Attempting the MERA 10-n-10 Rally
A few years ago I managed to string together three 1,000-mile days in a row and, I have to say, it was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done on a motorcycle. Which is why Cycle World contributor Alan Rider’s offer to tell the story of a 10-day/10,000-mile endurance rally he’ll be riding later this month caught my eye. — Mark Hoyer
They say you’re not having a true adventure unless you’re at least a little unsure of its outcome. By that measure, I suspect most of us entered in the Motorcycle Endurance Riders Association’s 10-n-10 Rally are in for a two-wheeled adventure of epic proportions.
That’s because the inaugural running of the MERA 10-n-10 will see all 35 of us crisscrossing North America in an effort to rack up 10,000-plus miles over the course of just 10 days between August 26 and September 5. The payoff (other than the fun we’ll have along the way)? A piece of paper.
But no ordinary piece of paper this. We’re talking about the coveted 10/10ths Award from the Iron Butt Association. To put this attaboy—not to mention the challenge involved in earning it—in perspective, the IBA has given out less than 200 of these awards in the course of its 25-year history. As for how many of us 10-n-10 competitors will ultimately be able to add our names to that exclusive list, well, if we were certain of the outcome it probably wouldn’t be much of an adventure, now would it?
If you’re not familiar with how motorcycle endurance rallies work, the best way to think of them is as rolling scavenger hunts lasting anywhere from 24 hours to 11 days. The rallymaster—in this case Steve Chalmers, the fiendishly clever host of MERA’s Utah 1088 rally I wrote about in the November 2006 issue of Cycle World—puts together a list of “bonus” locations competitors can visit to earn points for things like taking a photograph or bringing a specified item back to the finish line.
The result is a contest that’s won not by raw speed but by wise bonus selection and efficient route planning. The 10-n-10 bonus list we’ve all been poring over for the past week or so is a good example, with more than 300 individual locations—all with different point totals—to choose from. Giving each of us a chance to put together what we think will be the rally-winning ride. Or at least one that sounds both doable and entertaining.
Now, at this point you may be wondering why a bunch of men and women who are old enough to know better would take part in what even endurance rally veterans admit is a downright grueling event. Well, stay tuned as I attempt to answer that question in the pages of Cycle World a few months down the road (here’s a hint: it’s about more than that piece of paper).
In the meantime, check back here every Thursday between now and August 26 for details of what I’ve been doing to prepare both my bike—a 2009 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE—and myself for riding more miles in two weeks than many motorcyclists do in two years.
NEXT WEEK: Fine-Tuning The Feejer
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Hi thanks for information.
I am in process preparing myself for 10/10ths which i plan to ride in europe which is small for this kind of challenge, but i have manage to find route.
I am interested in your post and found interesting because i need so much informations.
If you have anything i can found useful please send to me.
Tonci from Croatia.
Thanks
Comment by Tonci Ordulj — August 6, 2010 @ 1:40 am
The 10/10 is not for the faint of heart.
Anyone who attemps a 10/10 really needs to do several long rides so they can become familar with their ability to ride safe for long distances. Motor cycles must be set up to make the rider as comfortable as possible.
Good luck and have a SAFE ride.
Ray Blair
Comment by Ray Blair — August 6, 2010 @ 2:02 am
Looking forward to the future notes
Comment by Jeff Hallquist — August 6, 2010 @ 3:05 am
The iron butt events are very interesting. Planning is key. On a 10,000 mile run, do you have to allow time for tires and service n your bike?
Comment by John Jolly — August 6, 2010 @ 5:38 am
I’m looking forward to this. It will be nice to see a professional, knowledgeable, non-sensational article about LD riding and what goes into it.
Good luck on getting the Cert.
Comment by Michael Jordan — August 6, 2010 @ 6:15 am
I joined the IBA 4 years ago. I have done numerous rides, but never had time for a big Rally. This article is what all the motorcycle world needs to see. It is a great sport, and has changed my whole idea about riding. (for the good). Keep up the good work and writings about long distance riding.
