Alan Leduc's IBA Experiences

The Iron Butt Association is dedicated to safe, long-distance, endurance motorcycle riding.

Iron Butt Association Membership # 8613

Northstar 1500 Group Bun Burner 1500 Gold
September 21-22, 2002

The Certificate

Pending

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Rules for the ride are on Iron Butt Association Website
Click Here for the Event Website

The Bike

There was a report on the TeamStange website regarding a possible attempt to break the Iron Butt Association's Group Bun Burner Gold: A group of motorcycle riders completing the same Bun Burner Gold route during the same 24-hour time window. The record for the most riders completing the same Group Bun Burner Gold was held by the Cognoscente Group -- 38 riders. I then received an email from Steve Steller inviting me to participate. I didn't think it would be possible due to my work schedule. However, as time approached I decided to commit to the ride. This would require 675 miles of travel to Monticello, MN; 1500 miles for the Bun Burner; and then 675 for the return to home. This had to be done between Friday, 10:00 a.m. and Monday, 8:00 a.m.

I left work on Friday and got away soon after my 10:00 a.m. class. Things were starting out right. On the ride to Indianapolis and then up I-65 to Lafayette, IN it looked like it would rain anytime. As I left Lafayette, a Tornado Warning was announced on the radio. Fortunately, I missed the rain and wind. However, I later found out that there were in fact several tornados that caused extensive damage. My good fortune came to an end when I looked down and saw that I had a voice mail message. It was one of the other faculty and the message said, "We found your keys and wallet and have put it on your desk." I didn't need my keys. I never carry money in my wallet. I always carry a credit card in my pocket. But ... I did need my drivers license. With the choice of a 2 hour ride back and then starting all over, I decided that I would just have to proceed without my drivers license. There was no way that I would make the return and get any sleep that night. I ask the secretary to Fed Ex the keys to my hotel in Monticello, MN. At least I would have them for the return trip.

I missed rush hour traffic in Chicago and decided to stop by Waukegan, IL to visit some old friends. I had not escaped Chicago without an event. A car ran over what must have been a road gator and kicked it right up into my windshield. It hit solidly on the the bottom of the windshield and then rotated and hit again at the top. Wow. that baby had some pep. If I had not had that big Tulsa windshield that thing would have hit me in the head and could have easily knocked me off the bike. It looked like I would hit rush hour in Milwaukee but I took the bypass and got through pretty quickly. I arrived at Monticello, MN at around 11:00 p.m. I asked for a 6:00 a.m. wake up call. The original post had a 5:00 a.m. start time but the last post allowed a start anytime between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. I figured I would get an extra hours sleep and try for a 7:00 a.m. start.

While getting the bike ready for the ride, I realized that the night before I had pulled the plug off my radar detector when I removed it for storage. I thought that this just used a standard telephone plug and borrowed one at Moon Motors. It did work so I guess I would just have to go bare. I checked in and was assigned rider #36. This meant that 35 riders had already checked in and left. While getting ready I saw Dave Nelson, a member of the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum. Dave has entered several rides on his older Honda, nicknamed Deerslayer, but has been plagued by mechanical failures. However, he was going to try again. Dave snapped my picture and I was off.

My starting receipt in Monticello, Mn was 7:04 a.m., September 21, 2002. I was running a 4 gallon auxiliary fuel cell which actually holds about 3.7 usable gallons. Combined with the main tank, I would have about 10.4 gallons total. I had been averaging about 39 mpg. Speed Limits were 75 mph so I figured that the higher speeds might have an affect on my gas mileage and decided to plan for a 300 mile range. The first leg of the route was about 658 miles so I decided that I would stop for gas in Fargo, ND and Dickinson, ND. The headwinds in North Dakota were really bad. The radio said that the winds were 27 mph from the Northwest. The winds were mostly just from the west (headwinds) and slightly from the north (cross winds). Other riders reported that the winds were 40 mph. Let's just say they were significant and severely affected my gas miles. On the leg from Monticello, MN to Fargo, ND my gas mileage was 30.65 mpg. I planned the two stops in North Dakota around cities. It appeared that several of the exits had no services and I didn't want to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. The winds continued and the gas gauge seemed to fly toward empty. Soon I realize that I am going to really push making my next planned gas stop. As I approach each exit, I see the sign, "No Services." Then I see a sign that indicates that there is gas but there does not appear to be a station anywhere close to the interstate. I figure it is in a town some miles away and don't think I can risk it. I'm really getting nervous about running out of gas. Another exit with no services and I see a fellow rider on the ramp. I bet he has run out of gas but I am running on fumes and can't stop. That was a sick feeling, as I would have loved to have been able to help. My gauge is way below E as I approach my planned exit. Wow, there is a station. Right as I pull into the station, the engine sputters. I turn off the key and coast to the pump. That was just too close. I fill up with 10.269 gallons, I guess I know that that is really my max. I only averaged 26.88 mpg on that leg. The wind and higher speeds were really taking their toll. A fellow on a BMW pulled in right after me. He had been worried too. He said he probably only had a 1/2 gallon. I learned later that several people had fallen victim to the winds and run out of gas.

