IRON BUTT RIDE

On this page you will find out about an Iron Butt Ride, why we elected to do the ride, details leading up to the ride, and a narrative about the ride itself!  For those who have never attempted an IRON BUTT RIDE before – it truly is an experience.  Enjoy the read!

 

“ABOUT AN IRON BUTT RIDE”

 

Iron Butt Ride “Worlds Toughest Motorcycle Riders”

 

To accomplish an Iron Butt Ride, a rider must complete 1,000 miles within a 24 consecutive hour time frame.  The rules steps for the ride include:   1. Choosing a safe route, 2. get a start witness, 3. collect and track receipts, 4. get an end witness and 5. copy and submit your documentation. 

 

“THE RIDE”

As we staged in the Walmart parking lot you could not help but feel the excitement building as the time for departure was rapidly approaching.  We had the Berlin Fire Department present Engine.  Brett from Walmart presented us with a $1,000 donation, Fire in the Hole was present taking pictures, along with family, friends, and one member from MD 3, Dave Hayes to see us off.  Everyone was anxious to get started. 

 

There were 13 members of MD3, 3 members of MD 7 and 1 member MD 3, John Tartufo, to follow in his pick up as a safety vehicle about to attempt the ride. 

 

After all were accounted for, sign in completed, pledges collected and a few pictures are taken we are off on our adventure.  We made a b-line for the West Ocean City WAWA to top off our tanks and get our first receipt of the ride.  This would be the official date/time stamp for our event.  The first leg of our ride takes us north through Dover, De, where we hit a delay at the toll booth.  The toll attendant did not share the same sense of urgency or commitment for our event.  We all took it in stride as we gathered just north past the toll booth waiting for the last riders to clear the booth.  Jerry Mitchell pulled in front of the pack to lead us to our first fuel stop in Wilmington.  He was amped up and ready to roll.  As the last two riders were clearing the booth, he shot out like a bullet heading northward.  It took several miles before we were able to pull the group back together.  The casual speed to that point apparently was too much for Jerry.

 

The moderate speed and toll booth stop did not seem like a big deal until we arrived in Wilmington for the first fuel stop.  At the end of our fuel stop, Joe pointed out we were already at least 25 minutes behind schedule.  Joe Pishtey was our official time keeper for the event.  The toll stop had cost us more time than anticipated and we took too much time at our first fuel stop.  If we were going to complete the ride as a group and on time we would have to make up some lost time.  In addition, we would need to make sure all of our future stops were completed with more efficiency if we were going to accomplish our goal.  We had a lot of riding ahead of us.

 

As we merged onto I95 south to Baltimore we were all aware we needed to make up some time.  So we put the hammer down and pressed southward.  I95 south is a heavily traveled interstate and we were flanked by 18 wheelers who were not wasting any time on the road.  As we rolled by each of them, the adrenaline increased from the excitement of the ride.  We were able to make up time and we were almost back on schedule by the time we reached Lutherville for our next fuel stop.  Despite the late hour and the need to stay on schedule, BJ and Chuck found time to allow some onlookers to take some pictures on their bikes.   Although it surprised some riders, it did not surprise those of us that know them.  Sharing the love comes natural to each of them.  It would not be surprising to find the pictures on YouTube or Facebook at some point.

 

As we travel northwest towards Hagerstown a car rapidly approached in the left lane.  It appeared to slow as it reached the back of the pack. He then rolled up to the front of the pack with a wave.  It was a State Trooper who gave us acknowledgement as he hit his lights just before turning around.  It filled many of us with a sense of pride as we plowed onward.  The road ahead was clear and there was little to no traffic around us.  The miles were rolling by rapidly.  Despite the late hour the energy from the ride was still high.    

 

From Hagerstown we jump onto I81 for a six hour trek southward.  Many 18 wheelers on this part of the trip. 

 

The ride from Wytheville, VA to Danville, VA proved to be an awesome surprise.  The twists and turns in the morning light were a welcome change from the long straight highway riding we had done so far.  It was awesome to push the bike into each turn and feel the horsepower as we accelerated out of each.  It was invigorating after so many hours of riding down the interstate.  Unfortunately the twists and turns did separate the pack. After several quick stops to allow everyone to catch up the frustration began to take away from the energy of the ride.  We decided just to push onward hoping we all would catch up at our next fuel stop in Danville.  As fate would have it, we were able to regroup by the next stop in Danville.

 

We stopped for fuel at a Royal Farms in Emporia.  This was a large store with lots of fuel pumps and a good selection of food items.  We were slightly ahead of schedule so we decided to take a few extra minutes to grab some food, drink and rest.  After about 20 minutes with fuel in our bikes and our bellies we saddled up and were on our way.   It was 12:00 and the heat was soaring above 95 degrees.  The heat was taking a toll on all of us.  Temps were above 95 degrees and the heat was pushing up through the pavement making it seem even hotter.  Even in just a T-shirt the air flowing did not offer any relief.  It made it feel like a convection oven.  As we entered Norfolk we had a rider peel of the back of the pack.  He had lost a lot of fluid and was getting light headed.  Another rider pulled off with him.  As we gathered at the WAWA just south of the Bay Bridge tunnel we were in contact, via cell phone, with the two riders left behind.  They were doing okay and were in route to us.  Despite some concerns about making it back on time, we elected to wait for the two riders to catch up before continuing on.  We were on schedule and all needed to rehydrate anyway.  The heat of the last leg had taken a toll on all of us.  We took advantage of the extra time to collect money for the Bay Bridge Tunnel Toll.  The first rider would pay for the entire group in hopes of making it a faster transition for all of us.  It was not long before we were all together again and back on the road.  The collection of tolls proved to be a good move.  This toll booth operator was much more accommodating to our needs and we were on our way quickly.  We only had to make a momentary stop each and then we were on our way quickly.  

