I saw the subject line and immediately heard In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. Made me laugh.
2023 Iron Butt Rally
- Thread starter Shuey
- Start date
Shuey,
What bikes did you ride in the IBR?
What bikes did you ride in the IBR?
ST_Jim
In the Hotel California...
I assume that there will again be no publishing of the bonus list until after a given leg to avoid too many Lookie-Lou’s clogging up the locations. I know I eagerly await every update, but first and foremost they need to run a safe rally.
I still remember having had a beer with Ron Major at the motorcycle show, and drooling over his farkled ST1100 at the Rock Store. Sigh…
I still remember having had a beer with Ron Major at the motorcycle show, and drooling over his farkled ST1100 at the Rock Store. Sigh…
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
Glad you asked as . . . there's a story that goes along with this bike. Two actually. 
Honda 2010 ST1300A, Black at the Finish of the 2011 Iron Butt Rally
Story #1
In preparing for the 2011 IBR I entered as many of the smaller multi-day rallies as I could in 2010 and 2011. The final one prior to the IBR was the Mason-Dixon 20/20. It was a great rally until . . . it wasn't. I was saddled up on my Red 2008 Honda ST1300 and having a great ride. I was up into Maine when, about dusk on a narrow two lane forest road when . . . I hit a small deer! It broke the mirror and some plastic on the left side. I didn't go down. A County Sheriff just happened to come along within minutes. Couldn't find the deer and he lit up my bike with his car while I pieced it back together with duct tape. Good to go . . . Rally back on! Picked up some more Bonuses, had a short rest at a truck stop then headed back to the finish in MA. Almost there, moving briskly along on I-70, in light rain, pre-dawn when a really BIG Deer bounded across the road in front of me! I cut it in half, stayed upright and put the kick-stand down on the side of the road. There's more to the story already posted elsewhere here, but, the bike was totaled. While being evaluated at a Honda dealership, I bought this Black, 2010, Honda ST1300 off their show room floor. Packed up as much of the accessories off the wrecked bike as possible and loaded some up on the bike and shipped the rest to Knoxville where my friend Kreis took most of a week off work to build an IBR Rally bike. Rode home after, spent a few days with family (a week shorter than planned) then rode to Seattle for the IBA Rally start. IBA wisdom says don't change anything on your rally bike before the event - well, I could forget that one.
Story #2
Made it through Tech inspection after a quick trip to the local Ace Hardware for some parts to satisfy an 'inadequate' overflow tube they had a problem with. On Rally Start day, all bikes are lined up like dominos in the parking lot and impounded, not to be moved until the Start. Riders stand by they bikes for Rally Officials to come around to record starting ODO numbers and take pictures. I'm definitely excited and somewhat stressed to just get going. Putting something away in the side bag, the bike . . . lost balance and fell over! Fortunately, the next bike in line was just far enough away that it didn't become the second domino. With help (lot's available) my bike was righted and it was quite apparent that my right mirror had shattered. I'm in horror that I'll be disqualified from starting, but within a few minutes, one of the spectators came up and asked me if I'd like to borrow the side mirror off his ST even though it was Red instead of Black. What a great community we are a part of. Yes, yes, yes. He fetched it and we put it on while everyone around was laughing and I was ready to go. You can see the Red mirror on my bike in the photo.
Honda 2010 ST1300A, Black at the Start of the 2013 Iron Butt Rally; same bike as 2011 but with TWO Black ears!
Only one real story for this one, on Day 9, the rear shock failed on I-10 near Deming, NM. Bike totaled and I had some bruises and a broken wrist, well, a finger or two also. ATGATT really saved me. But, with help from members here, I was able to fly back to PA in time for the Rally Awards Banquet where my wife and friends were waiting to see me.
OK? The first two lines could have been the answer to your question, but once I got started, I was having to much fun reminiscing.
Life is good and getting better every day!
