The ride will be the 7th not quite annual running of the Ironbutt. The first Ironbutt (formerly known as "Tour de Mempho" and "One Lap of Memphis") was in 1997, the last was in 2007. unlike last year's 87 mile version, this version will be around 100 miles long and will start at Chris Irving's House (plenty of parking at the street) and include a lap of Stanky Creek before riding to the Wolf River Trails at Hollywood. From Hollywood we will meander along the Wolf River to Shelby Farms where we make the dreaded lap of the old "Tour de Wolf" course. We ride back to the river trails and come out on Collierville-Arlington Rd, then only 5 miles to Herb Parson's Lake where we take a much deserved lunch break. After a lap of Herb Parson's (this is where the Tech-nu comes in handy), we head toward Lakeland's Harvester Park trails. After taming the hills there, we ride the 2.5 miles back to the Frappuccino, spaghetti and Fat Tire Ale. The Ironbutt doesn't necessarily stick to the roads between trail heads, if there is a cow path heading in the right direction, we are on it. The best quote from the first female participant was "you've got to be kidding me!" when looking at the Gray's Creek trail head. Be prepared to climb, push, hike and actually ride your bike a little.
When: July 5th, 2008. Departure time 7:00 A.M. Bring a twenty dollar donation if you want a Tee-shirt and a sub sandwich brought to Herb Parsons, also bring a spare jersey, shorts, gloves or socks, Advil, Tech-nu, Ivy Block, Ben-Gay, Preparation H, cab fare home (or anything else you think you might need at that point) in a marked bag that will be waiting for you at Herb Parsons. It's nice to change into fresh clothes after lunch.
Where: Leaving from 4806 Oaks Crest Cove (strategically located between Lakeland and Stanky Creek) Food and drink served after, with lunch served at Herb Parsons. We are planning on having a case or so of New Belgium Beer (several varieties), a pot of spaghetti and chips and salsa for the munchies.
Who: Everyone capable; be warned that this is not an easy ride on manicured trails. You will be on trails or dirt roads approximately 67 miles with only 35 miles of pavement. The are no sag wagons, masseuse's and volunteers lubing your chain every 15 miles. Odds are you will crash at some point and will have your arms and legs ripped to shreds from privet and briars. If this sounds like fun, then this ride is for you.
