FJRForum Official 2019 Iron Butt Rally Tracking/Analysis Thread

[Gus96]

I had the pleasure of escorting Dan to Scarborough, West Australia on his successful 100CCC ride a few months back and my heart sank when I watched Ira's vid yesterday, lots of head shaking going on and feared the worst.

I hope he gets it going in time.

 

[2DFlier]

And the rest of the darkside story. Darkside2. Darkside3.

Maybe this is why some pilots show up early - to leave time to fix the inevitable.

 

[Tyler]

From the Iron Butt FB page from Steven Hobart...

IBR riders are at the top of technical improvements. What may look like a normal umbrella to the untrained eye is actually a brilliant IBR innovation. Upon detecting a traffic radar threat, this device deploys automatically, rotates 90 degrees and slows the motorcycle down. We can't wait for a report from the road on the effectiveness of this new device. IBR staff is speculating that it may, however, be a singe use device...

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[RayW]

Well....the motorcycle gods must like me. For all the years I've followed the IBR I've never been able to watch a start, or do much more than just lurk here reading the reports.

So.....here I am sitting at work tonight (night shift) thinking..."Gee...I wonder when the IBR starts this year?" So I check the page and..."HOLY SHIT! They're starting right HERE day after tomorrow!!!!!"

And to top it all off......Monday is MY Saturday...so I'm off work and able to be there!! COOL!

And if any FJR riders need anything off my 2003 to keep you going, just let me know.

 

[TestPilot]

Does the rally conclude in Washington or South Carolina?

Third post in and it shows a lack of reading skills and/or comprehension. This could be a very, very long 11 days.

 

[RayW]

For those not able to make the start, here's a link to the SC traffic cams. Look for the one on I-85 just north of I-385 at Pelham Rd. That's the closest to the hotel and you might be able to catch a lot of folks as they leave the hotel and head to the freeway on Monday morning.

https://www.511sc.org/

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Does the rally conclude in Washington or South Carolina?

Third post in and it shows a lack of reading skills and/or comprehension. This could be a very, very long 11 days.

In my case it would be the "and" option. What do you expect from a BLIND squirrel?

 

[neanderthaler]

Bottom line is that this motherfucker is riding in this goddamn event, and that's all there is to it. We are going to make this happen, whatever it takes.

Warchild, that is the coolest thing I've ever read, on any forum, anywhere. A very enthusiastic thumbs up to you, sir

 

[sapest]

Coming down to checkpoint one on Thursday for cheering purposes.

IBR mgmt, if you can use another pr of hands on Thursday afternoon, let me know.

-Steve

 

[2DFlier]

Well....the motorcycle gods must like me.

And they're apparently frowning on me. Four hours away but planned a 7 hour route, PERFECT riding weather, ticket to the last chance banquet, and a place to stay. Yet here I am at home working... I emailed Lisa to let her know I wouldn't be using my ticket for the banquet tonight so she could give it to someone else. So RayW, maybe the gods will shine a bit brighter. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[eddiememphis]

Poor screen capture of the 2019 poster. I wonder if there is a Heaven to Hell ride in there?

 

[Warchild]

High noon in Greenville, SC.

Still waiting on dealership to finish Dan's bike.

I'm not nervous yet.... but Dan really needs to receive the Phone Call from the dealership right about now.

We are mostly through Tech Inspection - we have a very large rookie crowd this year, but I think my harassment about fuel cell mounting and venting has take effect: we have very few failures this year due to these issues. One or two - not many.

This is by far the fastest Tech Inspection in the history of this event. We have barely a handful of folks remaining to do Tech Inspection.

Sidebar: RenoJohn Austin is here, providing motivation to rookies.

 

[Ignacio]

Jeff Earls is the Puzzle Master again for 2019.stands next to the event poster. The artwork always give clues about the theme of the event. Besides the obvious Mt. Evans reference there are may be more subtle clues including an unknown water fall and lake. I see Delicate Arch in Utah as well....the first bonus and rally I got to compete with Jeff in 2006 or so.

 

[RayW]

Well....the motorcycle gods must like me.

And they're apparently frowning on me. Four hours away but planned a 7 hour route, PERFECT riding weather, ticket to the last chance banquet, and a place to stay. Yet here I am at home working... I emailed Lisa to let her know I wouldn't be using my ticket for the banquet tonight so she could give it to someone else. So RayW, maybe the gods will shine a bit brighter. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Well...as much as I would LOVE to take advantage of the offer, I gotta work. Like I said, I work nights so...<shrug> oh well.

