The Anatomy Of A Gravel Ultra

Since I got started in the gravel riding scene I've been fascinated by what motivates the riders. Ever since the very first Trans Iowa in 2005, I have been curious about seeing what it takes to participate in these events, not to mention the finishing of such events. 

I was anticipating the experience of just being around the ultra-distance legends of the day back in 2005. Mike Curiak, Steve "Doom" Fassibinder, Ira Ryan, the LaLonde brothers in 2006, and several other stalwarts of the 24hr racing scene who came and allowed me to mingle amongst them. I wanted to learn from them, but more than anything else, I just wanted to observe how they went about their business. 

I got to soak in that for fourteen years of Trans Iowas, and as a participant in other events, like Odin's Revenge, Gravel Worlds, and the Dirty Kanza 200. I came to an understanding of the "what it takes" to do these events, and I know a bit about what these events do to a person. But explaining that, well, that's a tall order. 

But recently a man who goes by the name of Bill Jeffery documented his ride at the 2024 Unbound XL, a 350 mile gravel event that happens the same weekend as the Unbound 200. I thought the 37 minute documentary was eye-opening with some very compelling content. 

I think Mr. Jeffrey does a really great job here because he was motivated to share his experience in a very transparent way. He didn't have to put this out into the World. Secondly, this isn't some sponsored content. It isn't done from an influencer's viewpoint to drive clicks to any money-making for him. I think that all is important here because it speaks to an authenticity that is pretty solid. 

Finally, if you ever were curious, like I have been for years, about how a person gets up for one of these events, how that effort unfolds over the course of more than one day, and what can happen to your mind and body while doing an ultra-distance gravel event, then check this documentary out. There is a TON of course views as well, so if you've never experienced the Flint Hills of Kansas, this documentary will bring you all the good stuff to see. 

Anyway, I was impressed by the work of Mr. Jefferey and I recommend this as a good way to see into the workings of one ultra-endurance racer. And maybe you might get what this whole "Spirit of Gravel" thing is really about as well. See the documentary HERE.

Friday News And Views

More Shipping Woes Spark Fears Of Prolonged Shortages: 

The news isn't good concerning shipping, and COVID in the world, for that matter, which is affecting shipping. We heard last week from an industry contact that China's largest shipping port is closed due to the pandemic. Manufacturers are still sitting on huge quantities of finished products in the Far East with no means of getting them to Europe or North America. Furthermore, this has caused some factories to cut down production, since they cannot get raw materials to produce products, or get finished goods off the docks. 

I would assume that unless product is 'on the water', which is shipping parlance for 'already on the way', that many things we need here will be delayed until late in 2021 or early 2022 at the soonest. It would appear that, by reading through things I have heard and seen, that 2022 will be a 'lost season' for bicycles for several companies. The so-called "Big Four", (Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, and Giant) may have some bikes showing up, but several smaller brands are shut out due to the scarcity of parts and the raw materials to make them. Some of these brands will, no doubt, have to wait until 2023 to have new bikes to sell. 

Thursday, Shimano sent out a communication to dealers and LBS' to say that the Malaysian factory shutdown is indefinite, (it was to be reviewed on 6/28/21) and that this will affect all groups BELOW 105 and SLX, wheels, hubs, and some cassettes and free wheels. This means that the severe aftermarket shortage will be extended, but more than this- the 'meat of the bicycle market', will be adversely affected as well.

As the Delta variant of COVID rages throughout the globe and a Winter of uncertainty looms in terms of flu and further COVID outbreaks, this situation remains fluid. One bright spot- The Evergiven, the ship that plugged the Suez canal back in March for about a week, has finally been released and is sailing to Europe with its cargo. A small pittance, but at least something to cheer about here. 

Lachlan Morton- Image from Twitter

Lachlan Morton Does Something Similar To Others- Gets Cred Anyway:

You've probably heard about Lachlan Morton, the Pro road rider that is raising funds to help get bikes for World Bicycle Relief. His attempt to run the entire 2021 Tour de France stages solo, self-supported and ride all transfers, has raised a lot of kudos and awareness amongst the roadie cognoscenti. Many are ballyhooing all this as being quite remarkable and noteworthy, and while I would agree to some extent, I have a question. "Where were you when Stamstad, Curiak, Matthew Lee, Mike Hall, and literally thousands of others were doing exactly this?" 

I don't take anything away from Morton's efforts, but the way the Pro roadie press would have you believe things, this is an oddity and 'new'. That's my observation and my only nit against this story. It isn't anything new, excepting the specific format, which, in a way, is kind of ironic in that Morton is beating the peloton to Paris as we speak. 

These sorts of efforts often are held to be a throwback to what some think of as 'more pure forms of competitive cycling'. You know, like the Tour was supposed to be way back when. But I disagree. This is one way to ride a bicycle competitively, and others have their ideas. As a fan of cycling, and as a sometimes participant in competitive events, I neither have to participate, nor pay any attention at all to any of it, no matter what some say about 'purity' or what have you. I only wish that reporting on this particular feat would have a bit longer perspective and not be so shallow historically speaking.

Image courtesy of Trek

Bontrager RSL MTB Handlebar/Stem Introduced:

Every few years or so we see a company, this time it is Bontrager (again), that tries a one piece bar/stem combo in carbon for road or MTB. Bontrager has just dropped the RSL level MTB handlebar/stem for $349.99. The bar/stem is made in OCLV carbon, has a 0° or -13° stem angle options, and comes in a few different lengths of stem reach and two bar widths, the longest being 820mm. the bars can be customized for length by cutting them down at prescribed trim lines at 40mm from the ends. 

