How to get started?

[tby]

Reading ride reports from the 2007 Iron Butt Rally was the final inspiration that got me into motorcycling and buying my first FJR. Last year I watched the Hard Miles 1 & 2 DVDs and thoroughly enjoyed those hours of living the IBR vicariously. Now I'm starting to think I might actually like to join that band of lunatics.

What's a good way to dip my toe in the water and get started in rallying?

What do I need to accomplish to have a shot at being accepted for entry into the 2017 IBR?

Have I gone completely stupid?

 

[airboss]

Last question first. YES.

First question, Saddlesore 1000 to start.

Second question. Do multiple long distance rides and rallies. Some rallies may offer the winner a spot in the IBR.

 

[user 28803]

Definitely get some LD experience by doing some IBA certified rides, starting with the SS1000. Build your experience and your endurance.

As you look around and read ride reports you'll begin to learn where and when the rallies are happening. A lot of them (not all) show up here: https://rides.jasonjonas.com Dip your toes in by doing a 10 or 12 hour rally. See how you like it and start learning from your mistakes. (I just did my third on Saturday)

Keep reading rally ride reports and blogs. You can learn a lot from others' experiences.

Also go to IBA events or LD events, even if it's just a RTE ( ride to eat ) so you can see set ups on bikes and have a chance to chat with folks who rally.

Other resources:

www.ironbutt.com/eventcal

www.teamstrange.com

forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer

 

[Geezer]

First, buy an FJR. You've already done that so you have a good start.

Since you are asking about rallies, you are probably talking about Iron Butt, so you should take a look at the Iron Butt web sites and find out what rallies are offered and what's required.

Initiation into IBA is a saddle sore, which is a 1000 mile ride completed in less than 24 hours along with the required forms and evidence. It's all described here.

 

[101stpathfinder]

1) Do a SS1000 saddlesore

2) Find out during that SS1000 saddlesore that your seat is not going to cut it.

3) Get yourself a Russell- Day- Long saddle

4) Challenge yourself with hand picked Certificate rides (By Hand-picked I mean ride certs to build your weaknesses. i.e. Different areas, types of rides)

5) Keep making adjustment to your bike until you have it set up the way you need it.

6) Enter into some rallies (Build up to a Multi-day rallies) For me the IBR was only my 2nd rally as I am not really a rally type.

7) String Certificate rides together to build challenging 10/10ths rides

8) Become a Premier member of the IBA

9) Apply for the IBR with a resume that shows you have what it takes to finish an IBR safely

10) Pray you get selected

Every other year there are 2 major rallies opposite of the odd year IBRs - 10n'10 rally (Which is now called "5 & Dime Rally" and the "Butt Lite"

These 2 rallies are great steps into the IBR

 

[Bounce]

+1 on the above with the exception of 8. It's completely optional and not something that will "add to your cert/rally" skill set.

Check the calendar for what's going on.

https://www.ironbutt.com/eventcal/

 

[101stpathfinder]

+1 on the above with the exception of 8. It's completely optional and not something that will "add to your cert/rally" skill set.

Ah but it WILL increase your chances of being selected.

Preferences: 1 Vets 2 Premier Members 3 Members

*Plus it gives you subscription to the IBA mag. which educates the reader in almost all the other areas needed.

 

[Bounce]

[mrfl mrfl mrfl]

Hard to talk while biting my tongue.

 

[TripperMike]

Have I gone completely stupid?

Let's say in a few years, you've done all that's been suggested, and you end up riding in the Big Show. Ask yourself that same question on the 2nd or 3rd day into it. If I ever find myself riding in it, that's about when I would be asking myself that same question. LOL

I hope you make it. I'm sure it would be a ride to remember.

 

[RiderX]

Well my advice if you want to rally is to get out and rally. My first was a 24-36 hr variety-- most aren't that difficult to be a finisher. The specific seating and farkles make themselves evident after a couple are completed.

That being said, a 12 hr and SS1k are more controlled and great starting points.

You can subscribe to Iron Butt Magazine without becoming premiere if you want to build knowledge NOW (premiere requires IBA membership, magazine does not).

You could run a rally every weekend if you wanted to.

I was similar to you and read 2009 and 2011 ride reports (some of the best commentary is on this forum) and got hooked. Promptly registered for five rallies my first year and had the second most Tour of Honor sites logged. When it bites, it bites hard!

