They Say Three Time's the Charm ...

[ParrotHead]

I know I have commented on this for the past year but here is the official announcement that I am in the 2019 Iron Butt Rally. I think they really like laughing at "the little sportster" that tries to run with the big dawgs.

In 2015 I finished in mid pack, right where I expected to be. I did not expect to be doing so after I had a wreck on the way out and have to spend a day repairing my bike with duct tape, nits, and bolts

In 2017 I was a Silver Medal finisher coming in 31st out of 87 finishers. I was happy with that but thought I could do more. Especially since I lost a full day rebuilding my charging system at Brad's place in Phoenix. I secretly was hoping to be in the twenties (at least 29th) Had I scored another 1,000 or so points I would have made that

So that leaves this year. Hopefully three times IS the charm. I have become a much better at rallies in the past two years, finishing in the top ten in two rallies and winning one. I've also gained efficiency in riding in a rally where I can now anticipate more closely how much time I need for stops which means I can safely add in more bonus locations. I'm also hungrier (not food wise. Ok, I am but that is not the context I mean here) and want to finish higher to the point I am more accepting of the potential for being late and even not finishing because I am too late.

So, for the record, my goal for the 2019 IBR is to be in THE top 20. My motto, Fortune Favors the Brave (Favours for those of you in Canada and the UK). Can I do it? I honestly don't know. I can say that I will give it my best as long as I feel I am being safe.

At this point I plan on riding my 2006 Blue Sportster that presently has 241,000 miles on it. The engine in it is still the used engine I put in just before the 2017 IBR. At the time it had 17,000 miles on it. It now has 52,000 miles on it and is running strong.

One thing I plan to try to do is to do a daily video blog. It will be tough especially as I am planning on pushing myself, but I hope to do 5 minutes or so. I got the idea from the Long Way Around and Long Way Down videos. Whether I make that public during the IBR is TBD, but possibly not as that would add time to my already long day and I cannot be sure I'd have an internet connection each night.

The exact start location has not been made public, but it is in South Carolina. The two checkpoints are in Washington State.

What do I need?

Mainly, I need your support!!! And by that I simply need the encouragement to continue while I am riding. Those of you that have my cell number a friendly text would be great. I likely won't respond and won't see them until I stop for gas. Same thing for those of you who I am Facebook friends with. I certainly will not respond to FB other than "liking" any comments but they are appreciated. The biggest challenge of a ride like this is the alone time, and there is lots of it.

In addition I could use help at the checkpoint. I am planning on doing a wheel swap at the first checkpoint which will be a Thursday night. Anyone in that area drop me a line

And lastly I hope to sell patches and stickers this year as well to offset my costs. The entry fee alone is $2,275. Plus 3 weeks in hotels, plus gas for 11-12,000 miles, plus a rear tire, plus ... You get the picture

So there it is, it's public. Thanks for the support in prior years and thanks in advance for this year

[Hogwylde]

You got this. Easy peasy.

[sportsterpaul]

We’ll be there for you in whatever capacity you might need. “Checkpoint “ meaning Washington State? I’m pretty good at changing wheels.......just saying. Suppose there would be time to jog out from the “Mile” then a quick scoot back East for the Meet n Greet?

[ParrotHead]

Originally Posted by sportsterpaul

We’ll be there for you in whatever capacity you might need. “Checkpoint “ meaning Washington State? I’m pretty good at changing wheels.......just saying. Suppose there would be time to jog out from the “Mile” then a quick scoot back East for the Meet n Greet?

I can ship the wheel and I carry the tools. But I need a (bike) lift

[sportsterpaul]

A good ratchet strap over a rafter might get the front up enough to drop a tire out?

[shanneba]

Good luck!

A Sportster in the top 10!!

[sportytrace]

I love your attitude and wish you every success Chris.
Can't help you out with a bike lift in Washington, but I can certainly cheer on from afar... support messages will be forthcoming

[ChinCactus]

Can't wait! Love following your travels!

[Toejam503]

Good Luck from North Dakota and Sportsters Rule!!

[Crusty]

Good Luck From Cincinnati!