoring thing.

[VIVID1]

I did one SS1000 just to see if I could do it. I didn’t send in the paper work but I did collect the receipts during the ride just because it was part of the rules and I wanted to follow all the rules.

I don't need some paper work and a certification to validate my ride. Frankly, paying someone good money for a piece of paper is just silly to me.  I’m just too practical maybe? I know that many say it didn’t happen because it wasn‘t certified, oh well. I did the ride with two friends and we know it happened and that's good enough for me   

[KeithB]

Ditto on just doing it.  I did several 1000+ days, mostly on the spur of the moment.  Most of those times were days when everything was going well and I just didn't want to stop.  A few others were the motels were full and eventually I just decided to ride through.  I decided to plan one and did it just to have the license plate frame.  Everyone now knows I'm completely loony..

I've done several since, but undocumented.  I kind of prefer it that way, since I'm only doing it for me.

[Huron52]

I did the 1600 metric ride from the MTF back in 2005  They handled all the paper work. I just had to hand in my receipts at the end of the ride and they sent it in.  
 I'm happy with that. Don't need to go for more.
 The spur of the monment runs happen when I have been to a rally, it's over and it's time to head home.  With every passing hour I'm that much closer to home and then before you know it... I pull into the driveway!

   I have thought of the 50cc .... but that's it... just thought about it.

[ksann]

Paperwork, err, huh  




ken

[county]

I wanted the license plate bracket.  After that, well, the paperwork, receipts etc are a pain.

Something else too.  When I see that bracket on a bike it is, for me, credentials that the guy rides.  Lately, there's an awful lotta people on bikes that are full of shit.

[atypical1]

I wanted the license plate bracket.  After that, well, the paperwork, receipts etc are a pain.

Something else too.  When I see that bracket on a bike it is, for me, credentials that the guy rides.  Lately, there's an awful lotta people on bikes that are full of shit.

Meh, it's not the number of miles. It's the quality of miles. People can think I ride or think I don't ride. I simply don't care.

james

[jwhite518]

Veering off course here but I'll jump in. My bracket is there so I can be identified by the brotherhood. I don't care if JimBob at the gas station is impressed. But if JimBob is also an IBA type I want to meet him. If and when I ever earn the one that says "Iron Butt Rally 11 days 11,000 Miles" I will definitely be wearing it as a badge of pride.

[2RR2NV]

Ditto on just doing it.  I did several 1000+ days, mostly on the spur of the moment.  Most of those times were days when everything was going well and I just didn't want to stop.  A few others were the motels were full and eventually I just decided to ride through.  I decided to plan one and did it just to have the license plate frame.  Everyone now knows I'm completely loony..

I've done several since, but undocumented.  I kind of prefer it that way, since I'm only doing it for me.

holy COW!!!  several 1000+ days. man, i wish i could ride for a 1000 days straight!!  that's hardcore.








   jk. i just wish i could do 1 (if not more) 500 mile or more ride.  will have to wait til i retire.  

[CLAY]

I have done 2 SS1000's and gotten my certs.  I wanted the plate to start with, and the second was for a fundraiser.  I'll probably do another SS1000 this summer probably an SS1500 (is that the 1500 in one day one?).  I'll for sure get a cert for the SS1500, as a new ride.  I figure they do it for a nominal fee, it supports the organization, and it makes for fun goals.  I have no problem with those who don't- hey, it's not for everyone.  I guess I see it like running a marathon- if you are going to run one, why not actually enter a race and get the recognition?

[jwhite518]

 probably an SS1500 (is that the 1500 in one day one?).  

1500/24 is called Bun Burner Gold. Regular Bun Burner (non Gold) is 1500/36. The BBG is a tough ride, a completely different bird from the SS1K.

[CLAY]

1500/24 is called Bun Burner Gold. Regular Bun Burner (non Gold) is 1500/36. The BBG is a tough ride, a completely different bird from the SS1K.

