Warchild
Benevolent Dictator
Rider bonus packets were handed out at the end of the Riders Banquet about 2 hours ago.
TO BE A FINISHER OF THE 2011 IRON BUTT RALLY, you must visit all 48 Lower States (getting a computer-generated receipt of any kind, and make the checkpoints on time. That's it.
However, to place well, there are two additional opportunities for points: do a documented SCMA Four-Corners Ride during the 11-day Iron Butt Rally, in addition to the mandatory Lower 48 states.
One can also visit certain state capitols and photograph them. Only certain capitols are "eligible" on any given leg.
A rather different Iron Butt Rally this year.... back to it's roots: pure, unadulterated mega-mileage. B)
Also on tap are the usual Sleep Bonuses, but this year, you actually obtain more points by sleeping *longer*.... one point per minute of sleep: minimum of 240 points (2 hr sleep) up to a maximum of 480 points (4 hour sleep).
A welcomed change is the elimination of the mandatory fuel log! In this IBR, your ability to finish doesn't hinge on fuel logs and receipts, rather, you must proved you visited each of the Lower 48 states via a computer-generated receipt from each state. You can use any route you want, as long as you make it to the Checkpoints in NY and FL within the checkpoint window.
The FJR1300s:
At last count there were 17 FJR1300s entered in the event this year.... approximately 20% of the entire Starting Grid this year. I am happy to report each and every one of these FJRs are fitted with proper motorcycle tires... the preferred FJR tire appears to be the Pilot Road 3.
Most the the FJRs are something to behold in person.... the FJRs belonging to tel, DaJuice and Perry are particularly awesome... many a fellow competitor were checking out these three FJRs to see How It's Done with regard to proper LD setups on this bike.
I thought initially there might be an issue with Howard's seat-pan mounted aux cell, but he implemented a restraining system (nylon strapping) that more than made the grade. Howard's FJR was also oogle over by many for its clean install of LD goodies.
Here is Wendy (BionicPelvis) Crockett (Voni Graves photo):
The FJR's weren't without a couple problem children: fucking Mehaffy and Colin BOTH initially failed Tech Inspection for different reasons: Mehaffy for an illegal commercial sticker on his fender, and Colin for a goofy-ass venting arrangement on his aux cell. Both were corrected and signed off today.
As far as I can tell, all the FJRs are as ready as they can be...
Other Bikes:
As usual, there are metric buttload of Beemers and Wingabagoes. The favorite Beemer appears to be the Atomic Cockroach, the GS Adventure. Jesus, that bike is an eyesore.... but, if it doesn't come un-made, it's an extremely capable machine.
One such fugly bike belongs to Bill Wade, who thought he could sneak by a oversize aux cell on Ignacio, who tech-inspected Bill's beemer. Erp! 0.2 gallons over the limit... busted! Due to the small gas filler opening, Bill had to slip in 14 feet of steel chain links into his cell to displace the overage and come into compliance with the 11.50 gallon rule.
Here is a Steve Hobart photo of me watching Bill Wade insert the steel links:
We have a right fair number of 2-up Couples... six, in fact. One of them is from Australia on a Gold Wing. I initially failed their aux fuel cell for lack of proper grounding. They got it corrected and are chomping at the bit to get cracking.
Furriners
Speaking of foreign entries, we have a number of them besides the Australian couple.
My personal hero is a completely barking mad Englishman by the name of John Young. He is going to try to take a rather questionable-sounding 1969 Triumph Trident triple. Um... shyeah, this dude is pretty much nuts. I love him to death, but this fucking machine can't even maintain idle. Still, John has done some cool custom shit to the machine - enlarge stock fuel tank, a freshly overhauled (?) engine, and relocation of the electrics, which, sadly, appear to be Lucas.
I wish him the best, but I have little doubt this may be more than what this old girl is capable of... it's in outstanding condition for its age, but, c'mon.... it wasn't the epitome of reliability when brand new, much less 42 years later... :huh:
Still and all, given the format of this event, he doesn't have to worry about timed bonus windows every day; he just has to ride, and fix the bike when it breaks, then ride some more. Simple. The fact that he carries an *entire* engine gasket kit for his motor says his willing to tackle anything. This is the stuff of Iron Butt Legends....
Another favorite British son is Philip Weston who was going to ride his Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer, a bike with just about *zero* meaningful rider coverage. There is not dick for a fairing on his bike, he has the abbreviated bikini windscreen that's ridiculous. I am thinking weather.com's solid wall of green he and all other riders have to ride through to get to the Checkpoint will have John wishing he had some more fairing/windscreen!
However, he has solid riding gear, and custom enlarge Fazer fuel tank, and this guy definitely Moves with a Purpose. He appears to be about as mad as his countryman John Young. These Brits are just all fucked up in the head, apparently.
Tomorrow - The Start
I will walk the Starting Line tomorrow morning with my Tech Inspectors and have them take final odometer readings, and punch Rider ID cards to show they left the compound appropriately.
At 10:00:00AM PDT, I begin releasing the bikes out of the compound at a rather brisk pace. I intend to get all 89 bikes out of the Marriott in under 4 1/2 minutes. We'll see if SeaTac Airport traffic will support this expeditious egress. :huh:
The Start is always filled with high drama, typically in the form of a bike that fails to start. This is every IBR entrant's secret nightmare.... to prepare for over a year and devote countless hours and massive $ towards prepping for this mega-adventure, only to have your spirit crushed as you realize the machine won't start. Often enough, it's a nervous rookie (or vet) who left some electronic gizmo energized unintentionally, draining the battery to the point the bike won't fire. High drama, indeed.
