Iron Butt 'Old School' Challenges

[Oakdave]

I new to the FJR Forum. Thank you. As I was reading the thread about WHY people are compelled to do IBA rides (which I do), it occurred to me that it would be fun if IBA had a separate division of ride certifications that could ONLY be completed by riding OLDER, less equipped, motorcycles. There are many members who have commented that riding 1000 miles on superslab in less than 24 hours (to achieve an SS1K) is "...frankly not that difficult." And I agree. And I feel that the reason that riding 1000 miles on superslab in under 24 hours is not NECESSARILY all that difficult, these days, is because of the superb technology that most of the members of this forum (myself included) are fortunate enough to possess. A riding buddy of mine, over the past few years, has really let himself get completely out of shape, probably caused by a number of life-stressing changes that he wasn't well-equipped to deal with. The point, though, is that even though he has is in rather poor physical condition, he can still easily accomplish an SS1K with me-- no problem. The reason that he is able to do this is because, like many of us, he rides a current-generation sport-touring m/c w/heated grips, custom suspension, aftermarket windscreen, full-face virtually sound-proof helmet with classical music pumped into the built-in earphones that only get disturbed if the radar detector overrides the symphony. He wears Gerbing's finest heated gear over wicking undergarments covered by a one-piece ballistic Kevlar suit. Waterproof socks and comfortable, broken-in riding boots touch the ground when he's forced to pump fuel into an 11+ gallon setup involving an extended fuel cell (of course). Come on, let's face it--if you are riding this type of setup, and if you can stay awake for about 18 hours--with the right planning (i.e., which major highway to take, and where to stop for gas)--an SS1K is not a big deal. It really isn't... because of the technology we're using. But what if the technology wasn't there? What if, rather than riding a modern-equipped m/c, someone HAD to do an SS1K on, say, an old stock Honda 350 (with no windscreen, no music, no radar detector...you get the point). What then? Then, if someone were to say, I have an IBA SS1K 'OS' (old school),... well, then it would cause the listener, I think, to take pause. If each of the current IBA certified rides had an 'OS' challenge (version) equivalent--where the only difference is that the motorcycle being used for the event can NOT CONTAIN CERTAIN FEATURES. The paperwork to submit would include a photograph of the m/c, an attestation form signed by the participant and the witnesses. Engine is UNDER 500 cc; NO windscreen; NO auxiliary electrical outlets; NO extended fuel cell; STOCK (OEM) SEAT. IBA 'OS' --I'm all over it! How about you? If anyone else on this forum is interested in approaching IBA about this concept, let me know. Let's do it. If IBA is not interested in taking on this exciting idea, then we can create our own LD-OS Association. Tell me what you think. Otherwise, just expect that the SS1K will continue to sound less and less of an accomplishment as the technology just keeps improving. (And that's fine-- just don't expect other LD riders to be all that impressed when you tell them that your in the IBA-- because it's becoming less and less of a 'feat').

 

[SkooterG]

How would you define what is 'OS'? How would you police it? It would never work.

Instead, if you, or others, find the SS1000 so easy, why don't you put your big boy pants on and do a more challenging ride? Like an SS1000 on all two-lane roads. A BBG1500, a BBG1800+, a competitive rally and so on.

There are plenty of IBA challenges out there more difficult than an SS1000. Why would one keep on doing an SS1000 if it wasn't challenging?

Or, go do an SS1000 'OS' and be proud you did it that way. Why the need for special recognition?

 

[alchemy]

On the IBA list, don't they have a category for "not right riders", could be a subsection to that.

My first SS1K was done on a HD Wide Glide, no windscreen, forward controls only, no music, no radar, no cruise or cramp buster.... old school enough?

 

[Ignacio]

it occurred to me that it would be fun if IBA had a separate division of ride certifications that could ONLY be completed by riding OLDER, less equipped, motorcycles.

They do already. It's called the "Hopeless Class" and those that complete the IBA on a motorcycle they deem old school are the stuff of legend....often by older riders. Since Saddle Sores are passe for you now....try pitching Kneebone about an idea and join the exclusive club of attempted riders and even more exclusive club of finishers with 3 digit numbers. John Young did it on a 1969 Triumph Trident.

