The Iron Butt Association's Big As Texas Party is about to start in beautiful Allen Texas. In the burbs of the DFW metroplex, this gathering of long-distance motorcycle riders is rapidly becoming an annual event. Festivities start on Thursday, September 29 and conclude with the spectacular awards presentation banquet on Saturday, October 1, 2016.Riders will begin to gather at the Hilton Garden Inn-Allen host hotel starting early in the week. The start for the Texas World Capitals 1,000 and 1,500 mile 24 hour challenge rides are set for 6 am on Friday morning.
The IBA Big As Texas Party is also the celebration event for the end of the annual IBA memorial ride period. This riders who do an IBA challenge even during the several weeks leading up to the BAT Party get special recognition at the event. This includes quick turn-around of the ride certification and personal presentation by Mike Kneebone, President of the IBA. Perfect "Selfie" opportunity!
The Texas World Capitals 1,000 and 1,500 mile rides are below.
After the Rider's meeting at 5:45, the BBG riders departed first, followed by the SaddleSore riders. Wasn't long before the two seperate groups began to spread out. The BBG'ers headed west then north while the SS1K riders headed east then south. First to register picturers were from the SS1K crowd at Paris.
Dave McQuenney was at the rider monitor desk receiving the pictures of the bonus location and rider flags. Several submissions have issues that need to be resolved by closer inspection once the riders have returned. Dave is compliling the list of "Please see the Scoring Team" names for Rider Check-in. That list will be posted on the door near the Allen ballroom.
Frans and Bettie deWit had a low speed get-off while in rush hour traffic around San Antonio. No injuries to report but they couldn't continue with the ride.
Jim Judge struck a deer while taking the short cut off the recommended route, by-passing Junction, on his way to London. About 5:20 pm, time on his last SPOT track, he struck the local wildlife along the county road leading from I-10, through Harper then on to US377. He was airlifted to Brook Army Medical Center with a couple of broken ribs, banged up hand and the usual road rash. His spouse, Sandra, was here at the hotel in Allen and was quickly brought up to date on his condition after a short time. His son is a BAMC to see after his dad and to keep mom informed. She will be packing up all their stuff from the Allen hotel and driving down to San Antonio in the morning.
We wish Jim Judge along with Fran and Bettie deWit a speed recovery.
The Big As Texas Party - Schedule of Events
Thursday, 9/29
Afternoon: Registration in the hotel lobby
Evening: No Host dinner locally
Friday, 9/30
5:45 am Rider Meeting
6:00 am Rider start of TWC 1,000 & 1,500
Evening: No Host dinner for non riders
Saturday, 10/1
10 am to 2 pm: Rider check-in - Near Allen Ballroom
4 pm: Awards ceremony and certificate presentation - Allen Ballroom
6 pm - 8 pm: Dinner Program - Allen Ballroom
8 pm - until: Party in the lobby bar
Sunday, 10/2
7 am - 9 am: Breakfast
