How to Dominate the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000

Wondering how to complete the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000?

We absolutely dominated the Iron Butt SaddleSore!

Last fall, we held a rally for small motorcycles. Thirteen riders joined us to successfully complete this challenge.

Not only did we ride over 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours, we did it on motorcycles that were 125cc or less.

And let me tell you, if I can finish this challenge on a motorcycle that only goes 50-60mph, you can absolutely do it on your bike, too.

If you’re a motorcyclist who enjoys traveling long distances, then you’ve probably considered riding the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000.

It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding rides out there, and it’s not for the faint of heart.

The SaddleSore 1000 requires riders to cover 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours.

While this may seem like an impossible feat for some, with a little bit of planning, preparation, and some knowledge about what to expect, you can easily dominate this ride.

On the Fall Equinox, our group, the Disorderly Drifters, successfully completed the SaddleSore 1000 on 125cc Honda Monkey Motorcycles!

Let me tell you, if we could dominate this challenge by keeping up speed on our tiny bikes, you can do it, too.

In this blog post, we will outline some tips and tricks to help you conquer the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000.

Let’s get started!

What is the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000?

The Iron Butt Association (IBA) offers some of the most fun long-distance riding challenges in the world.

The SaddleSore 1000 is a motorcycle endurance event that challenges riders to complete a 1,000-mile journey in less than 24 hours.

The Iron Butt Association, which sponsors the event, has strict guidelines that riders must follow in order to qualify for the ride.

However, there are a few key strategies that can help riders successfully complete the challenge:

• First, it is important to choose a route that is relatively flat and has good access to fuel stops.

• Second, riders should plan their rest stops carefully, making sure that they get enough rest to stay safe and alert for the duration of the ride.

• Finally, it is very important to maintain a steady pace throughout the journey, as speeding up and slowing down will only add to the overall time. Also, the ride needs to be documented in a specific manner to qualify. 

Riders that complete the trip earn a certificate, patch, and pin; and get added to the growing list of certified Iron Butt Association members.

But of course, most importantly, you get bragging rights as an official long-distance motorcycle-riding badass.

The Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 is sponsored by the Iron Butt Association. The IBA hosted its first rally in 1984 with ten riders.

From there, the group steadily grew to over 79,000 proud members. The group offers certification for a wide range of long-distance motorcycle rides. 

The Iron Butt Association also hosts the Iron Butt Rally. This motorcycle rally occurs in odd-numbered years and lasts 11 days.

During the rally, the most extreme riders accumulate over 11,000 miles in 11 days.

How Far Can You Ride on a Motorcycle in a Day?

According to Guinness, Carl Resse completed a 2,116.5-mile motorcycle ride in 2017. This is an incredible feat of endurance that few riders will ever match.

Luckily the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 is only 1,000 miles.

While there is no “one” answer to the question of how far you can ride in a day, it is important to consider both the physical and mental challenges of long-distance riding.

How far you can really ride in a day all depends on a number of factors, including the weather, the terrain, and your own physical conditioning.

If you’re traveling in good weather on flat terrain, and are reasonably healthy, you can cover a lot more miles in one day.

However, if you’re traveling in crappy weather or mountainous terrain, it will limit the distance you can cover on your motorcycle in one day.

And of course, if you’re not used to spending long hours in the saddle, you’ll need to take more breaks along the way.

You don’t need a big bike, fast speeds, or even a ton of experience to accomplish riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours.

Our group, the Disorderly Drifters completed the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 on 125cc Honda Monkey Bikes! These bikes don’t have much power but were more than enough to conquer the challenge.

Attempting a 1,000-mile motorcycle ride is no easy task, though, and you need to prepare for the ride.

Let’s go over some numbers before we plan a ride.

How Long Does It Take to Ride a Motorcycle 1,000 Miles?

If you plan your trip accordingly, a 1,000-mile motorcycle ride should take less than 24 hours. Many experienced riders can finish a SaddleSore 1000 in 18 to 20 hours, including all stops. 

For example, even though our 125cc Honda Monkey motorcycles can’t reach the same speeds as bigger bikes, we can cruise along at 50 to 60 mph comfortably.