Comment by Bill Ouellette — August 6, 2010 @ 6:20 am
I look forward to your perspective on this event. I have completed IBA’s Saddle sore 1000 three times and recently completed a saddle sore 2000. Most people think I’m crazy for the riding that I do and ask “did you even see anything?”. I find it to be personally rewarding to complete these challenges that most people don’t even want to think about doing. I will be following your blog and look forward to your report in your magazine. Good Luck! Rick
Comment by Rick Miller — August 6, 2010 @ 7:26 am
Good Luck.
Comment by Martial Mason — August 6, 2010 @ 8:15 am
Very nice. Its rare to see this level of coverage on these types of events. When I tell friends I’m participating in a rally the most often heard response is, “Oh. You mean like Sturgis?” This is commonly followed by blank stares as I attempt to explain the difference. Thanks for doing this series. I will be following with great interest.
Comment by Delta88 — August 6, 2010 @ 8:25 am
Really looking forward to “armchair-riding” with you, Alan. Best of luck!
Comment by Steve — August 6, 2010 @ 9:03 am
Alan, I’m looking forward to reading the next installment. I may even be compelled to subscribe to Cycle World again in a few months.
Comment by Jason J — August 6, 2010 @ 9:04 am
As one of the IBA members that has completed a 10/10ths ride and the 11 day Iron Butt Rally, I will be looking forward to reading your perspective as you explore the ups and downs of our tiny corner of the motorcycle world. I hope your experience on this quest will be as memorable and exciting as mine has been. Best wishes on a great rally!
Comment by JHarrison — August 6, 2010 @ 9:39 am
Well I wish you luck with your event. I must say that your chosen mount is an EXCELLENT choice. Am I biased? Yes, I have a 2008 Feejer that I am setting up for LD riding. It is an excellent “mile muncher”.
I did my first SS 1000 on a great BMW 1150 RT several years ago. I am planning to achieve “loftier” distances on the FJR.
Cheers.
Comment by Peter Campbell — August 6, 2010 @ 9:43 am
An epic rally concept! Thanks for sharing it with us. Can’t wait for the next thrilling installment.
Comment by Voni — August 6, 2010 @ 9:44 am
AE!? Please, no automatics. Get a real bike.
Comment by John — August 6, 2010 @ 9:46 am
We have been enjoying endurance riding for the last 6 years. It has allowed us to visit 49 states (In 10 days), spend quality time together, and meet many fellow LD Riding enthusiasts. We were even honored to ride the Iron Butt Rally in 2009, earning a Bronze Medal.
The Long Distance Riding Community is a fantastic group. Through them we learned how to safely and comfortably enjoy multiple thousand mile days. Start Here -> http://www.ldriders.com/ and join ‘the list’
Comment by Jeff and Carol in Milwaukee — August 6, 2010 @ 9:50 am
Sounds like fun, I’m jealous.
As to why, “because we can” and “somebody said, it was impossible.”
Comment by Caveman — August 6, 2010 @ 10:09 am
Looking forward to the information coming! I’ll surely be following Alan’s postings!
Comment by Timo — August 6, 2010 @ 10:46 am
In 2005 I did the Iron Butt 50CC, which is a ride from coast to coast in less than 50 hours. I was able to do my ride in 44 hours and 41 minutes. And like the other Iron Butt rides the prize at the end is a patch, a pin and a certificate. At least those are the tangible prizes. It is the intangible prize that really matters…knowing that you can do it. I too have had many people ask why on earth would you want to do something like this. It is the same question that I ask of marathoners. I have accomplished one Saddlesore (1000 miles in 24 hours), one Bunburner (1500 miles in 36 hours), the 50CC, and two undocumented Saddlesores. I believe we do it in order to test ourselves and our machine. My machine (2001 BMW R1150RT) has over 130,000 miles on it and tomorrow I leave for a 3000 mile trip with a friend. Why? Just because it is there.
Enjoy your 10-n-10 Rally…sounds like one I might tackle someday.
