The SS2000 Iron Butt Ride / Recap

Well, I did it...another Iron Butt ride; the SS2000 which I just did as my birthday present.  Funny what one thinks is insane someone else finds relaxing.  Like riding a motorcycle 2000+ miles in less than 48 hours, but yes, that's what I find relaxing.  Well, except for that last 250 miles through Wyoming.

So, it was time for yet another "life" adventure; the plan this time was to go spend the night at the Grand Canyon for my birthday then watch the sunrise the next morning and head home.  I mean, who doesn't go to the Grand Canyon for a day trip?  All in all, I spent 40 hours committed to my bike minus probably 3 hours for gas stops etc which leaves about 37 hours just in the saddle!

I started off the ride here at the K99 studio's with the Good Morning Guys as my "begin ride witness" right at 5:25am and already behind schedule for a very brisk Friday morning.   I was lucky to beat all the Denver traffic but had to stop in Castle Rock to put some 6mil plastic between my pants and chaps and take the bite of the morning air off my legs.  {Man, the coffee there was the WORST ever.}

The trip through Colorado south was uneventful but upon entering New Mexico it was clear that I was going to be on my best behavior as there was a State Police or Sheriff car around every corner, literally; I lost count past 14.  One place I came across was the Vietnam Memorial on Hwy 66 outside Angel Fire New Mexico.  What a beautiful structure and a place I want to go back and visit when I'm not pushing 80mph through the state.

I arrived at the Grand Canyon and my campsite at Mathers Campground right at 10:30PM which was good considering it would be 11pm at the earliest before I even found the place.  The last leg of the day here was probably the highlight when I was almost face to face with a mountain lion just a few miles south of the southern entrance to the Grand Canyon.  When I saw it coming out of the trees to cross the road I at first though it was a dog or coyote but knew it was too big and in that next split second the beast turned to dart back in the forest when I could see for sure it was one big cat.  {The next day leaving out towards the east I saw two signs to "watch for mountain lions."}

I have slept in lot's of places all over the county in my tent, in some inclement conditions, but I honestly have to say that night at the Grand Canyon was probably the coldest night I have spent in a sleeping bag....brrrrrrrrrr!  Just for the record though...still a great nights sleep!

I was up early Saturday morning so I could get camp broken down, packed back up on my scoot and head out to find a spot to watch the sun come up.  I was very surprised but I think there were only a dozen of us in the entire park so finding some good spots was not hard to find;  It was actually harder finding someone to take my picture.  {Wish that were the same case for Zion National Park}

So it was off on the road again.  I only got in 945 miles on day one so I knew day 2 I had to make up some miles and I was behind by almost 3 hours in getting started from the previous day so it was going to be a long day.  Day 2 highlight was Zion National Park and it did not let me down.  That is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and the roads on a motorcycle rival any here in Colorado.   When I got to Zion I realized why the Grand Canyon was so empty...everyone was at Zion and those 30mph speed limit signs might as well not be there.  So, suffice it to say I lost almost an hour getting through the park and if I had not been in such a hurry I would have went back through the tunnel a couple more times.  I didn't tell you about the tunnel?  WOW...it even scared me it was so loud.  It's a very small tunnel and the way it's ribbed enhances sounds that are hard to describe but let's just say that a Harley Davidson in that tunnel is quite the experience and if you ride...this tunnel should be on your bucket list!

From Zion I had to make up time so it was West to I-15 and then blasted north through Salt Lake City before hitting Ogden and taking I-84 back to I-80 so I could relish the ride east across the entire state of Wyoming!  I can't tell you how strange it was to see the sign for "I-70/Denver" and to just scream past it.  {Did I mention speed limit is 80 in Utah and I was doing 85 in the SLOW LANE}

The entire ride up to Evanston Wyoming was fantastic; one of the best rides ever, literally!  BUT, it's Wyoming!  I had no idea they got as much snow up there in this last storm and man was it cold and windy.  I finally made it to Green River and the winds were at about 70mph with blowing snow all the way to Rawlins...then it was just the wind and brutal cold.  It blew so hard I was leaning so hard into the crosswind I thought my pipes would start sparking then a gust would literally push you across your lane, the center line and half the left lane.  This 250 miles was by far the worst I have ever done and had it been at the beginning of this ride I would have bailed and done the ride another time but when you have 1750 miles under your belt, you push on to finish!

In one ride...the best and worst of what can be thrown at you.  Though I wanted to be home by 11pm or Midnight at the latest worst case scenario, that scenario played out to a 3:30am arrival at home.   The real highlight of the trip was when I walked in my back door and saw the banner/sign that my youngest son made for me {pic included} that brought me to tears right then and there; not gonna lie!

So, would I do it again?  How about this weekend!  In all seriousness, I am planning another adventure in August I hope that will cover 10,000+ miles in only 10 days.  Details coming...