 

Shortly after crossing the Bay Bridge Tunnel we then received word one of our members Fire Departments.  They were staging along the route with water to make sure we were all sufficiently rehydrated for the remainder of our journey.  We were grateful and after making a quick stop, were we each grabbed another cup of water and on we were on our way again.  We traveled north to Salisbury.  We made a quick stop at the Gordy Exxon just off the bypass.  The anticipation of completing the ride was building.

 

As we arrived in West Ocean City, for our final fuel stop and receipt for the end our journey.  We had traveled 1022 miles in 22 ½ hours.  We then headed a few miles west to the Walmart parking lot where our adventure began were MD 3 member Howard Dinterman was waiting to greet us.  Although we were up for many hours and the heat earlier in the day was exhausting, we all felt the excitement of completing the ride.  It was topped off when 65 year old Bob Adkins,  MD3 Sgt At Arms, climbed off his bike knelt down and kissed the ground.  When he stood back up, choked up he looked over and said I never thought this would be possible to do. I always wanted to complete this ride, but never could.  And at my age, I thought I never would.  And I just did it.  The sense of accomplishment was felt by all. 

 

In the end we raised over 11,000.00 for Mid Atlantic Lupus.  We all completed the ride safely.  We are proud of our recent accomplishment. 

RESPECTFULLY

 BOB THOMPSON

ROAD CAPTAIN MD3

“PURPOSE OF OUR EVENT”

We elected to use this challenge as a major fund raiser for Maryland 3.  The funds raised would be donated to Mid Atlantic Lupus. 

 

 The information below has been left on the site so people can see a little of the history leading up to our event.

 “DETAILS”

WE DID IT!

1000+ MILES AND WE DID IT IN 22 HOURS!

GREAT JOB!  We will be making a presentation of all of the funds raised from this event at the Harley-Davidson Shop of Ocean City on Saturday August the 9th at 6pm.

We raised over $11,000.00!

IRON BUTT CHAIRMAN BOB THOMPSON DID A GREAT JOB OF PUTTING ALL TOGETHER AND WITH THE HELP OF OTHERS IN THE CLUB, IT WAS PULLED OF VERY WELL. PICTURES OF SOME OF THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE OF OUR GOOD FRIENDS FROM FIRE IN THE HOLE PHOTOGRAPHY AT www.fithp.net CHECK IT OUT!

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DONATION WILL CONTINUE TO BE EXCEPTED FOR THIS EVENT IF YOU WANT CONTRIBUTE PLEASE MAKE CHECKS OUT TO MID-ATLATIC LUPUS AND SEND TO THE OFFICE OF THE MARYLAND CHAPTER 3 RED KNIGHTS P.O. BOX 119 BISHOPVILLE, MD. 21813*YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTABLE* THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!

 **UPDATE**

June 22, 2008

We are off to a great start!  Here are the current details!

 DEPARTURE DATE: Friday, 27 June between 9 -10 pm

FROM: Berlin- Ocean City Wal-Mart

RETURNING: Saturday, 28 June before dark

TO: Berlin – Ocean City Wal-Mart

 So far the route has been planned. I covers 1099 miles and will take a minimum of 18 hours of riding to complete.  It involves all three states of Delmarva. The ride will be conducted in a self-paced style, that is to say that there will be a number of bikes participating, but they will be riding in groups no larger than 4 and 2 or 3 is preferred for safety reasons.  Each rider will be able to ride at his or her own pace and follow the course stopping when it is necessary for each of the individuals or riding pairs. Safety will be of the utmost importance. Each rider will be linked by cell phone to the lead car and the following truck. This will allow riders to be informed and to inform the lead and following vehicle if there are any problems. *No riders will be expected to talk while riding, they will however be expected to check in with the lead or following cars from time to time during fuel and rest stops. This is again for safety sake.

Riders who become tired and are not able to complete the ride will be afforded the opportunity to be picked up by the follow-up truck and/or to be logged out of the ride and free to return home after they have gotten a chance to rest.

The departure time was chosen in an effort to provide the most daylight hours of riding, especially in unfamiliar areas.  By leaving on Friday night, we will be riding in the dark for the first several hours while we are still amped up and on familiar roads. The majority of the ride will be completed during daylight hours.  Riding during daylight hours, especially towards to the end of the ride, will be important to increase visibility during what will be your most tired riding time. 

 

WHO:  Any member of MD3 is welcome to put their name in the hat and ride. It was discussed that MD3 Road Captains would hold a meeting of riders a couple of times before the event to review the condition of not only the rider, but also the bikes. Safety is the most important part of any ride! 

 

Our goal for the ride is to raise money for the Lupus Foundation. Riders will be asked to raise a minimum of $100 ridership fee with a goal of $250 or more if they are willing to go out and get the pledges.  We will have pledge forms for members and riders to use in getting support for the ride soon.  Remember if you are unable to make the ride, there are many other ways to contribute. Make a personal pledge to a club member who plans to ride.  Raise pledges for a club member who plans to ride.  Offer to drive or ride in lead or follow vehicles.  Be there Friday night to support our riders.  Come back Saturday as our members arrive home.  There are so many ways to support this event! 

 

 Again we are looking for as many as 20 riders, one lead vehicle with 2-4 and a tailing truck with a trailer and a spare bike with a few members.  For more details contact: Bob Thompson, bob@bikedreamstv.com

We encourage all members of MD3 whether you plan on riding or not, to print out a pledge sheet and help to collect funds to support this ride. You can also print out a corporate sponsor sheet and help to promote the ride by getting businesses to help in the effort too. Only through the work of the membership will we be able to make this ride the success that it deserves to be! Please click on the links below to download the needed documents, print them out and get started helping!

 

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