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It has been over 18 months since I had completed an Iron Butt Association certified ride. I have been doing at least one (usually more) since my first when I got back into motorcycling, That was in 2008 at age 59, after 26 years off.
I attempted one back in August 2019 but I was in so much pain it was all I could do to ride 300 or 400 miles on at trip to Wisconsin. I had to cancel the part of it to the UP of Michigan. I had neck surgery that fall. That problem solved. I still had sleep issues. I got on some sleep therapy. That problem seems to be solved.
By the time I was recovered completely, CV19 arrived. Then my daughter had to have 4 surgeries (all OK now) and I ended up with a stent in June then broke my wrist in July. 2020 = a pain all over for our entire family. 12 months out of our life never to be replaced. We are still alive and kicking thought. Praise the Lord.
I was doubting that I could ever ride any IBA ride again. I still wanted to achieve a Mile Eater Gold (20 certified rides with 5 certified being greater than 48 hours). After my trip to Big Bend I knew I could ride 300 to 400 miles with no pain.
Here it was December 2020 and a birthday the next month. Time was running out for one IBA ride a year and none at age 71. Then I received an email from the IBA showing their new Winter Solstice Saddle Sore 1000 certificate. It is good looking. I needed one. So I began planning while giving myself a 50-50 chance of finishing.
I left the Dallas area at 034, just before the official Winter Solstice, on December 21. My route took me to Sierra Blanca, Texas, then back to the Dallas area. After a couple of snafus which cost me over an hour, including my main headlight malfunctioned temporarily,
I made the 1171 miles in 17 hours 37 minutes. It seems the only thing slowing me down is my bladder. Yes, I was ready to sit in my Lazy Boy when I got home. The good part is, I was not as tired or as sleepy as usual after a long ride.
Hmmm, all I need for another Mile Eater Silver are 4 more certified rides within the next 11.5 months (two must be more than 48 hours). Now I have a challenge. Maybe I can get my Mile Eater Gold also.
I attempted one back in August 2019 but I was in so much pain it was all I could do to ride 300 or 400 miles on at trip to Wisconsin. I had to cancel the part of it to the UP of Michigan. I had neck surgery that fall. That problem solved. I still had sleep issues. I got on some sleep therapy. That problem seems to be solved.
By the time I was recovered completely, CV19 arrived. Then my daughter had to have 4 surgeries (all OK now) and I ended up with a stent in June then broke my wrist in July. 2020 = a pain all over for our entire family. 12 months out of our life never to be replaced. We are still alive and kicking thought. Praise the Lord.
I was doubting that I could ever ride any IBA ride again. I still wanted to achieve a Mile Eater Gold (20 certified rides with 5 certified being greater than 48 hours). After my trip to Big Bend I knew I could ride 300 to 400 miles with no pain.
Here it was December 2020 and a birthday the next month. Time was running out for one IBA ride a year and none at age 71. Then I received an email from the IBA showing their new Winter Solstice Saddle Sore 1000 certificate. It is good looking. I needed one. So I began planning while giving myself a 50-50 chance of finishing.
I left the Dallas area at 034, just before the official Winter Solstice, on December 21. My route took me to Sierra Blanca, Texas, then back to the Dallas area. After a couple of snafus which cost me over an hour, including my main headlight malfunctioned temporarily,
I made the 1171 miles in 17 hours 37 minutes. It seems the only thing slowing me down is my bladder. Yes, I was ready to sit in my Lazy Boy when I got home. The good part is, I was not as tired or as sleepy as usual after a long ride.
Hmmm, all I need for another Mile Eater Silver are 4 more certified rides within the next 11.5 months (two must be more than 48 hours). Now I have a challenge. Maybe I can get my Mile Eater Gold also.
