Iron Butt 50CC Ride, bailed out by HSTA Blue Book

RK · 04-30-2003, 09:55 PM

In the fall of 2002 Mike (EmJay on the VFR + ST Lists) posted a message about a group of riders from Orlando that were planning on riding coast to coast in April 2003. Andray, also on the VFR List, posted that he was interested in the ride. I e-mailed Andray and we were in.

The Iron Butt Coast to Coast ride has to be completed in 50 hours or less to receive certification. The plan was to leave Jacksonville, FL and ride to San Diego, CA. Along the way we were planning on doing a Bun Burner Gold (which is also an Iron Butt ride for certification. The BBG is riding 1500 miles in 24 hours or less). We would ride from Jacksonville to Sierra Blanca, Texas for our first leg of the trip. Sierra Blanca is 1560 miles from Jacksonville.

The dates of the ride were set for April 5th and 6th. The start time for the ride was set at 12:00 a.m. Saturday the 5th and arrive in San Diego late evening on the 6th. Since I live about 830 miles from Jacksonville, I figured if I left my house at 12:00 a.m. on April 4th and arrived in Jacksonville around noon I would have some time to eat and get some sleep before the actual ride began. Since I will be riding 3200 miles in 3 days I also will qualify for the Saddle Sore 3000. The SS3000 is also an Iron Butt Association ride certificate.

I started my ride at 12:30 a.m. on April 4th. As planned, I arrived in Jacksonville around 1:00 p.m. I checked into the motel at the same time the Orlando group arrived. Mike, Scott, Jerry and myself headed to Applebee's for a bite to eat. I was informed that one of the bikes on the ride only had a 120 mile range before running out of fuel. Mike told me that if I thought that the frequent stops for fuel would prevent Andray and myself from completing the BBG part of the ride that we should ride ahead without them. We met Andray at Perkin's at 10:30 p.m.

I adjusted my chain on my 2001 Honda VFR in Jacksonville and was amazed at how much slack had developed. It seemed my chain was wearing out fast. It only had 9000 miles on it when I left Cincinnati to start the trip. My stock chain lasted 17,000 miles so I assumed this chain would last the trip.

We started our Coast to Coast ride at 12:00 a.m. April 5th. Our first stop for fuel, resulted in a closed fuel station. Back on the road to the next exit to get fuel. Once back on the road we hit some fog. Andray and I were separated from the Orlando group at this point. We were not concerned about separating from the group because of the frequent fuel stops. The time was around 3:30 a.m.

Andray and I continued on the trip making what we thought was good time. Quick stops for fuel and back on the road. At a fuel stop in Houston, TX I adjusted my chain. It had been adjusted all the way back at this point. I figured I would make it about 500 - 700 miles. San Diego is still over 1500 miles away.

Oddly enough, when we stopped for fuel around 3:00 p.m. we ran into the group from Orlando. They had passed us, most likely, when we were at our Houston fuel stop. I told Mike that my chain was shot. He questioned whether or not I would make it home. I told him I did not think I would make it to San Diego.

We arrived in Sierra Blanca, TX at 10:30 p.m. We rode 1560 miles in 22.5 hours straight. The Bun Burner Gold was in the books. After a bite to eat it was time for a quick nap. Wake up call was at 5:00 a.m. on April 6th with about 840 miles to go.

We were on the road at 6:20 a.m. and rode about 115 miles to El Paso, TX. On I-10 in El Paso my chain had had enough. It popped off due to being 100% slacked out. I figured my ride was over. Here we are at 7:00 a.m. El Paso time on a Sunday morning and I am COL (chain out of luck).

Andray pulls out his Honda Sport Touring Blue Book and gives me the phone number of a member in El Paso that is willing to help stranded riders passing through his area. I call Billy and he says he will be at my stranded location within the hour. The other 4 riders in my group take off for San Diego. My problem should not ruin their chances at completing the ride.

Billy shows up with his son-in-law, Spider Webb and load my bike on their trailer. They make some calls to their friends. I thought they were waking up half the town! They finally contact Dave who owns E-Z Rider cycle shop. The shop is on 8422 Dyer, El Paso, TX. Dave's number is (915) 755-8179. Dave put a chain on my bike and I was back on the road 3 hours after my breakdown.
3 great guys saved the day for me in El Paso! When the chain popped off it stripped off the sending unit for the odometer and speedometer. I did not know how far or how fast I was traveling for the last 3500 miles.