Even at 50 mph, a 125cc bike can complete the trip with 20 hours of on-road time. This gives you 4 hours to break, get gas, and eat. 

Average Motorcycle Speed to Ride 1,000 Miles in 24 Hours

SaddleSore experts suggest planning for 20 minutes of break time per hour during an attempt.

This means riders have 40 minutes on the road per hour. Over 24 hours, this equals 960 minutes on the road.

If you use every minute of on-road time, you have to travel approximately 42 MPH to complete 1,000 miles in 24 hours.

This figure also includes all the break times noted above, so you should have plenty of time to complete the trip even at slower speeds. 

As you can see, even riders on small 125cc bikes should have no problem completing a SaddleSore 1000 with time to spare. 

How to Qualify for an Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 Certification

Following the below guidelines ensures that you will receive a SaddleSore certification.

If you follow the guidelines and submit the correct paperwork, you can earn an Iron Butt Association patch, a license plate back, and a certificate of completion. 

Step 1: Plan a Safe Route

The first step of any attempt is to plan your route. The rider needs to plan a route that covers a minimum distance of 1,000 miles in 24 hours or less. T

he main focus here is to plan a safe, long-distance motorcycle ride.

A maximum distance of 1,800 miles in 24 hours is set by the Iron Butt Association. This prevents riders from speeding and turning their attempt into a race.

Most riders can complete 1,000 miles in 18 to 20 hours with no need whatsoever for speeding. 

Stops and breaks count towards the 24-hour time limit. This means you need to plan for every food and gas break during the ride.

A good rule of thumb is to allot 20 minutes of break time for every 1 hour on bike time.

The easiest way to find a route is to use Google Maps. Simply put your starting location into the route planner and start looking for cool and interesting routes.

You can easily add stops, adjust the route and plan the route for points of interest. 

Using Google Maps for your route also ensures accuracy. Motorcycle odometers are often unreliable unless calibrated correctly.

My advice is to never rely on your motorcycle odometer.

Google Maps shows how many miles and how long it should take to complete the journey.

Be advised the time they show is without stops and does not account for traffic. You need to account for all stopped times during the 24-hour time limit.

Many riders will plan a 500-mile route and a 500-mile return trip. If you do plan a turnaround trip, you need to prove you made it to the turnaround location.

Once you reach your 500-mile destination, you need to stop and get a dated receipt to prove you reached the location.

Best Routes for the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000

The best routes for the Iron Butt SaddleSore are safe routes. Routes that use the U.S. interstate system let riders drive at good speeds and stay safe.

They also reduce the chance of getting stuck in heavy traffic. 

You’ll also want to scan the route for places to stop. Taking time to refuel your bike and body is essential to complete the ride.

If you don’t plan for these stops you could end up stranded, hungry, or exhausted.  

Are you looking for some inspiration for your route plan? Here are a few US routes that you can follow. 

• Upstate New York Loop – 1,091 miles 
• Florida State Loop – 1,084 miles
• U.S. Desert Route (Las Vegas to Albuquerque and back) – 1,152 miles
• Midwest Tour that avoids Highways for smaller bikes – 1,022 miles

Step 2: Requirements for Documenting Your Ride

The Iron Butt Association does not require any riders attempting the SaddleSore 100 to pre-register their ride.

During an attempt, the rider needs to fully document the ride to prove they completed 1,000 miles. 

Keep and Take Photos of Your Fuel Receipts

Riders need to keep all their receipts during the ride. The ride starts from your first location, where you get a computer-generated receipt.

The receipt needs to show the timestamp and location.

Gas receipts are the best option since you’ll want to start the attempt with a full tank of gas. 

Along the ride, you’ll also need receipts for any major turns or corners along the trip. These receipts prove you did not take shortcuts during the ride.

To properly document the receipt, you need to take a photo of the receipt next to the odometer of your bike. The odometer reading and receipt need to be visible to qualify for certification.

Luckily, most cellphone cameras can produce high-resolution images that work great. No need to pack a fancy camera.

Riders need to submit every fuel receipt as well. You should number each receipt when you receive them to make organizing and logging the route easier. 

We securely zip-tied sturdy hip packs to the front of our bikes in between our handlebars. It was SO handy and worked amazingly to stash items we needed to get out quickly.

