SADDLE SORE RUN
Written by Joe Lopez, AGWA Vice President & Public Relations Director
I’ve always wanted to participate in a Saddle Sore Run, but for some reason I always put it aside. Well, recently I decided to do it and I DID IT. I figured it was time before Old Man Time crept in and I wouldn’t be able to do anything. The weather played an important part as to when I would leave. On March 6th 2004 I decided to leave the next morning at 3:00AM, which I did. Probably most of you know about the Iron Butt Association and their runs. They have several you can do which of course have to be documented with fuel receipts giving the date, time and location of the fuel stop. Also, you must have witnesses sign papers validating the mileage on your Speedometer when you depart and when you arrive at your destination. In addition, you must submit a map showing complete routing of your trip. As I stated, I left promptly at 3:00AM and headed out toward New York City. I live on Long Island, NY and as some of you know you have to pass through NYC in order to go anywhere. I mapped this trip to do it the hard way and take I95 south all the way to the Sunshine state … FLORIDA. No mishaps or traffic problems, I made Starke, Florida in slightly less than 16 hours. I averaged about 64 MPH, not bad for an old fart, 43.1 MPG, not bad for high speeds and pulling a trailer. It was at that point in Starke that I contemplated doing the 1,500-mile run in less than 24 hours. I had 8 hours remaining and wondered whether I could do it. I had another option of doing 1,500 miles in less than 36 hours, which I knew I could do without any problem. I knew I had nothing further to prove so to avoid any possible mishaps I decided to settle on the 1,000 mile SADDLE SORE RUN. I continued on to Sarasota, Florida and visited with relatives, then soon after, I took my time coming back to Long Island. I did want to visit with special friends, Tom Llewellyn (Florida State Director) and one of my dearest friends Lana Smith. Again the weather dictated all my movements and I wasn’t able to visit them. Sorry Lana and Tom. I’ll see you guys in Vermont. One thing I did learn on this trip, now I know why they call it the SADDLE SORE RUN. It was fun and I was glad I did it before it was too late. SEE YOU ALL IN VERMONT…..