I arrived in San Diego about 11:00 p.m. and called Mike on his cell phone. The other 4 had just checked into a motel that was about 10 minutes away. I arrived at the motel and we headed for Hooter's to celebrate our Coast to Coast ride. I made it in 46 hours. The chain delayed me but thanks to the HSTA Blue Book it did not prevent me from completing the ride. I also made the SS3000 in 70.5 hours.

On April 7th Andray headed back home to Alabama. Mike, Scott and Jerry planned on going to the Grand Canyon and then taking an easy pace back to Orlando. I later found out that Mike hit an Elk in Arizona. His ST 1100 was totaled, but he was able to ride it back home to Orlando. He was only sore from his tumble, escaping any injuries.

I called Cycle Parts West in San Diego. The sales rep., Mike said he would have the chain and sprockets on Tuesday at no additional charge. The shop is located at 3104 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA. (619)284-7617. I was able to put the new chain and sprocket on the bike on Wed. April 9th. Also, in San Diego, my Fuel Injector light came on. After discussing it with a couple of mechanics I decided that I could still ride the bike home. It was running fine. I enjoyed the week in San Diego and made my way home on Friday.

This was a great trip. If you ever have the chance to ride Coast to Coast DO IT! I rode over 5800 miles for the total trip.

I could not have completed my ride (or ride home) without the help of the people listed above. If you have the chance to visit either of the two shops listed above please do. You will get great service and prices from Dave and Mike.

Ride safe,

Rob Klocke

Davey · 05-01-2003, 08:03 AM

Wow... that's amazing.. I don't know if I could handle that!

Congrats on the achievement!

I'm glad everything worked out for you in the end.

pguest · 05-01-2003, 12:37 PM

I thought this thread was going to be about an iron butt ride where people only rode 50cc motorcycles!

**Fast Eddie** · 05-01-2003, 01:07 PM

Each Iron Butt event has an acronym. 50CC = 50 hours coast to coast. Now, I'm trying to talk Rob into a 100CCC (100 hours coast to coast to coast).

Bruce · 05-01-2003, 01:17 PM

Now that's a great idea. 2 or 4 stroke? Chain problems probably won't be an issue. Wasn't a portion of that ride started in Dumb & Dumber?

RK · 05-01-2003, 02:03 PM

Thanks Davey. I'm sure if you set your mind to it you could do it!

Andray · 05-07-2003, 09:03 PM

Rob,
Good report!
You put a smile on my face. Was very glad you made the 50CC Quest after the chain trouble. And that we ALL got to celebrate together at Hooters.
We had a good ride, just over too soon, and too fast.
I wouldn't change much. Maybe some aux lights for the fog at night in north Florida. Should have expected the lower gas milage because of running at a faster pace than usual. And to have planned the fuel stops accordingly.
An event to remember for a lifetime! thanks for sharing.
Ride safe,
Andray Hubble
'87 VFR700FII

rmanoukian · 06-28-2003, 08:10 AM

Well I finally found your article! Thanks for helping me out. Quite a story, quite a ride!! I like reading about stuff like that, butt holy cow that's rough on body parts. I'll barely qualify for the "TENDER BUTT 250" (: Keep the rubber down!!

RK · 07-06-2003, 05:53 PM

My ride certificates from the Iron Butt Association have been received and have been framed.

The IBA web site has been updated with the ride info.

Go to: www.ironbutt.com --> click on ride certifications --> click on certified ride finishers then scroll down

My rides and other localriders.com members rides are as follows:

Bun Burner Gold finishers (1500 miles in less than 24 hours)
J. Andray Hubble 4-5-03
Rob Klocke 4-5-03

50CC Quest finishers (coast to coast in less than 50 hours)
J. Andray Hubble 4-5-03
Rob Klocke 4-5-03

Saddle Sore 3000 finishers (3,000 miles in less than 72 hours)
Rob Klocke 4-4-03 3,113 miles

Saddle Sore 1,000 finishers (1,000 miles in less than 24 hours)
Daryl Cassada 10-12-02 1,206 miles
Ed Buelsing 07-04-02 1,034 miles

Bun Burner 1500 finishers (1,500 miles in less than 36 hours)
Daryl Cassada 10-13-02 1,553 miles

National Parks Tour Master Traveler Gold Awards
Ed Buelsing 2002 67 parks in 25 states

National Parks Tour Master Traveler Awards
Rob Klocke 2003 66 parks in 31 states

I also know that user stopthat has a SS1000, just don't know the dates and that he will be on the 50CC and BBG, but has not completed his paper work yet.

If there are any others please list them below.

