Trans Iowa Stories: Rolling Into The Home Stretch

 "Trans Iowa Stories" is an every Sunday post which helps tell the stories behind the event. You can check out other posts about this subject by going back to earlier Sunday posts on this blog. Thanks and enjoy!

As I sit here thinking about Trans Iowa in 2020, I am often reminded how Trans Iowa affected people's lives, even up to the current times. I still get folks telling me that the event has piqued their interest and that they maybe wish they could have done the thing. There are people on forums asking about old Trans Iowa routes, (yes- I see you!), and I know that with the passing of the Almanzo, DK200, and Trans Iowa, a lot of people are seeing the past in gravel events as something to be longed for.

It's interesting to consider, but as for me, yeah.....that ship has sailed. 

Now days it is enough to tell these stories and as I think about how this series is going to wrap up, I am thinking about T.I.v9-v14 as representing the "Home Stretch" years of Trans Iowa. I've often mentioned here in these stories how I felt that T.I.v7 and v8 were the pivotal years. The really big, important years for the event, in my opinion, were those two years. This is why I spent so much time really detailing out those two particular Trans Iowa events.

Moving away from those difficult, "middle years" of Trans Iowa, the events of these stories will necessarily start to focus on more abstract ideas, particular scenes, and my experiences during these last five Trans Iowa events I will be writing about. Today's entry is about how I feel about entering this era of Trans Iowa now looking back.

By 2010, the DK200 moved to becoming the big time event it became. T.I super-volunteer J. Fry shown.

I cannot escape the feeling today that Trans Iowa v9 represented a sea change in gravel events and Trans Iowa's perception in the niche of gravel event history. Trans Iowa was one of the "big deals" in the gravel event world to start out with, but my dogged insistence that things stay the same, as far as the event's format and feel were concerned, really pushed Trans Iowa downward in the 'world's view of gravel events'. With the Dirty Kanza 200, which by 2011-2012 had shifted to a next-level format, and with the appearance of each newer gravel event, we really saw Trans Iowa become a smaller, more niche, more esoteric, bizarre, weird event. Legendary? Maybe. Oddball? Totally.

Added to this was the rise of Social Media during these latter years of Trans Iowa along with the reliance of cyclists on more electronic technology. The combination of these two things were the results of the slow change from the "Analog Era" to the new "Digital Era" where lifestyles, social mores, and perceptions about what matters have totally changed. These larger events and cultural changes really affected gravel events and Trans Iowa was no exception.

You could see this as riders became less worried about how far they could push themselves with almost zero outside social awareness of their 'growth' to an almost insatiable desire to make every nuance of their gravel riding a social media 'event' and/or an opportunity to get sponsored by a cycling company and gain 'notoriety', fame, and social credibility. This has extended to some folks becoming 'agents of social awareness' as certain people have taken up the mantle of becoming directors of what is wrong and what is right for gravel events. In some cases, these changes (almost blackmail-like in their applications) are long overdue corrections to wrongs that were done consciously or unconsciously. In other cases they are over-reaching, preachy, and off-putting. But what matters to these stories is that all of this was percolating to the forefront during the latter years of Trans Iowa and were wearing me down with more cares. As if the event itself wasn't enough.......

Getting back to Trans Iowa v9 now, I look back on it as the event where gravel was starting to become marketable. Companies were starting to wheedle their way into the scene, sometimes honestly, sometimes with ulterior motives, and were using the platforms of Trans Iowa, the DK200, and Almanzo to promote their standing and their wares within the gravel community. Gravel was 'growing-up', and riders who were there at the beginning were starting to get turned off as the niche was becoming more popular with more riders.

The very first Trans Iowa Radio update hosted by Mountain Bike Radio.

By 2013 gravel grinding was getting to be a big deal. Money was being poured into the segment by the bicycle industry, and Trans Iowa saw a big influence from this as Salsa Cycles focused on this event and the DK200 to help launch their Warbird gravel race bike. Later on, WTB would use the Trans Iowa platform to introduce its first gravel tires, and later on, their purpose-built for gravel Riddler and Resolute tires, both of which were heavily influenced by Trans Iowa in their designs.

Social media became a much bigger part of Trans Iowa with v9 as RidingGravel.com and Mountainbike Radio facilitated a call-in "Trans Iowa Radio" feature where riders could share their experiences live as they happened. Twitter and Facebook were utilized by riders in the event to share virtually their Trans Iowa experiences. Images went out instantaneously to the world via social media. It all sounded good, and on the up-and-up, but these changes also brought with them challenges, which I will be getting around to.

Next:My take on technology's effects upon Trans Iowa and a hint at what I would have done differently.

Trans Iowa Stories: Rolling Into The Home Stretch

 "Trans Iowa Stories" is an every Sunday post which helps tell the stories behind the event. You can check out other posts about this subject by going back to earlier Sunday posts on this blog. Thanks and enjoy!

As I sit here thinking about Trans Iowa in 2020, I am often reminded how Trans Iowa affected people's lives, even up to the current times. I still get folks telling me that the event has piqued their interest and that they maybe wish they could have done the thing. There are people on forums asking about old Trans Iowa routes, (yes- I see you!), and I know that with the passing of the Almanzo, DK200, and Trans Iowa, a lot of people are seeing the past in gravel events as something to be longed for.

It's interesting to consider, but as for me, yeah.....that ship has sailed. 

Now days it is enough to tell these stories and as I think about how this series is going to wrap up, I am thinking about T.I.v9-v14 as representing the "Home Stretch" years of Trans Iowa. I've often mentioned here in these stories how I felt that T.I.v7 and v8 were the pivotal years. The really big, important years for the event, in my opinion, were those two years. This is why I spent so much time really detailing out those two particular Trans Iowa events.

Moving away from those difficult, "middle years" of Trans Iowa, the events of these stories will necessarily start to focus on more abstract ideas, particular scenes, and my experiences during these last five Trans Iowa events I will be writing about. Today's entry is about how I feel about entering this era of Trans Iowa now looking back.

