Iron Butt Association Membership # 8613
Certification Pending
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The Bike |
In 2002, I participated in the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum's 50CC/100CCC ride. Several members wanted to repeat this ride in 2003. A vote was taken and it was decided that we would do the ride in March. Since I had completed the 50CC Quest in 2002, I decided that I would do the 100CCC during the 2003 ride. Details for the 2003 MTF 50CC/100CCC can be found here: http://web.bsu.edu/00amleduc/mtf/50cc/50cc03.htm.
A lot of the work was already done as this was essentially a repeat of the 2002 ride. However, I decided that I should tune up the trip plans and verify the gas stop database. I spent several evening using up those free minutes on the cell phone.
In 2002, the MTF established a World Record for the 50CC by having 9 riders finish the ride. The record for the 100CCC at the time of the ride was 3 riders. It was decided that we would try to break these records. After some discussion with the Mike Kneebone of the Iron Butt Association it was decided that the group record should be determined in the most conservative fashion as described below.
The group world record, requires that riders start and leave at the same points. Therefore for the 100CCC ride, the EWE group and WEW group were not combined to set the record.
The IBA web site states: On a CCC GOLD ride a rider may submit documentation for the CCC GOLD ride OR up to two 50CC rides, but not both." Therefore only the group 50CC group record did not include riders who performed the 100CCC ride.
It seems that the world record attempt really sparked some interest. The number grew and grew. This ride took on a life of its own with 69 participants of which 60 completed their rides.
The 50CC EW Riders
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The 100CCC EWE Riders
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To put this in perspective, only 44 riders had ever completed the 100CCC at the time of the ride. Our group added 36 to that list, which is quite extraordinary. We also added 26 to the 50CC list.
Although I have always been a loner when it comes to long distance riding, I invited Don Braziel to do the ride with me. I had ridden quite a few miles with Don and we seemed to be compatible and he had always been good company. I had a fuel cell and Don didn't but I was not planning on pushing real hard on this ride so was not concerned about the difference in fuel capacity. The week before the ride, I participated in the 2003 Palmetto Ramble and in another unusual turn of events did the rally as a team with Bob Moore. It was a great experience and Bob and I were fortunate enough to win the rally. Don and I started kidding Pam (Bob's wife) and Bob about doing the MTF100CCC. Next thing you know Bob, shows up at Jacksonville Beach, so we had a three-some (ok, mind out of the gutter).
Three people two beds meant that we were going to have to team up (wasn't going to happen) or get a cot. Bob opted for the cot (was that really his decision?). Although each of us took a turn on the cot, Bob got the short end of the stick and actually spent a couple of nights on the floor.