Soon after leaving the second gas stop, I passed Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the painted canyons. This was some beautiful scenery. My glances at the beautiful scenery were distracted by a construction zone and a sign saying, "Caution: Fresh Oil and Loose Stone." Either on a motorcycle is bad news. Both are really bad news. Fortunately, I didn't encounter either. I shouldn't have any problem reaching the next stop but the winds maintained their toll as I only averaged 27.40 mpg on this leg. As I pulled into the first mandatory stop at Mills City, MT. I saw several bikes. The winds had taken a bit of a toll on me as well so I decided to stand around and chat a few minutes.

The next leg would take us down Montana 59. This was two lane and I was surprised to find the speed limit to be 70 mph. This was a pretty good road but in Indiana it would have a 55 mph speed limit. I had been warned to watch out for critters on this stretch of the road. However, it was still early afternoon and I figured that I wouldn't likely see anything. Wow, was I wrong. As you looked on either side of the road, you would see 10-15 antelope in the fields grazing. What if they decide to cross the road? I think there was an antelope and usually multiple antelope in view for about a 40 mile stretch. Fortunately, I only saw 4 antelope near the road and saw them in plenty of time to react. I hear behind me a whine and zoom as four BMW's go whipping by me. I decided that I would follow them for awhile. Hey riding drag with this group means just crank on the throttle and try to keep up. The headwinds are not a tail wind and my mileage is back up to 36 mpg, slight less than my normal average likely due to the mileage. The roads are wet but it isn't raining. I know that I have an appointment for new tires when I get home so I'm not feeling real comfortable about pushing the curves so I frequently fall behind the Beemers. At the stop, I do my typical LD stop and am out in less than 10 minutes. I figured the Beemers would be zooming by me again, but I never saw them. I will be riding the rest of the trip by myself.

Somewhere around Sioux Falls, I decided that I would dangle my legs. My knees were getting stiff and it was still a ways to Albert Lea, MN, the next stop. When I dangle my legs my feet are normally an inch or so above the ground. This time however, I hit a dip in the road and felt the suspension give. Whop! the inside of the sole of my left boot caught solidly on a highway joint yanking my leg backward at a very high rate of speed. I head some noises that didn't sound too good and seemed to be confirmed by the pain in my foot, ankle, and knee. I decided to push on to Albert Lea. There were two gas stations but both were closed offering only pay at the pump with credit card. I was out of water; my leg was killing me; and I had to pee really bad. After filling up I decided that I would go to the back of the building and water down the dumpster. My leg was really hurting and mounting the bike was pretty tough. Oh well, this was the last stop before the end of the ride. 

Holding my leg in one place hurt, but I could not lift it from the knee without helping with my hand and then when I moved it, the pain was terrible. Would I ever get to the end. I pull into Monticello and fill up at 3:56 a.m., September 22, 2002. My total time was 20 hours and 56 minutes which was substantially below the 22 hours that I had anticipated. Those higher speed limits really made a difference. I decided to go immediately to the hotel and pick up my keys. "You should have a package for me." The attendant which was the same one as the night before said I remember you telling me to expect one but we didn't get it. "Are you sure?" Let me check one more place. Oh, here it is. That's a relief. I don't want to have to chase this down next week. I then head immediately to Moon Motors for check in. There were a couple of bikes in the lot but the building is dark. I had asked before I committed to the ride if I would have to wait around as my plan was to leave immediately and try to get some distance toward home before stopping. Steffan Fay tells me that he has been there since 1:00 a.m. and that there won't be anybody to check us in until 5:30. a.m. That's two hours away. My knee is killing me and I want to head home. Well I guess I will just go get some coffee. Wait, did he say 1:00 a.m.? Wow, he had to be flying. 

