FJR's In The 2005 Iron Butt Rally

[Bounce]

It is good to see that an a crusty old bike, ST1100, under a sound rider can still bring home the crystal [here hoping the Mississippi man still has a home to go to].

Shane was on an ST1300. He has reported back that his land has a lot of cleaning of debris to be done, but the house was okay... until an upstairs pipe burst when the water was restored (which then flooded both floors some).

The old-school penalty for changing bikes in the middle of the rally was -10,000 points. In 2003 the penalty changed to dividing your final score in half. Did they change it back in 2005? Such a penalty is meant to "hurt" so that people bring, to the starting line, a bike they think is able to do the distance.

 

[Warchild]

In 2003 the penalty changed to dividing your final score in half. Did they change it back in 2005?

No, that penalty is still in effect.

Brett Donahue had 50% of his final bonus point tally removed, and thus he finished in LAST place.

However, this didn't affect his "Finisher" status, as he is still considered a "Finisher", even though his final points total is below the minimum required (which was 60,000 points, IIRC).

 

[valetz]

The old-school penalty for changing bikes in the middle of the rally was -10,000 points. In 2003 the penalty changed to dividing your final score in half. Did they change it back in 2005? Such a penalty is meant to "hurt" so that people bring, to the starting line, a bike they think is able to do the distance.

It was half your points this year...

Brett Donahue's Sporty failed on him outside of Seattle, he rented a Bagger and made it to the finish....

The points penalty applies to score for ranking, but not for the rest....

That is to say....

He finished at the bottom in ranking, but still had a Gold Medal Finish....

(I think they figured he'd been about 15th if he didn't have the bike change)

Brett's Results

-bvw.

 

[Bounce]

In 2003 the penalty changed to dividing your final score in half. Did they change it back in 2005?

No, that penalty is still in effect.

Brett Donahue had 50% of his final bonus point tally removed, and thus he finished in LAST place.

However, this didn't affect his "Finisher" status, as he is still considered a "Finisher", even though his final points total is below the minimum required (which was 60,000 points, IIRC).

Slick. Thanks for the clarification. I was wondering how that was going to be addressed now that the minimum points were added this year. "Less any penalties" seems the most unobtrusive to Finishers.

 

[Warchild]

This just in from HMarc Lewis:

Left-to-right, the people are: George Zelenz, Rick Martin, Doug Chapman, Tom Melchild, Bob StGeorge, Warchild (Staff), John Ferber, Matt Watkins (Staff), Dean Tanji, Tobie Stevens, Harry Kaplan, Andy Mills, Roger Van Santen (Staff), and Peter Hoogeveen.

Ten of the eleven FJRs that started also finished. The exception was Andy Mills' FJR, which got bounce-checked down I-80 in Wyoming at 2:30am the last night and was subsequently un-ridable.

 

[Woodstock]

Dean looks way too happy. :haha:

 

[Warchild]

Dean looks way too happy. :haha:

He usually does.

Then again.... this photo was taken the night before the event began; he wasn't quite as bubbly and cheery after 11,346 miles in 11 Days. :lol:

 

[gypsy]

Warchild,

The Peter Hoogeveen bonus states:

Bring in a COLD six pack of your favorite beverage (ask Peter Hoogeveen why you are bringing a six pack to the finish!). Warning: the beverages must arrive cold!

What is the answer when one asks "Peter Hoogeveen why you are bringing a six pack to the finish?"

And the obvious follow up question. Did anyone bring warm beer and not get the bonus?

gypsy

 

[valetz]

I dunno what the right answer to that question is.... But as a spectator I sure thought it was cool....

-bvw.

 

[Warchild]

Warchild,
The Peter Hoogeveen bonus states:

Bring in a COLD six pack of your favorite beverage (ask Peter Hoogeveen why you are bringing a six pack to the finish!).  Warning: the beverages must arrive cold!

What is the answer when one asks "Peter Hoogeveen why you are bringing a six pack to the finish?"