  I'd imagine.  Last summer I did everything right on the SS1000 fundraiser, and with a 270 mile range on the B12, it went well.  I finished with plenty of time in good spirits, wth a couple longer stops for my brother-in-law's mechanical issues.  I definately could have gone more.  It will be interesting to try the BB Gold.
   Could you give me your thoughts and experiences with it?

[dbduchene]

If you want to read about a serious IB rider that is into it then read Rachel's site. http://tigerracing.com She has done several including a 4 conners and a IB Rally. The thing for her is that she is 5'3'' 100 lbs. She rides a monster 800 with no fuel cells and all foam removed from the seat just a jell pad. She can go about 120 to 130 miles between fill ups.

Some people are just driven but I have to admit that I really after reading about it what to try my had at the Utah 1088 rally.

Denis

[atypical1]

If you want to read about a serious IB rider that is into it then read Rachel's site. http://tigerracing.com She has done several including a 4 conners and a IB Rally. The thing for her is that she is 5'3'' 100 lbs. She rides a monster 800 with no fuel cells and all foam removed from the seat just a jell pad. She can go about 120 to 130 miles between fill ups.

Some people are just driven but I have to admit that I really after reading about it what to try my had at the Utah 1088 rally.

Denis

I went to that site and it's just car racing. Do you have a better link directly to her stuff?

james

[jwhite518]

   Could you give me your thoughts and experiences with it?

You have to average 62.5 mpg over 24 hrs to complete it. That includes time stopped for fuel and rest, so your moving average needs to be higher. Therefore you have to route it on roads that allow high sustained speeds without stops (interstates or lonely two lane roads.) Plan on being awake the entire 24 hrs. I've done it three times. It gets easier each time.

[dbduchene]

I went to that site and it's just car racing. Do you have a better link directly to her stuff?

james

Sorry My Bad it is .net not not .com

http://tigerracing.net/

Denis

[Bounce]

You have to average 62.5 mpg over 24 hrs to complete it. That includes time stopped for fuel and rest, so your moving average needs to be higher. Therefore you have to route it on roads that allow high sustained speeds without stops (interstates or lonely two lane roads.) Plan on being awake the entire 24 hrs. I've done it three times. It gets easier each time.

yeah. Unlike a SS1K, a BBG rarely happens "accidentally". You have to start out with the determination to finish and avoid any bad luck that might delay you at all.

[DredheadV2.0]

I wanted the license plate bracket.  After that, well, the paperwork, receipts etc are a pain.

What he said.

[county]

Meh, it's not the number of miles. It's the quality of miles. People can think I ride or think I don't ride. I simply don't care.

james

   You are posting in the IB Forum....that kinda belies your "I simply don't care" comment(s).

[Elseanno]

Does anyone ride IBA type rides for the fun of knowing they have done it and are happy with that? Or does it need to be certified for you?
I have done more than a few IBA style rides, for some reason or another I have yet to send any of them in. To be more honest I just ever cared to. I did do a 50cc this last year with the intention of sending it in (just for the license plate frame) But alas when I got home I just never did.
My thought is, am I the only one who just does not care if a sanctioning group approves my ride?

Maybe a better question would be " Why do you ride IBA type of rides?"

Maybe the best question is why did you do it?  

I've done several, but never solely for the cert. or the toughness of doing 1k per day or whatever. For me it's about doing a rally or maybe getting across country to/from an event or ride. YMMV Other people have other reasons.

Elseanno

[Andrew]

Maybe the best question is why did you do it?  

Elseanno

Mostly I have done the rides just for me,(the plate frame is a side note) to see if I could and to experience doing it. I also find a certain kind of Zen when on the road for a long time, hard to put it into words just that when I get home I enjoy life more. Maybe I just have a wanderlust and am inpatient   I just enjoy riding my bikes for long hours at a time and the IBA type of rides act as a bench mark for me.  This is not to say that I have set out on several rides with the intention of documenting the ride and sending it in, I have and most likely will again, in the end I have not sent the docs in.