By 2010, the DK200 moved to becoming the big time event it became. T.I super-volunteer J. Fry shown.

I cannot escape the feeling today that Trans Iowa v9 represented a sea change in gravel events and Trans Iowa's perception in the niche of gravel event history. Trans Iowa was one of the "big deals" in the gravel event world to start out with, but my dogged insistence that things stay the same, as far as the event's format and feel were concerned, really pushed Trans Iowa downward in the 'world's view of gravel events'. With the Dirty Kanza 200, which by 2011-2012 had shifted to a next-level format, and with the appearance of each newer gravel event, we really saw Trans Iowa become a smaller, more niche, more esoteric, bizarre, weird event. Legendary? Maybe. Oddball? Totally.

Added to this was the rise of Social Media during these latter years of Trans Iowa along with the reliance of cyclists on more electronic technology. The combination of these two things were the results of the slow change from the "Analog Era" to the new "Digital Era" where lifestyles, social mores, and perceptions about what matters have totally changed. These larger events and cultural changes really affected gravel events and Trans Iowa was no exception.

You could see this as riders became less worried about how far they could push themselves with almost zero outside social awareness of their 'growth' to an almost insatiable desire to make every nuance of their gravel riding a social media 'event' and/or an opportunity to get sponsored by a cycling company and gain 'notoriety', fame, and social credibility. This has extended to some folks becoming 'agents of social awareness' as certain people have taken up the mantle of becoming directors of what is wrong and what is right for gravel events. In some cases, these changes (almost blackmail-like in their applications) are long overdue corrections to wrongs that were done consciously or unconsciously. In other cases they are over-reaching, preachy, and off-putting. But what matters to these stories is that all of this was percolating to the forefront during the latter years of Trans Iowa and were wearing me down with more cares. As if the event itself wasn't enough.......

Getting back to Trans Iowa v9 now, I look back on it as the event where gravel was starting to become marketable. Companies were starting to wheedle their way into the scene, sometimes honestly, sometimes with ulterior motives, and were using the platforms of Trans Iowa, the DK200, and Almanzo to promote their standing and their wares within the gravel community. Gravel was 'growing-up', and riders who were there at the beginning were starting to get turned off as the niche was becoming more popular with more riders.

The very first Trans Iowa Radio update hosted by Mountain Bike Radio.

By 2013 gravel grinding was getting to be a big deal. Money was being poured into the segment by the bicycle industry, and Trans Iowa saw a big influence from this as Salsa Cycles focused on this event and the DK200 to help launch their Warbird gravel race bike. Later on, WTB would use the Trans Iowa platform to introduce its first gravel tires, and later on, their purpose-built for gravel Riddler and Resolute tires, both of which were heavily influenced by Trans Iowa in their designs.

Social media became a much bigger part of Trans Iowa with v9 as RidingGravel.com and Mountainbike Radio facilitated a call-in "Trans Iowa Radio" feature where riders could share their experiences live as they happened. Twitter and Facebook were utilized by riders in the event to share virtually their Trans Iowa experiences. Images went out instantaneously to the world via social media. It all sounded good, and on the up-and-up, but these changes also brought with them challenges, which I will be getting around to.

Next:My take on technology's effects upon Trans Iowa and a hint at what I would have done differently.

Radio-Radio

 In celebration of the twentieth year of this blog, I have a few tales to tell. This post is one of them. This series will occur off and on throughout this anniversary year, I hope to illuminate some behind-the-scenes stories and highlights from the blog during this time. Enjoy!

Of course, this is another Trans Iowa related post. It is April, after all, and for 14 years, the month of April was dominated by Trans Iowa talk, so go figure, right? Anyway, I figured I would write about the evolution of what became to be known as "Trans Iowa Radio". Here's a bit I posted on the eve of Trans Iowa v8 in 2012.

 Special Notice: To the regular readers of this blog: You will notice that for about the next week's worth of posts that the subject matter will be entirely about Trans Iowa. This event happens over the course of the weekend. You will notice several "Trans Iowa Radio" posts with an mp3-type audio track button which you can click on and listen in to reports filed live from the event. Then there will be a post race recapping of the event which typically takes five to seven posts for me to wade through. 

Those "mp3-type audio posts" were done on a service called "Hip-Cast". It wasn't the first audio-posting service I had used though. I cannot recall what it was I used in 2005 and 2006, but it was pretty rudimentary. I know there were some T.I. Radio posts done on a service called "Audioblogger" for a couple years, at least. Then in the closing years of Trans Iowa, audio call-ins were posted on the RidingGravel.com site.

 Interestingly, the audio updates I posted for Trans Iowa v7 on Hip-Cast played a big part in the Emmy winning documentary, "300 Miles Of Gravel" by Jeff Frings. It captured the essence of those updates excellently, and is a great time-capsule for this important part of Trans Iowa. 

Guitar Ted, (R) posting a Trans Iowa Radio update for T.I.v6

Whatever service I was using, the "updates" were of varying quality. In the earliest years of Trans Iowa, when I assumed no one would ever listen, I was doing fake commercials and fake sponsors reads because, why not? The entire point was just a way for me to pass the time, stay engaged, and keep myself from wandering off into some farmer's pasture drunk with sleep deprivation at 3:00am in the morning.

The thing was, people were listening! I had a lot of negative feedback over the course of the first several Trans Iowa events because I wasn't either being serious, or thorough enough, (usually both) for the listeners. I knew things had taken a turn when after Trans Iowa v3 I learned I had listeners in Poland because we had two Polish immigrant brothers in the event that year! People wanted facts and that at a constant rate so they could "keep tabs" on their kid, relative, husband, girlfriend, wife, or they were just a fan of someone.

This came to a head during T.I.v5 when I had a wife of a participant wanting an update and she called me at 4:00am in the morning to get it. She was upset because I hadn't "reported" on him for the last couple of T.I. Radio updates. This is when I felt the need to delineate what "media coverage" meant for Trans Iowa. I wasn't there to give play-by-play. I was running an event, and I did not have time, nor the resources, to pull off any blanket coverage of the event, and furthermore, I did not want this for Trans Iowa.

