They have mileage. They call themselves the Iron Butt Association. Nextmonth they will ride 1,000 kilometres each to help the Chernobyl Children's Project. John Wheeler reports
Ireland has the most active long distance riding community outside North America. The Iron Butt Association was founded in the US in the 1970s to authenticate long-distance motorcycle rides. Initially the criterion was 1,000 miles in 24 hours - the "Saddlesore 1,000". Since then other tests of endurance have been introduced.
In June 2000, under the auspices of the Roadrunner 1000 MCC, now the Iron Butt Association of Ireland, the first Iron Butt event took place in Ireland. Because of the difference between North American and Irish roads, a special, uniquely Irish award was introduced - the "Saddlesore Lite" for 1,000 kilometres in 24 hours. A similar event was held in June 2001.
So far 100 riders, mostly Irish but with some from Britain, Europe and the US, have achieved 1,000 miles in 24 hours, with a further 25 doing 1,000 kilometres in Ireland. Far from being a race, these events are the ultimate test of man and machine. There is a very strong emphasis on safe riding, with severe penalties for excessive speed, finishing too early, or too late, as well as bonus points for taking proper rest breaks. The riders' physical and mental preparedness and fitness are all important, coupled with accurate navigation and a steady, consistent and, above all, safe pace are vital.
In order to solve the elusive equation of time, speed and distance the secret is to "go slow, to go the distance". Those who set off at too fast a pace find they have become burnt out in the first few hours, while the steadier paced riders end up doing the distance and feeling they could do more.
There is a wide choice of routes between a dozen or more checkpoints throughout Ireland, with additional points gained for visiting optional bonus locations, such as photographing your bike alongside the statue of W B Yeats in Sligo Town. The right route choice, careful planning, time-management and well-managed fuel and food stops are far more important than pure speed.
Those who have taken part in these Iron Butt events have ranged in age from 16 to 66 years of age, from all walks of life and riding machines of every type and size. Machine size is relatively unimportant; the rider's skill, fitness and determination counting for far more.
Each event is run in aid of a specific charity: in 2000 over €20,000 was raised for the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and in 2001 €23,000 was raised for The Childrens Hospital Temple Street.
This year's event, from June 20th to 22nd, starts out from Banagher, Co Offaly. It's in aid of the Chernobyl Childrens Project. The aim is to raise €20,000 to purchase an ambulance for use in the Chernobyl region.
There are still places left for more entrants for this year's event. Riders interested in taking part in this event, described as "the Everest of motorcycling" can find out more at www.rr1000mcc or by calling 086 813 9033.