[DredheadV2.0]

Maybe I just have a wanderlust and am inpatient

It's a lot easier if you're outpatient.

[Andrew]

It's a lot easier if you're outpatient.

Guess they have to leave the door open sometime, I will make my move then

[yotes65]

At first, it was to see if I was capable of riding 1K in a day... I'd discovered that I was indeed able to. I'd received my Cert & Plate in the mail last week for my first SS1000. I plan on riding several more Cert Rides over the next few years. I'd just finished a 50CC which I haven't sent in the paperwork yet. I've decided that I do not want to combine multiple Cert's on one ride. For example, now that I've completed the 50CC, I will submit paperwork for that Cert only & not any for riding a SS2000. Although technically I did complete both, the initial goal was to complete the 50CC.

Now it's not about the Cert's, it's more about giving me a destination to reach as well as the Patches. I ride quite a bit within the State of AZ. Once a year, I make it over to San Diego and then ride North with Friends to SECA. Last year, I went with the AZ Rat Pack on what will be an Annual Group Ride to Utah. What a Beautiful Ride that turned out to be. This year I plan on making the Annual Durango Ride with the AZ Rat Pack. While I may rush to complete the Cert Ride, I take my time heading home so I can enjoy all around me.

I've started sewing the IBA Patches onto my jacket. Now others see the patches and they ask about what they are for. I enjoy sharing the experience of my rides with others.

The latest ride Ride/Cert that I'm trying to recruit some of my friends into participating is the IBA National Parks Tour Master Traveler Award. I've seen a few of the National Parks. The IBA National Parks Tour Master Traveler Award has now encouraged me to see our Beautiful Country and more of the National Parks in a shorter time frame.  

[David Morrow]

I've only applied for a second cert for a repeat ride once because it was an extreme ride and one of the least ridden. I also wanted the licence plate tag, not to brag to the uninitiated, but as an identifier for other IB riders who may spot it and wish to chat, have coffee, or just wave.

[jwhite518]

I got my first cert because I wanted to see if I was tough enough to survive the Cal 24.

[doug5551]

Two years ago, on this very forum, there was an announcement that the MTF was going to be hosting  a series of regional SS1000s.  The one from San Diego to Parowan, Utah sounded like fun.  I would not have planned and executed the ride without the support of the MTF, and I proudly display my plate backer.

Since then, a MTF 50CC, the Land of Enchantment rally for a New Mexico SS1000, and the UP-Chuck 1000 for a California SS1000.

I am proud of all these rides and grateful for the opportunity to complete them.

[jwhite518]

Since then, a MTF 50CC, the Land of Enchantment rally for a New Mexico SS1000, and the UP-Chuck 1000 for a California SS1000.

Did you file paperwork on any of those?

[D-Mac]

I've only completed one 'certified' IBA ride (the SS1000 I posted on here last summer). It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had on the bike. I re-live that ride all the time.

I love the fact that you're really competing with yourself - the whole mental aspect of plotting and timing things is somehow really fun for me. Rallys must be even better since there's the added challenge of route planning thrown in.

I've spent months contemplating what my next ride should be and modifying my little bike a bit for longer, tougher rides (I still have my stock seat though!) I was planning to do some longer rides out west this year, but the bad economy and family plans will prevent that. I'm going to my "back-up" ride now, which will be a Great Lakes Challenge (or maybe a 'Gold' version - I'm planning for the Gold but I'm trying to be realistic too). Next year I plan to try a rally.

I do plan to certify my major rides. It's part of the challenge.