Trans Iowa Radio updates direct from the racers was first made available during Trans Iowa v9.

 Trans Iowa was, in my opinion, an event where one was disconnected from the modern world. Making it a media circus wasn't in my plans. I did not like cell phones either, but hey! Safety and rider tracking were done via those devices, so I necessarily had to allow for those to be in play. The thing was, people used them to connect to racers, and vice versa. Support, from the outside, in any form, was minimized as much as I could back then, because it was integral to the experience I was cultivating. Cell phones were an evil necessity and more Trans Iowa Radio wasn't in my plans.

But pressure from outside the event did not get less as the years went by. Once I was acquainted with Ben Welnak, who I joined forces with in RidingGravel.com in 2014, it was determined that a Trans Iowa Radio call-in feature could be implemented, so any rider could "check in" at any time to let folks know how it was going. This seemed fine to me, so from Trans Iowa v9 onward this was how Trans Iowa Radio worked.

I still did my updates, but those were sprinkled in with the rider audio-posts, so the feature actually did become an event-long report in a way. Yes, people still complained it wasn't good enough, but I was done listening to that complaint by the point Trans Iowa Radio was facilitated on Riding Gravel.

When Trans Iowa ended in 2018, riders did not know the event had been terminated until 2:00pm the Sunday T.I.v14 ended when my post announcing the end was published. I know Ben told me afterward some people got on after the event and posted some nice words, but I haven't had the heart to listen to those messages. Maybe I should befor the site disappears forever....

Trans Iowa V9: Links & Some Thoughts

Today I was reminded that I have written reams on this event and much of what I have written might be good fodder still for Rookies to read through and may be a great reminder for those who have been Finishers and Veterans of the event.

So, this post will mostly be links back into the archives to things I think are worthy of covering again. But before I go there, I have a link for you from a Trans Iowa Veteran. Yes- I linked to this yesterday as well. However; if you didn't go read it- do so. There is a lot of great info there, not to mention experience and wisdom. Here is the link to Flandria Velosport's "A Letter To All The Rookies"

Cues Sheets: I probably have linked to this before, but here it is again- "Trans Iowa V8: Cue Sheets Explained" The cues sheets this year will be these dimensions as you look at them: 3.75W X 4.25H, otherwise everything in that post is spot on for this year as far as how you will read the cues.

How To Ride Gravel: There are certain nuances, a certain wisdom, and courteous gestures one should know and practice for riding out on the gravel roads of Trans Iowa's course, or any gravel road, for that matter. These ideas were inspired by my friends at the Pirate Cycling League and by my own experiences. "Tips On Riding Gravel Roads For T.I.V8 (Or Any Other Gravel Event)" Read that and remember- just be smart out there!

Image by W. Kilburg from T.I.V7

Volunteers: The event doesn't run without a lot of help. Volunteers were one of the big highlights of last year's event, and I would love it if T.I.V9 could be an encore performance of volunteer excellence.

Here are some needs we have for T.I.V9. You can read the description of volunteer jobs on this post: "Trans Iowa V7 Update #12: Volunteers". You'll note that my former co-director, "d.p." is mentioned there, but he has moved on to the tropical island of Fiji, (really!), so my volunteer needs are even more acute this time, (just like last year). If you can volunteer, just let me know by hitting me up here.

Gear Choices: I get equipment choice questions frequently concerning Trans Iowa. Bikes, what to wear, tires, and single speed gearing. Here are two posts about all of that: "Trans Iowa V7 Update #8: Equipment Choices" and "Trans Iowa V7 Update #9: More On Equipment Choices".

Psychobabble: In many of the discussions concerning this unique event, you will hear the term "mental games", or "Mind games" brought up. You will hear about facing your demons out there", and other weird, spooky stuff that sounds like it is a bunch of B.S. Well, let me assure you, it isn't B.S. It is very real. Here is a great post concerning mental toughness: "Trans Iowa V7 Update #14: Mental Toughness" Make sure you read all the comments there on that one. Some really great tidbits are laying there for the taking.

Finally- Some Thoughts On Roster Limits: I saw somewhere on Facebook where a poster had asked why "we don't let more into the event". As has been stated many times before, there are some very important reasons for that.

The first thing is that this isn't a metric century, it is not a 100 mile event, it is not a 150 mile event. No, Trans Iowa- just one Trans Iowa- is equal to all three of those events back to back to back without stopping. It is like doing three events in one. How many people do you know would even sign up for such a thing? See what I mean? The "pool" that Trans Iowa can draw from is limited. I get a lot of turn-over every year. Folks come once, fail, then are never heard from again. That's how hard it is, and why- even if there were no limitations to how many we'd let in- only so many will ride in a Trans Iowa every year.

Secondly, I do not want 400 people at Trans Iowa. I - as a promoter/course designer/logistician/main grunt am not prepared to take on anymore than will show up for any given Trans Iowa.

Finally, I don't want that many bodies floating around in a broken up string miles and miles long over a 300+ mile course. To me, it is a logistical and technical nightmare. To overcome those challenges in Iowa- the event would have an entirely, non-Trans Iowa flavor. Not gonna do it, but as I say, I don't have to worry about that. The demand just is not there anyway. So it is a moot point.

Trans Iowa V9: Links & Some Thoughts

Today I was reminded that I have written reams on this event and much of what I have written might be good fodder still for Rookies to read through and may be a great reminder for those who have been Finishers and Veterans of the event.

So, this post will mostly be links back into the archives to things I think are worthy of covering again. But before I go there, I have a link for you from a Trans Iowa Veteran. Yes- I linked to this yesterday as well. However; if you didn't go read it- do so. There is a lot of great info there, not to mention experience and wisdom. Here is the link to Flandria Velosport's "A Letter To All The Rookies"

Cues Sheets: I probably have linked to this before, but here it is again- "Trans Iowa V8: Cue Sheets Explained" The cues sheets this year will be these dimensions as you look at them: 3.75W X 4.25H, otherwise everything in that post is spot on for this year as far as how you will read the cues.

