Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 364
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From: Chicago Suburbs
Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
O.K., guys... need your help on getting ready for and running an iron butt. What are some of your suggestions on getting ready and tips to make the actual running go smooth? Please, actual experience rather than "I think you should's". I really want to get through it and appreciate response from those of you who have done it!
Thanks
Thanks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
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From: Mansfield, MA
RE: Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
Sunscreen, and water.. find a place to keep a water bottle. Plan on stopping every 150 miles or so...That's 2-2.5 hours straight.. Stretch the legs, get gas, more water...Keep on going...Have fun..
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Florida
RE: Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
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Tourer
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From: Chicago Suburbs
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Tourer
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RE: Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
Stay hydrated (not with caffinated beverages), when you stop walk around to get the blood flowing through your legs, eat smaller amounts instead of big heavy meals.
Don't let your pride overcome your own safety. If your mind or body isn't up to finishing - stopping and resting is better than doing something stupid. 24 hours gives you a lot of down time.
Make sure you are mentally and physically ready for it.
Don't let your pride overcome your own safety. If your mind or body isn't up to finishing - stopping and resting is better than doing something stupid. 24 hours gives you a lot of down time.
Make sure you are mentally and physically ready for it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 242
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From: Southwest Arizona & Europe
RE: Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
Back when I rode BMWs I was around a lot of these "Iron Butt" folks. There's a couple of websites you can look up to get some good info on how to prepare. Since its your first(?), I supposeyou're doing a "qualifying" run and not theyearly (invitation only?) run. First, if there is any reason you should not do it, don't do it! If you have decided to go ahead here's what I've learned - get the best seat you can find (you'll be in it for hours!), lot's of lights up front to light up the road, know your limits (sleep deprivation will begin to drain you and narrow your reaction/response ability), and study the rules, especially anything that would "disqualify" you. Get organized to keep your gas receipts (they have some special rules about this) and anything else they require. Pack some extra clothes for "layering", lot's of water (wean yourself from caffinated drinks now!), pack sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and some ibuprofen. Final thing, have a good time. Earning the "Iron Butt" patch puts you into a elite (or crazy) class of riders. 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: Preparing for Iron Butt Run...
Take a couple of Advil before you start--an old Army trick, and very effective.
Unless you like fishing out your key at the gas pump every couple of hours, buy the HD pushbutton release for the gas door.
Bring a zip lock freezer bag for the gas receipts and a couple of pens to keep in it to write down the mileage on the receipts--then keep the zip lock bag in the same place at every stop.
Check the state DOT website for construction projects that may be along your route, and try to avoid rush hour traffic.
Follow the suggestions on the IBA website and you'll have no trouble doing it--good luck--be safe.
Unless you like fishing out your key at the gas pump every couple of hours, buy the HD pushbutton release for the gas door.
Bring a zip lock freezer bag for the gas receipts and a couple of pens to keep in it to write down the mileage on the receipts--then keep the zip lock bag in the same place at every stop.
Check the state DOT website for construction projects that may be along your route, and try to avoid rush hour traffic.
Follow the suggestions on the IBA website and you'll have no trouble doing it--good luck--be safe.