As I walk into the Perkins Restaurant I see Steve Stellar and Will Outlaw. Steve had gotten in just a little ahead of me, but Will was one of the 18 and a half hour gang. Wow. That is fast. I get a little coffee, complete my  log and then we head back to Moon Motors. Getting on and off the bike is getting harder each time. As I stand around, my knee is really getting stiff. Soon, the building is open and I get checked in. I really think my ankle is broken and am pretty sure that my knee is messed up. I don't really want to try to deal with this in MN, so I decide to head toward home.

About half way through Minneapolis the the sun is rising from the east. It is soon so bright that I can't see. I pulled to the side of the interstate to put my sun glasses on. As I start to shift, I realize that I am in real trouble as it is all I can do to raise the shifter. The sun just keeps getting brighter and brighter. I hadn't cleaned my windshield and I can barely see. I decide to pull over at a truck stop and get some breakfast and let the sun rise. The truck stop has a pretty good looking buffet, but my leg hurts so bad, I am sick to my stomach and can't eat much. I decide to go to the truckers lounge and take a nap. There are only chairs in the lounge and they aren't that comfortable. I take one next to a wall and turn another around to prop my legs on. I took about a two hour nap, nodding in and out. Time to hit the road. I can't put any weight on my leg. I drag it along and finally get to the bike. I now have to stand on the leg to while I try to lift the right leg over the seat. It took me three attempts and a bit of biting my cheek to get mounted. I called my wife and gave her the bad news. I told her that I was going to ride all the way home. As I left the lot and started to shift all I could do was scream with each shift. I can't find any comfortable position for the leg and any movement is like a stab in the knee. 

Time passes and I find myself in southern Wisconsin in need of gas. I pull into the station and try to dismount. I can't get off the bike, it is just too painful. There is a small group in black leathers near the entrance to the station. I noticed one of the guys looking at my way and I motioned for him. As he walks toward me, I'm thinking about how many of these guys hate Honda's. Oh well, I am a biker and I need help. He asks with a bit of an attitude what I want. I told him that I thought I had broken my leg and I could not get off my bike. I asked if he would pull me off. He leaned up next to me and I put my arm around his shoulder and he literally drug me off the bike. It was all I could do to keep from screaming. He said what's that thing on your back seat, pointing to my auxiliary fuel tank. I told him what it was and about the ride that I just finished. He ask where I was going. I told him Indiana. With that leg he ask. Yeah, I really want to get home. I'm just going to have to tough it out. A couple other guys come over and he tells them what's going on. One of the guys spots the wires dangling beneath my coat. What's that. Oh that's for my electric clothes. I'm a big sissy and can't stand the cold. They continue to check out the bike. I'm sure they have never seen a bike with a GPS and Cellular Telephone.

I notice the back of one of the vests: Chicago Outlaws. I'm very familiar with the Outlaws. When I was a kid they terrorized a campground that I was staying in. But they are treating me pretty friendly. One guy raises his had and moves it toward my bike, "I was going to touch your bike, but I see you are protected by a Pink Flamingo." He was referring to a sticker I have on my windshield. A friend from the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum gave me a stuffed Pink Flamingo before the Great Lakes Challenge. I put it on the back of my bike and he later sent me the sticker from my windshield. I laughed. He laughed. I'm feeling pretty comfortable now. They helped me get back on the bike. I thanked them for their help and headed on down the road. 

As I left Milwaukee, it dawned on me that I would have to go through four toll booths. By the time I got to the fourth I didn't think I could get shifted back into the upper gears. My leg was getting more and more painful and stiff with each mile. I knew I would have to make one more gas stop. I decided to stop at Remington, IN. I knew that I could get home just by filling the main tank. I decided that I would leave the bike in 5th gear and just pull as close to the pump as possible. Thank God, it is a pay at the pump. I fill up with gas. Now I have to get started in 5th gear. As I pull away from the pump, I start to wobble. I have to put my leg down. It happened by instinct and as the leg went down, I let out a scream. I really had to pee and just darn near peed my pants. I got going on the second attempt with some rattling of the engine.

