Ok, so a bunch of my friends are planning an Iron Butt ride (1000m/24hr) for Oct. 15th and I've been wanting to do this ride for a couple years now so I already told them that I'm down for it. Normally I would have no question that I can do this, I've been riding for a while now and I've got a great bike, 2011 Street Glide 103, and I've already got the time off of work, everything is golden... except one little hitch...
This last July 4th I was in a wreck when an 18-wheeler made an illegal right turn infront of me and my shiny new bike, with less than 3k miles, collided with the front right quarter of the truck. All in all I was extremely lucky, my only injuries were a broken tibia/fibula and a broken little toe on my left leg. I'm recovery nicely, not as quickly as I'd like of course, but I'm still using a cane to get around and keep it elevated when I can.
The bike was not totaled even though the frame was torn, they just ordered a new frame from the HD factory with the same VIN#. I had the bike sent to the same dealership that I bought the bike from to have the repairs done because I know the guys over there in the service department and knew they would do a great job, and they did! The bike looks like the brand new bike it is again! And as far as I can tell it is running as good as ever.
Physically, I know I can ride, I've gotten out on the bike a few times in the past few weeks since I got it back from the dealership. The only problem I have is when I'm trying to back the bike up as I still have a lot of pain and weakness in my knee from when they inserted the rod in my tibia..
My only question is should I attempt an Iron Butt ride only 3 months after a wreck like that and not riding for at least 2 months? When I got out of the hospital, I set this ride as being my goal for recovery, reaching this goal is very important to me but I want to be smart about this at the same time... It will really suck if I have to miss this ride but not as much as ending up back in the hospital... Any thoughts? And please remember that I'm looking for the Smart Advice here and not the Smart *** Advice...

 

1000 miles in 24 hours? Dang. I did 230 today in 6 hours and I am kind of worn out. It was mostly twistys though and the temp was around 100. Several stops, as you can imagine. Fun!

Only you know if you are physically up for it. You are not going to have much down time on that ride so just park the bike so you can maneuver it and you should be ok. I bet if you get in a jam your buds will drag you out. Try it. If it gets to be too much, check into a motel, rest and live to ride another day.

As you know, your guard goes down when you get tired. Always assume that everyone that can hit you will hit you. Bet you knew that too.

Have fun, be safe!

 

Personally, I'd like to do an Iron Butt also......BUT, I'm going to train for it before I just get up and do it. Maybe you need a little more time, but only you can really tell. 3 months after a pretty major accident is not a lot of time, in my opinion.

 

I don't think the backing up thing will be a problem for an IBA Run but I would definately work up to it and at least do a couple 500+ mile days in the month leading up to it to make sure you feel up to it. also getting pretty late in the year for that, days are getting pretty short, a lot of night riding

 

Can not top what Wollymonster said. Try it and if you have to bail, bail. No shame.

 

Yeah you can try, if you just can't pull it off due to your recent injuries then don't sweat it. A 1000 mile day is gruelling to say the least. On various occasions I've done 742, 827 and 800 mile days on road trips and those are not easy to do. With a leg still needing a cane that might be asking alot. But good luck and report back! And take a few pics for us!

 

yep, what wooly and Dave said, you don't have to submit an application/fee until afterward so no pressure to finish if you run into any issues, just get a room

 

I did my Iron Butt on June 29 this year.... started at 0400 here in Central CA = rode 30 miles west to catch I-5 - turned right - rode north to Roseburg Oregon - at a sandwich and rode back = made the 1000 miles in 15 hours and 40 min.... ate dinner, rested for 6 hours - got back on the bike back to I-5 = turned left - rode south to Magic MT and back home = 500 miles in 8 hours - still had 3 hours left to get my Bun Burner patch = 1500 miles in under 36 hours...

So, MY opinion = doing 1000 miles in 24 hours is very doable..

Now, with all that said.... On Aug 9, I was on a ladder that slipped off the wall and I broke my Heel (bad injury, but I was lucky and mine was not that bad) Got a cast - went to a Foot/Ankle Dr in Oakland CA and on Aug 22 had surgery - all went well and I am here sitting on the couch - learning how to do NOTHING at F-ucking at all...... Just healing..

So, I have a good idea where you are at...

Here is my thoughts... YOU can do this ride IF YOU do it at YOUR pace... problem is - the other guys don't have a CLUE to your status (you *****) {tounge in cheek}

If you were my brother - I would advise you against riding with the group - only because they are going to be on a quest and Iam guessing you might push your self to keep up... sitting here on the couch - I am coming to the understanding - our health is the MOST important and often as men we take it for granted....

If you want to go on this run - Please tell the group - "Iam doing this at MY pace and I will see you at the end"

I made great time... averaged about 63 mph for those 15.7 hours - do the math - to keep that average - I hauled *** between fuel stops.. doing it in the full 24 hours.... pretty easy..

you are doing this at a time of the year that daylight is shorter... My suggestion,,,, start about 3 or 4am - yes, its dark BUT you are at our freshest and you will still finish in the dark but it wont't be that long...

good luck... let us know how it goes.... or PM me... I am interested...

BTW - I am going to go for the NP tour...IB

 

If your serious and have done your homework, you know what's involved in doing the ride. I would think out the group of friends to a small [3 people max] group. That time of year will have you traveling in alot of darkness. Not the optimum condition for a long ride. But you may like that better. Start early and finish early. Get a few hours shut eye ,then hit the road early. if you break it up into 2, 500 mile trips, you could be home before dark on Sunday. The next issue would be if you can stand sitting for that long. If you go into this with the understanding that your life doesn't depend on finishing it, you'll know how much you can stand before throwing in the towel.,,

 

The point in the above post (can you sit that long) That is why I LOVE my corbin... did those 1000 and 500 miles and my *** felt great... having a seat and handle bars that fit can make all the difference in the world...

find a good buddy and you two just do your own ride