Almost 2 years have passed since I did my first Iron Butt ride, and it's been a busy two years! From time to time I've thought about doing another ride, always thinking I'd like to try a tougher ride. The SaddleSore 1600k isn't totally easy, but I never felt like I really got tested while doing that ride. There was plenty of extra time to allow for delays, and it's short enough where one can do it in one shot. I've had the desire for a major challenge, so I know a little better what the hardcore endurance riders go through. Enter the SaddleSore 3000k. There's two options for that ride, do the regular one in less than 48 hours, or do the Gold ride in less than 36. Those who know me personally know it was an easy choice to pick the tougher ride.
A couple weeks ago I looked at this weekend as the one that I'd take my shot at this challenge, and as the weekend drew near I decided it was a go. The weather looked really good everywhere on my route and I was feeling up to it physically.
My first mistake on this ride came before ever starting it. I spent three hours in the morning taking care of a few things at home, which I regretted as the day wore on because that extra time would have helped. About 10:15am I was at the gas station, where Leona and my folks met me. We chatted a little, my dad prayed, and then we said our goodbyes. Once that starting receipt was in my hand it was go time!
The first 940km or so went by quickly, and that put me in Lloydminster. I stopped there for about half an hour to sit down and eat bacon & eggs at Denny's. It felt great to eat some real food for the first time that day. It was a little after 8pm by the time I had the bike fuelled up and rolling. The temperature dropped just as rapidly as the sun did between Lloydminster and Battleford. It wasn't as warm further south than it was at home either. I got my chaps, jacket, and gloves on in Battleford to stay warm. It was totally dark by the time I started south for Swift Current on highway 4.
I've never done a whole lot of night riding, mostly because I enjoy seeing the scenery and that's hard to do in the dark. There's also a lot more risk, and that had me a little nervous. I prayed a few times throughout the night, asking God for safety, and was able to enjoy the dark ride. Twice I saw a fox running down the shoulder of the road, and another one that had it's run ended by a vehicle. It didn't feel like over 300km from Battleford to Swift Current, time passed quickly. I still felt great, so after a coffee and a granola bar, I was back on the highway headed west.
The moon was at my back, but it wasn't very bright, often obscured by clouds. There were so many falling stars that I lost count. It was a beautiful night, though it got quite cold west of Swift Current. The earbuds really were hurting my ears, so I put them away and instead sang to myself (it sounded so good that I'm considering a career in music). Traffic west bound was almost non-existent, but east bound was quite busy. Most of the deer I saw this night were off the road, but there were a few dead ones on the road. One had gotten busted up pretty bad, enough to leave a few pieces laying on the road. I road right between the parts of that fresh kill.
In hindsight Medicine Hat was where I should have stopped for a short rest, but still feeling ok I decided to keep going. I was still on a good pace there, just over 17 hours and 1,621km done. Between Medicine Hat and Brooks that was a big accident that was being cleaned up, it didn't look good but hopefully the people made it out alive.
Passing by Brooks I had the feeling it was time to stop, but again I kept going. A little over an hour later I realized that I had hit my limit and it was time to take a nap. The first hotel in Strathmore was the Days Inn, and there I checked in for a short sleep. I laid down around 6:30am and passed out almost immediately. The first leg of the ride was 19 hours and 37 minutes, covering 1,869km. I awoke at 9:20am and by 9:55 I had a full tank of gas and was rolling. The break was a little longer than I had bargained for, with checking in and getting ready it was almost 4 hours.
The second leg of this ride really put me to the test, and where I had to reach way down to find the energy to continue. I wasn't tired, but my body was starting to hurt after so much time sitting on the bike. There were many times where I was close to stopping for another rest and just completing the ride in under 48 hours. Something in me said it had to be the Gold ride, so I kept riding despite the desire to give up so I could find temporary comfort.
A big accident on the Deuce north of Red Deer cost me quite a bit of time, and the construction on highway 43 also cost me precious time. All day I did math in my head, knowing I had around 1,200km to ride in 12.5 hours to make the deadline. It was discouraging to see any time I'd gain disappear because of things out of my control. There was no time to sit down for a meal, or get any proper rest. Just grab a few handfuls of peanuts, drink some water, and the go until the next fuel stop.
Between Valleyview and Peace River I stopped to pee, and noticed something odd on the back tire. Turns out there was a screw in it, which was quite a cause for concern. Not knowing what would happen if I touched it, I left it in and kept riding. Just after turning onto the Mackenzie Highway west of Peace River I called my wife. It looked like time was running out, I was exhausted, and the screw in my tire stressful. She encouraged me to keep riding, and it certainly helped to hear her cheer me on.
There was very little on my body that wasn't sore or aching, and mentally it was a challenge to not give in to the voices telling me to stop. After the fuel stop in Manning I realized that if I could just stay on the bike without stopping, there was a solid chance that I could still get back in time. The adrenaline obviously kicked in because some of the pain disappeared and I put together one of the most efficient stretches of the ride.
I have to mention again that the IBA does not condone excessive speeding or reckless riding of any kind. This kind of ride is all about keeping stops short and efficient, and spend the most possible time in the seat. Having a wife at home who was worrying a little also helped me to recognize my limits, and there's no reason to ride at all if one doesn't try to live to ride another day. (I just felt the need to add this so you readers don't think I'm some idiot tearing down the road at 140km/h, who's too tired to know what's going on.)
Leona met me a little south of High Level, and though we didn't stop to talk, it was a great motivator to keep going. Having her behind me for the last 150km or so was awesome, especially because I knew at any time the screw could come out of the tire and end the ride. We had a little chat while I got gas in High Level, and then it was time for the final stretch.
Pulling into La Crete, knowing that I had made the deadline, and that the tire held up was amazing! God is faithful, as I prayed a few times for things to work out, and they did. I got my end receipt for the ride with 19 minutes to spare. 35 hours and 41 minutes to ride 3,126km (3,046 according to Google Maps). It felt great to share the moment with Leona and my folks, but the moment the ride was complete I could feel my body saying it was done.
If I'm going to do more of these rides, there's a number of things that have to change on the bike. I need to do something about the handlebars, they're a little too low and far forward. The seat certainly needs to be upgraded, and there needs to be a total overhaul on the lighting on the front of the bike. Being in better physical shape would also do wonders for long rides.
Eugene Wiebe
IBA #61,768
SS1600K
SS3000k Gold (pending approval)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Phillipians 4:6-7 NKJV
There's the start receipt with the odometer at 76,828km
