The IBR will return in 2025 with Paul Tong as the new rallymaster. The start and finish will be in Iowa. Applications are currently being taken from IBR vets and IBA Premier members but will be open to the general public shortly.
2025 IBR is ON!
- Thread starter jodog
- Start date
lddave
been there
My understanding the premier (dues paying members) are getting first shot at getting a spot. Past finishers have to wait till mid December to apply. First time I have ever seen past finishers get traded this way.
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
I am exceedingly and excitedly happy to learn this. While I'll likely never personally enter The Big Dance, the daily recaps are literary (and comedy) gold, at least most of the time.
Let the farkling, tuning, testing and prepping begin. Oh, and the praying, of course.
I can't wait, and I'm not even gonna ride in it!
Let the farkling, tuning, testing and prepping begin. Oh, and the praying, of course.
I can't wait, and I'm not even gonna ride in it!
Shuey
Site Supporter
Here we go . . . info available to date.
Reposted with IBA permission.
Shuey
Long-distance motorcycle riding is as old as the motorcycle itself. Ever
since mankind first strapped an internal combustion engine to a bicycle
frame, the thrill of the open road has captured the imagination of those
seeking adventure and challenge. George Wyman, who completed the first
transcontinental motorcycle journey in 1903, and Bessie Stringfield, who
fearlessly traversed the country alone during an era of significant social
adversity, are two pioneers whose feats carved the path for a sport and
lifestyle that has fascinated motorcycle enthusiasts for over a century.
Their legacy is embedded in the spirit of countless riders who chase the
horizon in search of records, personal achievements, and stories to be
told. This tradition of exploration and discovery is embodied in events
like the Iron Butt Rally - the ultimate test for the world's most tenacious
riders. Known as “The World’s Toughest Motorcycle Rally,” the Iron Butt
Rally participants navigate thousands of miles in just 11 days, blending
skill, stamina, and strategy to reach checkpoints scattered across the
continent. For those who dare to attempt it, the rally isn’t just a ride -
it’s a pilgrimage.
In 1984, the Iron Butt Rally came into existence and over the years became
the pinnacle of long-distance riding challenges. For over 40 years, the IBR
has been the ultimate goal of thousands of riders, yet only a fraction of
those have competed and finished. The Iron Butt Rally has brought together
many people, creating lifelong friendships, and even in some cases, saving
lives. The challenge and prestige of becoming an IBR finisher brings
purpose and enrichment to people's lives.
After conversations with Michael Kneebone, we have agreed that I will be
the Rallymaster for the 2025 Iron Butt Rally to be held June 16 - 27, 2025.
The event will begin and end in Coralville, Iowa with checkpoints TBD at
this time. If you would like to test your mettle against the best riders
in the world, please complete this application
<https://airtable.com/appv32FLTwUO7LQsv/shrpB9hBeDIdewrn1> before December
23, 2024.
Registration is only open to IBA Premier Members until December
10, 2025. Then non-Premier Members are eligible to register. If you are
not a Premier Member, and you submit your application prior to December 10,
2024, you will be asked to resubmit at the correct time. Riders will be
notified around December 30, 2024. As in the past, a lottery draw method
will be used to choose riders, with IBR veterans and Premier Members having
priority status.
The rally fee for a single rider is $2450 and an additional $450 for a
pillion. Due to the tight timeline, the first payment ($1500) will be due
by January 14, 2025, followed by the remaining balance by April 3, 2025.
The payment window will not be available until January 1st. There will be
some standard requirements as well as new ones. A rider’s personal
insurance requirements will include a $500k/$500k/$100k or $500k CSL
policy. Satellite tracker devices compatible with Spotwalla will be
required. MedJet or an acceptable equivalent will be mandatory. Helmets
will always be required, along with specific gear requirements. Fuel
capacity will remain capped at 11.5 gallons or less. Scoring will be
conducted using the new Iron Butt Rally scoring app, pioneered by LDX.
More information will be provided soon. You can expect some changes to the
Iron Butt Rally rules but you can find them here
<https://f60a2259-861b-49d1-b614-742...d/f60a22_d0194316e2ef4bf5809fdb0919c682d2.pdf>
for an overall view of the rally requirements. You can email us with questions
at any time at ironbutthq@gmail.com.
Regards,
Paul Tong
Reposted with IBA permission.
Shuey
Long-distance motorcycle riding is as old as the motorcycle itself. Ever
since mankind first strapped an internal combustion engine to a bicycle
frame, the thrill of the open road has captured the imagination of those
seeking adventure and challenge. George Wyman, who completed the first
transcontinental motorcycle journey in 1903, and Bessie Stringfield, who
fearlessly traversed the country alone during an era of significant social
adversity, are two pioneers whose feats carved the path for a sport and
lifestyle that has fascinated motorcycle enthusiasts for over a century.
