The Iron Butt Association has over 79,000 members who are all dedicated to long-distance endurance riding. Their website hosts a list of different Ride Certifications you can do from the Saddlesore 1000 to the Ultimate Coast to Coast Ride from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to Key West Florida
In 2018 I read the Man Who Would Stop at Nothing by Melissa Holbrook Pierson
It's a compelling book about not only Melissa's first foray into long distance riding but also tells the story of one of the famous names in the Iron Butt Association, John Ryan, who complete multiple IBA feats, including the Ultimate Coast to Coast in less than 30 days.
The book was inspiring and really dived into the dedication and determination of the people who take on these long distance challenges.
I've tried before to beat my own personal best, but could never quite get passed the 600-700 mile mark.
Back in 2019 is when I got the closest, following Kerri Miller back from an event in California. I stopped at 900 miles because I was home and I was exhausted. But missing that milestone by so little has been at the back of mind since then. So it seemed natural to ask Kerri if she would help me meet this goal.
To successfully document a Saddle-sore 1000 to receive your certificate from the IBA these are the instructions listed;
You must choose a Safe Route and use a mapping program to check your ride really is 1,000 real miles.
Collect, photograph and track fuel receipts. This one is very important, and is the part of the process most people find difficult. The receipts need to include the time, date and address. You need one to mark the start, end and about every 200 miles.* Photographs should be of your receipt next to your odometer to keep log of each stop.
Lastly, Send in your documentation for verification by the IBA.
If you’re interested in documenting your own Saddlesore 1000 to receive the certificate from the Iron Butt Association please see the official page listing the instructions
The IBA Website emphasizes the risk involved with endurance riding.
" It is imperative you understand the risk you are taking and minimize the possibility of an accident by practicing safe motorcycle habits. No one, not even the most experienced long distance rider, can safely fight off fatigue. If you are tired, the only option is to stop and rest. Ignoring the symptoms of fatigue can be fatal."
Fatigue is no joke. Many riders experience hitting a wall. The point at which you feel like you can not continue.
It felt SO GOOD to get to the finish line.
But the mission wasn't over, we still had a bit to go to get to our hotel, watching the sun come up again was magical and felt like a personal award from the universe.
A couple months later my certificate arrived and I had a fresh wave of pride that I set out a challenge for myself and I finished -with a little support from a friend.