Looking to save some money? Here is a great budget option for a hip pack:

It is a little smaller and includes a zippered pocket. Your preference will most likely depend on the size, quality, and how much use you plan to get out of it.

These little hip packs were so lightweight and perfect for the storage of important items on our motorcycles.

I kept all of my numbered receipts and documentation in the zippered pocket of my hip pack to stay organized during our Iron Butt ride.

Logging Your Stops

Riders also need to log all their stops and fuel stops. This log provides a summary of your ride for the Iron Butt Association to review.

This travel log from the IBA website makes it easy to track every stop during your trip.

The log should include entries for every gas stop. Each log point needs to include the date, time, time zone, location, and odometer reading.

When possible, each stop should have a receipt. If you stop at a rest area, you won’t get a receipt, but you still need to log the stop.

Once you complete your ride, you’ll need one final computer-printed receipt showing the time, date, and location of your destination. 

Alternate Witness Method

If you don’t want to take photos at every stop, the Iron Butt Association offers the alternate witness method of verification. 

You can have an outside party witness the start and end of your ride. The witness can be anyone from a friend to a gas station attendant.

Passengers or other riders are not eligible to witness the attempt. 

If you plan on using the alternate witness method, you will still need to keep a log and all your receipts. 

Keep in mind the Iron Butt Association may contact your witness to audit your ride. It is a good idea to let your witness know they may be contacted and make sure you have up-to-date contact information for them.

Also, make sure they are okay with being contacted.

Step 3: Correctly Submitting Your Documentation

Congratulations, you finally completed your ride. What’s next?

You’ll need to submit all your documentation, photos, logs, and more to prove you finished the SaddleSore 1000. 

• A map that shows the route you traveled. A printout of Google Maps is fine. 
• Copies of all your numbered receipts.
• Copies of odometer and receipt photos.
• A copy of your travel log.

Keep your original receipts and documents. Rather than sending the originals, you should make a copy of all the receipts and documents and send in the copies.

How Do You Get the Iron Butt Patch?

The ultimate question is: how do you get the sought-after Iron Butt Patch that you must actually earn to receive?

Once all your data is ready, you can submit the information online or through the mail. You can find the IBA online application here.

There is a fee to submit your documents. Successful riders can pay $45 for their certificate. The IBA also offers a full package for $54 that includes the certificate, a patch, a pin, and an IBA plate back. 

If you are old school and would rather use regular mail, you can send your application to: Iron Butt Association, P.O Box 540009, Merritt Island, FL 32954-0009 USA. 

How to Prepare & Train for a 1,000-Mile Motorcycle Ride

Preparation is key if you want to complete the SaddleSore 1000. Before attempting the trip you’ll need to maintain your motorcycle and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You’ll also need to know what to pack for the ride. Below are a few suggestions on how to prepare and train for a 1,000-mile motorcycle ride. 

What To Bring

You should always prepare for any type of weather or situation when planning a long-distance motorcycle trip to make sure you have the right gear.

Check your motorcycle gift wishlist and make some of these additions.

Here is a list of items to consider when preparing for the Iron Butt Ride.

Motorcycle Gear and Clothing

Gearing up is part of the fun of owning a motorcycle. If you’re planning to attempt an Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000, you’ll need to have plenty of gear.

From protective gear to extra underwear, here’s what you’ll need for the ride.

• Helmet
• Motorcycle jacket and pants
• Protective gloves
• Motorcycle boots
• Neck tube or bandana
• Riding socks
• Motorcycle rain gear.
• Sunglasses if you don’t have a full-visor helmet.

You can get great deals on all of the motorcycle gear you need to fit your preferences → HERE.

Don’t forget to pack other essentials like a lightweight jacket, pants, shorts, t-shirts, and underwear. A pair of sandals or sneakers give your feet some breathing room during rest breaks. 

Sometimes Under Armor or thermals won’t keep you warm enough on the open road. If it’s going to be extremely cold, you can use a heated electric vest to keep you warm on chilly rides as well. 

Riders should also pack chain lube, extra oil, tire gauge, tire repair kit, and small toolkits for emergencies. 

Health and Wellness Gear 

You’ll want to stay healthy while on the trip as well. 

