It’s a Plane, It’s a Train – Can You Feel the Buzz?

This week saw Kirsten and all the Iron Butt riders making their way to Rally HQ- Provo, Utah through temps across the country in the high 90s and 100s.  It was definitely a shakedown ride for many as riders reported some bike issues on the way (better now than later).  Kirsten had a comms breakdown on the first day between the In Reach and the Spot, now sorted out.  And then I started to get the texts.  “Saw my first antelope.”  “Mountains ahead with snow.”  The road was opening up and it was starting to feel like rally time. 

When I called her later in the week, Lisa Landry answered the phone.  What can I say – it’s so good to hear her voice...before the rally knowing that she and Kirsten were standing right next to each other.  Later, another text, “Wendy is here.”  Then a photo with Kirsten and Jon Good came through and I felt it, the pieces starting to fall into place.  Riders were gathering, friends we haven’t seen in a couple of years.  But outside our wonderful friends and family COVID pod, this is the first time in a long time to gather with our larger circle and the time apart FEELS so much longer.    

Kirsten was up and at ‘em to beat the heat for tech inspection and odometer check early yesterday morning.  By the time she was back from the odo ride, it was already in the 80s.  Dale Wilson himself completed her tech inspection, giving the aux fuel tank a good shake as per norm.  All secure, she presented herself to Jeff Earls and Mike Kneebone, who welcomed her as the first rider to complete check-in for 2021.

And the poster was revealed!  This is always a much anticipated reveal as riders search the nooks and crannies for clues as to the rally theme.  Planes, trains, rockets, George Washington Carver, Genesis… oh the places they may go!

Today will find riders re-packing, setting aside “extras” to store in Provo until the finish, and making those final, final bike checks.  For rookie riders, they will get the full download on what they are in for at the rookie rider meeting.  Then there is a mandatory rider meeting for all 2021 Iron Butt Rally riders – no phones or media allowed.  The start banquet is this evening and riders will get their rally packs.  And the rest of the evening will be full of thinking, routing, and planning.  Rally start is, gulp, tomorrow morning.  The buzz of excitement is building.