by Ron Schinnerer (Platinum Tire Level Winner) Originally Published in the IAMC Newsletter, January 2017
2015 was a fairly lean year riding-wise for me. I started 2016 out planning to correct that injustice. As early as the January Awards lunch, I started socializing the idea of riding the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route with a number of people. I was well on my way to planning that ride when the list of Challenge points was released. I quickly realized that many of the Challenge sites could be visited either along the IDBDR or on the way back home.
With many of the Challenge sites covered in my plans already, I realized that a loop through Eastern Idaho would allow me to visit most of the remaining sites. I started planning that loop for late June. I put together a route that would take me through the East Idaho sites with a mix of dirt and pavement that would keep any backtracking to a minimum. I also planned the route so that I could stay in hotels each night that allowed me to travel lighter and make more use of riding hours during the day. I covered 1,336 miles and visited 18 Challenge sites over 4 days on this trip.
The big event for the year started in late July. I was joined by Dan Driscoll, Mark Wurtenburger, and Norris Riggs on an 8 day epic adventure on the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route. We were treated to an unending array of scenic views and most of the remaining Challenge Sites.
I’d like to thank everyone that I have ridden with this past year. Sharing these adventures with others is what really makes them great!