"DuckPond"

Ray's Iron Butt Ride #14

SaddleSore #8

1,017 miles, 19 hrs 48 min

September 9-10, 2024

SaddleSore 1000 = 1,000 miles in 24 hours

"Ray, as I have said before, you are an inspiration to all of us!" -Michael Kneebone, President and Founder: Iron Butt Association - "World's Toughest Motorcycle Riders"

Ray's Iron Butt Rides

Returning home at dawn, September 10, 2024 after another super fun and adventurous Iron Butt ride.

SpotWalla

Google Map: 1,014 miles

GPS Log Map (Track of Actual Ride ) 1,017 miles

This ride begins my Fall/Winter riding season. The weather is starting to cool, Jenny has returned from hiking overseas, and I have finished my fence line - which took much longer than expected and preempted my trip to Alaska. In the last week I had been working on the bike and enjoyed a four-hour ride on my usual scenic loop to ensure that the bike is working good.

Fuel Stop #1, Quemado, NM; 9:47 AM, September 9

An Iron Butt ride begins at the first gas station, with a Dated Business Receipt (DBR) showing the date, time and location. The rider photographs the DBR against the bike's odometer, as an indication of the running mileage. These photos are required for an Iron Butt certification.

Passing though Pie Town, NM. The building is the former Post Office, and was where Jenny and I collected our resupply box during our 1992 CDT thru-hike (a little bit of history). The name of this town is usually on the list of the funniest named towns in every state. It's also on the list of most Contintneal Divide Trail hikers, Tour Divide and Great Divide mountain bike riders, and even some GDR Dual Sport motorcycle riders - as one of the best stops on the journey, due to the pie restaurants and Toaster House hostel. It's also home of the yearly Pie Town Pie Festival, to be held Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14, 2024.

I love doing these Iron Butt trips. Reeling away the miles, life is reduced to the basics. There's no more politics echoing through your head. No bad news to dwell on. No hate of someone or something racking your brain and ruining your happiness. During the adventure, life is pure. You are free from life's hassles. Instead, you have the fresh air and endless horizon.

The VLA (Very Large Array) National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the Plains of San Agustin in New Mexico. All 27 antennas are connected to make the most advanced radio telescope array on Earth. VLA Fall Open House, October 12, 2024 Free Admission.

This antenna is just north of the highway. It is 25 meters wide (82 feet). Video: Beyond The Visible

Fuel Stop #2, Socorro, NM

Socorro

I am tuned in to the motorcycle, and am one with it. I've done so many long trips that I don't have to think about steering or braking. It no longer feels like I'm riding a motorcycle. I'm just traveling down the highway at high speed, and the motorcycle is just part of me. It is an extension of myself, like my arms and legs.

"Trinity Site" The site of the first Atomic bomb detonation in 1945. Sign on highway at the junction to the Stallion Gate. Fall Open House Free Admission October 19, 2024.

Location

At the same time, these Iron Butt rides are challenging. It takes grit to ride a thousand miles in under 24 hours, to keep going despite the fatigue. If these rides were easy, everyone would be doing it (as the saying goes). During an Iron Butt ride, time is at a premium, especially at the fuel stops and any stops in between. You get off the bike to stretch the legs, and you get right back on.

Fuel Stop #3, Artesia, NM

Artesia

"The Foundation" bronze sculpture in Artesia. (Location)

Lower Transill Reservoir on the Pecos River, in the town of Carlsbad, NM. After riding in the high desert all day, coming across this lake is a rare treat for the senses.

I like to name my ride reports after something interesting seen along way. Years later I will remember the particular ride: "Oh yeah, Duck Pond, I remember that ride!"

Pecos Bill boot sculpture in Pecos, TX (Location)

Taking a break in Pecos.

Fuel Stop #4, Fort Stockton, TX

Fort Stockton. I've been riding all day, and I'm a long way from home, and I've reached the halfway point. Only halfway! That's an Iron Butt SaddleSore ride for you.

Halfway to my next Fuel Stop, I stopped at the Plateau Truck Stop to fill my bottle with coffee, which I don't normally drink. But when riding long distances at night, the caffeine helps keep me alert.

Fuel Stop #5, Fabens, TX

Fabens

I timed the ride to pass through El Paso late at night, when the traffic was lighter. I had no trouble getting through, but even so, the traffic was considerable, even at midnight.

fuel Stop #6, Socorro, NM

Socorro 3:11 AM

Fuel Stop #7, Quemado, NM; 5:35 AM, September 10

24 - (9:47 - 5:35) = 24 - 4:12 = 19 hrs 48 min Total Elapsed Time

Quemado

Arriving at the final fuel stop, and getting the gas receipt - is extremely satisfying - with the knowledge of a job well and safely done. You can't get that staying at home and watching TV or scrolling through the social media. I've learned a lot watching YouTube videos on motorcycle repair and touring, and all sorts of other subjects. They are interesting and entertaining. But there comes a time when you have to actually go out there and do it. Only the adventure itself is fulfilling and deeply meaningful.

Returning home at dawn, September 10, 2024 after another super fun and adventurous Iron Butt ride.

Ray's Tips:

• Choose your type of adventure. In this case, Iron Butt motorcycle riding. It could be hiking, bicycle touring, a climbing trip, a camping trip... The list goes on and on. Just choose one.
• Set a start date.
• Prepare thoroughly. It might take weeks, or even months. Our thru-hiking takes five months of training. This Iron Butt jaunt took me just a few days to prepare. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the calender. You want to finish the preparations the day before your start date.
• Your start date arrives, and you are well prepared - but you don't feel ready. Don't believe your excuses; this is just a bit of start date nervousness. JUST GO. You'll feel much better once you're on the way.