"RUSTY" IRON BUTT CHALLANGE?
Matt Olsen, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's Youth Coordinator, is planning on riding his 1936 Harley Davidson EL from South Dakota to the AMA Vintage Days to participate in the AMA's 85th anniversary parade.
The event in Lexington Ohio, takes place from July 24th through July 26th. The weekend's festivities include vintage racing, North America's largest swapmeet, bike shows, demo rides and more.
What makes Matt's trip so unusual is that he and his passenger, Mara Butler, plan on riding the 1,100 miles in 24 hours with no chase vehicle or support team. "We would love to qualify for the Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1,000 award," Matt stated. "In order to qualify for an IBA Saddle Sore 1,000 award, you have to ride at least 1,000 miles in 24 hours. And we want to do it on a 71 year old Harley."
"We want to shatter the general motorcycling public's perception that the old and collectible motorcycles belong in museums, or that they can't be ridden." Matt explained. "I figure this is a good opportunity to attempt my first Iron Butt Run and participate in the AMA Vintage Days event while demonstrating the durability and reliability of my 73 year old motorcycle." If Matt and Mara succeed, Matt's 36 EL will be the oldest Harley to qualify for an IBA award.
If you can't make it to the AMA Vintage Days event on July 25th and 26th to meet Matt and Mara, you can check in on their progress at <http://www.oldbikesinsd.blogspot.com/>
Matt Olsen's Blog Mara will be doing updates along the 1100 mile trip at every gas stop.