My First Iron Butt Ride: COMPLETED!

[Steve_in_Florida]

After talking about doing a SaddleSore 1000 Iron Butt ride (http://www.ironbutt.com) for what seems like ages, I finally jumped in with both feet.

For those who might not know, this is classified as an "entry-level" ride to the Iron Butt Association, requiring at least 1,000 DOCUMENTED miles within a 24-hour period. The rules are strict; these people have to EARN their award!

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking at upcoming motorcycle events on a web site, and noticed an organized, Iron Butt certified charity ride. I "hummed" and "hawed" about it for a while, but money and time came together at the last minute, and I signed up on Friday night. Moments later, I packed a basic riding kit and hit the road.

The ride was organized by an organization called the 360 Bikers (www.360bikers.com) out of Lake Worth, Florida (about 175 miles south of Orlando), near West Palm Beach. It was a benefit for a charity called "Operation Homefront" which provides assistance to returning veterans.

After a brief stay in a local (cheap) motel, I happened to meet three other riders on two bikes who were also making the run. we decided to stick together as one of the small groups, for moral and logistical support. This was a good choice on my part, as the husband/wife team of Ray and Cindy were Iron Butt Veteran riders with a GPS unit. (My GPS is old-school: a map in my tank bag)

Javier (the other rider I met at the motel), had already found the start point, so we followed him. A total of 18 bikes were registered, and EVERYONE finished!

We hit the road at 7:00am with required stops in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, Naples, and Ft. Lauderdale. I think the final (official) mileage was 1,040. We finished up at about 4:00am Sunday morning. According to my calculations, my trusty FJ carried me almost 1,400 miles this weekend!

This was not a sightseeing trip, so I don't have any pictures. Some were taken at the after-party on Sunday afternoon, but they haven't been posted yet.

Great people, and a fun (but grueling) event. I'd do it again!

Anyway, I just had to tell SOMEBODY about my long-awaited accomplishment. Thanks for reading!

Steve

[racerman_27410]

way to go!  Sounds like you crossed an item off the bucket list AND made some new friends!

Definitely a win win!


KOokaloo!

[Dads_FJ]

I completed my first SS1000 this spring too. The FJ is a great bike to complete this ride on - Congrats on your accomplishment! Ton of paper work isn't there? 

[roverfj1200]

Well done on the SS1000.. And the FJ is a great LD ride..

[Mark Olson]

Congrats . way to go the distance . that is why we love the fj , that bike can do it all . Is your butt still sore?

[FJ Flyer]

Congrats!  Don't know if I could do a SS1000 on th FJ.  Not these days, anyway.  I did one on the FJR a couple years back from Kansas City to MD. 

[Firehawk068]

Nice Job!
I've wanted to cross this off my list for awhile, but haven't yet.............officially.....
Maybe next year.

[1tinindian]

After reading this, I mapped out a 1000 mile loop.
I'd like to try it next summer during the longest day of the year to limit the amount of dark riding hours.

Leon

[Steve_in_Florida]

No, my butt and back are/were not sore at all. In fact, I'm eagerly planning my next Iron Butt endeavor. I have my sights set on one of the Bun Burner 1500's.

When I came across the "group" aspect of an organized charity attempt at the SaddleSore 1000, it really set the hook. How could I *not* participate.

Normally, I don't care to ride with groups, but in this case, the moral support was the key factor.

Riding at night, at speed, while fatigued, on unfamiliar roads is daunting. Some of the veteran Iron Butts recommend beginning a long ride in the wee hours of the morning to get some "dark" hours under your belt while you're still "fresh". In this manner, you can complete the ride in daylight hours.

Big highways and earplugs also help. The Iron Butt site has some really good recommendations, too: http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aow.cfm

Now I can't wait to do another!!!

Steve

[Steve_in_Florida]

Here's a link to a video from the recent Iron Butt charity ride I took part in:

360Bikers Inaugural Sunshine State Iron Butt Tour - Departure

My back is visible from 0:47 - 0:56 (right side of the screen)
Nearing launch and take-off from 1:44 - 2:12 and 2:50 - 3:42 (2 different cameras)

Now I feel like a Youtube Rockstar!

I rode with the couple riding 2-up on the Goldwing that left just before me and the Red Beemer and Blue Kawasaki ZX-14 that left just after.

Great ride and really nice people.

Steve