Comments: Impressive weight savings, (214-250 grams, depending on model) carbon feel, and a sleek look with the addition of integrated Bontrager "Blender" mounts make this a sweet choice if..... If you like the angles and the specific choices available. Want to rotate the bar a tad to meet your preferences? Too bad, you cannot do that. 

And that, ultimately, has always been one of the biggest downfalls to one piece bar/stem combinations. That and any damage to the bar means you have to get a stem as well. Or if you want a 10mm longer stem, or a 5mm shorter one, well...... You know. It seems like a great idea until these things come along. But for those who can get around all that? Here you go..... They are available now online or from a Trek dealer near you. 

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth

B-Rad Everywhere Base Introduced:

Just when I go spouting off on alternative bottles and cage mounts, here comes a product in the same vein from Wolf Tooth, the B-Rad Everywhere Base. 

Obviously, not a new idea here, but the B-Rad Everywhere Base does do it a bit differently by utilizing the tried and true B-Rad aluminum base and silicone backed straps. There are two hole and three hole styles to accommodate traditional water bottle cages or those triple boss, cargo style cages. 

The aluminum base can also be used as a traditional B-Rad cage mount to offset a cage 'by up to 22mm', which in my case would have been great. However; I am using a different B-Rad mount I already have. Had I known this was coming out? I may have opted for it as it is a really versatile product from the looks of it. 

The B-Rad Everywhere Base kit is available now from Wolf Tooth at $24.95

And that's a wrap folks! Have a great weekend and get some riding in! Thanks again for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

Friday News And Views

More Shipping Woes Spark Fears Of Prolonged Shortages: 

The news isn't good concerning shipping, and COVID in the world, for that matter, which is affecting shipping. We heard last week from an industry contact that China's largest shipping port is closed due to the pandemic. Manufacturers are still sitting on huge quantities of finished products in the Far East with no means of getting them to Europe or North America. Furthermore, this has caused some factories to cut down production, since they cannot get raw materials to produce products, or get finished goods off the docks. 

I would assume that unless product is 'on the water', which is shipping parlance for 'already on the way', that many things we need here will be delayed until late in 2021 or early 2022 at the soonest. It would appear that, by reading through things I have heard and seen, that 2022 will be a 'lost season' for bicycles for several companies. The so-called "Big Four", (Cannondale, Specialized, Trek, and Giant) may have some bikes showing up, but several smaller brands are shut out due to the scarcity of parts and the raw materials to make them. Some of these brands will, no doubt, have to wait until 2023 to have new bikes to sell. 

Thursday, Shimano sent out a communication to dealers and LBS' to say that the Malaysian factory shutdown is indefinite, (it was to be reviewed on 6/28/21) and that this will affect all groups BELOW 105 and SLX, wheels, hubs, and some cassettes and free wheels. This means that the severe aftermarket shortage will be extended, but more than this- the 'meat of the bicycle market', will be adversely affected as well.

As the Delta variant of COVID rages throughout the globe and a Winter of uncertainty looms in terms of flu and further COVID outbreaks, this situation remains fluid. One bright spot- The Evergiven, the ship that plugged the Suez canal back in March for about a week, has finally been released and is sailing to Europe with its cargo. A small pittance, but at least something to cheer about here. 

Lachlan Morton- Image from Twitter

Lachlan Morton Does Something Similar To Others- Gets Cred Anyway:

You've probably heard about Lachlan Morton, the Pro road rider that is raising funds to help get bikes for World Bicycle Relief. His attempt to run the entire 2021 Tour de France stages solo, self-supported and ride all transfers, has raised a lot of kudos and awareness amongst the roadie cognoscenti. Many are ballyhooing all this as being quite remarkable and noteworthy, and while I would agree to some extent, I have a question. "Where were you when Stamstad, Curiak, Matthew Lee, Mike Hall, and literally thousands of others were doing exactly this?" 

I don't take anything away from Morton's efforts, but the way the Pro roadie press would have you believe things, this is an oddity and 'new'. That's my observation and my only nit against this story. It isn't anything new, excepting the specific format, which, in a way, is kind of ironic in that Morton is beating the peloton to Paris as we speak. 

These sorts of efforts often are held to be a throwback to what some think of as 'more pure forms of competitive cycling'. You know, like the Tour was supposed to be way back when. But I disagree. This is one way to ride a bicycle competitively, and others have their ideas. As a fan of cycling, and as a sometimes participant in competitive events, I neither have to participate, nor pay any attention at all to any of it, no matter what some say about 'purity' or what have you. I only wish that reporting on this particular feat would have a bit longer perspective and not be so shallow historically speaking.

Image courtesy of Trek

Bontrager RSL MTB Handlebar/Stem Introduced:

Every few years or so we see a company, this time it is Bontrager (again), that tries a one piece bar/stem combo in carbon for road or MTB. Bontrager has just dropped the RSL level MTB handlebar/stem for $349.99. The bar/stem is made in OCLV carbon, has a 0° or -13° stem angle options, and comes in a few different lengths of stem reach and two bar widths, the longest being 820mm. the bars can be customized for length by cutting them down at prescribed trim lines at 40mm from the ends. 

Comments: Impressive weight savings, (214-250 grams, depending on model) carbon feel, and a sleek look with the addition of integrated Bontrager "Blender" mounts make this a sweet choice if..... If you like the angles and the specific choices available. Want to rotate the bar a tad to meet your preferences? Too bad, you cannot do that. 

And that, ultimately, has always been one of the biggest downfalls to one piece bar/stem combinations. That and any damage to the bar means you have to get a stem as well. Or if you want a 10mm longer stem, or a 5mm shorter one, well...... You know. It seems like a great idea until these things come along. But for those who can get around all that? Here you go..... They are available now online or from a Trek dealer near you. 

