I passed my motorcycle test in 1976 and have been riding on and off ever since.
In the last couple of years, since retiring I have started moto camping (yes, I have stayed at the Bikes Campsite and it was excellent) and have started to ride longer and longer distances, within the constraints imposed by my endurance to sit on my 650 VStrom.
A couple of weeks ago, on a very spur of the moment decision I finally made the trip to France that I have had planned since 2018 as I wanted to visit the graves of two great uncles killed in WW1. Availability of ferries, time constraints and such meant that did this run as an out and back. Home to Newhaven to Dieppe to The Somme to Dieppe to Newhaven to home. 35 hours and around 600 miles, although obviously not in the saddle the whole time.
Shortly after getting back, someone I watch on YouTube (in the USA) did an iron but (had to spell but with one t otherwise the software changes it to arse) ride of 1000 miles in under 24 hours, this peaked my interest and so I went to find the UK arm of the IBA.
Now, I am active on a lot of different forums and I usually follow the premise that if I haven't got anything good to say, I don't say it, but I want to see if the impression I have been left with of the IBA (UK) is the correct one.
First impression, reading all their guidance notes is that they assume everyone cheats or is a liar. If you don't have a receipt to prove you were at a place... you weren't. I have done the four corners ( Lands End, St Davids, JOG and the Ness) albeit not in one ride, and I can tell you that you will not be able to get a receipt at The Ness in Lowestoft because there is nothing there, it is at the back of a huge industrial estate. You may be able to get something nearby but the implication in the IBA notes is that they will take that receipt as the point you travelled to. Also, good luck getting a receipt at Lands End before 10.00am because nothing is open, I could go on but I have made my point.
The next thing is that when assessing your ride they will join the dots that are your receipts using the shortest possible route. So if your IB ride takes you through Wales and you don't need to fill up with fuel, you had better stop somewhere and buy something, otherwise they will assume you just hacked up the M6.
And while we are on receipts, they must show the time and address of the place where you bought fuel / chocolate / Red Bull. If they show a company head office address you could be in trouble. Last, if your ride is assessed as being pukka and you qualify for a certificate, then they are £25!
I won't go on, I think I have more than made my point.
I am sure the IBA don't mean to come across as anything other than welcoming and inclusive, but my eyes didn't read the web site and notes that way. I may well do a 1000 mile ride, the thought of it intrigues me, but I won't be collecting receipts on the way and I certainly won't be submitting anything to the IBA.