Shuey
Honda 2010 ST1300A, Black at the Finish of the 2011 Iron Butt Rally
Story #1
In preparing for the 2011 IBR I entered as many of the smaller multi-day rallies as I could in 2010 and 2011. The final one prior to the IBR was the Mason-Dixon 20/20. It was a great rally until . . . it wasn't. I was saddled up on my Red 2008 Honda ST1300 and having a great ride. I was up into Maine when, about dusk on a narrow two lane forest road when . . . I hit a small deer! It broke the mirror and some plastic on the left side. I didn't go down. A County Sheriff just happened to come along within minutes. Couldn't find the deer and he lit up my bike with his car while I pieced it back together with duct tape. Good to go . . . Rally back on! Picked up some more Bonuses, had a short rest at a truck stop then headed back to the finish in MA. Almost there, moving briskly along on I-70, in light rain, pre-dawn when a really BIG Deer bounded across the road in front of me! I cut it in half, stayed upright and put the kick-stand down on the side of the road. There's more to the story already posted elsewhere here, but, the bike was totaled. While being evaluated at a Honda dealership, I bought this Black, 2010, Honda ST1300 off their show room floor. Packed up as much of the accessories off the wrecked bike as possible and loaded some up on the bike and shipped the rest to Knoxville where my friend Kreis took most of a week off work to build an IBR Rally bike. Rode home after, spent a few days with family (a week shorter than planned) then rode to Seattle for the IBA Rally start. IBA wisdom says don't change anything on your rally bike before the event - well, I could forget that one.
Story #2
Made it through Tech inspection after a quick trip to the local Ace Hardware for some parts to satisfy an 'inadequate' overflow tube they had a problem with. On Rally Start day, all bikes are lined up like dominos in the parking lot and impounded, not to be moved until the Start. Riders stand by they bikes for Rally Officials to come around to record starting ODO numbers and take pictures. I'm definitely excited and somewhat stressed to just get going. Putting something away in the side bag, the bike . . . lost balance and fell over! Fortunately, the next bike in line was just far enough away that it didn't become the second domino. With help (lot's available) my bike was righted and it was quite apparent that my right mirror had shattered. I'm in horror that I'll be disqualified from starting, but within a few minutes, one of the spectators came up and asked me if I'd like to borrow the side mirror off his ST even though it was Red instead of Black. What a great community we are a part of. Yes, yes, yes. He fetched it and we put it on while everyone around was laughing and I was ready to go. You can see the Red mirror on my bike in the photo.
Honda 2010 ST1300A, Black at the Start of the 2013 Iron Butt Rally; same bike as 2011 but with TWO Black ears!
Only one real story for this one, on Day 9, the rear shock failed on I-10 near Deming, NM. Bike totaled and I had some bruises and a broken wrist, well, a finger or two also. ATGATT really saved me. But, with help from members here, I was able to fly back to PA in time for the Rally Awards Banquet where my wife and friends were waiting to see me.
OK? The first two lines could have been the answer to your question, but once I got started, I was having to much fun reminiscing.
Life is good and getting better every day!
Shuey
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OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
Jim,
You're correct and for the reason you mentioned. Most of my bonus picture stops take from 1-3 minutes, generally no time to chat and visit. Some stops are less than a minute. One GPS directs me to that bonus and the other GPS has the next bonus displayed - ready to go. The only thinking needed at most bonuses is to be sure the picture captures what's required, make a quick note and roll out.
Shuey
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
It's Show Time!
What's happening at IBR Central? Best place to follow along will be here:
http://www.ironbuttrally.net
Reports are already being posted up . . . at the new IBR site. It's new and exciting with the capability for more than one person to provide input at a time, never possible before. I expect this will increase content dramatically.
Some riders have already had to drop out and photos are also starting to appear.
Feel free to comment here or ask questions.
Enjoy,
Shuey
What's happening at IBR Central? Best place to follow along will be here:
http://www.ironbuttrally.net
Reports are already being posted up . . . at the new IBR site. It's new and exciting with the capability for more than one person to provide input at a time, never possible before. I expect this will increase content dramatically.
Some riders have already had to drop out and photos are also starting to appear.
Feel free to comment here or ask questions.
Enjoy,
Shuey
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After riding in the last 3 IBR's, it was a tough decision to not apply again for 2023. I would have needed to apply prior to my retirement last year. Kind of felt guilty spending that kind of money on a "me" thing. With that said, it's tough watching this unfold and not being a part of it. It's been a part of me since 2016 when I first learned I was selected for 2017.
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
And, of course, REMEMBER TO RETRIEVE YOUR RALLY FLAG!!
I know you know this, but I'm thinking of several recorded instances of tired or excited or harried contestants not adhering to this requirement.
Some quite humorous, and some truly heartbreaking.
As you've mentioned, @Shuey it's a test of mental acuity as much as the rest.