And the obvious follow up question. Did anyone bring warm beer and not get the bonus?

gypsy

From a previous Bob Higdon report:

In 1991, Peter had found a dozen ways to win the IBR but thirteen ways to lose it. He'd been stopped for a speeding violation fifty yards from a checkpoint in Pennsylvania, accruing hundreds of penalty points in lateness. He'd left his route instructions at a restaurant and had to backtrack 100 miles to retrieve them. Still he was leading the event as they headed for the last checkpoint in Reno. Legend has it --- Peter vigorously denies it, but that hardly matters any longer --- that he stopped for a six-pack of beer before hitting the finish line, taking a six point lateness penalty for his trouble. He lost the rally by two points.
Whether the story is true or not, it is unforgettable. Mike Kneebone certainly hasn't forgotten it.

Thus, Mike Kneebone has offered the "Peter Hovegeen bonus" at the end of every Iron Butt Rally since 1993.

The riders know enough to arrive at the Finish Line with cold beer/soda to claim their bonus. No one turned in any warm drinks to my knowledge.

 

[tel]

Gotta say I've truly enjoyed following the IBR on the various sites. Thanks and congrats to everyone involved. You guys are phenomenal.

Just a little sad that it's two years to the next one. I wonder if the IBA has ever thought of running the event yearly, my understanding is that hundreds of people apply to take part, but this year less than 100 took part. Maybe they could run a 5 day, 5000 mile event on alternate years to cater to those who think they're ready?

Thanks WC for the updates - looking forward to '07.

tel

 

[valetz]

Maybe they could run a 5 day, 5000 mile event on alternate years to cater to those who think they're ready?
tel

There has been a 5 dayer in the past... It was put on by Team Strange (Eddie & Adam) they call it the Butt Lite.... Keep your ears open, I've heard of as many as 3 5-day rallys in the planning stage for next year.... Don't know how many will materialize...

-bvw. (Who has never run a Butt Lite, but would love the chance)

 

[Warchild]

Some more very cool photos from the Start Line - these are from HMarc Lewis. Sorry these are a little large, but they show good detail.

Tom Melchild, a few hours from departure:

Doug Chapman ("dougc" on the forum) and 3rd Place Finisher Jeff Earls:

Tobie Stevens, on his way outbound!

Tom Melchild gives a thumbs up on his way out of the Start Line:

Dean Tanji follows Tom out of the parking lot:

Doug Chapman salutes as he heads out to the Florida Keys:

Here I just released (and give a ceremonial salute to) Bill Crittenden, departing on his Boss Hoss. Sadly, Bill DNF'd after Leg One.

Rick Martin looks focused as he steers his FJR out of the parking lot:

 

[GunMD]

In the photo of Rick Martin he has a few devices on the dash that I cannot identify...little help?

 

[dougc]

In the photo of Rick Martin he has a few devices on the dash that I cannot identify...little help?

If I recall correctly, left to right, SmarTire monitor, Radio Shack timer, Star-Traxx button and something else, Delphi Roady. His V1 remote display may be between the timer and Star-Traxx button.

Rick will probably pipe up shortly to make corrections.

 

[valetz]

For the most part he just has a basic issue of IBR Electronics....

CB, Couple GPS's, Aux Lights, Datel, Maplight, XM Radio, V1, Smart Tire, Throttle Lock, Hand Guards.....

Seriously, his bike was about middle of the road... Most riders had a dash like his...

-bvw.

 

[Warchild]

Seriously, his bike was about middle of the road...  Most riders had a dash like his...

Wait a minute, now.... this is Rick Martin's bike that you're showing here, isn't it?

 

[Groo]

Ok, somebody explain this to me... why 2 GPSs? Backup in case one goes down? Plotting 2 routes at the same time? Over-geekness?

 

[valetz]

Ok, somebody explain this to me... why 2 GPSs? Backup in case one goes down? Plotting 2 routes at the same time? Over-geekness?

Yup. Yup, and you can have one show you data, (speed, next turn, etc) and have the other display a map....

-bvw.

 

[zorkler]

this stuff looks pretty cool . you just might see me there one year ...