1936 EL Harley for Iron Butt Run? 1936 Harley EL Knucklehead Discuss 1936 EL Harley for Iron Butt Run? in the Harley Motorcycle 1936-1964 forums; "RUSTY" IRON BUTT CHALLANGE? Matt Olsen, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's Youth Coordinator, is planning on riding his 1936 Harley Davidson EL from South Dakota to the AMA Vintage ...

[Buzz_Kanter]

"RUSTY" IRON BUTT CHALLANGE?
Matt Olsen, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's Youth Coordinator, is planning on riding his 1936 Harley Davidson EL from South Dakota to the AMA Vintage Days to participate in the AMA's 85th anniversary parade.

The event in Lexington Ohio, takes place from July 24th through July 26th. The weekend's festivities include vintage racing, North America's largest swapmeet, bike shows, demo rides and more.

What makes Matt's trip so unusual is that he and his passenger, Mara Butler, plan on riding the 1,100 miles in 24 hours with no chase vehicle or support team. "We would love to qualify for the Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1,000 award," Matt stated. "In order to qualify for an IBA Saddle Sore 1,000 award, you have to ride at least 1,000 miles in 24 hours. And we want to do it on a 71 year old Harley."

"We want to shatter the general motorcycling public's perception that the old and collectible motorcycles belong in museums, or that they can't be ridden." Matt explained. "I figure this is a good opportunity to attempt my first Iron Butt Run and participate in the AMA Vintage Days event while demonstrating the durability and reliability of my 73 year old motorcycle." If Matt and Mara succeed, Matt's 36 EL will be the oldest Harley to qualify for an IBA award.

If you can't make it to the AMA Vintage Days event on July 25th and 26th to meet Matt and Mara, you can check in on their progress at <http://www.oldbikesinsd.blogspot.com/> Matt Olsen's Blog Mara will be doing updates along the 1100 mile trip at every gas stop.

[LittleAl]

as a 3 IBA certificate holder I certainly applaud his attempt and I'll be pulling for his successful completion

[Buzz_Kanter]

Originally Posted by LittleAl

as a 3 IBA certificate holder I certainly applaud his attempt and I'll be pulling for his successful completion

What make and year motorcycle were you riding and do you have any suggestions for Matt?

[Matthew N. Olsen]

I talked to Chris Callen about it and he gave me some really good tips, I hope I can tough it out and make it through the whole trip. I might start out in Huron South Dakota rather than aberdeen, since it is 100 miles closer. I guess I will have to see how I am feeling that day. If anybody has any suggestions or input, please fill me in, this is my first attempt at an IBA certificate and I would like to make it as pain free as possible.

[Buzz_Kanter]

Originally Posted by Matthew N. Olsen

I talked to Chris Callen about it and he gave me some really good tips, I hope I can tough it out and make it through the whole trip. I might start out in Huron South Dakota rather than aberdeen, since it is 100 miles closer. I guess I will have to see how I am feeling that day. If anybody has any suggestions or input, please fill me in, this is my first attempt at an IBA certificate and I would like to make it as pain free as possible.

Bring coffee (and a place to "get rid of it") and engine oil. Are you really going to try the ride "two-up" for 1,000 miles? Get plenty of photos and ask your passenger to take plenty of notes - should make a cool story here on the forum or in print in American Iron Magazine.

[Rubone]

Oh, the pain will come, luckily you are young enough to deal with it. Number 1 priority, WATER. High energy snacks (not SUGAR) on a regular basis. If your hydration level is good and your blood sugar/carb intake is good you will be OK. Avoid the caffeine as it will only peak and crash. Forget the bike, it will be fine. Remember, it is just like 10 100 mile rides. 1000 miles in 24 hours is 41.6 MPH. You will probably need to maintain about 65mph to do it with stops. Good luck and be safe. My best wishes and all my support to you. Make yourself proud!!
All my respect
Robbie

[Bigincher]

I rode straight through from San Diego to Yakima one time, I think it's 1400 miles. Took me 26 hours. That was when I started to calculate my trips on a road-miles per clock-hour basis. Averaging 50 RM-per-CHs takes perseverance, and all I have to say is..... Just keep the wheels turning, turning at all times. Gas-and-Go.

[flthead]

how many people on this forum would be along his route ,and who would offer support be it repairs or ? along the way . if a chain of contacts are set up for him along the way from other 'ol motorsickle riders should he need 'em . then he'll make it

[Chris Haynes]

Make sure to visit the IBA web site to find the correct way to document your ride. If ya don't dot all the I's and cross al the T's it won't be counted.

[LittleAl]

Matt,

I've done more then 3 IBA's but only put in for 3 certificates. after you get a few the certificates don't matter, you're really doing it ofr yourself anyway. The most miles I've ever done in less then 24 hours is 1247. the IBA I'm most proud of is NYC to San Fran (50CC) coast to coast in less then 50 hours, 2922 miles.

It actually wasn't that hard. I did it last year on a 2000 FLHT with 71000 miles on her.

The key, for me, is to think about time, not miles. Plan your route then forget about the miles. Chris is right, the rules are simple but follow them carefully if you want the certificate.

I won't bother with advice on the bike, I'm sure you got that covered better then I could advise anyway.

as far as the ride itself, don't race, no need to. the key is hours in the saddle which means stops need to be short. I've done all my IBA's basically the same, ride at 10-15mph over, at that speed you need a gas stop about every 90 minutes. every OTHER gas stop get off the bike, pee and a QUICK snack, bring your drink (good cupholder invaluable!) with you when you get back on. limit those stops to 10 minutes whenever possible. the gas stop in between get off the bike only to fill her up then pull out again, less then a 5 minute stop. you'll be surprised how good that 10 minute stop every 3 hours feels and how refreshed you'll feel when you get back on. at about 600 miles, access your time, you can probably take a long, maybe an hour or more, break or decide you can't make it and just enjoy your last 400 miles!

most important, in my opinion, is GET THERE SAFE. if you miss the IBA you'll be alive and well to try again some other time.

I'm 55 years old next month, been riding 40 years (including mini-bikes, lol) and started riding for distance/time 6 years ago. I've made some, missed some, but I can always go again because if I can't make it I can't. I have over 100 1000+ mile days

I wish you all the best and IBA or not you have my respect and admiration for even trying

Little Al