I'm looking forward to the daily updates.
Good fortune and clear thinking to all the riders!
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
Woot! Woot!
My good friend John Harrison is our Rally Scribe again this year!
I love his commentary, AND the new website format!
An Alabama tag is featured in the first batch of photos, looks to be affixed to a white Victory Vision?
My good friend John Harrison is our Rally Scribe again this year!
I love his commentary, AND the new website format!
An Alabama tag is featured in the first batch of photos, looks to be affixed to a white Victory Vision?
thekaz
haz gone feral
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
Best of luck, fun and a safe ride "thekaz"!
Shuey
Shuey
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
The daily reports have begun, and John Harrison once again proves up to the task.
Registration pics by Tobie can be interesting and entertaining, too.
A large tattoo, curious-looking motorbikes, and many early smiling faces.
Those smiles by some may sadly diminish as the next several days introduce them to the harsh realities and whimsical dilemmas of an actual Iron Butt Rally.
This year seems to be yet another major improvement in the registration, inspection and processing department, owing to the experiences, devotion and commitment of the organizers - every one a volunteer - to delivering the largest, most unique and safest event of its kind in the world.
This is SO doggone cool, and I can't help but be excited for the riders as well as myself, sitting here comfortably and rested at home.
Best of luck to all, and I pray your plans work out.
Registration pics by Tobie can be interesting and entertaining, too.
A large tattoo, curious-looking motorbikes, and many early smiling faces.
Those smiles by some may sadly diminish as the next several days introduce them to the harsh realities and whimsical dilemmas of an actual Iron Butt Rally.
This year seems to be yet another major improvement in the registration, inspection and processing department, owing to the experiences, devotion and commitment of the organizers - every one a volunteer - to delivering the largest, most unique and safest event of its kind in the world.
This is SO doggone cool, and I can't help but be excited for the riders as well as myself, sitting here comfortably and rested at home.
Best of luck to all, and I pray your plans work out.
Tough call for sure. Big respect for doing what you gotta do.
You'll be back - stronger than ever, for the break.
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
Here's some additional sources of information for those wanting to follow along from the comfort of their desk chairs.
Once the riders head out of the parking lot Monday, at 10:00am to start their ride, a tracking map will go live!
Locations, generally sent up into the ether every 10 minutes can have lags due to interference and other factors. Delays can often be up to 20 minutes.
The icon rider numbers shown are changed several times each day to preclude tracking individuals for security, competitive and other reasons.
new.spotwalla.com
For those interested in what the actual Bonuses are . . . here's where they'll be posted up, but . . . only for the leg just completed!
www.ironbuttrally.net/bonus-listings/
And finally, this year's poster has now been revealed. It's always fun to try to figure out the rally theme and what the bonuses might be.
Guess away,
Shuey
Once the riders head out of the parking lot Monday, at 10:00am to start their ride, a tracking map will go live!
Locations, generally sent up into the ether every 10 minutes can have lags due to interference and other factors. Delays can often be up to 20 minutes.
The icon rider numbers shown are changed several times each day to preclude tracking individuals for security, competitive and other reasons.
Location Page Inactive
This location page is not active yet and cannot be viewed. It will be amazing, though.
new.spotwalla.com
For those interested in what the actual Bonuses are . . . here's where they'll be posted up, but . . . only for the leg just completed!
www.ironbuttrally.net/bonus-listings/
And finally, this year's poster has now been revealed. It's always fun to try to figure out the rally theme and what the bonuses might be.
Guess away,
Shuey
Attachments
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Sadlsor
Site Supporter
I see a chicken, a peach, a shack, and an interstate food sign.
My guess?
Chicken pot pie and peach pie at a roadside shack.
Wait... it's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives !!
Never mind; my guess quotient is way below par.
Disregard.
(But I'll be watching till the end, anyway!)
My guess?
Chicken pot pie and peach pie at a roadside shack.
Wait... it's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives !!
Never mind; my guess quotient is way below par.
Disregard.
(But I'll be watching till the end, anyway!)
It's under way! Ride Riders Ride!
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
The horses are out of the gate and the ride is on!
I just updated post #34 with the direct URL for the location page . . . skipping the IBR Directory page.
new.spotwalla.com
Shuey
I just updated post #34 with the direct URL for the location page . . . skipping the IBR Directory page.