Otherwise, just expect that the SS1K will continue to sound less and less of an accomplishment. ...just don't expect other LD riders to be all that impressed when you tell them that your in the IBA-- because it's becoming less and less of a 'feat')

I'd urge you to reconsider your approach. Instead of alienating what is the pre-eminent organization and riders certified by it (supposedly including yourself)--perhaps trying to be complimentary to a wider cross section LD riders or find niche with your new organization. Others have tried with a variety of success levels...and usually ones that don't poop on the organization.

Good luck with your endeavors.

 

[DENCOUCH]

Sounds divisive to me.

Okay, suppose that we now decide to slice up the IBA rides... what have we now done of any possible value. Leveled the playing field?

No, you have not, because you are setting into place a set of restrictions, and the gun is aimed in the direction of those who treasure this event to the degree, that they are willing to specialize their machines to enjoy the sport.

What about the guy that doesn't utilize his accessory outlet, and is happy with his stock grips & seat? Instead of attempting to assign some "value" or merit to this non-event, why attempt to turn this into some type of purist virtue?

How about we just keep the IBA for people that like to take their bikes on long runs or events, and have that recognized as such.

I refuse to run with your red herring, as human nature being what it is; someone down the road is going to come up with some whacko idea of how unfair something or other is, and they deserve recognition because they are "special".

Sorry, I don't think your dog is gonna hunt.

 

[Bill]

In 1996, I easily did a SaddleSore 1000 on a completely stock 1973 BMW R75/5. No custom seat, no fairing, no windshield... just a completely stock motorcycle that was 23 years old. A woman who I know did one about two months after she learned to ride a motorcycle and rode a completely stock 883 Sportster with no windshield and in November when the temperatures never even got up to freezing and wore no heated gear whatsoever.... just heat packs in her gloves and boots.

Lots of people do IBA rides on motorcycles not as well-equipped as those ridden by most of us at this forum. Happens all the time.

I think that I'm missing the point of this thread.

 

[Oakdave]

How would you define what is 'OS'? How would you police it? It would never work.

Instead, if you, or others, find the SS1000 so easy, why don't you put your big boy pants on and do a more challenging ride? Like an SS1000 on all two-lane roads. A BBG1500, a BBG1800+, a competitive rally and so on.

There are plenty of IBA challenges out there more difficult than an SS1000. Why would one keep on doing an SS1000 if it wasn't challenging?

Or, go do an SS1000 'OS' and be proud you did it that way. Why the need for special recognition?

Never mind. My SS1K entry into IBA was strictly on two-lane roads (Baby Butt 1000 in '06 from Red Hot Riders in San Diego). I've done the BBG1500. I just thought 'old school' challenges would be a rather unique and fun way to spice up the IBA ride challenges (since I'm not allowed to ride 120 mph for very long before getting stopped by highway patrol... otherwise BBG2000 ?

 

[alchemy]

Seems to me the Alamo Express BBG's were done 90% on 2 lane roads. A BBG2K now that's just crazy talk, nobody could ever do that and live or could they? <cough cough>

 

[BIODSL]

What if, rather than riding a modern-equipped m/c, someone HAD to do an SS1K on, say, an old stock Honda 350 (with no windscreen, no music, no radar detector...you get the point). What then? Then, if someone were to say, I have an IBA SS1K 'OS' (old school),... well, then it would cause the listener, I think, to take pause.

You mean like this? I'll take one pause. please

 

[Oakdave]

What if, rather than riding a modern-equipped m/c, someone HAD to do an SS1K on, say, an old stock Honda 350 (with no windscreen, no music, no radar detector...you get the point). What then? Then, if someone were to say, I have an IBA SS1K 'OS' (old school),... well, then it would cause the listener, I think, to take pause.

You mean like this? I'll take one pause. please

Yes (like that)!

 

[gixxerjasen]

The SS1K is the entry level LD ride. It's meant to be a challenge that most riders won't even attempt but not to be something that experienced LD riders find extremely difficult. It's entry level and designed to either hooked someone or let them know that this isn't for them without them pushing themselves to dangerous levels.

You talk about the SS1K as if it's the end all be all of the IBA rides, and it's far from that. It's just the teaser, the basic qualification to prove you are on an insane enough level to take it further. I see no harm in doing it on the slab on a goldwing. If you want to make the SS1K harder, then make it harder, or go for harder certifications.

