What’s it all about?

The RBLR 1000 is a 1000 mile motorcycle endurance rally ran by the

Royal British Legion Riders ’ branch and supported by the

Iron Butt Association UK.

It serves as an introduction to long distance motorcycling whilst also serving the very useful purpose of raising money for the Poppy Appeal.

Riders aim to complete 1000 miles over a weekend, if they wish to apply for

Iron Butt certification (for a Saddlesore 1000) than they must complete the distance

in less than 24 hours, otherwise they can take as long as they like.

How did it start?

In 2009 it was actually set up as a one-off event to try and break

the world record for simultaneous Saddlesore rides,

which at that date was a mere 156 set during the 2006 “Ride for the Heart

(http://www.ridefortheheart.com/about.htm ).

Unfortunately news of our record-breaking endeavour spread across the

Atlantic and we were gazumped on the 15/16 May 2009 when 409 riders

completed the Redwing 19 (http://redwing19.com/) SaddleSore 1000.

What happened in 2009?

187 motorcycles crossed the start line on the morning of the 20 June 2009

and we ended up with 164 finishers after mechanical breakdowns,

punctures etc, and beating the record of 156 that was our target.

The riders raised over £35,000 in sponsorship, far exceeding the £10,000 estimate.

And in 2010?

Well, following the success of the 2009 event the organiser

was persuaded to run it again in 2010, only this time with the backing of

White-Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors.

We gained our own website and forum (www.rblr1000.co.uk)

and entries far exceeded 2009 with 352 riders of whom 266 completed

the ride and this time raised almost £80,000.

So, are you actually going to tell us about the RBLR 1000 2011?
Yes, indeed I am. This year, probably due to the recession (depression)
and the cost of fuel, entrants were down on 2010.
254 people entered including 21 pillion passengers,
but before we got underway there were 11 cancellations
(includes 2 pillions) and then when the day itself dawned we had
51 no-shows (7 more pillions) – maybe this was something to do with
the terrible weather that was forecast for that weekend.
192 participants crossed the start line, that's 180 bikes because 12
of those had passengers. During the event we had 8 that didn't come back;
4 had mechanical problems, 2 had punctures, 1 had a family problem and 1 accident.
From the remaining 172 bikes, all less 4 came back in under 24 hours.
It still remains to be seen how much sponsorship money our intrepid
guys’n’gals have raised this year, but it is likely to be less than the 2010 figure.

Prizes.
As usual, we gave out some prizes to those who,
by dint of good fortune or the choice of a hopeless steed,
deserved some kind of recognition:

Furthest travelled - Ivan Cullum - 380 miles (Probus, Cornwall)
Oldest rider - Dusty Saunders - age 66
Youngest rider - Guy Nevison - age 23
Youngest participant - Charlotte Gibbons - age 14
Oldest bike - Leonard Jubb - 1979 BMW R100RT
Smallest capacity bike - Matt Humphries - Honda C90 Cub (That’s right, a C 90!!!!).

Photographs. See them here

2012?
Oh, go on then. RBLR 1000 2012 will be from Friday 22 June to Sunday 24 June 2012
(it is always the weekend closest to 21 June). Venue; Squires Cafe Bar, Yorkshire.