How To Ride Gravel: There are certain nuances, a certain wisdom, and courteous gestures one should know and practice for riding out on the gravel roads of Trans Iowa's course, or any gravel road, for that matter. These ideas were inspired by my friends at the Pirate Cycling League and by my own experiences. "Tips On Riding Gravel Roads For T.I.V8 (Or Any Other Gravel Event)" Read that and remember- just be smart out there!

Image by W. Kilburg from T.I.V7

Volunteers: The event doesn't run without a lot of help. Volunteers were one of the big highlights of last year's event, and I would love it if T.I.V9 could be an encore performance of volunteer excellence.

Here are some needs we have for T.I.V9. You can read the description of volunteer jobs on this post: "Trans Iowa V7 Update #12: Volunteers". You'll note that my former co-director, "d.p." is mentioned there, but he has moved on to the tropical island of Fiji, (really!), so my volunteer needs are even more acute this time, (just like last year). If you can volunteer, just let me know by hitting me up here.

Gear Choices: I get equipment choice questions frequently concerning Trans Iowa. Bikes, what to wear, tires, and single speed gearing. Here are two posts about all of that: "Trans Iowa V7 Update #8: Equipment Choices" and "Trans Iowa V7 Update #9: More On Equipment Choices".

Psychobabble: In many of the discussions concerning this unique event, you will hear the term "mental games", or "Mind games" brought up. You will hear about facing your demons out there", and other weird, spooky stuff that sounds like it is a bunch of B.S. Well, let me assure you, it isn't B.S. It is very real. Here is a great post concerning mental toughness: "Trans Iowa V7 Update #14: Mental Toughness" Make sure you read all the comments there on that one. Some really great tidbits are laying there for the taking.

Finally- Some Thoughts On Roster Limits: I saw somewhere on Facebook where a poster had asked why "we don't let more into the event". As has been stated many times before, there are some very important reasons for that.

The first thing is that this isn't a metric century, it is not a 100 mile event, it is not a 150 mile event. No, Trans Iowa- just one Trans Iowa- is equal to all three of those events back to back to back without stopping. It is like doing three events in one. How many people do you know would even sign up for such a thing? See what I mean? The "pool" that Trans Iowa can draw from is limited. I get a lot of turn-over every year. Folks come once, fail, then are never heard from again. That's how hard it is, and why- even if there were no limitations to how many we'd let in- only so many will ride in a Trans Iowa every year.

Secondly, I do not want 400 people at Trans Iowa. I - as a promoter/course designer/logistician/main grunt am not prepared to take on anymore than will show up for any given Trans Iowa.

Finally, I don't want that many bodies floating around in a broken up string miles and miles long over a 300+ mile course. To me, it is a logistical and technical nightmare. To overcome those challenges in Iowa- the event would have an entirely, non-Trans Iowa flavor. Not gonna do it, but as I say, I don't have to worry about that. The demand just is not there anyway. So it is a moot point.

Trans Iowa v12: Registration Update And More

There will be a few more curves in this Trans Iowa....

Registration Update:

Okay, including today, we have five more days to receive cards for the Rookie pool to draw from to fill out the 40 available spots in that class. Right now there are 58 cards in the pool. I suspect we'll end up with 60-something cards, but who knows. I'm sure it will be far short of the 80 I had predicted, but that's fine with me. Maybe I will be surprised.....

The Winners/Finishers of past Trans Iowas have started to send in cards. Of the 12 "winners" we've gotten three to send in cards from that group. Greg Gleason, of course, will be there, along with Womens Open winner Sarah Cooper from V10 and finisher Andrea Cohen from v9. All three have to be considered serious threats to win or place very well in Trans Iowa.

Other notable entrants are Charlie Farrow, Troy Krause, and Mark Johnson, any of whom could be threats to win or finish very well in a Trans Iowa. The interesting thing about those guys is that all three are in the Single Speed/Fixed category. Think that's crazy thinking on my part? Well two of those three guys have finished second overall in Trans Iowa on single speeds before. No......these are serious choices for top placings. 

Then there is Ben Shockey, who is signed up after missing several years of Trans Iowa. Ben is special in Trans Iowa history because he was the second guy, and one of only three people, to ever finish the event on a fixed gear bicycle. I've no idea what he plans on doing this time, but he is signed up in the Single Speed/Fixed category, so........

This will be a scene that will be repeated several times in T.I.v12

A Little Past Business:

I should have completed this a long time ago, but it took the onset of adding more people to the "Trans Iowa Family" to spur me into action. I finally added the T.I.v11 roster to "The Roster" of Trans Iowa participants over the past eleven events. This is a compilation of everyone that has ever toed the line at a Trans Iowa.

It is interesting to note that while there are 371 names on that roster, 195 only have been at Trans Iowa once, and 79 twice. So, when I make a big deal out of the folks that keep showing up, it is because not many do, and I feel that is pretty extraordinary.

Anyway, there are some interesting things over at the Trans Iowa: The History site, so check it out when you can.

Course Info Update: 

I have a bit of an announcement concerning the event and it has to do with the course's finish. This year, due to circumstances I am not at liberty to discuss, the barn will not be the finish line for Trans Iowa v12. That said, I have a proposal for a new finish line which I think is far better logistically and definitely convenient for all concerned. The suggestion has been passed on to those who need to approve and if all goes through, we will be ending the event inside the Grinnell city limits once again.

It has been since v8 that Trans Iowa has ended in Grinnell proper and if it is a finishable event, it will be only the third finish line we've had in Grinnell. I'm kind of excited about this, and I hope my idea gets approved, but be aware that this is a work in progress and exact course mileage overall will be affected depending upon where we end up ending up. Right now it is 332.3 miles. UPDATE: Approval has been given for the event to end at Arbor lake Park's North parking lot off Washington Street. That should pretty much lock in the mileage at 332.3 barring any future road/bridge issue.