Thanks anyway.

I did get to run over after I got off work at 8 AM this morning and check out all the bikes. Even met Warchild ! (really quick...just "Hi" and a hand shake... didn't want to bother him while he was busy)

I kinda felt like the guys from "Wayne's World" though.... "I'm not worthy!" At least no one told me to kiss their Iron Butt license plate frame. LOL

 

[RayW]

Jeff Earls is the Puzzle Master again for 2019.stands next to the event poster. The artwork always give clues about the theme of the event. Besides the obvious Mt. Evans reference there are may be more subtle clues including an unknown water fall and lake. I see Delicate Arch in Utah as well....the first bonus and rally I got to compete with Jeff in 2006 or so.

Oooohhhh....and the speculation begins. I wonder if a close bonus is gonna be "The Pretty Place". A REALLY nice open air chapel right at the SC/NC state line on hwy 276. Beautiful view of the mountains! If you're in town and want to kill a few hours on a nice ride, just hit 276 in Greenville and head north. VERY twisty once it gets into the hills. 276 goes by Ceasar's Head Park, which is also worth a stop. More really nice views.... And The Pretty Place is just a few more miles up from that. (Also known officially as the Fred W. Symmes chapel )

 

[Warchild]

Well, the situation has deteriorated for Dan Simmonds.

Not only did the new TPS not fix the problem - the dealership made what I think is a fatal discovery: they were suspicious and dropped the oil to take a look - big-time silver metallic particles all over the place. That Tenere is NOT going anywhere for the next 11 days.

So... the hunt is on to replace the bike. Dan actually has several options to chose his path forward - each has their own challenges to overcome. He is trying to decide which option is best. He'll need to decide soon.

Unhappy that Dan has to go through this. This is about as fucked-up as a soup sandwich.

 

[grommet]

1. Poster: If I had to guess, based on that and the possible route proximity to many tall mountains, I'd say something along the lines of tallest peaks, scenic vistas, glaciers, waterfalls, and the like. Lots of that kind of thing up and down the Rockies could be included within hailing distance of the checkpoints and the getting to/from there.

2. Dan Simmonds: Dang, that's a bummer. I can't imagine the hearbreak to be there on site ready to roll and find chips in your oil. If close by I'd gladly offer him my bike. I hope someone will do so. Somebody's going to be up all night installing his electronics kit on another machine. Fingers crossed.

3. Mid-continent support: I'm in Wichita, KS. I'm sure getting back and forth some routes will come close to here. If anyone needs help, I've got trailer, tools, and a relatively flexible work schedule. Would be happy to help if the need arises.

Best wishes to all the riders.

 

[Warchild]

Update on the Simmonds situation:

Staff member Bill Thweet is loaning Dan Simmonds his 2012 Tenere that is is rally-ready with fuel cell, lights, hydration systems, etc.

That's what this Endurance community does for one another - they step up when the chips are down. We are family.

 

[Tyler]

Things are relaxed at the moment for the most part but I anticipate that will change over the next 24 hours or so… got to catch up with lots of friends today…

Lynda Lahman and Wendy Crockett…



Chris Purney groveling to the Mistress of Motorcycling…



Wendy has been doing her part to reduce the bug population all over the country... Peter Green is doing his part for chicken public relations... lol



Pre rally pedicures aren’t just for girls… even Paul Slaton joined in…



Trouble is a’brewin’…



Tonight is the start banquet… Reno John finagled a way for BMR participants to be able to attend so I’m really looking forward to being a fly on the wall!

 

[dcarver]

High noon in Greenville, SC.
Still waiting on dealership to finish Dan's bike.

I'm not nervous yet.... but Dan really needs to receive the Phone Call from the dealership right about now.

We are mostly through Tech Inspection - we have a very large rookie crowd this year, but I think my harassment about fuel cell mounting and venting has take effect: we have very few failures this year due to these issues. One or two - not many.

This is by far the fastest Tech Inspection in the history of this event. We have barely a handful of folks remaining to do Tech Inspection.

Sidebar: RenoJohn Austin is here, providing motivation to rookies.

Did this pass, with no recovery tank?