Image courtesy of Wolf Tooth

B-Rad Everywhere Base Introduced:

Just when I go spouting off on alternative bottles and cage mounts, here comes a product in the same vein from Wolf Tooth, the B-Rad Everywhere Base. 

Obviously, not a new idea here, but the B-Rad Everywhere Base does do it a bit differently by utilizing the tried and true B-Rad aluminum base and silicone backed straps. There are two hole and three hole styles to accommodate traditional water bottle cages or those triple boss, cargo style cages. 

The aluminum base can also be used as a traditional B-Rad cage mount to offset a cage 'by up to 22mm', which in my case would have been great. However; I am using a different B-Rad mount I already have. Had I known this was coming out? I may have opted for it as it is a really versatile product from the looks of it. 

The B-Rad Everywhere Base kit is available now from Wolf Tooth at $24.95

And that's a wrap folks! Have a great weekend and get some riding in! Thanks again for reading Guitar Ted Productions.

It Still Can Be Super

Today I'm starting out with a slight variation on the standard G-Ted Disclaimer: NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" , and philosophical meanderings, will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

"And when I'm old and I've had my fun, I'll sell my inventions so that everyone can be superheroes. Everyone can be super! And when everyone's super...(muwahahahah!).....no one will be." - Syndrome in "The Incredibles"

I often am reminded of this quote from the Pixar movie when I read things about technology. Recently, the Grammys were handed out. Billie Eilish won a boatload of hardware for her latest album which was recorded in a bedroom on software and with equipment anyone can buy. 20 years ago you could not have begun to imagine such a thing. Studio equipment, and studio rental fees, were astronomically expensive and only by the backing of a record company could any artist hope to get recorded. Now "anyone can be recorded". Does that mean nothing is special anymore?

You can look at photography, art, and even news stories. All areas have been "democratized' to the point that much of the impact that photos, art, and news had "back in the day" has been lessened to a degree. So, what has all this got to do with cycling? 

Technology has brought people's accomplishments, that used to be amazing, down to "everyday happenings". This is our perception now. The accomplishments haven't changed, but our awareness of them, and the frequency of our awareness of them, has made them seem ordinary. Knowing that things can be done sometimes makes them repeatable on a larger scale by more people. This gets driven into social media channels until it becomes "just more noise". Take any ultra-event as an example.

I'm not sure what the point of all this is, if I am honest with you. It is something I struggle with though. I see, on social media, someone finishing, what I know is a technically, mentally, and physically challenging event, and I have to really try to not be the guy that says, "Oh....that's nice. Congratulations and all....", with no real feeling of wonderment and joy for the person. Because I know how hard it is to do those things. I know how I'd feel if I accomplished those things in cycling. Or at least I have an inkling of how I'd feel. I know it is a wonderment and a joy for that person who is finishing whatever event it is they have done.

Standing here watching- you cannot help but "feel it". DK200 finish line 2016

I blame technology and spending too much time on it. Because I also know that when I am out in the World- either participating in these events, or as a spectator at these events - that wonderment and joy is easily felt. No matter how many people are accomplishing something. How do I know that? I know that from spending hours at the Dirty Kanza 200 finish line. I've done that several times. Just standing there and watching. I find it heartening, uplifting, and  yes- joyous. I don't know the vast majority of finishers. It doesn't matter. There is something about being in the moment that is special.

I suppose it was the reason I got into promoting an ultra-distance gravel event as well. It was hanging around all those people at Trans Iowa v1 that really turned me on to having the desire to recreate that again and again. The awe inspiring people that took part in that event were super. They, and the ones that followed them afterward, were why I did what I did. They were, and still are, some of the reasons I ride in these crazy deals I have trouble finishing.

So, the point is - if there is one in this post - is that while more and more people can be "super", it still is special. It still is meaningful. It matters. But only if you engage. Go cycling, get out there. It doesn't have to be an event. It doesn't have to be splashed all over social media. Share these times with friends, or savor them alone. But the only way to beat being cheated out of the joy and wonderment that achievements in cycling- or anything, I guess- is to enjoy them in a real, face-to-face community. There is something magical about that. Something technology cannot replicate, no matter how hard the purveyors of it try to convince us that it can.

Thanks for reading!

It Still Can Be Super

Today I'm starting out with a slight variation on the standard G-Ted Disclaimer: NOTE: Large doses of "my opinion" , and philosophical meanderings, will be handed out in gloppy dollops today. You've been forewarned.....

"And when I'm old and I've had my fun, I'll sell my inventions so that everyone can be superheroes. Everyone can be super! And when everyone's super...(muwahahahah!).....no one will be." - Syndrome in "The Incredibles"

I often am reminded of this quote from the Pixar movie when I read things about technology. Recently, the Grammys were handed out. Billie Eilish won a boatload of hardware for her latest album which was recorded in a bedroom on software and with equipment anyone can buy. 20 years ago you could not have begun to imagine such a thing. Studio equipment, and studio rental fees, were astronomically expensive and only by the backing of a record company could any artist hope to get recorded. Now "anyone can be recorded". Does that mean nothing is special anymore?

You can look at photography, art, and even news stories. All areas have been "democratized' to the point that much of the impact that photos, art, and news had "back in the day" has been lessened to a degree. So, what has all this got to do with cycling? 

Technology has brought people's accomplishments, that used to be amazing, down to "everyday happenings". This is our perception now. The accomplishments haven't changed, but our awareness of them, and the frequency of our awareness of them, has made them seem ordinary. Knowing that things can be done sometimes makes them repeatable on a larger scale by more people. This gets driven into social media channels until it becomes "just more noise". Take any ultra-event as an example.

