Saturday - Ahhhhhh

We slept in today.  But it’s hard to turn off rally mode.  By 8:00 a.m., most riders were finishing up breakfast and making plans for the day.  Some had already left.   Kirsten was hurrying through breakfast and then took a breath and said, “oh yeah, I don’t have to eat in 5 minutes.”  We lingered over breakfast and coffee, talking with friends that we only get to see once a year if we’re lucky.  Out came the stories about the rides within the Ride.  What happened in New Orleans, Minneapolis, New York, Houston, DC, Kansas City, Yellowstone…..  this is Saturday morning after the Iron Butt Rally.

Most of you have probably read last night’s IBR report by now.  While we were taking pictures and shaking hands, Chris Cimino was pushing the button to upload knowing the thousands of people waiting for the news.  Eric Jewell is the 1^st place finisher of the 2015 IBR.  The room erupted in cheers and hollers for this wonderful man who has been SOOO close so many times.  And this one was a close call too – his bike was having electrical troubles and literally stopped just miles from the finish on Friday.  With a little help from his friends, he got it started and rolled in with minutes to spare.  The bike is currently at the Honda shop for a full diagnosis. 

Kirsten is a Gold level finisher in 14^th place.  At the end of the day, she finished with 83,083 points, 11,805 miles, 65 parks and 26 states.  Eric’s finishing stats are 106,653 points, 11,087 miles, 108 parks and 25 states.  It was a hell of a ride all the way around.  There were big pushes in Leg 3 and some saw the routes that brought them premium points both riding out from TN and into ABQ.  Kirsten was one of the few people that collected points Friday morning on the way in. For a few of those that didn't, it cost them a standing or two.  Every rider runs through the “if only I would have….” scenarios, and will for days (weeks).  But the other thing I heard loud and clear last night and this morning is that people loved the ride.  They really enjoyed the beautiful roads to the parks.  They were impressed with the genuine excitement that they found in the park staff they encountered.  It was a good rally - lots of people want to revisit parks, now that they’ve had a taste.  Well done IBR staff – Lisa, Tom and Mike – you’ve earned your Junior Ranger badges.

We’re going to relax and visit with friends in ABQ for the next few days.  Kirsten’s going to take some time off the bike before starting the ride back home.  I’m going to sign off the blog for a bit.  Thanks for following along, it’s been great hearing from you and sharing this experience with you.  And if you’re wondering what you’re going to do with all the free time you’ll have now that you’re not reading and refreshing your SPOT tracker – I suggest a walk in a park. 

Mark Crane and Kirsten at the 2015 IBR finish.
(To add to my collection of Mark and Kirsten rally finish photos.)