Their legacy is embedded in the spirit of countless riders who chase the
horizon in search of records, personal achievements, and stories to be
told. This tradition of exploration and discovery is embodied in events
like the Iron Butt Rally - the ultimate test for the world's most tenacious
riders. Known as “The World’s Toughest Motorcycle Rally,” the Iron Butt
Rally participants navigate thousands of miles in just 11 days, blending
skill, stamina, and strategy to reach checkpoints scattered across the
continent. For those who dare to attempt it, the rally isn’t just a ride -
it’s a pilgrimage.
In 1984, the Iron Butt Rally came into existence and over the years became
the pinnacle of long-distance riding challenges. For over 40 years, the IBR
has been the ultimate goal of thousands of riders, yet only a fraction of
those have competed and finished. The Iron Butt Rally has brought together
many people, creating lifelong friendships, and even in some cases, saving
lives. The challenge and prestige of becoming an IBR finisher brings
purpose and enrichment to people's lives.
After conversations with Michael Kneebone, we have agreed that I will be
the Rallymaster for the 2025 Iron Butt Rally to be held June 16 - 27, 2025.
The event will begin and end in Coralville, Iowa with checkpoints TBD at
this time. If you would like to test your mettle against the best riders
in the world, please complete this application
<https://airtable.com/appv32FLTwUO7LQsv/shrpB9hBeDIdewrn1> before December
23, 2024.
Registration is only open to IBA Premier Members until December
10, 2025. Then non-Premier Members are eligible to register. If you are
not a Premier Member, and you submit your application prior to December 10,
2024, you will be asked to resubmit at the correct time. Riders will be
notified around December 30, 2024. As in the past, a lottery draw method
will be used to choose riders, with IBR veterans and Premier Members having
priority status.
The rally fee for a single rider is $2450 and an additional $450 for a
pillion. Due to the tight timeline, the first payment ($1500) will be due
by January 14, 2025, followed by the remaining balance by April 3, 2025.
The payment window will not be available until January 1st. There will be
some standard requirements as well as new ones. A rider’s personal
insurance requirements will include a $500k/$500k/$100k or $500k CSL
policy. Satellite tracker devices compatible with Spotwalla will be
required. MedJet or an acceptable equivalent will be mandatory. Helmets
will always be required, along with specific gear requirements. Fuel
capacity will remain capped at 11.5 gallons or less. Scoring will be
conducted using the new Iron Butt Rally scoring app, pioneered by LDX.
More information will be provided soon. You can expect some changes to the
Iron Butt Rally rules but you can find them here
<https://f60a2259-861b-49d1-b614-742...d/f60a22_d0194316e2ef4bf5809fdb0919c682d2.pdf>
for an overall view of the rally requirements. You can email us with questions
at any time at ironbutthq@gmail.com.
Regards,
Paul Tong
Here's the link to the official site where you find the daily reports, Spotwalla link etc.
Iron Butt Rally 2025
Iron Butt Rally 2025
Beyond @Jeff F's link, do we have any more info on what is happening? The spotwalla tracking? I really miss @Shuey's comments, hope he is holding up as Rally Master. That has to be an intense job - like doing the rally itself. The IBR website does not seem to be set up as much for interested viewers this year as in years past - probably due to the smaller admin staff. I really liked browsing through all the pictures posted in earlier rallies.
Location page: https://spotwalla.com/lp/8d2f-1bf7cb4-dc8a/view
IBR Public page ( daily reports): https://www.ldxrally.com/2025-iron-butt-rally
IBR Public page ( daily reports): https://www.ldxrally.com/2025-iron-butt-rally
Shuey
Site Supporter
Just checked in, been a little busy with other matters.
All-in-all, Nancy is doing a great job with daily reports. Don't know that there is anything for me to add.
Paul Tong is a genius at creating interesting and challenging rallies and this one I think will set a new standard of excellence for those that follow. I like the mandatory sleep and eating stops, but . . . keep in mind, no rider is going to get off the bike, sleep, then get back on and ride. My plan was always, stop the clock and start the rest/sleep bonus. Grab my rally info and fine tune, making changes as needed, and have everything ready to go before the rest period finished. I'd rest in whatever time remained. When the second hand ticked over to end my rest bonus time my bike was already running, I was ready to take a picture, grab a gas receipt or meet whatever the requirement was needed then be on my way.
A note and a tip on beginning and ending rest stops with a receipt requirement. I almost always went with gas receipts and you don't get a receipt until you stop pumping. So, I always filled up with less than a gallon to get a quick receipt to stop or restart the clock. Next I'd begin filling up the tank leaving enough room in the tank to add one more gallon (or less). At the end of rest bonus, completing the fuel fill-up, getting the receipt and . . . the adventure continues. The end result . . . mere seconds from receipt time to wheels rolling time.
