Ferry Crossing Record attempt:

16 Ferries, 6 states, 1500 miles, 36 hours

LATEST NEWS: Plans are in place to up the record in the Summer of 2010. Stay tuned!

BB1500	SS1000

Unfortunately, due to a highway closure earlier in the route I arrived at my final ferry (the Peel Ferry in Arkansas) a few minutes too late to get it within the 36 hour mark. And another ferry (the Grafton) was closed due to an engine problem.

But everything else went well and I wound up with 14 ferries in 36 hours, including 11 in the first 24 hours. After crossing the Peel Ferry in Arkansas I still felt fresh enough to ride home another 225 miles to Sullivan, so altogether the trip was about 41 hours and 1800 miles, most of which was on back roads.

I submitted my records to the Iron Butt Association. After their stringent review and confirmation process, the IBA has given their official recognition o f a "Bun Burner 1500" i n 1,537 miles (with 14 inland ferry crossings) and a "Saddle Sore 1000" in 1,040 miles (with 11 ferries). Those who want to read the excruciating details can click here.

I have been unable to find any evidence that anyone has tried this before. I believe this establishes a record for most ferries crossed in a BB1500, and also the most crossed in a SS1000.

Inland ferries are a unique but threatened bright spot on the American roadscape - so I hope this ride captures the imagination of others and helps raise awareness of these gems of the back roads. During the several months I spent planning this route, 2 ferries I had intended to cross (the Winfield in MO/IL and the Hickman in KY/MO) shut down. The Hickman eventually returned to operation, but it appears the Winfield is gone for good.

I also hope that someone comes along soon and breaks this new record, so I have a good excuse to put together a better route and try to reclaim the title. This was a fun ride! I'm thinking about trying it again in the Spring to see if I can get all 16 ferries in.