TO BE A FINISHER OF THE 2011 IRON BUTT RALLY, you must visit all 48 Lower States (getting a computer-generated receipt of any kind, and make the checkpoints on time. That's it.
However, to place well, there are two additional opportunities for points: do a documented SCMA Four-Corners Ride during the 11-day Iron Butt Rally, in addition to the mandatory Lower 48 states.
One can also visit certain state capitols and photograph them. Only certain capitols are "eligible" on any given leg.
A rather different Iron Butt Rally this year.... back to it's roots: pure, unadulterated mega-mileage. B)
Also on tap are the usual Sleep Bonuses, but this year, you actually obtain more points by sleeping *longer*.... one point per minute of sleep: minimum of 240 points (2 hr sleep) up to a maximum of 480 points (4 hour sleep).
A welcomed change is the elimination of the mandatory fuel log! In this IBR, your ability to finish doesn't hinge on fuel logs and receipts, rather, you must proved you visited each of the Lower 48 states via a computer-generated receipt from each state. You can use any route you want, as long as you make it to the Checkpoints in NY and FL within the checkpoint window.
The FJR1300s:
At last count there were 17 FJR1300s entered in the event this year.... approximately 20% of the entire Starting Grid this year. I am happy to report each and every one of these FJRs are fitted with proper motorcycle tires... the preferred FJR tire appears to be the Pilot Road 3.
Most the the FJRs are something to behold in person.... the FJRs belonging to tel, DaJuice and Perry are particularly awesome... many a fellow competitor were checking out these three FJRs to see How It's Done with regard to proper LD setups on this bike.
I thought initially there might be an issue with Howard's seat-pan mounted aux cell, but he implemented a restraining system (nylon strapping) that more than made the grade. Howard's FJR was also oogle over by many for its clean install of LD goodies.
Here is Wendy (BionicPelvis) Crockett (Voni Graves photo):
The FJR's weren't without a couple problem children: fucking Mehaffy and Colin BOTH initially failed Tech Inspection for different reasons: Mehaffy for an illegal commercial sticker on his fender, and Colin for a goofy-ass venting arrangement on his aux cell. Both were corrected and signed off today.
As far as I can tell, all the FJRs are as ready as they can be...
Other Bikes:
As usual, there are metric buttload of Beemers and Wingabagoes. The favorite Beemer appears to be the Atomic Cockroach, the GS Adventure. Jesus, that bike is an eyesore.... but, if it doesn't come un-made, it's an extremely capable machine.
One such fugly bike belongs to Bill Wade, who thought he could sneak by a oversize aux cell on Ignacio, who tech-inspected Bill's beemer. Erp! 0.2 gallons over the limit... busted! Due to the small gas filler opening, Bill had to slip in 14 feet of steel chain links into his cell to displace the overage and come into compliance with the 11.50 gallon rule.
Here is a Steve Hobart photo of me watching Bill Wade insert the steel links:
We have a right fair number of 2-up Couples... six, in fact. One of them is from Australia on a Gold Wing. I initially failed their aux fuel cell for lack of proper grounding. They got it corrected and are chomping at the bit to get cracking.
Furriners
Speaking of foreign entries, we have a number of them besides the Australian couple.
My personal hero is a completely barking mad Englishman by the name of John Young. He is going to try to take a rather questionable-sounding 1969 Triumph Trident triple. Um... shyeah, this dude is pretty much nuts. I love him to death, but this fucking machine can't even maintain idle. Still, John has done some cool custom shit to the machine - enlarge stock fuel tank, a freshly overhauled (?) engine, and relocation of the electrics, which, sadly, appear to be Lucas.
I wish him the best, but I have little doubt this may be more than what this old girl is capable of... it's in outstanding condition for its age, but, c'mon.... it wasn't the epitome of reliability when brand new, much less 42 years later... :huh:
Still and all, given the format of this event, he doesn't have to worry about timed bonus windows every day; he just has to ride, and fix the bike when it breaks, then ride some more. Simple. The fact that he carries an *entire* engine gasket kit for his motor says his willing to tackle anything. This is the stuff of Iron Butt Legends....
Another favorite British son is Philip Weston who was going to ride his Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer, a bike with just about *zero* meaningful rider coverage. There is not dick for a fairing on his bike, he has the abbreviated bikini windscreen that's ridiculous. I am thinking weather.com's solid wall of green he and all other riders have to ride through to get to the Checkpoint will have John wishing he had some more fairing/windscreen!
However, he has solid riding gear, and custom enlarge Fazer fuel tank, and this guy definitely Moves with a Purpose. He appears to be about as mad as his countryman John Young. These Brits are just all fucked up in the head, apparently.
Tomorrow - The Start
I will walk the Starting Line tomorrow morning with my Tech Inspectors and have them take final odometer readings, and punch Rider ID cards to show they left the compound appropriately.
At 10:00:00AM PDT, I begin releasing the bikes out of the compound at a rather brisk pace. I intend to get all 89 bikes out of the Marriott in under 4 1/2 minutes. We'll see if SeaTac Airport traffic will support this expeditious egress. :huh:
The Start is always filled with high drama, typically in the form of a bike that fails to start. This is every IBR entrant's secret nightmare.... to prepare for over a year and devote countless hours and massive $ towards prepping for this mega-adventure, only to have your spirit crushed as you realize the machine won't start. Often enough, it's a nervous rookie (or vet) who left some electronic gizmo energized unintentionally, draining the battery to the point the bike won't fire. High drama, indeed.
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