"The scorching heat, diversions, smoke, dust and ruthless trucks, it was a struggle to reach and maintain 90. Insects bumping into my helmet and pitch dark highways, I was drowsy but determined to finish what I promised myself. It was almost 13 hours since I left Bangalore and was about to reach my destination, Pune, riding solo, overnight on Yamaha SZ-R 150cc."
For the first time I actually realized what a challenge and physical stretch it would be to ride non-stop 24 hour to cover 1000 miles on an Indian road. I am talking about Iron Butt ride: “The SaddleSore”. But wait, if you are thinking that’s impossible; just imagine 1500 miles in 36 hours, the BunBurner ride. It takes more than passion, skills and best gears & need not to say it’s not for the hobbyist. These are races against time.
The Iron Butt association has more than 60,000 members across the globe and handful from India. If one has to drive on freeways and speed is not an issue, it’s still challenging yet doable but it’s a completely different game on an Indian road.
The Iron Butt: for some it is lunacy or just a piece of paper. I personally don’t mind labelled “world’s toughest rider”. Not because I want to prove something to the world but purely for myself.
There are few excellent highways to ride on, such as Bangalore-Pune, a single stretch of 850 km, but then it’s not surprising to come across road diggings, animals strolling, lunatics shifting lanes bluntly and no sign boards for long stretches.
At the same time some of the riding essentials are actually luxury in India. It’s almost impossible to buy quality biking gears at reasonable cost, ABS is still limited, features such as MSC (Motorcycle stability control) & traction control are nonexistent, low quality fuel, limited liquid cooled machines and dubious insurance coverage. Last but not least terrible service quality even in authorised service centres: You don’t pay for getting problems fixed but for acquiring new ones and it is actually a nightmare of endless attempt of trying different mechanics.
It doesn’t end here; the most critical factor is fitness. Hands on throttle, butt on the saddle and spine upright not for five, ten or fifteen hours but for the whole day. This needs stretching beyond all physical limitations especially when you are also fighting with your mind to stay awake. Nicotine, tobacco or caffeine sometimes helps and few even have to take medicines.
In short it needs balls of steel and streak of madness.
However much it may sound moronic and stupid, it is no small feat to achieve and I hugely respect all those who dared to complete and especially the ones who rode on small engine bikes.
There are many who succeeded, few who died while attempting and even someone can get to an extent to commit a fraud. I know Devajit Saha, his passion pushed him to complete the task not once or twice but five times, even once on a 97.3cc Hero Honda Splendour. Ironically, I also know a case in which one of the “Bikerni” members sheepishly faked the certificate.
Anyway, you will not only be the one to face consequences if something goes horribly wrong on the road. A fellow road user who has nothing to do with your attempt may be caught in between. Still, I am not against these rides in India as long as it’s well prepared mentally and physically and not just an attempt to show off. One cannot hurry himself into getting certified when the most fundamental requirements are persistence and patience. If one cannot complete in the very first attempt, it’s better to turn back and try again instead of killing oneself or someone else.
The Iron Butt association has more than 60,000 members across the globe and handful from India. If one has to drive on freeways and speed is not an issue, it’s still challenging yet doable but it’s a completely different game on an Indian road.
The Iron Butt: for some it is lunacy or just a piece of paper. I personally don’t mind labelled “world’s toughest rider”. Not because I want to prove something to the world but purely for myself.
There are few excellent highways to ride on, such as Bangalore-Pune, a single stretch of 850 km, but then it’s not surprising to come across road diggings, animals strolling, lunatics shifting lanes bluntly and no sign boards for long stretches.
At the same time some of the riding essentials are actually luxury in India. It’s almost impossible to buy quality biking gears at reasonable cost, ABS is still limited, features such as MSC (Motorcycle stability control) & traction control are nonexistent, low quality fuel, limited liquid cooled machines and dubious insurance coverage. Last but not least terrible service quality even in authorised service centres: You don’t pay for getting problems fixed but for acquiring new ones and it is actually a nightmare of endless attempt of trying different mechanics.
It doesn’t end here; the most critical factor is fitness. Hands on throttle, butt on the saddle and spine upright not for five, ten or fifteen hours but for the whole day. This needs stretching beyond all physical limitations especially when you are also fighting with your mind to stay awake. Nicotine, tobacco or caffeine sometimes helps and few even have to take medicines.
In short it needs balls of steel and streak of madness.
However much it may sound moronic and stupid, it is no small feat to achieve and I hugely respect all those who dared to complete and especially the ones who rode on small engine bikes.
There are many who succeeded, few who died while attempting and even someone can get to an extent to commit a fraud. I know Devajit Saha, his passion pushed him to complete the task not once or twice but five times, even once on a 97.3cc Hero Honda Splendour. Ironically, I also know a case in which one of the “Bikerni” members sheepishly faked the certificate.
Anyway, you will not only be the one to face consequences if something goes horribly wrong on the road. A fellow road user who has nothing to do with your attempt may be caught in between. Still, I am not against these rides in India as long as it’s well prepared mentally and physically and not just an attempt to show off. One cannot hurry himself into getting certified when the most fundamental requirements are persistence and patience. If one cannot complete in the very first attempt, it’s better to turn back and try again instead of killing oneself or someone else.
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