So far we've tweaked a few things on the course since the recon, and we've removed about a mile and a half of pavement by adding two miles of gravel. We will be looking really hard at a couple of other tweaks to the course, which if we decide to change, it won't, or should not add more mileage. There are just a couple of features we may remove depending upon how the Winter and early Spring pan out, and of course, if certain features are removed from the table by various County Road Departments across the area we will be traveling. Stay tuned......

Trans Iowa v12: Registration Update And More

There will be a few more curves in this Trans Iowa....

Registration Update:

Okay, including today, we have five more days to receive cards for the Rookie pool to draw from to fill out the 40 available spots in that class. Right now there are 58 cards in the pool. I suspect we'll end up with 60-something cards, but who knows. I'm sure it will be far short of the 80 I had predicted, but that's fine with me. Maybe I will be surprised.....

The Winners/Finishers of past Trans Iowas have started to send in cards. Of the 12 "winners" we've gotten three to send in cards from that group. Greg Gleason, of course, will be there, along with Womens Open winner Sarah Cooper from V10 and finisher Andrea Cohen from v9. All three have to be considered serious threats to win or place very well in Trans Iowa.

Other notable entrants are Charlie Farrow, Troy Krause, and Mark Johnson, any of whom could be threats to win or finish very well in a Trans Iowa. The interesting thing about those guys is that all three are in the Single Speed/Fixed category. Think that's crazy thinking on my part? Well two of those three guys have finished second overall in Trans Iowa on single speeds before. No......these are serious choices for top placings. 

Then there is Ben Shockey, who is signed up after missing several years of Trans Iowa. Ben is special in Trans Iowa history because he was the second guy, and one of only three people, to ever finish the event on a fixed gear bicycle. I've no idea what he plans on doing this time, but he is signed up in the Single Speed/Fixed category, so........

This will be a scene that will be repeated several times in T.I.v12

A Little Past Business:

I should have completed this a long time ago, but it took the onset of adding more people to the "Trans Iowa Family" to spur me into action. I finally added the T.I.v11 roster to "The Roster" of Trans Iowa participants over the past eleven events. This is a compilation of everyone that has ever toed the line at a Trans Iowa.

It is interesting to note that while there are 371 names on that roster, 195 only have been at Trans Iowa once, and 79 twice. So, when I make a big deal out of the folks that keep showing up, it is because not many do, and I feel that is pretty extraordinary.

Anyway, there are some interesting things over at the Trans Iowa: The History site, so check it out when you can.

Course Info Update: 

I have a bit of an announcement concerning the event and it has to do with the course's finish. This year, due to circumstances I am not at liberty to discuss, the barn will not be the finish line for Trans Iowa v12. That said, I have a proposal for a new finish line which I think is far better logistically and definitely convenient for all concerned. The suggestion has been passed on to those who need to approve and if all goes through, we will be ending the event inside the Grinnell city limits once again.

It has been since v8 that Trans Iowa has ended in Grinnell proper and if it is a finishable event, it will be only the third finish line we've had in Grinnell. I'm kind of excited about this, and I hope my idea gets approved, but be aware that this is a work in progress and exact course mileage overall will be affected depending upon where we end up ending up. Right now it is 332.3 miles. UPDATE: Approval has been given for the event to end at Arbor lake Park's North parking lot off Washington Street. That should pretty much lock in the mileage at 332.3 barring any future road/bridge issue.

So far we've tweaked a few things on the course since the recon, and we've removed about a mile and a half of pavement by adding two miles of gravel. We will be looking really hard at a couple of other tweaks to the course, which if we decide to change, it won't, or should not add more mileage. There are just a couple of features we may remove depending upon how the Winter and early Spring pan out, and of course, if certain features are removed from the table by various County Road Departments across the area we will be traveling. Stay tuned......

Trans Iowa V7 Update #8: Equipment Choices

<===It's all about making the right choices.

Equipment Choices: In this update, and with the following one, (at the least), I am going to give you, (The Trans Iowa Rookie), my insights as to equipment choices for Trans Iowa V7. Some of this will be from my observations, some of it from personal experiences.  (note: This is not limited to the Rookies, but they are the ones I am primarily directing this at.)

First, before you go any further, you should review the "Safety and Supplies" section of the T.I.V7 site here.  Go on..........this can wait until you've read it!

Okay- If you have perused that section of the T.I.V7 site, we can get on with the main source of questions regarding this event, and all of gravel grinding really. That being: "What type of bicycle is best to use for Trans Iowa?" This was one of the very first questions we dealt with back in 2004 about this event, and it probably is still one of the top five questions I get about Trans Iowa.

First of all, let me just simply say that any bicycle in good, working order can be used for Trans Iowa. Okay? There is no "one special bike" that is best. There are some that won't work as well as others, but short of recumbents and time trial bikes,  I think about every kind of bicycle has been represented at Trans Iowa at some point in the six events that have been run. (Yes- even full on skinny tired road bikes!) This will be about the bicycles I have noted as being the ones that have done well, and a bit about what type of riders have been on those bikes. I will also mention a few bikes I think are on the fringes of being "good choices". That said, I will repeat that just about anything will work for you, as long as you are comfortable on that bicycle for multiple hour rides  on rough roads.

<===The "go-fast" bicycle of T.I.V5 winner, Joe Meiser.

The Cyclo-Cross Bike: The first type of bike I'll mention, and the most popular choice amongst the "go-fast" Trans Iowa competitors, is the cyclo-cross bike and its variants. These rigs are the closest approximation we have readily available today to the old road racing bikes of yore. Not the "pavement road bikes", no, no, no! I'm talking about road racing from before 1950, when many roads were poor excuses for paved by-ways, and gravel was high on the diet of any seasoned Euro pro. Tires were bigger, angles were more relaxed, and chassis were longer. Some of these things are reflected in today's cyclo-cross rig. Bigger tires and clearance for mud, slightly relaxed angles from the crit-machines seen on the roads, and drop bars for the most part. These bikes probably are the lightest Trans Iowa rigs as well. They promote higher speeds and generally speaking, the front runners will be on something like the bike pictured here.