I do know of one even that I can't remember the name of but it circles one or more of the great lakes and you have to do it like on an old small motorcycle. No good highways to completely make it around so it's 2 lane roads on an old small bike. That's the way to prove it if you want I think.

 

[Oakdave]

it occurred to me that it would be fun if IBA had a separate division of ride certifications that could ONLY be completed by riding OLDER, less equipped, motorcycles.

They do already. It's called the "Hopeless Class" and those that complete the IBA on a motorcycle they deem old school are the stuff of legend....often by older riders. Since Saddle Sores are passe for you now....try pitching Kneebone about an idea and join the exclusive club of attempted riders and even more exclusive club of finishers with 3 digit numbers. John Young did it on a 1969 Triumph Trident.

Otherwise, just expect that the SS1K will continue to sound less and less of an accomplishment. ...just don't expect other LD riders to be all that impressed when you tell them that your in the IBA-- because it's becoming less and less of a 'feat')

I'd urge you to reconsider your approach. Instead of alienating what is the pre-eminent organization and riders certified by it (supposedly including yourself)--perhaps trying to be complimentary to a wider cross section LD riders or find niche with your new organization. Others have tried with a variety of success levels...and usually ones that don't poop on the organization.

Good luck with your endeavors.

Ignacio, I have chosen to respond to your reply because it seems to representative of the opinions of many others on this forum. My initial reaction, to what I can only describe as generally negative feedback (to my idea), is that I am somewhat dismayed. To begin, I never meant to "poop" on the IBA, and I offer a sincere apology to anyone who took it that way, really. I am an IBA member, myself, and I feel somewhat boastful being able to state that. I like the IBA! I am not against the IBA. In fact, just the opposite.

The point that I was (am) trying to make is that the IBA could consider adding an interesting element to its already existing array of 'ride challenges' by introducing an "OLD SCHOOL" 'tag' (which could be applied to ANY of the IBA's already existing rides). I was not suggesting that the IBA should change its membership qualification criteria, nor any of it existing rides/challenges/certifications. All I am saying is, take ANY of the current 'challenges/certs' and let the rider do it on a (documented) 'old' (meaning, something not using the latest-- read "made to ride easier and more comfortably"--motorcycle technology)...and 'tag' the certificate with "-OS" after its name. Shoot, the IBA could INSTANTLY DOUBLE its potential revenue. Of course, the actual revenue increase would NOT be twice what it currently is, but the POTENTIAL for doubling it would be there...and by simply adding a new 'rule' that could be applied to ANY of the ALREADY EXISTING rides/certs (again, the 'rule' limiting certain aspects involving the technical specifications of the motorcycle being ridden).

While it not my goal to "poop" on anybody, I won't refrain from stating that I am somewhat dismayed at the amount of 'defensive' feedback that my post has already generated. I wasn't expecting that. You guys (LD riders) are supposed to be thicker-skinned than that.

 

[PhilJet09]

That's interesting. Maybe I'll try going around Lake Michigan on my '83 XL250R... Kinda makes my butt sore just thinking about it.

 

[dcarver]

I get it. Want to do a ss1k on 28 hp, 6v, drum braked /2R60, 1960.

Would mean more to me than the ss1k done on the fjr.

 

[Oakdave]

I get it. Want to do a ss1k on 28 hp, 6v, drum braked /2R60, 1960.

Would mean more to me than the ss1k done on the fjr.

I can't tell if you're being serious, but yes.

 

[Bounce]

One suggestion, Oakdave... paragraphs.

 

[BwanaDik]

I like the idea. Sort of like the hopeless class in the IBR. Possibly use the IBR guidelines for a go-by? Notwithstanding ScooterG's comment, I think it would be easy to enforce. Specify a year cutoff, say 1980 for example to almost ensure you have carbs and not FI, then also specify that nothing can be on the bike that wasn't available from the showroom floor. Then have a witness verify the machine is in that condition. Easy peasy.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Hey, there's other ways to make it hard too. A local rider found that IBA rides were too easy on his BMW so he started doing them on his GSX-R1000.

Um, yea....no thanks.

 

[johnny80s]

Other clubs have races like this for old school cars and such. Sounds interesting to me. I wouldn't do it. I like my luxury but I'm sure crazy guys like Carver would do it.