• Sunblock is essential to avoid sunburn.
• OTC pain medications relieve motorcycle riding pain.
• Pack a med kit in case of injury during the trip. 
• Healthy snacks
• Earplugs
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Don’t forget to bring any prescribed medications you need

Electronics 

You’ll want to remember and document your trip. Your smartphone works perfectly for most pictures, and documentation you need.

However, if you want, bringing along more advanced gear can show off how awesome your trip was. 

Motorcycle helmet cameras are lightweight and work great for documenting a long-distance ride.

• Bring a smartphone for selfies and documenting your trip.
• DSLR or point-and-shoot cameras work great for beautiful vistas and views- but may not be the best to drag around when trying to complete 1,000 miles under 24 hours.
• GoPro cameras are great for action videos and can also serve as proof during an accident. These are also lightweight and won’t weigh you down on your ride.
• A travel tripod or GoPro mount lets you get hands-free photos and video. 
• Bring a laptop or tablet to make logging your trip easier… If these are too much to carry, your smartphone will work great too.
• Don’t forget to bring chargers and USB adapters for all your electronics.
• GPS tracking devices let you share your location and work in areas with poor cellular reception.
• A motorcycle dash cam lets you document your ride in case of accidents or police interference. 

If you want to keep it simple, (and trust me, you do), I strongly recommend you bring along your smartphone and get yourself a GoPro.

GoPro Cameras can help you document your trip with video and photos.

They can be easily mounted to your bike, helmet, or body and are super lightweight, sturdy, and trustworthy.

I always say, work smarter, not harder. These little action cameras are the absolute best for capturing memories and accurately documenting everything you need.

Click → HERE for the most powerful, best image and video quality GoPro Bundle.

If you are on a budget for cameras, you don’t need the most powerful GoPro, and can save some money by grabbing yourself an older (but still fantastic) version:

For easy mounting to your bike or helmet, → HERE is the best-priced pack of mounting options for your GoPro that I have found. We each purchased one of these and it made mounting our cameras so easy.

A travel kit for your GoPro is also a good idea to look into. → THIS is my favorite GoPro travel kit because it honestly includes everything you need in the form of a small extension pole and tripod.

It also includes a magnetic swivel clip to attach your camera to your gear. The travel kit is great for riding, backpacking, and general exploration gallivanting.

Preparing Your Bike

Long rides are much safer on a properly maintained bike. 

You should plan your trip for months. Inspect your tires, chain, brakes, lights, seat, and more before the trip. If you do need repairs, you should complete them months before the trip. 

While it might sound like a good idea to upgrade parts of your motorcycle before a trip, you should avoid any major upgrades in the weeks before a long trip.

For example, you need time to adjust to a new seat or handlebar. Installing these items right before a trip can cause stress or force you to strain while riding. 

Don’t forget to get an oil change and replenish your bike’s fluids before a trip.

Preparing Yourself

A 1,000-mile motorcycle ride is hard on your body. Don’t underestimate the effect a long ride has on your body.

If you’ve never completed more than 300 miles before, you should start preparation by attempting 500 miles rides. After several attempts, your body will be ready for longer trips. 

How to Physically Prepare

If you are fit and healthy, you’ll have a much easier and more enjoyable ride. You’ll need strength and endurance to succeed at the SaddleSore 1000. 

For endurance, bicycling is a great way to improve your cardiovascular activity. Biking also improves leg and core strength.

This means you’ll have less stress and pain while riding longer distances. If you don’t have a bike, jogging or walking is a good way to improve endurance as well. 

Core and upper body strength are essential for long rides. Your back and shoulders will be under constant strain during the SaddleSore 1000.

Pushups and pullups are quick and easy ways to increase upper body and core strength without having to head to the gym. 

Of course, a healthy diet is the best way to improve your overall health. Diets that focus on fruits, vegetables, and protein give your body the energy it needs to stay healthy and endure longer periods of stress. Avoid foods that are high in sugar.

How to Mentally Prepare

Your mental state is equally important on a long motorcycle ride. You want to stay sharp and mindful on the SaddleSore 1000. Here are some of the best ways to mentally prepare for the trip.

Getting enough sleep is vital for mental health. While preparing for your trip, you should aim for at least 7 hours of good quality sleep per night.

