Last Update: 7 September 2025

You’ve probably heard the terms “Iron Butt,” “Bun Burner,” or even “Saddle Sore.” They all refer to the ultimate test of motorcycle endurance: a ride so long that your seat becomes more like a second skin. It’s for riders willing to push their limits, time in the saddle stretching far beyond the usual.

Recently, it hit me — I’ve logged countless long-distance miles, yet I’ve never earned an official Iron Butt Association (IBA) certification. That changes now. On Thursday, August 27, at the crack of dawn, I set out solo on my first official “Iron Butt.”

Here’s the kicker: I’ll be the first — and likely only — woman to ride alone around the stunning loop of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The challenge? Complete at least 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometres) in under 24 hours, while meticulously documenting the journey with receipts, witness signatures, and required checkpoints.

If I succeed, I’ll earn the Iron Butt Association’s coveted certification — for life. It’s not just a ride; it’s a test of endurance, focus, and sheer grit. And trust me, every mile promises to be unforgettable.

The World’s Toughest Riders – The Iron Butt

Endurance motorcycle riding isn’t just a hobby—it’s a true test of skill, stamina, and mental grit. Think of it as a motorsport where your only competitor is yourself. Every mile challenges your endurance, every hour in the saddle pushes your limits.

Enter the Iron Butt Association (IBA), the American-based organisation that proudly calls its members “The World’s Toughest Riders.” They officially support, verify, and celebrate long-distance endurance rides, offering recognition for those who achieve the extraordinary. With a focus on safe, long-distance motorcycling, the IBA has cultivated a community of over 50,000 passionate members worldwide, and their website is filled with inspiring stories of documented accomplishments.

With the motto “The World Is Our Playground,” the IBA perfectly captures the spirit of adventure that defines endurance riding—a mix of thrill, challenge, and the pure joy of exploring the open road on two wheels.

Clinton and Back via Hugh Hawkins Park (My Grandfather)

One of the key criteria for the IBA’s “Lake Huron 1000” ride is that the route must begin and end in the same location. Though I live in Toronto, my starting — and finishing — point will be in the small town of Clinton, Ontario, at Hugh Hawkins Park. This isn’t just any park—it’s named in honour of my grandfather, my mother’s father, and holds a special place in my heart. A humble site, framed by its iron-arched entrance, it stands as a quiet testament to a man well-known in his community.

He was a true pillar of Clinton: a business owner running his own heating and plumbing company from his hardware store, a keen sportsman, and a two-term President of the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA), which promoted year-round sports in small towns and rural areas. I’ve heard countless stories of him from those who knew him—a real “man about town” whose presence and accomplishments still resonate.

Being able to weave the small town of Clinton and my family heritage into my personal motorsport goal makes this ride all the more meaningful. Though I was too young to know him well before he passed, each visit to Clinton has been a thrill—listening to stories, feeling a connection, and imagining him cheering me on from Hugh Hawkins Park as I begin my ride.

Integrating my passion for motorcycling and this part of my heritage allows me to preserve a bond to this small but special community.

It’ll be a delightful feeling on the 27th as I sit on my motorcycle, under the arch bearing my grandfather’s name – ready to ride this challenge!  And, providing I succeed, it will make for – an equally meaningful finish!

IRON BUTT ACHIEVED!

UPDATE: YES, I DID IT! I completed my Lake Huron 1000 run in an incredible 19 hours — well under the 24-hour limit—and I’m officially certified by the Iron Butt Association! The feeling of crossing that finish line, back at Hugh Hawkins Park where it all began, was beyond exhilarating. Every mile, every turn, every challenge along the route became part of a story I’ll carry with me forever. I can’t wait to share the full adventure soon — this ride wasn’t just about endurance, it was about family, heritage, and proving to myself that limits are meant to be tested and conquered.

More about Iron Butt Association Visit Website

Clinton Ontario via Wikipedia Source

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