I'm not sure what the point of all this is, if I am honest with you. It is something I struggle with though. I see, on social media, someone finishing, what I know is a technically, mentally, and physically challenging event, and I have to really try to not be the guy that says, "Oh....that's nice. Congratulations and all....", with no real feeling of wonderment and joy for the person. Because I know how hard it is to do those things. I know how I'd feel if I accomplished those things in cycling. Or at least I have an inkling of how I'd feel. I know it is a wonderment and a joy for that person who is finishing whatever event it is they have done.

Standing here watching- you cannot help but "feel it". DK200 finish line 2016

I blame technology and spending too much time on it. Because I also know that when I am out in the World- either participating in these events, or as a spectator at these events - that wonderment and joy is easily felt. No matter how many people are accomplishing something. How do I know that? I know that from spending hours at the Dirty Kanza 200 finish line. I've done that several times. Just standing there and watching. I find it heartening, uplifting, and  yes- joyous. I don't know the vast majority of finishers. It doesn't matter. There is something about being in the moment that is special.

I suppose it was the reason I got into promoting an ultra-distance gravel event as well. It was hanging around all those people at Trans Iowa v1 that really turned me on to having the desire to recreate that again and again. The awe inspiring people that took part in that event were super. They, and the ones that followed them afterward, were why I did what I did. They were, and still are, some of the reasons I ride in these crazy deals I have trouble finishing.

So, the point is - if there is one in this post - is that while more and more people can be "super", it still is special. It still is meaningful. It matters. But only if you engage. Go cycling, get out there. It doesn't have to be an event. It doesn't have to be splashed all over social media. Share these times with friends, or savor them alone. But the only way to beat being cheated out of the joy and wonderment that achievements in cycling- or anything, I guess- is to enjoy them in a real, face-to-face community. There is something magical about that. Something technology cannot replicate, no matter how hard the purveyors of it try to convince us that it can.

Thanks for reading!

The Analogue Experience Is Dead

Connected, and thus, disconnected from what makes things special.

I once worked with Ergon persona extraordinaire, Jeff Kerkove, and he had a certain saying that has stuck with me over the years. He used to say "Cell phones are the Devil". Well, actually he also said "Road cycling is the Devil". So, take it for what it is worth. Anyway, the point here is that cell phones have disrupted the human experience of "Life" and how it was supposed to be lived.

And to be fair, I cannot say it is cell phones, but technology, is really what it is. Everyone agrees it has fundamentally changed the way we live, how we experience things, and how we relate to each other. Broad topic there and I don't pretend to have any answers. But I did want to narrow the focus down to cycling and gravel events in particular. (And for some context this is an excellent article which speaks to what I am saying about this.)

When I helped get Trans Iowa started in late 2004, our first event in 2005 was pretty much all analogue. Sure, we had cell phones, but coverage in terms of cell service in 2005 was a joke. There were plenty of areas in Iowa that had no coverage at all. So, unless you were in an urban area, along a State, US, or Interstate highway, you weren't getting cell coverage. That was most of the first few Trans Iowa courses.

Cell phones were primitive, compared to today's computers we carry around. I mean, all you could do with a cell phone in 2005 was call someone. The internet? Ha! GPS? Whatever. Mapping? Nonexistent. All this had little to no effect upon the experience of the riders. But it changed and it changed in a big hurry. By 2009 it was apparent that riders were able to have talks with support people in homes and get encouragement, coaching, and information not available a mere four years previous. Check out my quote from the T.I.v5 race report where I compare what racer Charlie Farrow did with zero cell phone connection to what others had done with it. -

"This may sound harsh, but this is my gut feeling. If you had this cell phone "life-line" going on during T.I.V5, then you did the route with outside support. The people that accepted that support will have to live with that thought. Folks like Charlie Farrow will not. You decide which way is "right"."

And I still feel this way. But actually calling someone isn't the only way to get support. In fact, now it is even more subtle. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have taken over from voice communications. These "social" media platforms have now become the communication lifelines that racers and ultra-distance gravel riders have employed to be their psychological edge, or their means of assuaging their decision to not finish in some cases. It's a weird, complicated web which has a lot of strands to it. That said, without that technology/social media factor, things would be a lot different, as far as experience goes for the riders, and in my mind, all for the better.

Now days support people actually track their riders via GPS Image by Jon Duke T.I.v13

One other recent development in technology has allowed riders to be tracked via GPS. This can be followed by support people and they can, in turn, show up anywhere on course to..... Well, you get the idea. 

Just the mere fact that this is a feature of modern GPS based bicycle computers and cell phones is another mental support to riders. You know someone knows where you are all the time that could bring you a coat, take unwanted gear, give you food, or just to "be there". It's all happened out there on courses at events..... But even if it hadn't, just knowing it could is an edge. It didn't used to be that way. Decisions were solely upon the rider, and if you were wrong...... Well, no one was going to bail you out, and even if they could, it would be a long time before they got there. That made decision making......well, critical. More so than it is the way things are now.

It's interesting. The first run-in I had with GPS tracked riders was at T.I.v13. A certain support person was tracking the progress of his rider. Now to be fair, he wasn't communicating with him, just tracking him, but I could see the possibilities right away. We ran into this again at the C.O.G. 100 this past month. People were tracking their riders and expecting me to calculate finishing times on the spot, off the top of my head, for their rider. They may have been thinking to themselves, "I could just go out there and find them sooner than this doofus can do math in his head." Probably true.

In my opinion, all this detracts from the experience. It dilutes the way Life was meant to be lived, without guarantees of success, of happiness, or even of living. (See above linked article) And to be fair, technology is not a guarantee of any of that, but that's not how it is viewed. Not if we are being honest with ourselves. But like I say, that's a much bigger discussion. I do know it screws with the intentions for a "self-supported" gravel event, and anymore, it is a farce to say any event is "self-supported". Not as long as each rider is carrying one of those super computer devices in their jersey, bag, or on their bike. 

