Ray's Iron Butt Ride #3
1,148 miles, 22 hr 50 Min
Dec 7-8, 2023
- San Diego Express -
Dec 7, 2023 Ray's San Diego Express
The objective for my third Iron Butt challenge is to ride from Springerville, Arizona (our nearest gas station) to the beach at San Diego, and return - in less than 24 hours.
About to depart from home, Jenny is signing my IBA witness paperwork at 3:40 AM, Dec 7th
Setting off from home.
Gas Stop 1: Springerville, AZ Location
Gas Stop 2: Globe, AZ Location
Globe, AZ: At this point I was thinking I might not make it to San Diego and back in 24 hours. The temp in Show Low was a solid 50°F, but south of there I hit a 45 mile stretch of 17°F - so I had to ride super slow in case I encountered ice. This 45 mile stretch had no weather reporting, so it caught me off guard. And the delay set me back by over two hours. But not to be dissuaded, I decided to continue anyway.
Gas Stop 3: Casa Grande, AZ Location
The day has warmed and I'm taking a short rest at Dateland, AZ to remove my insulating clothes. Location
Gas Stop 4: Yuma, AZ Location
Yuma
Rest stop 3: Sunbeam. Location
Gas Stop 5: Ocean Beach, CA. Location
After riding over eleven hours, I arrive at San Diego's Ocean Beach at 3:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time). Location Now I have to ride back home. It's going to be a long night!
Rest Stop 3: Sunbeam Location
Gas Stop 6: Yuma Location
Yuma
Rest Stop at the Mohawk I-8 Eastbound Rest Area. I laid down on a concrete picnic table and shut my eyes for five minutes.
Gas Stop 7: Gila Bend, AZ Location
Gila Bend
After riding though Phoenix I stopped at the Ba'ja Gas Station to put on my insulating clothing. This place is very familiar because I've been here a number of times. Location
Gas Stop 8: Payson, AZ Location
I called Jenny from Payson to say the temperatures were down, and I might have to ride slowly again to watch out for ice. She reminded me of my limited time to complete the ride in the 24 hour time period.
From Payson the temperatures were below freezing for the next 40 miles, but the road was dry so I averaged about 45 or 50 MPH. Then the temperature climbed to 40°F, so I rode the rest of the way to Show Low, AZ at 60 MPH.
Gas Stop 9: Show Low, AZ Location
Show Low
Gas Stop 10: Springerville, AZ Location
Arriving home.
The trip was almost 23 hours of continuous riding.
Jenny signing my IBA witness paperwork at 2:50 AM