[Rustydust]

I guess that I am one of the few these days that just likes to ride and really don't care all that much about how many miles that I put on my bike when I do it. Just give me a nice road with some good scenery with a few curves tossed in for good measure.  Back when I was a teen, I would "tour" with my Hodaka Ace 90 and my buddy that had a Yamaha Trailmaster 80. We rode over half the Texas southeast on those little bikes. Since the bikes were so small, we had to stay on back roads all the time. But what a good time we had! Putting along at 45-50 mph only stopping for potty breaks, gas, and the occasional (and inevitable) fouled spark plug. We did not know that you had to put "X" number of miles on a day to have a good time. We just rode. We saw a lot of Texas, and had a lot of great memories.

Today, I am kind of the same way, albeit a bit faster and more luggage capacity than back then. A good ride for me nowadays may be 300 or 400 miles, but you can bet that I saw some fine scenery during that time, had a grin pasted inside my helmet for all of it.

To all you ironbutters- more power to you. But I get my greatest satisfaction in the ride itself, not the distance of the ride. Maybe this is a carryover of how I rode back in the 1960's. If it is, hey, at least I learned something from back then.

[yotes65]

To all you ironbutters- more power to you. But I get my greatest satisfaction in the ride itself, not the distance of the ride. Maybe this is a carryover of how I rode back in the 1960's. If it is, hey, at least I learned something from back then.

I can not speak for the other Iron Butt Rider's... but for myself, the One or Two Iron Butt Rides that I do a year is only a drop in the bucket of my Total Mileage spent on my Bike.

I love riding my Sprint & look for any excuse to go out riding...

[Ga-Bandit]

I want to het the four corners of GA and thought it would be cool to try to get the cert. I'm gonna popst in the GA Region (Region 5).

[D-Mac]

I guess that I am one of the few these days that just likes to ride and really don't care all that much about how many miles that I put on my bike when I do it. Just give me a nice road with some good scenery with a few curves tossed in for good measure.  Back when I was a teen, I would "tour" with my Hodaka Ace 90 and my buddy that had a Yamaha Trailmaster 80. We rode over half the Texas southeast on those little bikes. Since the bikes were so small, we had to stay on back roads all the time. But what a good time we had! Putting along at 45-50 mph only stopping for potty breaks, gas, and the occasional (and inevitable) fouled spark plug. We did not know that you had to put "X" number of miles on a day to have a good time. We just rode. We saw a lot of Texas, and had a lot of great memories.

Today, I am kind of the same way, albeit a bit faster and more luggage capacity than back then. A good ride for me nowadays may be 300 or 400 miles, but you can bet that I saw some fine scenery during that time, had a grin pasted inside my helmet for all of it.

To all you ironbutters- more power to you. But I get my greatest satisfaction in the ride itself, not the distance of the ride. Maybe this is a carryover of how I rode back in the 1960's. If it is, hey, at least I learned something from back then.

I wouldn't say that the distance of the ride if what I like best about the idea of an Iron Butt ride - it IS the ride itself. It just happens that I'm spending more time on the bike doing it.

I still like riding the back roads too. Iron Butt rides are only part of the fun.

[doug5551]

Did you file paperwork on any of those?

The 50CC was sponsored by the MTF, and the paperwork was processed promptly.

The LOE and Up-Chuck certificates are in transit...

So that makes  me a mile eater with four certified rides.

[jwhite518]

So that makes  me a mile eater cert ho with four certified rides.

Fixed that for ya.  

[Global Rider]

Does anyone ride IBA type rides for the fun of knowing they have done it and are happy with that?

Certainly not for the fun. I'd sooner experience the ride. I had to go from point A to Point B, and I was a student and couldn't afford a motel for the night. Simple enough reason for a few long days. Besides, it really isn't very challenging if you ride the right motorcycle and even less challenging if you ride above 60 MPH.

I certainly wouldn't do it for a certificate. I have enough of those silly things that were given to me and they're all sitting in a box in the basement.

[Davo]

I like riding my bike  

Number of miles is never a point in that its just that I can go places I never thought I could in the limited time I have available. I have certs for maybe 5% of the IBA length rides I have done. Don't need them apart from what Jerry said earlier, for unique rides. Just don't go neeking up on me ya hear.  

