2026-07-18
Ahead of the Aurum 1006 km race, traveller Vitoldas Milius completes 1,006 miles by motorcycle and earns Iron Butt certification
Over nearly three decades of Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook history, many traditions have become part of the event. One of them is the setting of unique records and extraordinary achievements on the eve of the main race, with Lithuanian traveller Vitoldas Milius traditionally taking on the challenge. This year, however, his adventure was different – instead of four wheels, he set off on two, aiming to cover 1,006 miles in less than 24 hours.
The challenge was inspired by the internationally recognised Iron Butt Association, well known among motorcyclists. The organisation awards its famous Iron Butt certification to riders who complete at least 1,000 miles within 24 hours. Successfully completing the distance earns the rider the association's first, Silver-level certification.
Milius is no stranger to unusual endurance challenges. In 2012, ahead of the Aurum 1006 km race, he attempted a world record for driving a car in reverse, covering 308 kilometres around the race circuit in 8 hours and 50 minutes. In 2019, together with Aidas Bubinas, he completed a 5,008-kilometre journey around the Baltic Sea in 152 hours and 30 minutes.
At 5:00 a.m. on Friday, Milius set off from Vilnius aboard a Honda X-ADV 750 adventure scooter, heading towards Palanga. This time, however, his route was chosen not for its scenery but for speed.
"Because I'd never ridden such a distance on a motorcycle before, everything was new to me. I selected the roads that would allow me to complete the challenge as efficiently as possible. It may sound like a boring task, but once you realise that after riding 300 kilometres you still have another 1,300 to go, your perspective changes completely.
"Of course, it's absolutely achievable. Anyone who knows what they're doing and is comfortable on a motorcycle can complete this distance. The hardest part is staying focused because there's really no time to rest. Personally, I find driving long distances by car much easier."
After reaching the Aurum 1006 km race village in Palanga, Milius immediately turned back towards Vilnius. On the return journey he noticed heavy traffic beginning to build on the A1 motorway towards the coast, so he altered his route, travelling via Marijampolė before returning to Vilnius, then continuing through Panevėžys, Kaunas and Marijampolė once again before finally arriving back in the capital shortly after midnight. During the challenge he covered almost every motorway in Lithuania.
For the final kilometres of the ride, Milius was joined by Aidas Bubinas, who recently set a European Iron Butt record by covering 20,000 miles in just 20 days.
Photos: Vytautas Pilkauskas and Vitoldas Milius.