I just received my first Iron Butt ride approval (SS1000) that allows me into the club. Verification took a little over 19 weeks. I did an out an back from Minneapolis area to Wall, SD and back on September 5th, 1057 miles. The weather made it on the easy side for a first timer and the big plus was low to no wind.
Headed out about 4am and started Neil Peart's "Ghost Rider" on Audible. Listening to his story of riding to re-find himself after unspeakable tragedy helped the miles tick off effortlessly. The only hiccup came at my first planned gas stop. The station was completely out of gas. I was getting close to my comfortable range, but continued on and made it to the next town for fuel.
One of the best memories of the ride came well before sunrise once I got out of the cities. I was getting a little chilled and needed to add a layer but did not want to add an unplanned stop. It was very dark and I looked up and saw the stars in a way I that I haven't before. It was surreal. I had to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road due to the possibility of antlered rats. I added my layer at the gas station without fuel and did not have to take it off until about 2pm on the way back as I was starting to get hot.
The 80 mph speed limits in South Dakota were a blessing for making time but a curse for my trusty 92 Goldwing that maxes out the cruise control at 75. So do I ride manually at 80 with my arthritic wrist or just run at a max of 75. I ended up doing a little of both. Made it home at about 8:20, butt was a little sore (not officially iron yet) but I felt good. Just good enough to think that maybe a BBG is not out of reach. I had to finish the last 30 minutes of Ghost Rider the next day.
I was already hooked after the first ride and bought a 2022 R1250 GSA with the goal of an Alaska trip. Now patiently waiting for spring.
One question I have is regarding the license plate frame. Would it be frowned upon to put it on a bike that I have not done an official ride on?
Mark
Headed out about 4am and started Neil Peart's "Ghost Rider" on Audible. Listening to his story of riding to re-find himself after unspeakable tragedy helped the miles tick off effortlessly. The only hiccup came at my first planned gas stop. The station was completely out of gas. I was getting close to my comfortable range, but continued on and made it to the next town for fuel.
One of the best memories of the ride came well before sunrise once I got out of the cities. I was getting a little chilled and needed to add a layer but did not want to add an unplanned stop. It was very dark and I looked up and saw the stars in a way I that I haven't before. It was surreal. I had to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road due to the possibility of antlered rats. I added my layer at the gas station without fuel and did not have to take it off until about 2pm on the way back as I was starting to get hot.
The 80 mph speed limits in South Dakota were a blessing for making time but a curse for my trusty 92 Goldwing that maxes out the cruise control at 75. So do I ride manually at 80 with my arthritic wrist or just run at a max of 75. I ended up doing a little of both. Made it home at about 8:20, butt was a little sore (not officially iron yet) but I felt good. Just good enough to think that maybe a BBG is not out of reach. I had to finish the last 30 minutes of Ghost Rider the next day.
I was already hooked after the first ride and bought a 2022 R1250 GSA with the goal of an Alaska trip. Now patiently waiting for spring.
One question I have is regarding the license plate frame. Would it be frowned upon to put it on a bike that I have not done an official ride on?
Mark
Some years ago Ed Otto rode the IBR on a Honda Helix 250cc scooter. It was quite an epic ride for him. Its been done on a couple of 125cc motorcycles as well. The 150cc scooter won't meet the criteria for the current IBR for safety reasons, and that's a good thing. I did 4500 miles in 10 days and that was pretty tough at times by itself. I would not want to try the IBR on my 150cc scooter! 