Ride safe,

04-30-2003, 09:55 PM	#1
RK OH-Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 474	Iron Butt 50CC Ride, bailed out by HSTA Blue Book In the fall of 2002 Mike (EmJay on the VFR + ST Lists) posted a message about a group of riders from Orlando that were planning on riding coast to coast in April 2003. Andray, also on the VFR List, posted that he was interested in the ride. I e-mailed Andray and we were in. The Iron Butt Coast to Coast ride has to be completed in 50 hours or less to receive certification. The plan was to leave Jacksonville, FL and ride to San Diego, CA. Along the way we were planning on doing a Bun Burner Gold (which is also an Iron Butt ride for certification. The BBG is riding 1500 miles in 24 hours or less). We would ride from Jacksonville to Sierra Blanca, Texas for our first leg of the trip. Sierra Blanca is 1560 miles from Jacksonville. The dates of the ride were set for April 5th and 6th. The start time for the ride was set at 12:00 a.m. Saturday the 5th and arrive in San Diego late evening on the 6th. Since I live about 830 miles from Jacksonville, I figured if I left my house at 12:00 a.m. on April 4th and arrived in Jacksonville around noon I would have some time to eat and get some sleep before the actual ride began. Since I will be riding 3200 miles in 3 days I also will qualify for the Saddle Sore 3000. The SS3000 is also an Iron Butt Association ride certificate. I started my ride at 12:30 a.m. on April 4th. As planned, I arrived in Jacksonville around 1:00 p.m. I checked into the motel at the same time the Orlando group arrived. Mike, Scott, Jerry and myself headed to Applebee's for a bite to eat. I was informed that one of the bikes on the ride only had a 120 mile range before running out of fuel. Mike told me that if I thought that the frequent stops for fuel would prevent Andray and myself from completing the BBG part of the ride that we should ride ahead without them. We met Andray at Perkin's at 10:30 p.m. I adjusted my chain on my 2001 Honda VFR in Jacksonville and was amazed at how much slack had developed. It seemed my chain was wearing out fast. It only had 9000 miles on it when I left Cincinnati to start the trip. My stock chain lasted 17,000 miles so I assumed this chain would last the trip. We started our Coast to Coast ride at 12:00 a.m. April 5th. Our first stop for fuel, resulted in a closed fuel station. Back on the road to the next exit to get fuel. Once back on the road we hit some fog. Andray and I were separated from the Orlando group at this point. We were not concerned about separating from the group because of the frequent fuel stops. The time was around 3:30 a.m. Andray and I continued on the trip making what we thought was good time. Quick stops for fuel and back on the road. At a fuel stop in Houston, TX I adjusted my chain. It had been adjusted all the way back at this point. I figured I would make it about 500 - 700 miles. San Diego is still over 1500 miles away. Oddly enough, when we stopped for fuel around 3:00 p.m. we ran into the group from Orlando. They had passed us, most likely, when we were at our Houston fuel stop. I told Mike that my chain was shot. He questioned whether or not I would make it home. I told him I did not think I would make it to San Diego. We arrived in Sierra Blanca, TX at 10:30 p.m. We rode 1560 miles in 22.5 hours straight. The Bun Burner Gold was in the books. After a bite to eat it was time for a quick nap. Wake up call was at 5:00 a.m. on April 6th with about 840 miles to go. We were on the road at 6:20 a.m. and rode about 115 miles to El Paso, TX. On I-10 in El Paso my chain had had enough. It popped off due to being 100% slacked out. I figured my ride was over. Here we are at 7:00 a.m. El Paso time on a Sunday morning and I am COL (chain out of luck). Andray pulls out his Honda Sport Touring Blue Book and gives me the phone number of a member in El Paso that is willing to help stranded riders passing through his area. I call Billy and he says he will be at my stranded location within the hour. The other 4 riders in my group take off for San Diego. My problem should not ruin their chances at completing the ride. Billy shows up with his son-in-law, Spider Webb and load my bike on their trailer. They make some calls to their friends. I thought they were waking up half the town! They finally contact Dave who owns E-Z Rider cycle shop. The shop is on 8422 Dyer, El Paso, TX. Dave's number is (915) 755-8179. Dave put a chain on my bike and I was back on the road 3 hours after my breakdown. 3 great guys saved the day for me in El Paso! When the chain popped off it stripped off the sending unit for the odometer and speedometer. I did not know how far or how fast I was traveling for the last 3500 miles. I arrived in San Diego about 11:00 p.m. and called Mike on his cell phone. The other 4 had just checked into a motel that was about 10 minutes away. I arrived at the motel and we headed for Hooter's to celebrate our Coast to Coast ride. I made it in 46 hours. The chain delayed me but thanks to the HSTA Blue Book it did not prevent me from completing the ride. I also made the SS3000 in 70.5 hours. On April 7th Andray headed back home to Alabama. Mike, Scott and Jerry planned on going to the Grand Canyon and then taking an easy pace back to Orlando. I later found out that Mike hit an Elk in Arizona. His ST 1100 was totaled, but he was able to ride it back home to Orlando. He was only sore from his tumble, escaping any injuries. I called Cycle Parts West in San Diego. The sales rep., Mike said he would have the chain and sprockets on Tuesday at no additional charge. The shop is located at 3104 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA. (619)284-7617. I was able to put the new chain and sprocket on the bike on Wed. April 9th. Also, in San Diego, my Fuel Injector light came on. After discussing it with a couple of mechanics I decided that I could still ride the bike home. It was running fine. I enjoyed the week in San Diego and made my way home on Friday. This was a great trip. If you ever have the chance to ride Coast to Coast DO IT! I rode over 5800 miles for the total trip. I could not have completed my ride (or ride home) without the help of the people listed above. If you have the chance to visit either of the two shops listed above please do. You will get great service and prices from Dave and Mike. Ride safe, Rob Klocke Last edited by RK; 05-01-2003 at 03:44 AM.