I want one of them 11,000 miles ones next  

[SalsaShark]

Meh, it's not the number of miles. It's the quality of miles. People can think I ride or think I don't ride. I simply don't care.

james

I half agree with you. I believe it's not only about the miles, but it's always about the quality. We ran into some bikers hauling their bikes up to Canada and when they found out we were doing an IBA they told us that their IBA was all interstate. I can't imagine a worse punishment. Our route was canyons and lonely two lane roads... The only real interstate came at the end on the way home. Yeah, it would have taken less time to stay on the slab, but man... how boring!

[REAPER]

Maybe a better question would be " Why do you ride IBA type of rides?"

I do 'em for the license plate holders!  

[wbrisett]

Missed this topic a few months back...

I was thinking about this recently because my local club (BMW) had several people listed in one of the magazines for miles. When I asked how many miles one of the guys there had, he said 12K. 12k? Holy smokes, I thought (well not those words exactly). I did 6K the last 3 months of last year on my '04 RT. I did another 10k over the spring/summer with my '07 Buell Ulysses, and I didn't even count the other miles I put on the RT from various distant rides.

I think my ride reports, photos and memories simply mean more to me than the license plate holder or any magazine with my name in it for miles. I'm getting ready to leave on Friday for a nearly 4K ride to the north east and back, now that my route is planned, my hardest decision is what bike to take. My new '09 RT, or  the '07 Ulysses, both have their merits and both are fun to ride long distances.

Wayne

[Westy]

Just for the heck of it, I did a 1152 24hr ride.....only Sslab was little over 30 miles to get out of New Orleans, later found out rain was over 2" an hour for hrs. and crazy lightning show along with high winds ect, 4 clipped states of lousy weather and 2 last states were mostly clear but windy as heck.... After initial Sslab was all secondary and lesser roads to ck out the local stuff with one 148 mile detour due to bridge washout in Oklahoma .

Have to say butt never really got sore, just legs got a bit tight even though I do isometrics in the saddle on some long days.  My take is that 1k+ days on highways/Sslabs are easy but boring mostly, maybe a 1.5k run would be more appropriate on S/SHslabs since it's mostly 70-75 posted roads. I like small roads that perferably have '10mph'  corners on them or no road beneath the rubber are just as nice so 1k days are almost physically impossible on that stuff without minute detailed mapping and all two-track dirt.  Would I do that again? probably not, just don't see the point of it. Physically and mentally it was not a challenge for me, felt more like a waste of time, especially the hrs in the dark, but once you state your goal to yourself you have to finish and not "flail it".... Also a few 1k on Sslabs or SHslabs would probably cause my brain to shutdown permanently due to lack of electrical activity.

I'm goofy, I can take a 100mi car trip and turn it into a 300mi bike ride easy, the little stuff is the frosting.  I get asked "how far do you ride a day normally?",  my answer-"12-16hrs."

[Bounce]

I guess the point of all this is that a lot of people ride a lot of miles but if it's not certified by the IBA it's not an "Iron Butt" ride As the subject mentions).

[Andrew]

I am amazed this thread is still around,

I guess the point of all this is that a lot of people ride a lot of miles but if it's not certified by the IBA it's not an "Iron Butt" ride As the subject mentions).

Ok so when I started the tread I just used the term "IBA" not as an official term even though it is (more to the fact that I am rather lazy at putting things into written form and just used the term loosely)  What I should have asked may be closer to, Do you use the IBA guide lines to do rides just to do them and not send the paperwork in? Or do you do the ride just for the certificate? Proof to yourself or proof to the world?

[jwhite518]

Do you use the IBA guide lines to do rides just to do them and not send the paperwork in? Or do you do the ride just for the certificate? Proof to yourself or proof to the world?

