Iron Butt Ride Plan

I have been curious about the Iron Butt Association (IBA) since I read about it in a forum a couple of years back. It completely slipped my mind until a few months back when I read about it in Rider Chis's Iron Butt Report post. He completed the challenge and was accepted as a member of the IBA. As with everything in life the planning stage is very crucial but at the same time it can be very frustrating and time consuming as well.

There are a few ride categories and the lowest requirement is the SaddleSore challenge where one is required to ride 1600 miles (1610 km) within 24 hours. To the IBA, safety is the main priority. They also have a 'Archive of Wisdom' for those who needs some advice in planning.

I am planning to do the SaddleSore challenge. Mentioned in IBA, the best route is using the expressway as "...every hour you are on a major highway riding, you put approximately 20 minutes of "off" time in your time bank that can be used for resting. Use that time wisely as it does not come off the 24 hour clock!".

There are only five steps to qualify for the Saddle Sore ride certificate:

1. Choose a safe route.
2. Get a start point witness.
3. Collect and track receipts.
4. Get an end point witness.
5. Submit documentations to Iron Butt Association for verification.

Currently I have two tentative route planned: route 1; a mixture of highways and old trunk roads but more time on the road; & route 2; mainly riding on highways. To make sure that this challenge can be completed within the stipulated duration, I will mostly take route 2.

Route 2 breakdown:
Starting point to Bukit Kayu Hitam BHP - 2 hrs 11 mins
BHP to Juru Petron (petrol stop) - 1 hr 45 mins
Juru to R&R Sungai Perak (petrol stop) - 1 hr 45 mins
R&R Sungai Perak to R&R Ulu Bernam (petrol stop) - 1 hr 34 mins
R&R Ulu Bernam to R&R Seremban (petrol stop) - 1 hr 28 mins
R&R Seremban to R&R Pagoh (petrol stop) - 1 hr 38 mins
R&R Pagoh to Petron Skudai (petrol stop) - 1 hr 26 mins
Petron Skudai to R&R Pagoh (petrol stop) - 1 hr 18 mins
R&R Pagoh to R&R Seremban (petrol stop) - 1 hr 18 mins
R&R Seremban to R&R Rawang (petrol stop) - 1 hr 9 mins
R&R Rawang to R&R Sungai Perak (petrol stop) - 1 hr 56 mins
R&R Sungai Perak to Juru (petrol stop) - 1 hr 7 mins
Juru to finish line - 42 mins

Total: 17 hours 31 mins OTR with 1635km. Take note that these are all the petrol stops along the way and also roughly the distance before the Vulcan runs out of gas (in city riding but if in highway I guess it can go further). This is just estimated and when the journey does start, some petrol stops might be eliminated thus completing this ride earlier.

I plan to start as early as possible around 5am if possible and maybe end at about 12am the next day with all the rest stops accounted for.

There are a few essential items which is required to bring along for this trip:

1. USB phone charger
2. Phone mount
3. Chain lube
4. Tyre repair kit
5. Portable pump
6. First Aid kit
7. Folder (to keep track of all the receipts)
8. Pen and notebook
9. Phone (most important item besides the motorcycle)
10. Touch and Go card (make sure it is loaded)
11. Rain suit
12. Bluetooth head set
13. Action camera (optional)

For the time being this is just a plan and one of the items in my bucket list. There is no fix date or day as to when I will be doing this ride but when the day do come, I know that I am well prepared for the trip and I can just hit the road.

Remember to ride safe, be vigilant and keep the rubber side down