I have done this route many times. I called my wife and told her what time I would be pulling in and that she needed to have someone at the house to help me off the bike and be ready to take me to the Emergency Room. I am pretty close to delirious at this point and any movement of my knee is causes a very sharp pain. I still figure my ankle is broken but haven't yet looked as I didn't want to take the boot off. The time has come to remove the boot and pants. The knee doesn't look too bad, some mild swelling but it sure hurts like hell. The ankle looks pretty bad. It is swelled about twice normal size. I suffered through the X-Rays and the Doc finally comes in. When did you do this? Very early this morning. Why are you just now coming in? I did it in South Dakota, had a ride to finish, and wanted to get back home to get it taken care of. I rode about 1000 miles. He is in disbelief. Well your lucky. It looks like nothing is broken. I will give you some pain medication and you need to see the Ortho tomorrow. 

I took one pain pill but I was so tired that sleep wasn't a big problem. I had only had a 2 hour nap since the BB1500. I was able to get an early appointment with the Ortho. More X-rays. The Doc after reading the nurses report, says that sounds painful. Yep. Well nothing is broken. He examines my knee and says he is pretty sure that I have a torn AML. That should heal in about 3 weeks on its own. If it doesn't then you have probably torn a cartilage and we will have to do an MRI and likely a scope. The ankle will take about 4 months to go down but should be ok.

He asked about the ride and I told him that I was trying to get in the IBA Rally and had done several rides this year to build my resume. I laughed and told him we were known as the "Worlds Toughest Motorcycle Riders." He said, if it will help you get in, I would be glad to write you a letter of recommendation. As he leaves the room, he turns and says, "Am I going to be talking about you."

The good news, three days later the pain was almost gone in my knee. The swelling in my ankle had started to subside but still looked pretty bad. I was black and blue all the way from the bottom of the foot to above the ankle. But at least there was no pain. By Thursday, I was able to walk and actually walked a mile with my wife at a pretty good pace. I would have never guessed that given how I felt on Monday. Old people aren't supposed to recover like that.

At least we broke the record. It would have been disappointing to have gone though this if we hadn't. Every L.D. ride is an adventure. This one was an experience that I don't care to repeat.

Ride Summary

On September 21, 2002, 47 riders set out to beat that record.  After enduring grueling wind and cold, and a mind-boggling breakdown rate, 40 riders were able to return within 24 hours of departure.  The paperwork has been collected, the Iron Butt Association forms have been filled out.  Now it is up to the IBA auditors...

(A Bun Burner is a motorcycle ride covering 1500 or more miles, completed within a 36-hour time window.  A Bun Burner Gold is a motorcycle ride covering 1500 or more miles, completed within a 24-hour time window.  See the IronButt site for details.)

The Map

The general route goes from Monticello MN, to Miles City MT, and back: I-94 West, I-90 East.

Connect from I-94 to I-90 via MT-59, US-212, and US-85.

Connect from I-90 to I-94 via I-35, I-35W, and I-494.

The Route

Start and end at Moon Motor Sales, 414 S. Hwy 25. Monticello, MN.  You may leave Moon any time after 6AM, but no later than 8AM.

Immediately after leaving Moon Motors, get a fuel receipt at a Monticello station.  This is your official ride start time.  The timestamp on this receipt must be no more than 30 minutes later than your departure time from Moon.

Just before returning to Moon Motors, get a fuel receipt at a Monticello station.  This is your official ride end time.  The timestamp on this receipt must be no more than 30 minutes earlier than your arrival time at Moon.

Gas stations in Monticello include Holiday, Super America, Mobil, Amoco, and others.

You can choose any filling station you like for the mandatory fuel stops, as long as the receipt shows it was in the required city.  You must turn in a receipt for every fuel stop you make.  Every receipt must clearly show the date, time, and the city.  Write your rider number on the back of every fuel receipt.  You may not ride more than 350 miles between fuel stops.

All fuel stops must be logged on the fuel log (to be provided separately), as well as any other stop longer than 20 minutes.

Unofficial Results

47 riders started
6 broke down
1 missed 24 hours by 10 minutes
1 missed start window by 21 minutes
39 finishers within 24 hours

All results subject to audit by the IBA.