"Cheater" Post...

So, I don't have my ride report done yet, there are just so many great stories!.  So, I thought I would at least give quick access to the reports written during the rally by Iron Butt staffers Tom Austin and Ira Agins... if you've already read them, they are still entertaining... if not, ENJOY!

• IB5000 Scores (click on Name) 
• Author: Ira Agins  21-Aug-10
• IB5000 Finish! 
• Author: Tom Austin  21-Aug-10
• 2010 IB5000 Day 5 
• Author: Tom Austin  21-Aug-10
• 2010 IB5000 Day 4 
• Author: Tom Austin  20-Aug-10
• IB5000 Leg 1 Scores (click on Name) 
• Author: Ira Agins  18-Aug-10; yes, this is the one where I'm in last place :)
• 2010 IB5000 Day 3 
• Author: Tom Austin  18-Aug-10
• 2010 IB5000 Day 2 
• Author: Tom Austin  18-Aug-10; this is the one with the killer tire picture!
• 2010 IB5000 Day 1 
• Author: Tom Austin  17-Aug-10
• 2010 IB5000 Day (minus) 1 
• Author: Tom Austin  16-Aug-10
• 2010 IB5000 Day (minus) 2 
• Author: Tom Austin  15-Aug-10
• 2010 IB5000 Day -3 
• Author: Tom Austin  14-Aug-10

Pack up the kids Ma! Reporting from IB5000 HQ

It's a lovely overcast and less humid morning in Spartanburg, SC at IB5000 headquarters.  Got in last night after a 10 hour drive of my own, but it's nothing compared to the fast feet Kirsten has been making to try and pull enough points to finish.  Sitting in the hotel lobby I can watch riders pull in to the check-in area outside.  People have pulled up some chairs and are just chatting and waiting for their friends and family members to arrive.  As the riders dismount, road worn and tired, most have very big smiles.  Already saw some good friends who are set up at the scoring tables.  (And heard some complaints from a couple riders about the decaf coffee in the urn outside the scoring room - I mean REALLY - these people have just ridden several thousand miles!)  The rookie rider who hit a black bear (yes - black bear) is here with his happy girlfriend.  He totalled his bike, but is fine.  So, apparently is the bear, who was stunned but got up and walked away after a few minutes.  The young man flew here to be able to attend the conclusion of the rally with everyone.  He's gotten several hand-shakes and slaps on the back.

Kirsten is making her way here and I think picked up another good bonus location early this morning.  Riders start to get penalty points by 10:00 a.m.  That's about 1.5 hours away.  And we'll find out the overall results at this evening's banquet. 

Will post some more pictures later.  Stay tuned!

Day 4 - Rest Break

Talked to Kirsten briefly last night at the beginning of her rest break.  She's doing well - and thankful for the 1 ft. curb outside a BMW dealership late one night that provided a perfect "pillow" for an Iron Butt nap.  She was going to take a little time to try and figure out how she's doing on points, but then sleep.

Ride is going well - seeing beautiful country.  Had a huge rainstorm that flooded the streets in one state as she was going through town.  Moving was ok, having to stop and put her foot in water that was over her tire rim was not fun.  It's an RT, not a GS, but it's scrappy!

Here's to the miles between Day 4 and Day 5 finish Saturday morning.  Keep sending those mental good vibes!

Kirsten during her Coast to Coast to Coast IBA ride last year.