Two Things Tuesday

 Two Things: Number One - Iowa Wind and Rock:

I would be remiss if I did not mention something about the past weekend's events at Iowa Wind and Rock. This is the event that is heavily influenced by, (some would say it is an outgrowth of ), Trans Iowa. So, of course I feel a connection to the event every year. Once again I paid attention to the goings on over the weekend and I also did a Twitter thread on the event as it happened in case you saw that, or want to. (Twitter @guitarted1961) 

The weekend here was pretty much marked by Winter-like weather. It was sub-freezing for a significant time during the event with strong Northwest winds and there was even snow and bitterly cold rain for a bit. The threat of this weather caused IWAR some no-shows, as this sort of weather will do in an event like that, especially a free to enter event. They ended up with 60 hardy souls taking the line. 

Attrition was high in the beginning with most of the event's abandons happening before the first of two checkpoints. The progression of this year's IWAR was a very familiar one for me as the remaining riders were whittled down to a final finishing total of 13. 

Cory Rood was the overall winner in a time of just under 28 hours. That's about "right" for an event like that, with those conditions, based upon my experiences. Congratulations to Cory and all the other 2023 IWAR finishers, riders, volunteers, and race directors for another successful event. As anyone that has read this blog over the years knows, the stress and complexities of an event the magnitude of IWAR/Trans Iowa is immense. Hats off to one and all for this edition of an Iowa classic gravel event. 

Number Two: The Latest Guitar Ted Podcast & News:

As you all that read here are probably aware, I do a podcast with N.Y. Roll that posts about three to four episodes a month. We've got Episode #12 out right now, and we should have another recapping Sea Otter and more coming out later this week. 

We've been getting a lot of feedback on our efforts and I really appreciate that. It has all been encouraging and constructive, which is useful for us and spurs us onward. 

Speaking of "onward", the near future should prove interesting as we move closer to the second installment of folks into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame, which I have planned to be in attendance. Since I will be there and several interesting folks will be around, I may try to grab some soundbites and/or interviews which will be appearing on future episodes of the Guitar Ted Podcast.  

Meanwhile we should be getting some more interviews in from other folks as well. So, all of that to look forward to on that channel as we keep trying to get better and put out content that folks find worthwhile. Finally, I wanted to give a shout-out to The Spinistry, the Texas based gravel event promotions entity which has been a big supporter and sponsor of the podcast this year. Check them out for interesting gravel events, bikepacking routes, and more.