The Iron Butt Association National Park Tour

Being a part of the Long Island BMW Riders Club (LIBMWRC) for 10 years opened my eyes to the world of riding possibilities and gave me the confidence to explore on my own. My interest in long distance motorcycling was ignited by fellow club member JZ and his epic tales of long distance rides by Mike Kneebone, Dave McSweeney and of course his own escapades. I learned about the IBA from him.

For me, motorcycling is, and has been, relegated to Sundays due to work and family taking up the majority of my time. The idea of traveling a long distance in a short amount of time was an ideal fit for my busy schedule. The Iron Butt Association (IBA) is a long-distance motorcycle Association dedicated to safe, long-distance, endurance riding. One ride to gain membership into the IBA is 1000 miles in 24 hours. I decided to attempt that ride six years ago. On March 9, 2012, on a 2004 K12GT, I left NY at 6am and returned home by midnight – 1014 miles in 18 hours (love the K-bike). I successfully completed the ride. IBA has specific rules and paperwork that can be found on their website. You document the ride with witnesses at the start and finish. Gas receipts record time stamps along the route.

Cowpens NB, South Carolina

As a member of the IBA, I enjoy reading articles about long distance motorcycling. In one particular issue, the writer discussed the IBA’s National Parks Tour “Master Traveler” award. He touted the fact that it was a fun way to mix riding with history. An additional benefit was supporting the National Parks. This trifecta appealed to me. Research over the next couple of weeks showed it was possible to do day trips for the majority of the Parks. I was hooked. I purchased my National Parks Passport at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay on January 31 and got my first stamp. Nine months later, I completed my quest. The constant planning was so much fun and quite addictive – I was obsessed. I visited 69 parks in 25 states totaling 9004 miles. And had a smashing great time! The rules for certification are really simple (see their site for full details www.ironbutt.com/rides/npt.htm ):

Visit at least 50 National Parks listed in the Passport book in at least 25 states within 1 year. You can start and finish any time you like.
At each National Park you must stop by the Visitor’s Center and stamp your passport.

What’s my next adventure? There are two I’m hoping to complete. The IBA’s 50cc ride – cross the United States from coast to coast in 50 hours or less. For several years, I have discussed this and made plans to go.

Stones River NB, Tennessee

However, every year, work and/or other responsibilities have kept me from attempting this quest. One of our ex-members (Oliver on a K1600) completed this ride.

The Southern California Motorcycle Association has some cool rides. One that calls me is the SCMA’s Four Corners Tour – you have 21 days (or less) to ride to these four corner cities of the United States: San Ysidro, CA; Blaine, WA; Madawaska, ME; and Key West, FL. You can start at any corner and use any route. You do not have to return to the first corner to finish the event.

I have enjoyed my long-distance adventures so far. And if and when the time is right, the 50cc and the Four Corners Tour will happen. All of us have a bucket list. What’s on yours?

Below is the map of the National Parks. I visited the Parks highlighted in yellow. The states I visited are highlighted in red.