The downfall of choosing a cyclo-cross rig is that they are not the most comfortable bikes and they are definitely more physically demanding in that sense than other bicycle choices you might make. Bloody chamois, numb digits, (for weeks after the event), and other physical maladies have been reported by riders that have chosen a cyclo-cross bike for a Trans Iowa. Probably the biggest reason for that is that cyclo-cross bikes are generally built for efficiency over a short period of time. The genre' tends to be defined by stiff, light bikes because of this. Compliance and comfort are not keywords to cyclo-cross design generally speaking. So beware of that. Certainly there are exceptions to the rule in cyclo-cross bikes, but not generally.


Cyclo-cross Variants: Some bicycles are available with cantilever brakes, bigger tire clearances, and more comfort oriented geometry. Randonnuer, touring, and some sport road bikes fall into this camp. I would suggest that as long as you can fit a 35mm tire with clearance for mud, you are good to go with a bicycle of this type for Trans Iowa. Some examples would be Salsa Cycles Vaya, Surly Bikes' Long Haul Trucker, or certain Rivendell models and Raleigh models fit into this category, amongst others makes and models.

Mountain Bikes: While it may seem a "slow" choice in a Trans Iowa bike, a mountain bike, and especially a 29 inch wheeled mountain bike, is a great choice for Trans Iowa. Not many riders choose 29"ers or 26"ers, but I have seen these bikes end up in the top five placing of finishers more than once in this event, so don't discount that type of bike for doing well. It's the motor, not the bike, after all! That said, I wouldn't bring a Turner 5-Spot to Trans Iowa and expect it to be a great ride for Trans Iowa. I would suggest a rigid mountain bike as being great, and even a front suspended model is okay as a choice erring towards the comfort side of things. That said, I have seen a full suspension 26"er finish in the first Trans Iowa, so it isn't like you couldn't do that as well. Still, an XC rig would be most likely the best bet, or something like the Salsa Cycles Fargo, pictured here, would be a good way to go.

Downfalls to a mountain bike choice would obviously be in weight. Also, some mountain bikes might actually be overbuilt for gravel roads and end up becoming uncomfortable, especially if you put skinnier tires on them. Stick with something around a 2.0" tire. That's what makes riding a mountain bike on gravel a good choice, comfortable tires that float over the rougher stuff and that may be an advantage in softer conditions. While going fast on a mountain bike is possible in Trans Iowa, generally speaking it is a slower going gravel vehicle than their skinnier tired brethren. If you want to go fast, and post a good finish or win, the mountain bike may not be the best choice. If comfort and finishing are high on your agenda, a mountain bike, properly set up,can be the best choice of all.

Single Speed and Geared: Finally, I wanted to touch upon this, although your choices have been made by class designation already. The point I wanted to make here is about gearing for singles and for geared bikes.

Single Speeders: While huge gears in the upper 60's of gear inches and higher have been pushed in Trans Iowa, I wouldn't recommend that. Probably something in the upper 50's to low 60's would make sense here. Keep in mind that you'll be mashing for hours on end, so erring to the easy side might be advisable. of course, every single speeder is different, so be sensitive to how you perform best, of course. If pressed for what I would run, I would say that on one of my 29"ers I would run a 38 X 18 or 38 X 17, but that is just me.

Geared Riders: Of course, with a triple you are well covered, but let's say that you want to run a cyclo-cross bike with a double. With something that gets you a ratio of close to 1 to 1, you would be fine. I would think 1 to 1 ratio would be overkill, actually. Running a 12-27 cassette is going to get most folks by on a double that has at least a 39T inner ring. (Assuming you are a "go-fast" guy on a cyclo-cross rig) If you aren't planning on smoking a sub-30 hour Trans Iowa, then maybe err to the lower side and put on a 32T cog out back in your cassette.

Other Points: Finally, and maybe most importantly, the other choices made for your bike are going to be critical to your success in Trans Iowa. Contact points are on top of that list, obviously. Think about your saddle, for instance. Ever been on a ride of over three hours on it? If not, you may want to seriously consider doing that before too much longer. Getting a saddle that works for an hour or two is not a big deal. Getting a saddle that works for four hours or more? Yeah- that's tough to find, and you'll need to experiment with that before you get to Trans Iowa. What you think has always worked may be your undoing at T.I.V7. Trust me. I know this! Same goes for grips, pedals, and shoes. Again, if you haven't been on multi-hour rides on your equipment, you seriously need to start doing it NOW!

This will also help you with regards to clothing, gloves, (or no gloves!), and with nutrition. However; in regards to bicycles, I will only be touching upon your water carrying capacity. If you are limited to two water bottles on your rig, the next big hurdle for you is how you want to add to that capacity. Remembering that we are advising that you carry supplies for a century ride on your bike, (or on YOU!). So, will you be adding water bottle mounts to your rig, or doing a hydration pack? Maybe both? This is something you should be working out now, and it could influence your choice of bicycle for T.I.V7.

More On Equipment Choices: In the next Trans Iowa Update, I'll hit upon other topics like lights, clothing, tires, and more.

Trans Iowa V7 Update #8: Equipment Choices

<===It's all about making the right choices.

Equipment Choices: In this update, and with the following one, (at the least), I am going to give you, (The Trans Iowa Rookie), my insights as to equipment choices for Trans Iowa V7. Some of this will be from my observations, some of it from personal experiences.  (note: This is not limited to the Rookies, but they are the ones I am primarily directing this at.)

First, before you go any further, you should review the "Safety and Supplies" section of the T.I.V7 site here.  Go on..........this can wait until you've read it!

Okay- If you have perused that section of the T.I.V7 site, we can get on with the main source of questions regarding this event, and all of gravel grinding really. That being: "What type of bicycle is best to use for Trans Iowa?" This was one of the very first questions we dealt with back in 2004 about this event, and it probably is still one of the top five questions I get about Trans Iowa.