Location Page Inactive
This location page is not active yet and cannot be viewed. It will be amazing, though.
new.spotwalla.com
Shuey
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
Had to think about this a bit. Here's my mental journey as I contemplate the answer.
All the Start points in recent history are in good sized metro areas because . . . that's where Marriott hotels large enough to accommodate several hundred people are located. So, initially I was always thinking . . . let me get out of the parking lot without messing up! Is Warchild going to point at me next to go or just pick the bike next to me then switch to another row of bikes . . . I really want to get going! (Note: Warchild gets approx. 100 bikes out of the parking lot in less than 5 minutes.) Next is getting out of the area, navigating the metro road network, making the correct turns, one after the other and being hyper vigilant about traffic as I get on the road towards my first bonus which might be hours away. Once on an interstate with some time before my next change in direction . . . it's the first time I have to get mentally set and assimilate what's happened in the past 16 hours or so since I was handed the rider bonus packet. I take stock of the bike first, everything working, GPSs functioning, IS MY SPOT UNIT ON AND SENDING? Anything needing resolution, can I get by for now without addressing it? Check. Next is thinking through my planning and my bonus selections. Am I good with my choices . . . at least for the next 2 or 3 bonuses? Next is, when is my next Rally mandatory task; call in bonus (there's a window for this and I almost always try to call in early so I'll have time if I can't get through or need to do it over).
So, in answer to the question . . . I'd say it takes me an hour to somewhat settle down, but my mind quickly ramps up again until after the first one or two bonus stops. If they go smoothly I start to be more relaxed between bonuses. When I'm within 30-40 minutes away from a bonus, my adrenalin ramps back up somewhat as I focus on what needs to be done. Review how I'm getting to the bonus and what I need to do once there. One GPS is taking me to the bonus and I set up the 2nd one to take me to the bonus after. After that it's . . . focus! I'm in the moment and almost nothing else exists. Keep in mind all these thoughts are happening in snippets as safe riding is always the first priority.
kendoo and some others have more experience at this, maybe they'll chime in.
Hope that helps,
Shuey
All the Start points in recent history are in good sized metro areas because . . . that's where Marriott hotels large enough to accommodate several hundred people are located. So, initially I was always thinking . . . let me get out of the parking lot without messing up! Is Warchild going to point at me next to go or just pick the bike next to me then switch to another row of bikes . . . I really want to get going! (Note: Warchild gets approx. 100 bikes out of the parking lot in less than 5 minutes.) Next is getting out of the area, navigating the metro road network, making the correct turns, one after the other and being hyper vigilant about traffic as I get on the road towards my first bonus which might be hours away. Once on an interstate with some time before my next change in direction . . . it's the first time I have to get mentally set and assimilate what's happened in the past 16 hours or so since I was handed the rider bonus packet. I take stock of the bike first, everything working, GPSs functioning, IS MY SPOT UNIT ON AND SENDING? Anything needing resolution, can I get by for now without addressing it? Check. Next is thinking through my planning and my bonus selections. Am I good with my choices . . . at least for the next 2 or 3 bonuses? Next is, when is my next Rally mandatory task; call in bonus (there's a window for this and I almost always try to call in early so I'll have time if I can't get through or need to do it over).
So, in answer to the question . . . I'd say it takes me an hour to somewhat settle down, but my mind quickly ramps up again until after the first one or two bonus stops. If they go smoothly I start to be more relaxed between bonuses. When I'm within 30-40 minutes away from a bonus, my adrenalin ramps back up somewhat as I focus on what needs to be done. Review how I'm getting to the bonus and what I need to do once there. One GPS is taking me to the bonus and I set up the 2nd one to take me to the bonus after. After that it's . . . focus! I'm in the moment and almost nothing else exists. Keep in mind all these thoughts are happening in snippets as safe riding is always the first priority.
kendoo and some others have more experience at this, maybe they'll chime in.
Hope that helps,
Shuey
OP
OP
Shuey
Site Supporter
112 Riders listed at the Start, several names I recognize . . .
Shuey
PS: BMW, after years of mechanical issues, failing final drives being the main one, are back in force! Good to see.
www.ironbuttrally.net/2023-ibr-riders-2/
Shuey
PS: BMW, after years of mechanical issues, failing final drives being the main one, are back in force! Good to see.
www.ironbuttrally.net/2023-ibr-riders-2/