With many thanks to RichVee4 and A Dragon, I was able to successfully complete this year's Saddlesore 1000 Iron Butt ride. It wasn't without its own bit of drama and obstacles, but I think that's just part of what makes it a challenge.
This year's ride wasn't as well planned as my others and if I had put some forethought into it, I would have turned it into a charity ride of some sort. The idea isn't new. I just don't know enough about doing charity events to add that to the list of items I have to accomplish, along with actually doing the riding bit.
Now that I'm done with this year's ride event, I can focus my attention on next year's and getting the charity stuff created. Just one more added reason to keep doing these, but now with more purpose.