Rambling observations so far...
A little background for the readers on my personal context. I've run the IBR in 2011 and 2013. Was suppose to this year but job and financial considerations forced me to drop out 6 months ago. A decision that was even tougher than the one to enter the IBR in the first place! Which now puts me in the interesting situation of being on the outside looking in, but with a bit of insider knowledge about this years event.
---------------------------------
I am lovin' this format. 50parks+25states and your a finisher irregardless of the points. but points are still their to allow the big dogs and such to push themselves and show their stuff.
In 2011 the format was all 50 states to be a finisher, visit some capitols for extra points. I thought that was awesome format. But it did lead to a couple interesting outcomes.
1) Much lower than usual number of DNF's.
2) because of geography and the rally format once you got to the last day and you've collected all the points/capitals you can, Anything else to get a few extra points was too far away. As such a lot of riders rode into the final checkpoint considerably early. (I myself rolled in around 2am, we had to 10am).
Prediction -- With this years 50+25 format there is a slightly higher level of complexity for the riders to try and remember than 2011. I think we will be seeing a higher level of DNF's than in 2011 but likely lower than other "regular" IBR years.
---------------------------------
Also mentioned in passing by another poster in this thread was the consideration of high LEO presence in certain states. I dont want to say anything I shouldn't. But let me say that combining what I know of the 2015 rules and noting the exchange at the end of the Day 1 report between Lisa and Tom I would suggest that the riders are not just concerned about LEO's. (Interpret that as you will
)
---------------------------------
The sole rider who is off in Big Bend Texas. Some people have commented about what he's doing out there. Let me just say that not all riders are driven by the same instincts as each other or even as the armchair quarterbacks out there.
Even for myself in the 2 IBR's I've run I had never considered myself a big dawg top 10 contender and would (on occasion) make decisions that are based a little more on emotion than raw points. I've looked at the route books presented on each leg and have at times made decisions based on the facts such as:
A ) That looks cool I'd love to go there or I've never been there.
B ) I am tired of riding through <blank> is there anywhere else I can ride?
C ) Its going to rain that way in the next few days, I think I will go this way instead.
D ) I have been there and know those roads like the back of my hands. Hmmmmm that feels like a home court advantage.
Example: 1st leg of 2013 I chose a loop that was heavily Ontario centric. Having grown up in the greater Toronto area meant I learned to ride on many of the roads I travelled. I could have done that first leg without a GPS or even a paper map!
In fact one bonus (the Auto museum in Oshawa) was literally where I grew up. Went to the museum as a school trip when I was growing up. Ironically one of the more enjoyable legs of the IBR's I've ridden ended up being that leg.
Another bonus was a nothing little thing about 1/2 hour from the Auto museum bonus but in a weird kind of way it ended up being a rather poignant moment for me. My first bike was 1978 DT175 Enduro when I was 18 or so. I spent the summer riding the back roads north out of town up to the sand pits and forests which is where I really learned to ride. Well, half way up to the trails there was this little old farm building under a couple trees. There was a historical plaque and a couple antique carriages inside. Would often stop there in the shade to take a break on the way up to the trails or on the way back. Then life went on and I moved away and made a life for myself elsewhere. Well wouldn't you know it but that location was an actual bonus location in 2013! 25 years ago I was riding a 175cc dirt bike for an afternoon and coming home dusty and tired. Now I was running a 1300cc supersport and crossing continents in a week. The bonus meant nothing to everyone else in the rally, but it did mean alot to me.
Back to the rider in Big Bend Texas. Been there a few years back. Would love to get back there again. Big wide open spaces (even by Texas standards). Get out there and you have the road to yourself. No traffic, RV's or other crap to ruin your vibe. (And those that are out there are probably booking along at 80+ themselves) Plus some spectacular scenery. Of all the riders out there on Leg 1 at the moment I think I am most envious of that one at the moment.
---------------------------------
And for all the keyboard pilots out there constantly refreshing their browsers for the next tidbit of info. May I suggest going to ironbuttrally.com and reading the reports from any one of the past years for a while. Perhaps your following a rider thats ridden in other years, so go back and read (or re-read) the reports from that year. Its all good stuff....
---------------------------------
- Colin
