Just got back from my first Iron Butt ride (1,000 mi. in 24 hours and 1,500 miles in 36 hours). I rode with my local HOG chapter. We had 13 bikes in the group and ended up going over a little on mileage. Bottom line is we had 20,000 total miles between us over 36 hours, including going over the Cascades and Rockies, some 90 mph sections in Montana, and some mid-80's temps. And we were on the bikes about 17 hours on day one with nothing but fuel stops.

We didn't have a single mechanical issue of any kind. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I was pleasantly surprised by that.

 

I'm not knocking it, but why all those miles so quickly? What is the purpose?

 

My thoughts axactly. It's nice to see some of the sites.

 

It's called an Iron Butt ride, as he pointed out. Google it.

I'm sure most of the bikes were fairly new, correct?

 

braggin rights, iron butt is a old tradition and its just a challege to meet , aint for everybody havn't did it offcially but been real close a few times on my own
unplanned. others times I ride real easy and take in the sights.

 

Yeah, that's a fair point. Most of the bikes were fairly new, only a couple were more than maybe 5 years old. And I tend to think of this group, all of the bikes were probably very well maintained and all ridden by very experienced riders.

 

I wouldn't be able to tolerate that kind of freeway riding. Good on ya for those who can.

 

To ride the bike? Just a thought...

 

well prepared bike of any vintage will work, and believe it or not, its fun, but exhausting.

 

A group of my customers have a traditional trip to Texas every March to ride for a week. They typically ride 3,000-5,000 miles during the week and have 7-10 bikes every year. They have done this for over 10 yrs and the most trouble they have had is two flat tires...both on the same guys bike! Do the math...at minimum that's 210,000 miles problem free. Every one of them purchases tire and wheel protection now...it was a saver when the flat left them in the middle of no where! Still very impressive!