05-01-2003, 12:37 PM	#3
pguest What's the Rumpus? Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,824	50CC I thought this thread was going to be about an iron butt ride where people only rode 50cc motorcycles!

05-01-2003, 01:07 PM	#4
Fast Eddie Let's Ride Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,068	Each Iron Butt event has an acronym. 50CC = 50 hours coast to coast. Now, I'm trying to talk Rob into a 100CCC (100 hours coast to coast to coast). __________________ Ed Ducati Multistrada 1000DS, Buell Ulysses and Honda ST1300

05-01-2003, 01:17 PM	#5
Bruce Recently empowered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 190	50 cc Iron Butt Now that's a great idea. 2 or 4 stroke? Chain problems probably won't be an issue. Wasn't a portion of that ride started in Dumb & Dumber? __________________ Bruce I raced a motorcycle.

05-07-2003, 09:03 PM	#7
Andray Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1	Rob, Good report! You put a smile on my face. Was very glad you made the 50CC Quest after the chain trouble. And that we ALL got to celebrate together at Hooters. We had a good ride, just over too soon, and too fast. I wouldn't change much. Maybe some aux lights for the fog at night in north Florida. Should have expected the lower gas milage because of running at a faster pace than usual. And to have planned the fuel stops accordingly. An event to remember for a lifetime! thanks for sharing. Ride safe, Andray Hubble '87 VFR700FII __________________ J. Andray Hubble

05-01-2003, 08:03 AM	#2
Davey LR Junkie. Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 857	Wow... that's amazing.. I don't know if I could handle that! Congrats on the achievement! I'm glad everything worked out for you in the end.

05-01-2003, 02:03 PM	#6
RK OH-Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 474	Thanks Davey. I'm sure if you set your mind to it you could do it!

06-28-2003, 08:10 AM	#8
rmanoukian Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4	I SAW ALL YOUR CERTIFICATES Well I finally found your article! Thanks for helping me out. Quite a story, quite a ride!! I like reading about stuff like that, butt holy cow that's rough on body parts. I'll barely qualify for the "TENDER BUTT 250" (: Keep the rubber down!!

07-06-2003, 05:53 PM	#9
RK OH-Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 474	My ride certificates from the Iron Butt Association have been received and have been framed. The IBA web site has been updated with the ride info. Go to: www.ironbutt.com --> click on ride certifications --> click on certified ride finishers then scroll down My rides and other localriders.com members rides are as follows: Bun Burner Gold finishers (1500 miles in less than 24 hours) J. Andray Hubble 4-5-03 Rob Klocke 4-5-03 50CC Quest finishers (coast to coast in less than 50 hours) J. Andray Hubble 4-5-03 Rob Klocke 4-5-03 Saddle Sore 3000 finishers (3,000 miles in less than 72 hours) Rob Klocke 4-4-03 3,113 miles Saddle Sore 1,000 finishers (1,000 miles in less than 24 hours) Daryl Cassada 10-12-02 1,206 miles Ed Buelsing 07-04-02 1,034 miles Bun Burner 1500 finishers (1,500 miles in less than 36 hours) Daryl Cassada 10-13-02 1,553 miles National Parks Tour Master Traveler Gold Awards Ed Buelsing 2002 67 parks in 25 states National Parks Tour Master Traveler Awards Rob Klocke 2003 66 parks in 31 states I also know that user stopthat has a SS1000, just don't know the dates and that he will be on the 50CC and BBG, but has not completed his paper work yet. If there are any others please list them below. Ride safe, __________________ Rob K

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