But maybe I'm just a retro-grouch and I just don't get it. Fair enough. But if I had my druthers, I would put on an event where everyone locked their cell phones in a locker and then did the event. Of course, that raises some concerns, but think of how that changes the vibe. Your thought processes are going to be different. Maybe.

Maybe not.........

The Analogue Experience Is Dead

Connected, and thus, disconnected from what makes things special.

I once worked with Ergon persona extraordinaire, Jeff Kerkove, and he had a certain saying that has stuck with me over the years. He used to say "Cell phones are the Devil". Well, actually he also said "Road cycling is the Devil". So, take it for what it is worth. Anyway, the point here is that cell phones have disrupted the human experience of "Life" and how it was supposed to be lived.

And to be fair, I cannot say it is cell phones, but technology, is really what it is. Everyone agrees it has fundamentally changed the way we live, how we experience things, and how we relate to each other. Broad topic there and I don't pretend to have any answers. But I did want to narrow the focus down to cycling and gravel events in particular. (And for some context this is an excellent article which speaks to what I am saying about this.)

When I helped get Trans Iowa started in late 2004, our first event in 2005 was pretty much all analogue. Sure, we had cell phones, but coverage in terms of cell service in 2005 was a joke. There were plenty of areas in Iowa that had no coverage at all. So, unless you were in an urban area, along a State, US, or Interstate highway, you weren't getting cell coverage. That was most of the first few Trans Iowa courses.

Cell phones were primitive, compared to today's computers we carry around. I mean, all you could do with a cell phone in 2005 was call someone. The internet? Ha! GPS? Whatever. Mapping? Nonexistent. All this had little to no effect upon the experience of the riders. But it changed and it changed in a big hurry. By 2009 it was apparent that riders were able to have talks with support people in homes and get encouragement, coaching, and information not available a mere four years previous. Check out my quote from the T.I.v5 race report where I compare what racer Charlie Farrow did with zero cell phone connection to what others had done with it. -

"This may sound harsh, but this is my gut feeling. If you had this cell phone "life-line" going on during T.I.V5, then you did the route with outside support. The people that accepted that support will have to live with that thought. Folks like Charlie Farrow will not. You decide which way is "right"."

And I still feel this way. But actually calling someone isn't the only way to get support. In fact, now it is even more subtle. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have taken over from voice communications. These "social" media platforms have now become the communication lifelines that racers and ultra-distance gravel riders have employed to be their psychological edge, or their means of assuaging their decision to not finish in some cases. It's a weird, complicated web which has a lot of strands to it. That said, without that technology/social media factor, things would be a lot different, as far as experience goes for the riders, and in my mind, all for the better.

Now days support people actually track their riders via GPS Image by Jon Duke T.I.v13

One other recent development in technology has allowed riders to be tracked via GPS. This can be followed by support people and they can, in turn, show up anywhere on course to..... Well, you get the idea. 

Just the mere fact that this is a feature of modern GPS based bicycle computers and cell phones is another mental support to riders. You know someone knows where you are all the time that could bring you a coat, take unwanted gear, give you food, or just to "be there". It's all happened out there on courses at events..... But even if it hadn't, just knowing it could is an edge. It didn't used to be that way. Decisions were solely upon the rider, and if you were wrong...... Well, no one was going to bail you out, and even if they could, it would be a long time before they got there. That made decision making......well, critical. More so than it is the way things are now.

It's interesting. The first run-in I had with GPS tracked riders was at T.I.v13. A certain support person was tracking the progress of his rider. Now to be fair, he wasn't communicating with him, just tracking him, but I could see the possibilities right away. We ran into this again at the C.O.G. 100 this past month. People were tracking their riders and expecting me to calculate finishing times on the spot, off the top of my head, for their rider. They may have been thinking to themselves, "I could just go out there and find them sooner than this doofus can do math in his head." Probably true.

In my opinion, all this detracts from the experience. It dilutes the way Life was meant to be lived, without guarantees of success, of happiness, or even of living. (See above linked article) And to be fair, technology is not a guarantee of any of that, but that's not how it is viewed. Not if we are being honest with ourselves. But like I say, that's a much bigger discussion. I do know it screws with the intentions for a "self-supported" gravel event, and anymore, it is a farce to say any event is "self-supported". Not as long as each rider is carrying one of those super computer devices in their jersey, bag, or on their bike. 

But maybe I'm just a retro-grouch and I just don't get it. Fair enough. But if I had my druthers, I would put on an event where everyone locked their cell phones in a locker and then did the event. Of course, that raises some concerns, but think of how that changes the vibe. Your thought processes are going to be different. Maybe.

Maybe not.........

"Iowa Wind And Rock" Gravel Race Announced

A new gravel grinder event called "Iowa Wind And Rock" was announced publicly on Monday, September 10th, 2018. The following are my thoughts, comments, and answers to any potential questions about this announcement and it's relation, whether imagined or real, to the now defunct Trans Iowa.

Let me get a few things straight here. First of all, yes- I knew this was coming. I've been aware of the beginnings of this since May of this year. Second of all, no, I have nothing to do with getting this off the ground. Well, that isn't entirely true, because it was the event, Trans Iowa, which I ran for 14 years, that inspired this. So, in that way, I did have something to do with that. I suppose you could also say my dialogue with the RD leading up to this had some guiding benefit, but really, they had it figured out without me. Now, here is what I know about this new, ultra-length gravel event.

Iowa Wind And Rock will be held in Winterset, Iowa on April 20th, 2019. Yes- 4-20. Read into that what you may. I know that this event is to emulate Trans Iowa in several ways. NOTE- It isn't Trans Iowa. But it will be very much like Trans Iowa, just don't expect things to be exactly the same. Yes, I know this is the intention of the RD of this new event. As stated, we've had previous discussions pertaining to this. Other, fine details, and elements of this event are yet to be revealed. So, that's all I know about things so far.