Comment by David Short — August 6, 2010 @ 11:38 am
Alan
It’s always nice to have someone that is actually involved in an event to provide media coverage. Thanks for participating in this one!
John
IBAARK (Westcliffe, CO)
Comment by John Johnston — August 6, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
Good luck Alan. I rode in that same Utah 1088 and actually got a free pass to 10in10 after I got a 2nd at this years….however my vacation balance is going to be wiped out after too many other rallies including SPANK 5 day that starts in the morning. I’ll be watching and cheering you and the other riders! / Matt Watkins http://www.mattwatkins.org/ibr09
Comment by Ignacio — August 6, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
Good for you. Too many people look at Iron Butt events and assume we’re all just a bunch of speed freaks. A rally like this is more akin to marathon chess on two wheels. It is a challenge to both your mental acumen and physical stamina. Imagine running a triathlon while having to solve Soduku puzzles the entire time…
Comment by Barry McConnell — August 6, 2010 @ 1:41 pm
Hey Alan, good luck on your ride and can’t wait to read your updates!
Comment by Rick — August 6, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
I recently acquired a great Suzuki Boulevard M109R and I love it. I always wondered about these events and I have huge respect for you and the riders who endure them. Someone from our forum posted this link and I am glad he did as this is very interesting, thank you for all your hard work!
Comment by Thomas Ward Jr — August 6, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
I have “accidentally” ridden several of the Iron Butt rides… out of necessity. Since I did not have “documentation”, these unofficial “Iron Butt” rides are only in my memory. This is not something a person does to have ‘bragging’ rights. It is a personal challenge.. and to have some fun and build friendships. There are some “coming of age” events in mankinds’ history… but few in today’s modern world. The Iron Butt is a “coming of age” moment where you know you are a member of a unique fellowship of motorcyles and another passion. This works well because, similar to “rallys” and RTE’s are only a couple of the things we can do as a group on motorcycles..
Comment by CW Fell — August 6, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
I have a 2005 FJR Yamahaulass. Love it by the way. I’ll be following your aventure. Good Luck and ride safe.
Comment by Turtlebuy — August 6, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
Nice to see this story – I’ve done a few 24 hour rallies, and look forward to your take on a multi-day marathon like this.
Comment by M strrett — August 6, 2010 @ 6:04 pm
Good luck on the challenge! I’ve got an Iron Butt certificate for a Saddlesore 1000, and while I haven’t done any BIG rallies, I can feel the urge to do it. The best part is absolutely to KNOW that you can do something most people think is impossible. And when you are on a trip and need to ‘get ahead of some weather’ by doing another 300 miles at the end of a day… No problem!
Comment by Dean — August 6, 2010 @ 11:12 pm
Alan,
Looking forward to your insights, particularly, in your ride report. Good hunting.
Loren
Comment by Sully — August 7, 2010 @ 10:54 am
I/we ride long distances for MC rallies or campouts, but just to say you did it ? I don’t understand you riders. Are you all of German decent ? You say it’s not for the title but you all pay to do it when you could do it on your own for just self-esteem. We do about 500 miles a day. A few times I do 800 mile days but not for some piece of paper.
Comment by bikerrandy — August 8, 2010 @ 2:53 pm
Alan -
Thank you so much for documenting the preperation that goes into a ride like this. I have done the Iron Butt and Saddle Sore, but I know I need more preperation to move to the next level.
John Burgess
Comment by John Burgess — August 9, 2010 @ 6:44 pm
I’m anxious to read the details of your accomplishment. It’s a serious challenge butt I know you’re going to have a ball. Ride safe Alan.
Comment by Steve Aikens — August 18, 2010 @ 7:53 am
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Why is the fuel cell cover hanging off the back crooked? Looks sloppy.
Comment by Ken — August 27, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
Good luck and I will be looking forward to your final write up.
Comment by Ken — August 27, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
Personally, I think you’re nuts. The last time you contacted me about riding was also in Salt Lake city. And, that’s when I came to visit you in the hospital after a bike incident. Norm
Comment by Norm — August 29, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
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