I have done both. Most usually I will do a ride that meets the guidelines, but don't submit paperwork. I keep an IBA-style fuel log but don't get witnesses. Once in a while I'll get the witnesses and file for a cert.

So why are you asking this question (yet again)?

[turbodave_98]

yeah. Unlike a SS1K, a BBG rarely happens "accidentally". You have to start out with the determination to finish and avoid any bad luck that might delay you at all.

The above is a truism, IMHO the desire to start and complete the BBG24 is the most important factor for success.  The "average" motorcyclist would not even consider the ride.  Most of the "Riders" I know look forward to the opportunity to do the BBG.  

[BrookR1]

I almost did a non-certified BBG last weekend. I was actually finishing up my first attempted SS1000 and on my final leg I looked at my pace and realized I could do it.  I had a vague memory during the ride of a different set of rules and when I got home, sure enough, they require you to have completed a SS1000 plus two witnesses each for the start/finish each. After 1000 miles, I also thought to myself that the only friggin way I'm going to continue with this ride is to get the cert.  

I'm sending in my paperwork. It will make a good conversation piece for my friends. I'll have to say that I got a chuckle when my girlfriend asked where I went for my ride. I told her Reno.... ....the look on her face was priceless.

The cert just opens up more opportunities for me should I decide to take this seriously. I don't think I will, but you never know. I passed up so many nice places along the 395 that I otherwise would have stopped to enjoy. But then again, I only had a day for my ride because of plans on Sunday, and I did see quite a bit in those 16 hours.

[ServoJockey]

I did one last year, mostly for the license plate and partly to see if I could do it. Characteristically, I decided that anyone can do 1k of freeway in 24 hours    so I chose to go around Lake Michigan. The route I picked was 70% freeway and 10% Chicago. (There should be extra points for Chicago!)

I also have three kids so my riding time for me is limited. There is not much time for me to spend alone, much less riding in new and unique locations.

[Davo]

I also have three kids so my riding time for me is limited. There is not much time for me to spend alone, much less riding in new and unique locations.

Which, oddly enough, is precisely why most of us do it

[Tony T]

Do you use the IBA guide lines to do rides just to do them and not send the paperwork in? Or do you do the ride just for the certificate? Proof to yourself or proof to the world?

I did my first IBA ride to prove to myself I could do it. But the other part of it was that I have a scott-oiler touring kit on the back of the bike that is larger than the plates. The IBA license plate holder does an excellent job covering it up and leaving the top refill-tube accessible, it looks great.  

I look at the IBA rides as a challenge and as a guide. I see the different rides and try to tweak them to make them more of a challenge if I think they are too easy. I don't double-up on certs, (SS1000 + BB1500) nor do I intentionally send in for certs if I already did that ride. ( 2x BB1500)

My first ride was a BB1500, afterwords I was so hyped-up that I rode the same exact route 2 weeks later. I was trying to do a BBG and did ending with 1724miles. Unfortunately I failed to see that little rule they have about being a current IBA member before getting approved for a BBG. I ended up with 2 BB1500's.   So I noticed that if you go over 1800 miles while attempting a BBG they just list you as 1800+ Ok, sure, I know I can do a regular BBG, now my challenge to myself is to be listed as 1800+  

[Bounce]

they require you to have completed a SS1000 plus two witnesses each for the start/finish each.

really? that's a new one to me. i always thought it was a cop/fireman/approved IBA witness at each end (1 ea, please) and the timed receipt and you were good to go.

maybe it's 2 winos, hookers, or bike shop employees when you can't find one of the above?

[Tony T]

In order to document your ride, the Iron Butt Association requires that obtain an eyewitness to document the start of your ride. Witnesses for the basic SaddleSore 1000 and Bun Burner 1500 may be a friend (but not one on the ride with you), spouse or even gas station attendant willing to answer a letter from the IBA about your start or end time. If a passenger is on the ride with you, please ask your witnesses to sign the form for them also.