I always wanted to complete a Iron Butt ride. I had ridden before but it was not official. For some reason I wanted it to be recorded. Life seems to get in the way for all of us. I completed my ride in early June and sent in the paperwork. I had chosen to send with a delivery confirmation without signature required, just for my piece of mind that it was received. My ride was a great ride. Heat, rain and high gas prices. I had put all the piece in place, Witness's on both ends, The funny thing was my first gas stop the pump did not give me a receipt, so I rode a little bit till I found a next gas station. Things happen so be prepared.
I waited for news waiting for check to clear or a email or call if there was any questions. I received a email, Heres a post from my Fakebook page...
"I may have yelled !!!
Years ago I read in a magazine about something called a IRON BUTT ride. To ride 1000 or more miles in a 24 hour period. It actually amazed me and I knew that one day I would do it… But that day never came, you see Life always was in the way between being in the Navy, working etc … you know the drill… Life gets busy… But the seed was planted.
Every year a small group of us from the Shovelhead group try and get together. It is really like a Homecoming of Family. We spend the weekend at the Kickstand lodge. They are my people we come from all different lifestyles and come together to enjoy motorcycles. Though mostly Shovelheads they accept all riders. Due to life it has been a few years since I have been able to go.
I left on Thursday at around 0100 I experience heat rain and high gas prices, roads I have never been on but I arrived at the Kickstand lodge later that night. The last hour of the ride was intense because I knew my time was getting tight. It sucks being lost, but lost on a dirt road you have nothing to do but keep riding… I have my witness and family waiting… I can not describe the joy to see these faces at the round table as I pulled up. After hugs and greetings I settled down. Wow I had driven from Texas to NC. It seems like such a long way but now it seems so close… I enjoy my time that weekend and was able to see my son and his family for a couple of days.
I now live in Texas… I know now that I can reach each coast or even the Salt flats in a day… The world is now open…
We were sitting on the couch when my phone dinged…
Another email but this one made me yell …
Scaring the Dog and Vicki … but it was a yell of joy…
Here’s part of the email :
“Dear Bruce Casey:
You are receiving this e-mail because of your application for a ride certification. This note is to let you know that your ride has been approved and although your ride documents may take a few more weeks to arrive, your membership has been approved and entered into the Iron Butt Association's member database.
Welcome to the Iron Butt Association!”
So after many years ,,, A dream has come true … It may not mean anything to most but it means the world to me… "
So now I wait for the certificate to arrive,,, But the thoughts in my head are thinking ... What's next ? I find myself looking at maps and distances. I find myself in Texas these days so either coast is less then 24 hours away... Salt Flats is around 1500 ...
So my advice to anyone... Do it as soon as you can... Plan, prepare, but do it... Don't wait till 62 like I did...
For those who have completed had did you decide, Whats Next ?
Have a great day
I waited for news waiting for check to clear or a email or call if there was any questions. I received a email, Heres a post from my Fakebook page...
"I may have yelled !!!
Years ago I read in a magazine about something called a IRON BUTT ride. To ride 1000 or more miles in a 24 hour period. It actually amazed me and I knew that one day I would do it… But that day never came, you see Life always was in the way between being in the Navy, working etc … you know the drill… Life gets busy… But the seed was planted.
Every year a small group of us from the Shovelhead group try and get together. It is really like a Homecoming of Family. We spend the weekend at the Kickstand lodge. They are my people we come from all different lifestyles and come together to enjoy motorcycles. Though mostly Shovelheads they accept all riders. Due to life it has been a few years since I have been able to go.
I left on Thursday at around 0100 I experience heat rain and high gas prices, roads I have never been on but I arrived at the Kickstand lodge later that night. The last hour of the ride was intense because I knew my time was getting tight. It sucks being lost, but lost on a dirt road you have nothing to do but keep riding… I have my witness and family waiting… I can not describe the joy to see these faces at the round table as I pulled up. After hugs and greetings I settled down. Wow I had driven from Texas to NC. It seems like such a long way but now it seems so close… I enjoy my time that weekend and was able to see my son and his family for a couple of days.
I now live in Texas… I know now that I can reach each coast or even the Salt flats in a day… The world is now open…
We were sitting on the couch when my phone dinged…
Another email but this one made me yell …
Scaring the Dog and Vicki … but it was a yell of joy…
Here’s part of the email :
“Dear Bruce Casey:
You are receiving this e-mail because of your application for a ride certification. This note is to let you know that your ride has been approved and although your ride documents may take a few more weeks to arrive, your membership has been approved and entered into the Iron Butt Association's member database.
Welcome to the Iron Butt Association!”
So after many years ,,, A dream has come true … It may not mean anything to most but it means the world to me… "
So now I wait for the certificate to arrive,,, But the thoughts in my head are thinking ... What's next ? I find myself looking at maps and distances. I find myself in Texas these days so either coast is less then 24 hours away... Salt Flats is around 1500 ...
So my advice to anyone... Do it as soon as you can... Plan, prepare, but do it... Don't wait till 62 like I did...
For those who have completed had did you decide, Whats Next ?
Have a great day
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