2014 IBA International Meet - Winding Down - August 23-24, 2014

Oh, say it isn't so....last day of the Iron Butt Association International Meet.  No, it can't be the last day, butt, it was :-(

We were all excited about today's events, seminars and just hanging out in the parking lot.  I managed to capture a moment with John Cooper and Greg having a bit of chit chat.

Well here we go, Glen Copeland, Mike Cox and Jesse Lucas all hanging out together checking out the bike farkles!

 The lovely Ms. Reagan Walters checking out my overly farkled bike.  I think it fits her quite nicely!

 Yeppers, from both sides, I think it fits her well.  Is there a new bike in Reagan's future????

 Oh my heck, then she decides to give the WeeStrom a check.  Dang, maybe she'll end up on a Suzuki??

 Woohoo, here is Bucky in a kilt.  I LOVE a man in a kilt :-)  It was so wonderful to meet Bucky's wife Rhonda.  Hope we have more time together in the future!

 Robert Bolger with Steve Aikens and Bucky.  Wonder what in the heck they are discussing.  

 Two of my most favorite folks, Tom and Mona Loftus in front of their Honda ST 1300 in the Atrium.  They have pretty much traveled the world.  And...Tom is doing the 2015 IBR, his tenth!!!! Wow!

 I sneaked in a pic with the lovely Loftus couple :-)

 Kevin Smart is checking out the bikes in the Atrium.

 We attended the Rally Master 101 Seminar put on by David E.B. Smith. It was fantastic!  Good job David!!

 David E.B. Smith telling us how it's done.  This was probably the best seminar I attended (well, but for the Chick Chat by Heidi Still and maybe the Scorer's Certification class by Tom Austin).

 So, back in the Atrium I took photos of the '81 Goldwing belonging to Gary Moore.  Here is a pic of his timekeeping device :-)

 Then, we all gathered for the group photo.  How many cats can you herd?  Ellen and Howard seem to be having a good time :-)

 Random pics of the attendees waiting for the group shot.  I most certainly see Chris Purney here :-)

Oh, it looks like everyone is having a good time!

Back out in the parking lot I spy Marc and Dee Beaulac dressed in twinsie fashion.  How fun is this?

And then, on the curb who do I spy?  Miss Kitty with our lovely friend, Sarah from LD Comfort.  Yes, folks, we're having a good time at Denver!!!

Warchild giving his typical salute :-)

Erik Lipps and Justin Phillipson were found hanging out in the parking lot.

Just can't get enough of Miss Kitty.

One of our Aussie LD peeps, Brooke Hornsby

We all gathered for one last time at the closing banquet.  Following a very fine meal we heard from Paul Pelland.  Sorry, no pics, but let me tell you, Paul was freaking hilarious as he regaled us of his 2001 Iron Butt Rally antics on a Ural.  Amazingly, he finished the rally and wasn't last.  Paul should video that presentation as it is guaranteed to get you laughing with disbelief and amazement.

The next morning I slept until I woke up.  No alarms, no meetings, just pack, load the bike and head home.  By the time we made it outside, the parking lot had pretty much emptied.

Ira Agins was just about to leave when I snapped his pic.

Mike Riley was one of the last to leave.

Eric loads up his bike.  Hahahaha, he only has a small top case and a Linda Tanner tankbag and tank panniers for luggage on the Wee Strom.  Needless to say, he didn't have much to pack.

I think only two bikes remained in the parking lot as we pulled out.  We pretty much slabbed I-70 towards home.  We made a quick rest break at Rifle, CO.

We made it as far as Green River, UT where we decided to call it a day.  I'm not a fan of big box hotels so we cruised down the main drag and found the Sleepy Hollow Motel.  A cute little Mom & Pop place.  This motel was super clean, even the parking lot was clean.  The furniture and carpet were dated but squeaky clean.  We got a king bed room for $36.  Yes, you read that right, $36!  No continental breakfast but who cares at that rate?

We were able to park right outside our room which made unloading a breeze.

The next morning we debated on taking a more scenic route but in the end decided to stick to the interstates and get home to our own comfy bed.  We stopped in Salina, UT for brekkie at Mom's Cafe which was delish.  Then another quick break in Beaver, UT before our arrival at home.  The house hadn't burned down and all was in order.  It was good to be home.

A great big THANK YOU to Michael Kneebone and Lisa Landry for putting on such a terrific event.  All the volunteers and presenters and vendors also get a big shout of thanks.  And, to all the attendees, thank you for participating and making this an event to be remembered.  I so enjoyed seeing old friends, meeting new friends and generally having a fine, fun time.

I would also like to thank all of you who have followed my blog.  I'm so tickled that you give your precious time to read my entries.  I hope I can keep you entertained for a long time to come :-)

Cheers (and hugs)
Cletha