Riders should adjust their sleep schedule as well. For example, if you normally wake up at 8 am every day but are preparing for a 6 am road trip, you should start going to bed earlier.

Starting a meditation practice can do wonders for your mental health. You can find simple meditation apps for your smartphone that help beginners learn how to meditate.

This can help you envision the ride and prepare for any stressful encounters along the way. 

Staying Safe During Long-Distance Rides

Safety should be your number one concern during your SaddleSore 1000 attempt.

If you’re tired or you experience extreme weather it might be best to cancel the ride. Here are some tips that will help you stay safe during the challenge.

• If it gets cold at night, you should always pack thermals or a heavy jacket to protect yourself.
• Put your rain gear on before it starts raining.
• Stay hydrated. Riders should carry at least ½ gallon of water.
• Avoid energy drinks, caffeine, and stimulants that cause you to crash. 
• Don’t speed. It wastes gas, is dangerous, and you might end up in trouble with the law. 
• Slow down if there is fog or reduced visibility.

How to Deal with Pain and Fatigue During the Ride

There is a reason this adventure is called the “SaddleSore”. No matter how much you train for the trip, pain and fatigue can set in.

You don’t have to let your body aches and pains ruin the trip. Here are some of the best ways to deal with pain and fatigue during the IBA Saddlesore 1000.

Knowing when to stop and take a break is one of the most important skills you’ll need on your trip. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should take a break as soon as possible. 

• Having problems maintaining speed is a sign you are tired.
• Forgetting to turn off your high beams or use your turn signals.
• Riding in and out of your lane accidentally.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• If you are nodding your head, you need to rest immediately.

Riders that understand their limits have the best chance of completing a SaddleSore 1000. If you’re tired or feel any type of stress, it’s time to stop and rest.

While stopped, you can perform simple exercises to get your blood pumping. Jumping jacks, squats and pushups will quickly wake you up. Stretching or a quick yoga session will do wonders for any pain or aches as well. 

During breaks, you should always eat healthy foods. Avoid eating at fast food rest stops as much as possible. Also, you should not overeat. Eating too much can tire you out. 

Even with a full-face motorcycle helmet, it’s loud out on the road. Loud noises and wind can damage your ears. This can cause fatigue, headaches, and permanent hearing loss.

Be sure to get yourself a helmet made to block out wind noise. And don’t forget to pack and use earplugs while on any long trip. 

Poor visibility is not just dangerous, it can also cause fatigue. Before a long ride, eyeglass or contact users should get an eye exam and upgrade their prescription if required.

This will make you safer on the ride and reduce any vision-related headaches and fatigue. 

Post-Ride Recovery Tips

No matter how healthy you are, riding 1,000 miles will take a toll on your body. You might want to celebrate after completing the trip, but you should take time to relax and unwind instead of celebrating. 

A good night’s sleep should be your number one priority after any long motorcycle ride. You’ve been awake for over 24 hours, and your body needs sleep. Don’t hesitate to close the curtains and hit the sack. Your body will appreciate it. 

We gave ourselves a good 24 hours of rest before our rewards ceremony and the celebration the next night after our ride.

Your body might be sore and stiff for days after the ride. Stretching a few times a day will do wonders for your joints and muscles. 

Hopefully, you already started a healthy diet to prepare for the ride. If so, you should stick to the diet afterward to reduce fatigue and help your body recover quickly. 

Tips For Successfully Completing the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000

Are you still not sure how to complete the SaddleSore 1000? Here are a few more tips that will make riding 1,000 miles easier and safer.

Don’t Waste Time At the Start

Always be prepared before you leave. Don’t waste time the day of your trip running around buying gear, tools, or snacks.

You should have everything you need before the day of the trip. Fill out your checklist and pack the night before you plan to leave instead of right before the trip.   

It Gets Cold At Night

No matter how hot the daytime is, riding at night can be frigid. You should always prepare for extreme temperature changes during nightfall.

Thermals, Under Armor, and heated vests protect you and keep you warm and healthy during your ride. 

Don’t Run out Of Gas

Running out of gas will ruin your attempt. Riders need to pay attention to their gas tank and always fill it up before they need more gas. 