The People: I know the folks organizing this event. Their names are well known to many gravel aficionados. Sarah Cooper, Steve Fuller, and Dennis Grelk are the main characters behind this. I know that they have every intention of doing this event to the very best of their abilities and that their intentions are honorable and sincere. I have hosted these folks at Trans Iowa, I have had them as volunteers. They "get it", as I was wont to say about people that understood what Trans Iowa was all about. They are going to take that and make it into something new. What it will be is yet to be seen.

So, thirdly- Yes, I have given them my "blessing", so to speak. If you are thinking these folks are popping in at an opportune time, taking advantage of my quitting Trans Iowa, well, you are right. In the very best of ways too. They understand that "now is the time" because I guarantee you that there are other events thinking that "they will be the new Trans Iowa" on the calendar. While that notion is ridiculous, this event has the pedigree and, as I said, these folks understand what TI was about. Can't say that for anyone else promoting out there.

All you really need to understand is that these folks loved the idea of Trans Iowa so much, they are motivated to do this. They want to extend the legacy of an event in Iowa that had what Trans Iowa had, in the best way that they know how to do it. It's a free to enter event too, so, yeah......money has not a thing to do with their motivations. 

Finally, I wanted to post this to not only make you all out there aware of this, but to head off any "What do you think of this, Guitar Ted?" questions that might come my way. I think it is rad, and I wish them all the best. If anyone asks me in the future about this, they are going to get directed to this post. I've said all I want to say about "what I think about this event's existence" here. A podcast version will air on RidingGravel.com at some point for those not tuned in here.

The Future: I expect that this will be a quality event and that people will be able to attend something here with similar feel and challenges that were once offered by your's truly. Will I have anything at all to do with this event? I have pledged my support in whatever way they see fit. Right now an appearance on race weekend is being talked about. That's a long ways away and anything is possible at this point. I will be happy to show my face there though and be a service to this event. As far as "how they do things" goes, that's on the RD and the team they have. Ask them. Don't ever bother me with questions of that ilk. So, that's my statement as of now.

Questions? Ask in the comments, but otherwise, this is all I have to say about it.

"Iowa Wind And Rock" Gravel Race Announced

A new gravel grinder event called "Iowa Wind And Rock" was announced publicly on Monday, September 10th, 2018. The following are my thoughts, comments, and answers to any potential questions about this announcement and it's relation, whether imagined or real, to the now defunct Trans Iowa.

Let me get a few things straight here. First of all, yes- I knew this was coming. I've been aware of the beginnings of this since May of this year. Second of all, no, I have nothing to do with getting this off the ground. Well, that isn't entirely true, because it was the event, Trans Iowa, which I ran for 14 years, that inspired this. So, in that way, I did have something to do with that. I suppose you could also say my dialogue with the RD leading up to this had some guiding benefit, but really, they had it figured out without me. Now, here is what I know about this new, ultra-length gravel event.

Iowa Wind And Rock will be held in Winterset, Iowa on April 20th, 2019. Yes- 4-20. Read into that what you may. I know that this event is to emulate Trans Iowa in several ways. NOTE- It isn't Trans Iowa. But it will be very much like Trans Iowa, just don't expect things to be exactly the same. Yes, I know this is the intention of the RD of this new event. As stated, we've had previous discussions pertaining to this. Other, fine details, and elements of this event are yet to be revealed. So, that's all I know about things so far.

The People: I know the folks organizing this event. Their names are well known to many gravel aficionados. Sarah Cooper, Steve Fuller, and Dennis Grelk are the main characters behind this. I know that they have every intention of doing this event to the very best of their abilities and that their intentions are honorable and sincere. I have hosted these folks at Trans Iowa, I have had them as volunteers. They "get it", as I was wont to say about people that understood what Trans Iowa was all about. They are going to take that and make it into something new. What it will be is yet to be seen.

So, thirdly- Yes, I have given them my "blessing", so to speak. If you are thinking these folks are popping in at an opportune time, taking advantage of my quitting Trans Iowa, well, you are right. In the very best of ways too. They understand that "now is the time" because I guarantee you that there are other events thinking that "they will be the new Trans Iowa" on the calendar. While that notion is ridiculous, this event has the pedigree and, as I said, these folks understand what TI was about. Can't say that for anyone else promoting out there.

All you really need to understand is that these folks loved the idea of Trans Iowa so much, they are motivated to do this. They want to extend the legacy of an event in Iowa that had what Trans Iowa had, in the best way that they know how to do it. It's a free to enter event too, so, yeah......money has not a thing to do with their motivations. 

Finally, I wanted to post this to not only make you all out there aware of this, but to head off any "What do you think of this, Guitar Ted?" questions that might come my way. I think it is rad, and I wish them all the best. If anyone asks me in the future about this, they are going to get directed to this post. I've said all I want to say about "what I think about this event's existence" here. A podcast version will air on RidingGravel.com at some point for those not tuned in here.

The Future: I expect that this will be a quality event and that people will be able to attend something here with similar feel and challenges that were once offered by your's truly. Will I have anything at all to do with this event? I have pledged my support in whatever way they see fit. Right now an appearance on race weekend is being talked about. That's a long ways away and anything is possible at this point. I will be happy to show my face there though and be a service to this event. As far as "how they do things" goes, that's on the RD and the team they have. Ask them. Don't ever bother me with questions of that ilk. So, that's my statement as of now.

Questions? Ask in the comments, but otherwise, this is all I have to say about it.

Minus Ten Review- 5

The night I finished it it was too cold to take it outside for its debut image.

