Trans Iowa v13: Some Tidbits To Take Care Of

The gravel roads are clear in many parts of the world and I see that many riders are out there bagging big miles getting in shape for Trans Iowa v13. I'm still trying to tie up some loose ends before I can release some more news, but in the meantime, there are a few things that have cropped up which I would like to take care of now.

Drop Outs: Trans Iowa operates on the principle that if a rider drops out, for any reason, that rider is not replaced on the roster. This is the reason why every Trans Iowa has a different numbers of riders take the start every year. We've already had the first rider drop out, which traditionally happens about this time every year I've done Trans Iowa. Well, except for the past few years, where drops didn't start happening until well into Spring. That said.....

If for any reason you know that you will not be coming to Trans Iowa, please let me know as soon as you can. This saves me and some of my volunteers a lot of work, time, and money.

Volunteer Exemptions: I had a phone call the other day which has dialed up the need to clarify the parameters in which volunteers may exercise their right to a free spot on the roster. So, after some reflection, I have come up with a decision. In the past, I assumed that it was understood that if you wanted to exercise your right to get in Trans Iowa, you would do that during registration. Not two and a half months after registration has ended. It also has become quite obvious that several volunteers only volunteer to get into the event at some point, and that they really don't care about anything else. So, effective immediately, I am ending the volunteer exemption going forward. This means that anyone who volunteers this year won't get that "automatic entry" into a future T.I., if there ever are any. It also means that for any past volunteers they still have the option- once- to exercise their exemption. And then only before registration ends for the next T.I., if there ever is another. After that, I am all done with this facet of T.I.

To be honest, I have people volunteering for Trans Iowa that really care about the event, and don't give a rip if they ever do the riding part. I have enough of these people every year that I don't really need more folks that only want the golden ticket in", as it were. So, while it may seem harsh, I need to make sure the intentions of my volunteers are true to the spirit of Trans Iowa, and not merely a hurdle to get over to get at what they really want.

Sponsors: Now for something a little more pleasant. We've gotten some really great sponsors for this upcoming Trans Iowa. WTB is planning something, of which I am not even aware of at this point, but I am assured it will be something special. Probably tire related, obviously. Anyway......

Velocity USA is back again and will be providing a wheel set to the finisher who gets through Checkpoint #2 on time and is the last one to do so. We've done this format before with another company and it works out well and is a lot of fun for the riders.

I'll highlight other sponsors as Trans Iowa v13 approaches. Stay tuned......

Special Favors: Every other year or so I get asked for special allowances to get into Trans Iowa. I have been offered bribes of bottles of whiskey as recently as last night. I have had other offers and just downright cheeky requests to get in based upon "who the rider was". Look, you can probably guess how that went for all of those folks.

So, while it is flattering to get these offers, I want you to know that I have zero intentions of ever accepting any future offers to bribe me for an entry into a Trans Iowa. As for those asking based upon "who they are", well...... No. Just no.

Stay tuned for more.........