Prepared riders will plan every fuel stop so they know exactly how far they can go in between each stop. Still, you need to prepare for odd situations. What if the gas station you planned for is closed? 

I recommend carrying extra gas with you on your bike just in case you need it.

We carried along the same MSR fuel tanks that we use for our camping stove when we stop to motorcycle camp. They are small, carry enough fuel, and are easy to strap on for the ride.

Avoid Boredom During the Ride

Boring trips can cause drowsiness. The best way to avoid boredom is to plan a trip that interests you. Not everyone is the same type of rider.

If you enjoy carving through canyons or up mountain peaks, you shouldn’t plan a long straight trip on a highway. 

Music and podcasts can also be a quick solution to boredom. You should keep the volume at appropriate levels to ensure your safety while riding. 

We all installed Cardo PACKTALK Bold Bluetooth communication systems into our helmets which made it super easy for us to talk to each other, listen to our own music streamed from our phones, or the radio, or even call someone from home to chat to keep our minds sharp.

Towing Services Can Save Your Life

If your insurance company does not provide towing, you should join a towing service. AAA, AMA, MTS, and CrossCountry Motor club offer affordable plans that can save you if you break down or get in an accident. 

Hydrate

Staying hydrated is essential for your health while on your journey. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, it’s always time to hydrate. Water is the best option and you should avoid drinking energy drinks or anything with caffeine in it. 

You may think that you should avoid drinking too much water in order to avoid having to stop to use the bathroom. However, this is counter-productive because:

Dehydration makes you tired! It fatigues both your mind and body. You need to be as alert and on point as possible during this ride.

Professional endurance riders carry at least one-half gallon of water with them on any long-distance ride. I strongly recommend carrying a camelback with you. It is lightweight, durable, and can hold quite a bit of water.

Always Ride Safe and Stay Aware

Riding any sized motorcycle is always dangerous and one wrong move can be fatal. Riders need to stay focused and watch out for any dangers while riding. 

Whether you have poor visibility due to weather or poor road conditions, it’s always better to slow down and prepare than speed through dangerous areas. 

Keep Your Family/Friends Updated Before and During Your Trip

Before you leave, you should leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family. You should also let them know when you’re leaving and when to expect you home. 

For more advanced trip tracking, you can install a motorcycle tracking device. Your friends and family can monitor the trip and ensure your safety.

A tracker also helps you document the ride. It’s also one of the easiest ways for emergency services or roadside assistance to locate your motorcycle. 

Don’t Stress If You Can’t Complete The Trip

Your safety is the top priority during the SaddleSore 1000. Don’t worry if you need to stop and cancel the trip. Whether you are too tired or have mechanical issues, there’s always another day. 

Chalk the failed attempt as a learning experience, and you’ll be better prepared for your next attempt. 

Our Story: Disorderly Drifters Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000

Four of us Disorderly Drifters (Travis, Colter, Austen, and Courtney) conquered an Iron Butt Saddlesore 1,000 on our Honda Monkey 125cc motorcycles.

To conquer this in less than 24 hours we had to average a little over 41mph, (including stops!), on our small bikes that typically only hit 50-55mph.

Deciding to begin at 10 pm Wednesday night, to get the darkest part of the ride out of the way while we were most alert, was probably the best plan we could have come up with.

We had 8 stops/checkpoints to refuel. Not all of our bikes could make each checkpoint before running out of fuel so we had a few extra stops to add a splash of extra fuel we carried with us.

On Mexico highways not only did we hit over 20 toll stops. But we ran into dense fog overnight slowing us down… twice. We also hit two separate rainstorms, completely soaking us.

We only had time to refuel our bodies while our bikes were being refueled, so we stuffed our faces quickly with whatever food/snacks we were able to carry on us.

Each checkpoint also gave us a few short minutes to check oil, tighten chains, and spray some chain lube onto our tired bike chains.

The sunrise gave us a renewed burst of energy. We had been riding for 9 and a half hours so far. We hit the last 100-mile stretch as night fell.

As the sun finally set completely, and the darkness washed over us like a blanket, we hit the busiest highway we have been on yet. Speeding semis passed each other around tight corners, forcing us onto the pot-holed shoulder.