First of all, let me just simply say that any bicycle in good, working order can be used for Trans Iowa. Okay? There is no "one special bike" that is best. There are some that won't work as well as others, but short of recumbents and time trial bikes,  I think about every kind of bicycle has been represented at Trans Iowa at some point in the six events that have been run. (Yes- even full on skinny tired road bikes!) This will be about the bicycles I have noted as being the ones that have done well, and a bit about what type of riders have been on those bikes. I will also mention a few bikes I think are on the fringes of being "good choices". That said, I will repeat that just about anything will work for you, as long as you are comfortable on that bicycle for multiple hour rides  on rough roads.

<===The "go-fast" bicycle of T.I.V5 winner, Joe Meiser.

The Cyclo-Cross Bike: The first type of bike I'll mention, and the most popular choice amongst the "go-fast" Trans Iowa competitors, is the cyclo-cross bike and its variants. These rigs are the closest approximation we have readily available today to the old road racing bikes of yore. Not the "pavement road bikes", no, no, no! I'm talking about road racing from before 1950, when many roads were poor excuses for paved by-ways, and gravel was high on the diet of any seasoned Euro pro. Tires were bigger, angles were more relaxed, and chassis were longer. Some of these things are reflected in today's cyclo-cross rig. Bigger tires and clearance for mud, slightly relaxed angles from the crit-machines seen on the roads, and drop bars for the most part. These bikes probably are the lightest Trans Iowa rigs as well. They promote higher speeds and generally speaking, the front runners will be on something like the bike pictured here.

The downfall of choosing a cyclo-cross rig is that they are not the most comfortable bikes and they are definitely more physically demanding in that sense than other bicycle choices you might make. Bloody chamois, numb digits, (for weeks after the event), and other physical maladies have been reported by riders that have chosen a cyclo-cross bike for a Trans Iowa. Probably the biggest reason for that is that cyclo-cross bikes are generally built for efficiency over a short period of time. The genre' tends to be defined by stiff, light bikes because of this. Compliance and comfort are not keywords to cyclo-cross design generally speaking. So beware of that. Certainly there are exceptions to the rule in cyclo-cross bikes, but not generally.


Cyclo-cross Variants: Some bicycles are available with cantilever brakes, bigger tire clearances, and more comfort oriented geometry. Randonnuer, touring, and some sport road bikes fall into this camp. I would suggest that as long as you can fit a 35mm tire with clearance for mud, you are good to go with a bicycle of this type for Trans Iowa. Some examples would be Salsa Cycles Vaya, Surly Bikes' Long Haul Trucker, or certain Rivendell models and Raleigh models fit into this category, amongst others makes and models.

Mountain Bikes: While it may seem a "slow" choice in a Trans Iowa bike, a mountain bike, and especially a 29 inch wheeled mountain bike, is a great choice for Trans Iowa. Not many riders choose 29"ers or 26"ers, but I have seen these bikes end up in the top five placing of finishers more than once in this event, so don't discount that type of bike for doing well. It's the motor, not the bike, after all! That said, I wouldn't bring a Turner 5-Spot to Trans Iowa and expect it to be a great ride for Trans Iowa. I would suggest a rigid mountain bike as being great, and even a front suspended model is okay as a choice erring towards the comfort side of things. That said, I have seen a full suspension 26"er finish in the first Trans Iowa, so it isn't like you couldn't do that as well. Still, an XC rig would be most likely the best bet, or something like the Salsa Cycles Fargo, pictured here, would be a good way to go.

Downfalls to a mountain bike choice would obviously be in weight. Also, some mountain bikes might actually be overbuilt for gravel roads and end up becoming uncomfortable, especially if you put skinnier tires on them. Stick with something around a 2.0" tire. That's what makes riding a mountain bike on gravel a good choice, comfortable tires that float over the rougher stuff and that may be an advantage in softer conditions. While going fast on a mountain bike is possible in Trans Iowa, generally speaking it is a slower going gravel vehicle than their skinnier tired brethren. If you want to go fast, and post a good finish or win, the mountain bike may not be the best choice. If comfort and finishing are high on your agenda, a mountain bike, properly set up,can be the best choice of all.

Single Speed and Geared: Finally, I wanted to touch upon this, although your choices have been made by class designation already. The point I wanted to make here is about gearing for singles and for geared bikes.

Single Speeders: While huge gears in the upper 60's of gear inches and higher have been pushed in Trans Iowa, I wouldn't recommend that. Probably something in the upper 50's to low 60's would make sense here. Keep in mind that you'll be mashing for hours on end, so erring to the easy side might be advisable. of course, every single speeder is different, so be sensitive to how you perform best, of course. If pressed for what I would run, I would say that on one of my 29"ers I would run a 38 X 18 or 38 X 17, but that is just me.

Geared Riders: Of course, with a triple you are well covered, but let's say that you want to run a cyclo-cross bike with a double. With something that gets you a ratio of close to 1 to 1, you would be fine. I would think 1 to 1 ratio would be overkill, actually. Running a 12-27 cassette is going to get most folks by on a double that has at least a 39T inner ring. (Assuming you are a "go-fast" guy on a cyclo-cross rig) If you aren't planning on smoking a sub-30 hour Trans Iowa, then maybe err to the lower side and put on a 32T cog out back in your cassette.

Other Points: Finally, and maybe most importantly, the other choices made for your bike are going to be critical to your success in Trans Iowa. Contact points are on top of that list, obviously. Think about your saddle, for instance. Ever been on a ride of over three hours on it? If not, you may want to seriously consider doing that before too much longer. Getting a saddle that works for an hour or two is not a big deal. Getting a saddle that works for four hours or more? Yeah- that's tough to find, and you'll need to experiment with that before you get to Trans Iowa. What you think has always worked may be your undoing at T.I.V7. Trust me. I know this! Same goes for grips, pedals, and shoes. Again, if you haven't been on multi-hour rides on your equipment, you seriously need to start doing it NOW!