Ten years ago on the blog I was talking about a few things. One was how it feels to drop out of a longer event. Back then this was a new phenomenon to me. I had dropped out at the halfway point of the first DK200 due to a dizzy spell. I had also watched as Trans Iowa riders dealt with the aftermath of their decision to "pull the plug" on their attempt.

Of course, this is a big topic. I could ruminate upon it for a few posts, most likely, but it also must be balanced with knowing when to pull the plug. I feel this balance- wanting to push on, knowing when not to, and dealing with the decision afterward is one of the most fascinating things about ultra-distance, endurance, and (probably)  any tougher challenge one engages in. I've been in that place plenty throughout my riding in gravel events. I have a pretty long list of DNF's and not many finishes. But I keep on trying.....

That aside, I also was yakking about something which, since a decade ago, I haven't seen anyone talk about here since. It has to do with why folks don't commute by bicycle here. While I don't think this is the only reason people don't commute by bicycle, I do think it is an unspoken aspect of commuting that isn't often, if ever, addressed anymore. Here's the quote from back then:

"A couple of years ago, I talked to the German owner of an American bike company who mentioned that one of the reasons he sees why Americans don’t ride to work is they are afraid of sweating and getting dirty. American culture has deemed it that thou shalt not stink and that you shalt have a sweet perfumey aire about them. There’s nothing wrong with a little human smell. "

Then I had just gotten a bicycle built as well. The 2007 project that finally was put together about six months later, the custom Badger drop bar hard tail. In fact, the image of that bike shared again here today was the only image on the blog all week ten years ago! 

Minus Ten Review- 5

The night I finished it it was too cold to take it outside for its debut image.

Ten years ago on the blog I was talking about a few things. One was how it feels to drop out of a longer event. Back then this was a new phenomenon to me. I had dropped out at the halfway point of the first DK200 due to a dizzy spell. I had also watched as Trans Iowa riders dealt with the aftermath of their decision to "pull the plug" on their attempt.

Of course, this is a big topic. I could ruminate upon it for a few posts, most likely, but it also must be balanced with knowing when to pull the plug. I feel this balance- wanting to push on, knowing when not to, and dealing with the decision afterward is one of the most fascinating things about ultra-distance, endurance, and (probably)  any tougher challenge one engages in. I've been in that place plenty throughout my riding in gravel events. I have a pretty long list of DNF's and not many finishes. But I keep on trying.....

That aside, I also was yakking about something which, since a decade ago, I haven't seen anyone talk about here since. It has to do with why folks don't commute by bicycle here. While I don't think this is the only reason people don't commute by bicycle, I do think it is an unspoken aspect of commuting that isn't often, if ever, addressed anymore. Here's the quote from back then:

"A couple of years ago, I talked to the German owner of an American bike company who mentioned that one of the reasons he sees why Americans don’t ride to work is they are afraid of sweating and getting dirty. American culture has deemed it that thou shalt not stink and that you shalt have a sweet perfumey aire about them. There’s nothing wrong with a little human smell. "

Then I had just gotten a bicycle built as well. The 2007 project that finally was put together about six months later, the custom Badger drop bar hard tail. In fact, the image of that bike shared again here today was the only image on the blog all week ten years ago! 

Knowing When To Say When

Even remote gravel events can be dangerous......I know!

Maybe you've been too busy to hear about the tragedies suffered in the ultra-endurance cycling scene this year, but there have been a few deaths in some of the higher profile, longer distance road based ultras this season. Probably the most notorious death of recent times was that of Mike Hall. The recent events concerning these deaths have brought the microscope of criticism and cries for solutions. The "something must be done" drums are being beaten loudly.

What this means for the future of ultra-cycling events is not clearly known yet, but the responses have been typical. Here is a Cyclingtips.com post which should give you a pretty good idea of what I mean here.

First of all, I think we have to call out some obvious points that are not being discussed, (at least not that I have seen), and the first and foremost of these is that someone's death does not always mean we "have to do something" to prevent more deaths. I think this is more a philosophical viewpoint than maybe we are really seeing here. Think about people dying. It happens every day in many ways. We are not "doing something" about many of these deaths. Are these lives worth less than the lives lost by higher profile ultra-cyclists? I ask this more as a point to ponder for us all. Because it seems to me that it is easy to get indignant and raise our passions when we are saddened by the loss of someone we feel is an iconic figure for......whatever, but we don't raise an eyebrow for certain (you fill in the blanks) folks when they die. So, there is that facet of all of this which is really more than a cycling issue. I'll leave that for others to discuss.....

Second of all, we seem to have an issue with death. You will have to search your own souls concerning this, but when the spectre of death is brought up, many try to deflect thinking about it. You've all seen it on the waivers we sign- "This activity may cause serious injury or DEATH"- but few consider this a possible reality for them. You should though.......Death is a thing. It is real. One day, you will experience it......

Mark Johnson was dancing with hypothermia for hours at T.I.v13. Image by Jon Duke

 I've contemplated dying on several occasions during gravel events. I've heat stroked, bonked, passed out, seen visions, and fallen asleep raging down hill on my bicycle in these events. I don't finish a lot of these events due to my pushing the limits so far. I also have a front seat to witness such things as other riders wrestle with their "demons" during Trans Iowas. Saying we all have "danced with death" might cause most folks to roll their eyes, but I believe we're on the knife's edge more than many might suspect. The trick, the gift of higher guidance, wisdom, or......dumb luck to know when to say when is the difference here, I believe.

That more than anything is what makes these events what they are, to my mind. You- the rider- get to decide when enough is enough, and having some other entity try to govern that is......well, it may seem like a better idea, but it guts the challenge of the thing and the meaningfulness of doing these kinds of rides, in my opinion. So, what is the answer then?

