Iron Butt Ride 2009
Iron Butt Crew
Riders & Bikes:
Prison Dan – Black Yamaha Roadstar
Full Throttle Nomad (me) – “Lime Fucking Green” Kawasaki Custom 900
Ketchup Dave (R.I.P.) – Heritage Softail
Veggie (Mom) – Dyna Lowrider
Guardian (Dad) – Dyna Wideglide
Day 1 – Olympia to Gold Bar, WA
We kicked things off at the Shell on Union and Plum in Olympia, gassed up, said our goodbyes, and hit I-5 around 5 PM. Traffic was thick in Olympia but moving. By the time we reached Fort Lewis, it was stop-and-go. We made our way onto Hwy 512 and Hwy 167, slowed a bit near I-405, then cruised Hwy 522 into Monroe and caught Hwy 2 to Gold Bar.
The moon was nearly full, glowing a beautiful orange behind the mountains—perfect start to the ride. We rolled into Stevens Pass Motel just after 8:30 PM. Not a 5-star spot, but solid and comfortable.
Day 2 – Gold Bar to Libby, MT
Morning temps were a mild 54°F, and the ride up Stevens Pass was stunning. Hwy 2 took us into Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-style town. We gassed up and grabbed warm drinks in Wenatchee before meeting up with my wife Jahanel and the kids in Coulee City. They joined us for part of the ride through Washington, into Idaho, and onward to Libby, Montana for the night.
Libby was great. Quick repair on Mom’s Harley—her rear turn signal bar/license plate holder had loosened, but a few twists of the nuts and she was ready to roll again.
Day 3 – Libby to Shelby, MT
The day was long but spectacular, riding through Glacier National Park. Highlights included a gift shop stop, a short hike, Logan’s Pass, and a picnic. We tackled the “Road to the Sun,” still under construction, which added some extra time and excitement. After Glacier, we made it to Shelby, Montana, checked into the hotel, and grabbed dinner at a truck stop. Jahanel and the kids went south into Yellowstone, leaving us to continue the Iron Butt adventure.
Day 4 – Shelby, MT to Williston, ND
Beautiful Western Montana views gave way to the plains. Not my favorite terrain—flat and endless—but the last 13 miles of torn-up Hwy 2 with gravel and potholes made it interesting. We ended the day in Williston, ND, with a quick Wal-Mart stop for supplies.
Day 5 – Williston, ND to Fosston, MN
We woke to killer lightning storms—rolling thunder, striking bolts. Dad’s tall sissy bar made him nervous, but we rode mostly ahead of the storm and stayed fairly dry. Gas and breakfast in Minot revealed that Dan had a few screws loose—literally—on his windshield, but we tightened everything up.
In Rugby, ND, we stopped at the “Center of North America” monument—Mom had to see it. The day ended in Fosston, MN, where we discovered the best A&W root beer ever—made fresh in the basement. A kid working there even came outside to refill our glasses and explain the brewing process. Amazing hospitality!
Day 6 – Fosston, MN to Ironwood, MI
We passed through Minnesota, stopped in Duluth for a new headlight for Mom’s Lowrider, and had a picnic lunch on Lake Superior—what a massive lake! We intended to visit the Amsoil factory but didn’t confirm in time. Ended the day early in Ironwood, Michigan, to rest off the road.
Day 7 – Ironwood, MI to Freeport, IL
Instead of taking Michigan, we rode through Wisconsin, passing Wisconsin Dells and Monroe. Dad and Dave got new rear tires installed, thanks to some amazing customer service. We reached Freeport, IL a day early to rest.
Day 8 – Freeport, IL
A day to relax, do laundry, see family, and explore Freeport.
Day 9 – Freeport, IL to Mitchell, SD
Left early through Galena, IL, and into Iowa’s endless cornfields—300 miles of monotony. After Nebraska gas, we entered South Dakota amid huge thunderstorms. Rain and wind made the ride brutal, but we pressed on to Mitchell. Dan and Dave saw the Corn Palace; I’d had enough corn for a lifetime.
Day 10 – Mitchell, SD to Alberton, MT
My 35th birthday and the infamous “trek through hell”—1,000 miles in 14 hours across South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The first 500 miles were soaked in thunderstorms. Rain gear did its job… mostly. Arrived in Alberton, MT, two hours behind schedule but satisfied. Stayed at the Ghost Rails Inn, a charming B&B.
Day 11 – Alberton, MT to Olympia, WA
6 AM temps started at 38°F, dropping to near freezing as we climbed the mountains. Stopped in Post Falls, ID for gas and hot drinks. Near Moses Lake, Dave’s bike started failing—rear tire damaged, oil leaking, overheating. He hitched a ride on Dan’s bike, and the remaining four bikes made it back to Olympia in time.
Result: 1,000 miles in under 24 hours, 1,500 miles in under 36 hours—Iron Butt mission accomplished!