You never have to worry about getting drawn for the IBR if you win your way in. All in all if you have an attitude to learn a little during each ride, rally, experience you will be in a good spot to put your name in a hat and see where this journey takes you. . .

Good luck!

 

[tby]

Thanks for all of the great replies. Appears that I should have gone looking for events this year many months before now, but I see a couple that are possibilities. Knocking out an SS1000 is at the top of the agenda for next month. Maybe go for the BBG.

 

[user 28803]

Just remember they won't certify a BBG unless you've already completed and certified a SS1000. All those rules and requirements are on their site.

 

[tby]

Ah, I meant BB 1500.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

Tby ...I'm in the same boat, but it appears you have been reading more than I have on it. I've done just short of 1300 miles in approx 18 hrs. Then I heard about the IBA..... I was like cool I can just send in my gas receipts then I read about it. Pathfinder is my inspiration and my friend Hoagy Carmichael or Hoagy's Hero's might be his web site he runs a few charity Cert IBA rides and has a few more coming up. Just had one ending this last weekend and it ad a 500, 1000, 1500 and I believe a 2000.

It's funny I think about it all the time I've done a few 500 mile runs this year and I'm going to do the SS 1000 soon. Maybe in two weeks which will be around Lake Michigan. Or I just mapped out a route out west to Mo and a loop home. The biggest thing is once I'm in it for 4-6 hrs mark I begin to wonder if I'm nuts or not. When I did the 1300 it really went pretty quick I believe making it a round trip was key for me. Knowing I'd be back home in my own bed. It was Chicago to just shy of Fargo SD and back. I did it on my Ultra Classic, I have purchased a FJR and set it up for LD. The best investments for me so far was a seat, cruise control, Nav system and a good stereo and Com system with Bluetooth..... Plus I just bought a spot. The big tanks for me I don't believe are worth it because I get sore at about the 175. -200 mark gas and stretch and I'm good. However riding at might and getting caught short of fuel can be a concern. The Garmin does give fuel stops and u can buy 30oz bottles.

Hope the thread takes off, there are so many Ld riders in IBA that are a wealth of info. Best wishes to you

 

[gixxerjasen]

Let's say in a few years, you've done all that's been suggested, and you end up riding in the Big Show. Ask yourself that same question on the 2nd or 3rd day into it. If I ever find myself riding in it, that's about when I would be asking myself that same question. LOL

Pretty certain that would happen several times. I know it would happen the moment they hand out that first book of bonus listings.

 

[RiderX]

Just remember they won't certify a BBG unless you've already completed and certified a SS1000. All those rules and requirements are on their site.

Or a qualifying rally! They are a lot more fun than a vanilla SS in my opinion!

 

[Bounce]

The best investments for me so far was a seat, cruise control, Nav system and a good stereo and Com system with Bluetooth... The big tanks for me I don't believe are worth it because I get sore at about the 175. -200 mark gas and stretch and I'm good.

Rethink the seat you got. It's clearly not doing its job if you can't ride tank to tank without a problem.

BTW: Who's doing these charity certs you're talking about? The IBA doesn't certify anything less than 1000 in 24 hours.

 

[Hollywoodgt]

Bounce ....maybe I quoted it wrong but I believe there was a 500, 1000, 1500 and a 2000 mile runs they had set up. I think Hoagy does it to raise money for charities. It 's on the IBA schedule I believe as of last weekend or two in Texas? I've been know to be wrong? As far as the seat goes ....I probably will up grade to the Russel since I have another seat, but this old body just needs to stretch at the 175-200 mark, not to mention the kidneys are not what they use to be. I was doing a run with O'face and his group last year and he suggested the Sargent. Made a world of difference over the stock.

 

[101stpathfinder]

Hoagy does do these charity rides. On the Texas six shooter last year he offered the same rides. I haven't checked the site this year, but on the site last year it specifically stated that the 500 mile ride was NOT for an IBA cert. I did the ss2000 last year in Texas with him, and I believe that anyone who rode the 500 mile ride- received a cert from Hoagy's Heroes only.

It was offered as a sample ride. LOL

Great bunch to ride with! I rode with a rider from the Northwest Ter. Who knocked out the ride (ss2k) on an R6! Had a blast!