Well, I think prudence is something that has to be considered upfront by race directors. I'll use the Route 66 Challenge as an example. I- and this is purely my opinion- didn't think it was very prudent to stick to the Route 66 course through busy metropolitan areas like St. Louis, or to keep the riders on heavily trafficked roads. I would say that sort of deal is raising your odds for seeing someone get hit by a car and get injured or have someone die due to a car crash. That doesn't seem like a prudent thing to have someone do. I also will say that the riders could have also been more prudent in taking on that sort of route. There is honor in making wise choices, and in the case where a route is deemed unsafe due to heavy traffic, I think riders have a right and a duty to decline to ride such courses. I think these sorts of courses and riders accepting the situations which are clearly unsafe is where prudence and wisdom sometimes gets thrown out the window. For what? Well, that's another long blog post........

Clearly, there are certain challenges that are okay. It is a sticky wicket, but when you look at what folks are getting upset about here- riders dying due to bicycle/car crashes- removing that possibility as much as possible would seem to be the choice to go with. I think what I am saying here is somewhat obvious. Paved ultra-cycling courses that are not closed in any way, or that don't have follow vehicles are probably not great choices. Then again- there are no guarantees.

You can die anywhere by any means. Those who decide to gamble with their lives may have to pay the ultimate price. It's not an easy question to answer, but when do you say when? At what point do you "pull the plug". Should race directors and course/route designers be staying away from risky, high traffic roads? Do we go as far as having significant family members sign away rights to sue in case a loved one dies in an event? I don't know. These are just some of the questions, I am sure there are many more....

All I know is that it is time to say "when" for this blog post to end!

Knowing When To Say When

Even remote gravel events can be dangerous......I know!

Maybe you've been too busy to hear about the tragedies suffered in the ultra-endurance cycling scene this year, but there have been a few deaths in some of the higher profile, longer distance road based ultras this season. Probably the most notorious death of recent times was that of Mike Hall. The recent events concerning these deaths have brought the microscope of criticism and cries for solutions. The "something must be done" drums are being beaten loudly.

What this means for the future of ultra-cycling events is not clearly known yet, but the responses have been typical. Here is a Cyclingtips.com post which should give you a pretty good idea of what I mean here.

First of all, I think we have to call out some obvious points that are not being discussed, (at least not that I have seen), and the first and foremost of these is that someone's death does not always mean we "have to do something" to prevent more deaths. I think this is more a philosophical viewpoint than maybe we are really seeing here. Think about people dying. It happens every day in many ways. We are not "doing something" about many of these deaths. Are these lives worth less than the lives lost by higher profile ultra-cyclists? I ask this more as a point to ponder for us all. Because it seems to me that it is easy to get indignant and raise our passions when we are saddened by the loss of someone we feel is an iconic figure for......whatever, but we don't raise an eyebrow for certain (you fill in the blanks) folks when they die. So, there is that facet of all of this which is really more than a cycling issue. I'll leave that for others to discuss.....

Second of all, we seem to have an issue with death. You will have to search your own souls concerning this, but when the spectre of death is brought up, many try to deflect thinking about it. You've all seen it on the waivers we sign- "This activity may cause serious injury or DEATH"- but few consider this a possible reality for them. You should though.......Death is a thing. It is real. One day, you will experience it......

Mark Johnson was dancing with hypothermia for hours at T.I.v13. Image by Jon Duke

 I've contemplated dying on several occasions during gravel events. I've heat stroked, bonked, passed out, seen visions, and fallen asleep raging down hill on my bicycle in these events. I don't finish a lot of these events due to my pushing the limits so far. I also have a front seat to witness such things as other riders wrestle with their "demons" during Trans Iowas. Saying we all have "danced with death" might cause most folks to roll their eyes, but I believe we're on the knife's edge more than many might suspect. The trick, the gift of higher guidance, wisdom, or......dumb luck to know when to say when is the difference here, I believe.

That more than anything is what makes these events what they are, to my mind. You- the rider- get to decide when enough is enough, and having some other entity try to govern that is......well, it may seem like a better idea, but it guts the challenge of the thing and the meaningfulness of doing these kinds of rides, in my opinion. So, what is the answer then?

Well, I think prudence is something that has to be considered upfront by race directors. I'll use the Route 66 Challenge as an example. I- and this is purely my opinion- didn't think it was very prudent to stick to the Route 66 course through busy metropolitan areas like St. Louis, or to keep the riders on heavily trafficked roads. I would say that sort of deal is raising your odds for seeing someone get hit by a car and get injured or have someone die due to a car crash. That doesn't seem like a prudent thing to have someone do. I also will say that the riders could have also been more prudent in taking on that sort of route. There is honor in making wise choices, and in the case where a route is deemed unsafe due to heavy traffic, I think riders have a right and a duty to decline to ride such courses. I think these sorts of courses and riders accepting the situations which are clearly unsafe is where prudence and wisdom sometimes gets thrown out the window. For what? Well, that's another long blog post........

Clearly, there are certain challenges that are okay. It is a sticky wicket, but when you look at what folks are getting upset about here- riders dying due to bicycle/car crashes- removing that possibility as much as possible would seem to be the choice to go with. I think what I am saying here is somewhat obvious. Paved ultra-cycling courses that are not closed in any way, or that don't have follow vehicles are probably not great choices. Then again- there are no guarantees.

You can die anywhere by any means. Those who decide to gamble with their lives may have to pay the ultimate price. It's not an easy question to answer, but when do you say when? At what point do you "pull the plug". Should race directors and course/route designers be staying away from risky, high traffic roads? Do we go as far as having significant family members sign away rights to sue in case a loved one dies in an event? I don't know. These are just some of the questions, I am sure there are many more....

All I know is that it is time to say "when" for this blog post to end!