Update: June of 2008 - I made it to Rapid City, South Dakota on June 20, 2008 after 16 Hours and 15 Minutes of riding. The total mile came to 1,129 from Grand Rapids, MI to Rapids City South Dakota. 

In May of 2007 I did an Iron Butt Association (IBA) ride- a Lake Michigan 1000 (1000 miles in 24 hours - circuit of Lake Michigan).

My ride was accepted and I became a member in November (I am member #31448). I found that I really enjoy the challenge of distance riding, and figured I should try to do something worthwhile with it.

While in the shower one morning inspiration struck. Why not use the ride to raise some money for a worthwhile cause that is dear to my heart?

Since I teach at Beaverdam Christian School, and money can be an issue (as it can in all schools), I thought I could use my ride this year to raise some funds for some school items that will benefit my students.

So, for my first ever attempt at a ride-a-thon I am hoping to raise enough money for 5-6 quality student microscopes- these don't come cheap! Anything raised beyond that will be used to raise money for a keyboard for chapel- anything beyond that will need to be determined.

I plan to leave Grand Rapids, MI around 4 am on June 19, and arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota some time later in the evening. This will be a total distance of around 1100 miles, making it a Saddle Sore 1000. My brother-in-law, Jeff Boeve, will be accompanying me on his 1984 Honda v-65 Magna.

I am Clay Lubbers (click to email me), a Christian, a father of two (a girl and a boy), a husband to Jaci, and a teacher at Beaverdam Christian School. I love teaching, I love hunting, and I love motorcycling.

I have a few bikes (link to my bike page)- I love the Yamaha XS650 and have two of them (a '79 Tracker and an '82 Heritage Special) currently. My main ride (for commuting and touring) is my 2003 Suzuki Bandit 1200S. I have modified it a bit. The previous owner jetted and piped it, which left me with a range of around 120 miles (and gobs of power). Since I have found that I enjoy distance riding, I have built an extended range tank that should get me a 250+ mile range.

One thing to understand- rides for the IBA are not based on speed- in fact if you submit a ride with a higher average speed than the legal speed limit, your ride will be rejected. They are about consistency and maintaining quick, consistent stops- fueling efficiently, eating efficiently, and riding consistently. That's one reason why I built the extended range tank- to cut down on fuel stops and keep my average riding speed higher.

If you cannot donate, I would ask that you keep our school in our prayers. At Beaverdam Christian School we strive to teach kids in the Reformed tradition- that we are not set apart from the world, but that we are to be a part of it- renewing and transforming it for God's glory.

Email me using this link: clayl@allcom.net or email me with the subject "Your Ride-a-thon". You can make a per mile pledge, or simply pledge an amount pending the completion of my ride.

To donate I would ask that you either send a check (payable to Beaverdam Christian School) to:

Beaverdam Christian School
5181 64th Ave
Hudsonville, MI 49426

With "Clay's Ride-a-thon" in the memo section, or pay via the Beaverdam Christian School's Paypal account using "Clay's Ride-A-Thon" in the text.

Your donations to this cause are tax-deductible, as Beaverdam Christian School is a 501c3 non-profit organization. If you would like a receipt, please include your name and address and one will be mailed to you.