We finally crossed the finish just after 9 pm Thursday after 23 straight hours of riding. This challenge is one of the most EPIC things our Disorderly group has done yet.

The Disorderly 1600km and Fall Equinox Rally

Let me tell you a story.

Travis’s football team is the Minnesota Vikings. We were riding through Central Mexico during football season and one single Sunday could not go by without us finding a local sports bar to catch the Vikings game.

While we knew we would find some well-known and off-the-beaten path hidden gems in Central Mexico. We had no idea what type of crazy shenanigans were about to happen across our paths next.

On one particular Sunday in Aguascalientes (one of our favorite places in Mexico), while Travis was locked in, watching his game, I was searching the internet for a place for us all to stay that night. I came across some cool-sounding people from Amigomoto.

This was an awesome couple, Elena and Marco, that rented out their house to long-distance bikers and also offered bike tours around the area. I gave Elena a call and agreed to meet up with them after the game.

Marco met up with us with the coolest dog EVER; Summer, riding in the sidecar.

We took a tour of their house and agreed to stay for a night or two. That first night was so kick ass. So much fun. Turns out Marco was the founder and President of the Iron Butt Association of Mexico!

The conversation turned to us attempting an Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 on our small 125cc Honda Monkey Bikes. By the end of the night, we all made a pact to dominate this challenge.

Our promised 1-2 nights of staying at their house became an actual 3 solid weeks of staying with them in their house.

Marco sent the word out to a few friends, made T-shirts, and created an actual RALLY for us. The Disorderly 1600km and Fall Equinox was born. We were to start in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

13 other riders joined us on bikes that were 125cc OR SMALLER. Two of the riders did it on 100cc motorcycles.

This was the greatest experience we had during our 3 months living and riding in Mexico.

Our route began at the Royal Enfield in Aguascalientes, you can see our more detailed route in the picture below.

We did not even get off our bikes during fuel stops, in Mexico, an attendant fuels your bike for you.

So we just stuffed our faces with the food we brought along in the small packs we carried on our bodies while the attendant fueled our bikes.

We quickly wrote down our stop number and snapped a photo of the fuel receipt next to the odometer, and we were on our way.

Our entire group is beyond grateful for everything Marco and Elena did for us in putting together this rally and inviting us into their home for almost a month!

We had such a blast and will not hesitate to visit again. I strongly recommend looking them up for any rider going through the Aguascalientes area.

Other Iron Butt Ride Certifications

After mastering 1,000 miles the IBA offers other certifications. Maybe one day you can go out and complete their 48 states in 10 days certification. 

• The Bun Burner 1500 is 1,500 miles in less than 36 hours.
• The National Park Tour Series requires you to visit 50 parks in at least 25 states.
• The Ultimate Coast-to-Coast ride takes you from Key West, FL to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

The Iron Butt Rally is for the toughest and most dedicated long-distance riders. Over 11 days, riders travel across the United States and Canada. You can win bonus points for completing tasks or reaching specific destinations during the trip. 

Entrants must be present at specific checkpoints to finish the Iron Butt Rally. Riders can gain gold, silver, and bronze achievement levels based on how many achievement points they acquired on the ride. 

To enter the Iron Butt Rally, you need to be a member of the IBA. You also need to win a lottery to enter the competition.  

Final Thoughts

Once you complete an Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000, you’ll be hooked on long-distance riding. 

I remember reading about the Iron Butt Association and thinking: “Iron Butt”?
That name is badass. I should try to get one someday.

Never in a million years did I think that day would come only a few months later… and that I would conquer the Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 on a 125cc Honda Monkey.

1,007.2 miles in 23 hours and 1 minute. This was one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I have ever done in my life!

In 23 hours I became the first woman in Mexico to complete the SaddleSore 1000 on a 125cc motorcycle or less.

Also, every person in our group became a member of the Asphalt Rats Endurance Motorcycling, Not Right Riders, earners of the IBA Fall Equinox 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours, and of course, a member of the Iron Butt Association.

You don’t need a lot of money, a big bike, a ton of experience, or even a lot of planning to do something kick-ass amazing (and slightly insane).

You just need to want to do something. And then have the courage to actually DO IT!

This life is one hell of a ride.

Keep the rubber side down my friends. ✌️
🏍💨