Ironbutt Rally 2017

[Biggles]

Every "odd" year in mid-summer the Ironbutt Association run their Rally.  Its basic premise is that riders will cover around 1000 miles (1610 km) per day for 11 days!  They launched today (their Monday). You can follow it on the IBA website.  http://ironbutt.com/2017ibr.cfm
This year there are four Australians competing, including one woman, Margaret Peart whom I had the honour of meeting during the IBA Oz Renmark Muster. 
There are six ST1300s (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009PA and 2010 models) and one 1996 ST1100.  The largest contingent is BMWs with a good number of FJR1300s.
I'll be following it closely, knowing the Aussie competitors from FarRides.  You can follow it yourself- the SPOT link is on the page and you don't need anyone to help you see that.  The identity of the Spots is anonymous to prevent outside help being given to competitors.

[Biggles]

The results are in.  Four Ozzies are among the amazing finishers.

Regarding bike types, the five ST1300s all finished.  They placed 22, 30, 37, 68 and 72.
The one ST1100 came in 32nd.

Of those that didn't finish, six were BMW 1200s of various models and three 1600s.  The remainder were various, but included four FJR1300s.
Their failure to finish was not always the bike's fault- often it was a physical limitation of the rider or circumstances, but there were plenty of bike glitches in the mix.  Mind you, there are very few more testing regimes on rider and machine, than the Ironbutt Rally.

[StinkyPete]

Just to be a finisher is a remarkable achievement for body and mind, and I am in awe of these riders.

[Gadget]

 wow

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