Oh, year, one other thing. Assuming the STOP the clock receipt was a good one (date, time, location) I'd be at the same pump a few minutes early to be sure I'd have access and not worry if the receipt was going to be good or not.
Don't know I'd have many answers to questions, but ask away and if I can provide some incite I'll give it my best effort. Keep in mind that this rally is so different than the two I ran that I'll be watching and learning just like you. There are several other IBR veterans on this site whose experiences are much more recent and possibly more accurate.
Excited,
Shuey
#423
All-in-all, Nancy is doing a great job with daily reports. Don't know that there is anything for me to add.
Paul Tong is a genius at creating interesting and challenging rallies and this one I think will set a new standard of excellence for those that follow. I like the mandatory sleep and eating stops, but . . . keep in mind, no rider is going to get off the bike, sleep, then get back on and ride. My plan was always, stop the clock and start the rest/sleep bonus. Grab my rally info and fine tune, making changes as needed, and have everything ready to go before the rest period finished. I'd rest in whatever time remained. When the second hand ticked over to end my rest bonus time my bike was already running, I was ready to take a picture, grab a gas receipt or meet whatever the requirement was needed then be on my way.
A note and a tip on beginning and ending rest stops with a receipt requirement. I almost always went with gas receipts and you don't get a receipt until you stop pumping. So, I always filled up with less than a gallon to get a quick receipt to stop or restart the clock. Next I'd begin filling up the tank leaving enough room in the tank to add one more gallon (or less). At the end of rest bonus, completing the fuel fill-up, getting the receipt and . . . the adventure continues. The end result . . . mere seconds from receipt time to wheels rolling time.
Oh, year, one other thing. Assuming the STOP the clock receipt was a good one (date, time, location) I'd be at the same pump a few minutes early to be sure I'd have access and not worry if the receipt was going to be good or not.
Don't know I'd have many answers to questions, but ask away and if I can provide some incite I'll give it my best effort. Keep in mind that this rally is so different than the two I ran that I'll be watching and learning just like you. There are several other IBR veterans on this site whose experiences are much more recent and possibly more accurate.
Excited,
Shuey
#423
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I don't think Shuey is the Rally Master, although he'd be a great one. Paul Tong is Rally Master. His previous post was a copy and post of a message from Paul.
Here's something new ... Rider names show up on the public spotwalla page, found on the link I posted above.
I wonder if this is an oversight. In the past they used a rolling code so no rider could be identified to the public. Perhaps there's enough time delay they decided it didn't matter.
I wonder if this is an oversight. In the past they used a rolling code so no rider could be identified to the public. Perhaps there's enough time delay they decided it didn't matter.
The link I posted includes the spotwalla page link and daily reports with pics
Thanks. For some reason, when I go to the IBR website, there are buttons that my cursor indicates should be hyperlinks, but do nothing when I click on them.
I saw that on the IBR website, but Shuey said above in his post #4, "After conversations with Michael Kneebone, we have agreed that I will be
the Rallymaster for the 2025 Iron Butt Rally to be held June 16 - 27, 2025." Regardless, it makes no difference to me, I'm sure Shuey is heavily involved.
How often do the spotwalla beacons send in a new signal that shows up on the map? How far behind real time are the locations shown on the Spotwalla map?
While many contestants are using their own names, some are using screen names, like Han Solo, Mr. T, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter.
While many contestants are using their own names, some are using screen names, like Han Solo, Mr. T, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter.
I think they are all joke names, sir.
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Sadlsor
Site Supporter
I had s short exchange with my friend John Harrison, who is a 3-time IBR finisher, and had remained involved every year. He's served as tech inspector, points scorer, really Scribe, and more.
He told me he's not involved at all this year, and there is a "Whole new crew." Much has changed, but the IBR is still on.
And that's a good thing.
He told me he's not involved at all this year, and there is a "Whole new crew." Much has changed, but the IBR is still on.
And that's a good thing.
Shuey
Site Supporter
Two responses:
SMSW - This is Paul Tong's rally and the quote is by him about being Rallymaster from Post #4. Running an 11 day rally is WAY BEYOND my capabilities. Read the last two lines of Post #4.
tonythecarguy - Agreed, pretty obvious. I don't think Jack Reacher, Shrek, Wall-E, Harry Potter, Captain America and some others were all available to make this ride . . . then again . . . it could be really exciting at the awards banquet at the end of the rally.
Shuey
SMSW - This is Paul Tong's rally and the quote is by him about being Rallymaster from Post #4. Running an 11 day rally is WAY BEYOND my capabilities. Read the last two lines of Post #4.
tonythecarguy - Agreed, pretty obvious. I don't think Jack Reacher, Shrek, Wall-E, Harry Potter, Captain America and some others were all available to make this ride . . . then again . . . it could be really exciting at the awards banquet at the end of the rally.
Shuey
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