BIO
Hi, thanks for looking at the '03 Iron Butt ride.
In the '97 IBR, I rode a Yamaha Royal Star Tour Classic, finished 44th out of 78 starters. Great ride with no troubles for our first IBR. I was 1/2 of "Team Yamaha", along with my buddy, Rick Williams. Gerbing, Cycle Comm (miss you Ron Fischer), Niehaus and Stop N Go helped out.
For the '99 IBR we rode '99 Yamaha Ventures. I had the pretty one and was a Bronze Medalist, finishing in the lower third. It was great to be supported by Yamaha again, Kim Knupp and JoAnn Schmidt and all the tech reps, especially Mark Brozina. Baker Built Air Wings and Niehaus Cycles in Litchfield, Illinois, were also great supporters.
Again In the '01 IBR, we rode the '99 Yamaha Ventures. Great support from Yamaha again. I was a Gold Medalist because I rode to Hyder, Alaska and actually finished in Madison, Alabama on time. The big boys tried for Prudoe Bay, some made it, some didn't. I commend those that made the attempt, whether they finished or not. This Rally is about doing YOUR best.
You may have met me at a motorcycle event where Yamaha has conducted Demo Rides. I 'lead & chase' the demos, when I have an opportunity to take time off from the 'real job'! My 'real job' is coordinating the Illinois State University's Motorcycle Safety Program from Normal, Illinois. Vern Hanks is our Director, Diana Nelson is our secretary, and we have about 80 of the best MSF Instructors anywhere who can teach you to ride as safe as possible. Even you 'old dogs' can learn a thing or two!
I live near Peoria, a great place to be in Illinois. Sponsors for me, this time around are: 'Tote' Gray of Grayboy Motorsports, Illinois Valley BMW MOA Club # 70, ISU Motorcycle Safety Program, my personal mechanics and Sherry, MOM, Terry & Sherrill, Brett & Jill, Emily & Brent, Rob, Devyn & Alex and ACA!
Check in regularly, since I hope to have pix and/or thoughts sent in daily? for posting. I am riding from Illinois to Sturgis for Bike Week demos at the YAMAHA tent. Then from Sturgis to Missoula to begin the Iron Butt on August 11. If you visit one of the check points, be sure to say 'Hi'.
Thanks & more later...... Kerry Willey