Iron Butt 2009

[banditrider]

The 2009 Iron Butt Rally is just starting. Read about it here: http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/2009.cfm

Very keen bikers. An Aussie Connie 14 rider (Davo Jones) is entered - he is no stranger to big distances in short times. His website is here and makes for interesting reading. He recently did America Coast to Coast in just under 47 hours as a prelude to the Iron Butt.

Interesting to see that 2 rides are riding old Suzuki RE-5 rotaries - keen men! Also, that at least 1 BMW rider is taking a spare final drive (his failed him in another event)...

Oh to have lots of money and plenty of spare time...

[NiggleC]

Davo Jones died after hitting a deer on the last day of the rally.

[banditrider]

Yeah, not good at all - only 100 miles to go. He was a very serious endurance rider and a very nice guy by all accounts. A real shame. Several other entrants also had deer issues, some got away with it and even carried on but a few also were injured reasonably seriously.

[ratast]

Deer on and near roads huge problem in States. Often in group of 4or 5 and seem to be as silly as sheep. Will leap out right in front of a bike.On rural roads I ride early mornings very ,very carefully, keep to about 60 ks and ride on centre line.Wife has excellent vision and will give me nudge long before I see an animal.
Canada has a good system of deer fences alongside Highways with elevated crossovers for the critters.
Sorry to hear about Davo.

[zadok]

I personally knew Davo and had only spoken to him just before he left for the States. I was devastated by the news. He was a great bloke and a gentleman.