Does this sound like fun to you???

Merril got home at 2 p.m. this afternoon from his SaddleSore 1,ooo ride. The rules include no speeding, no use of stimulants to keep you awake and alert, ride 1,000 miles and do it in under 24 hours. He left yesterday at 7 p.m. with his friend, Ryan, and rode through the night and most of the day. He said he, "had a good time!"

Here's his GPS. He went 1,010 miles, riding for 14 hours and 13 minutes. HOLY. COW. They rested for 4 hours and 5 minutes. So the entire trip took just over 18 hours. Now to me, that doesn't sound like fun to bust it for a little piece of paper but whatever. I knew he was nuts when I met him, no surprise here. But I'm telling this story all wrong. Let's back up.

Here's the chief mechanic. He's making sure the saddlebags are properly packed with tools and such.

Here's Merril right before departure, looking sharp and alert.

Here he is on arrival at 2 p.m.

Notice the bloodshot eyes and kind of crazed look about him. Let's just say I don't consider this a really healthy past time. He had a shower and took a nap for a couple of hours. He's wandering around sore but happy.