This will also help you with regards to clothing, gloves, (or no gloves!), and with nutrition. However; in regards to bicycles, I will only be touching upon your water carrying capacity. If you are limited to two water bottles on your rig, the next big hurdle for you is how you want to add to that capacity. Remembering that we are advising that you carry supplies for a century ride on your bike, (or on YOU!). So, will you be adding water bottle mounts to your rig, or doing a hydration pack? Maybe both? This is something you should be working out now, and it could influence your choice of bicycle for T.I.V7.

More On Equipment Choices: In the next Trans Iowa Update, I'll hit upon other topics like lights, clothing, tires, and more.

Trans Iowa V7 Update #2

Today's update is all about recent recon and what it means for those who are looking at Trans Iowa V7, or are already in this gig. d.p. and I have decided to take Trans Iowa a bit more towards the "self-supported endurance event" side of things with a couple of tweaks to the route and how we are going to do checkpoints.

This go round was done in the daylight. so we were up at "dark-thirty" to hit the roads of rural Iowa along the route about 150 miles into our "big assed loop". That means we have some images for you, some from within the Element, some after we ditched the 4 wheel transpo for the 2 wheel mode.

Another beautiful fall day greeted us, although it was pretty windy. Conditions are super dusty out there. Doubtful that it will be so for T.I.V7, so don't take this to heart for what you might experience!

We were looking for a good spot to set up Checkpoint #2, and we think we found it. Here's where a bit of a shift comes in our thinking. d.p. and I are aware that Trans Iowa is unique in the gravel grinder world. most events are 100 miles or less and end up being road races on gravel. Some events are choosing to become a "bigger deal", some events are allowing lots of outside support just to boost finishing rates, and so on and so forth. well, Trans Iowa isn't any of that, and it isn't like other gravel events in that it isn't a road race. (Right: I  bask in the glow of Checkpoint #2 -image by d.p.)

Trans Iowa got its "DNA" originally from the great ultra-endurance events out west, like the Great Divide Race.  Much like that event, we wanted to carve out a challenge for riders in Iowa that maybe isn't so remote and fraught with danger, but has the feel of that challenge in a smaller dose. Lately we felt like Trans Iowa was being pulled away from that a bit.

While we may not have bears and mountain lions roaming the area, (well.......we might actually have mountain lions!), we can make the challenge more about self reliance and finishing with a great sense of accomplishment, if you actually finish it, which is intended to be hard to do. To that end we will be having just two checkpoints in Trans Iowa V7. Traditionally we have had only one, and in the last couple or so, we've added a couple checkpoints. This has made the event more about getting from one checkpoint to another, breaking T.I. into manageable chunks from the get go. No more!

We will still have a brief run in to an initial checkpoint in a small Iowa town, probably at 50 or so miles in, that will keep folks honest as far as the pre-planning of the first half of Trans Iowa the night before. It will also dissuade folks from camping out on the route's first half to "cheer on" people in the event, which we highly discourage. The next checkpoint, which will come at about 170 miles in, will not be at a place where there will be services. It will be at a random crossroads which we have specifically chosen. This is done to take away the "convenience" that we formerly were providing of having a checkpoint right near a convenience store, if not at one. This does several things for us, but importantly to you, the prospective Trans Iowa competitor,  it forces you into a decision more quickly and decisively to carry on, or not. Trust me, this crossroads won't be a place you'll want to hang out at! There will be no haven, no comfort there. Just the next set of cue sheets, gravel, and probably wind. We're pretty sure there will be wind.......

What about re-supply stops? Well, there will be several chances for you to do so, but these will become less as the event goes on, and in fact, we are recommending that you be able to carry enough food and water to last you at least 100 miles for the final run in. Now, this doesn't mean that there are convenience stores right on the route, (there will be some), and when there are none, we'll indicate on the cues when you are passing a nearby opportunity. We haven't done all our research yet, but this is pretty much a given- if you are out beyond 10pm Saturday night, you'd better have what you need to have by then to finish. If you decide to travel light, it might end up biting you in the end. In fact, I am betting it will.

There are a couple of good reasons for this. #1: Convenience stores that stay open 24hours are becoming a rarity in Iowa. #2: It makes Trans Iowa more challenging, and we like that.

<===For whatever reasons, we seem to be finding all kinds of rural cemeterys.

So that's it. We're taking away one checkpoint and making the re-supplies more of a intentional choice by the riders instead of an obvious choice. We're trying to make this more about overcoming a big challenge, and less about a road race on gravel. We're trying to make this low key, about riding bicycles a long way, with like minded people, and not about spectators, hoopla, or spectacle.

Stay tuned for more updates to come...

UPDATE: I am still getting e-mails from Rookies wanting in T.I.V7. Please Read The Trans Iowa V7 Site's Latest News dated 9/28/10!

Trans Iowa V7 Update #2

Today's update is all about recent recon and what it means for those who are looking at Trans Iowa V7, or are already in this gig. d.p. and I have decided to take Trans Iowa a bit more towards the "self-supported endurance event" side of things with a couple of tweaks to the route and how we are going to do checkpoints.

This go round was done in the daylight. so we were up at "dark-thirty" to hit the roads of rural Iowa along the route about 150 miles into our "big assed loop". That means we have some images for you, some from within the Element, some after we ditched the 4 wheel transpo for the 2 wheel mode.

Another beautiful fall day greeted us, although it was pretty windy. Conditions are super dusty out there. Doubtful that it will be so for T.I.V7, so don't take this to heart for what you might experience!

We were looking for a good spot to set up Checkpoint #2, and we think we found it. Here's where a bit of a shift comes in our thinking. d.p. and I are aware that Trans Iowa is unique in the gravel grinder world. most events are 100 miles or less and end up being road races on gravel. Some events are choosing to become a "bigger deal", some events are allowing lots of outside support just to boost finishing rates, and so on and so forth. well, Trans Iowa isn't any of that, and it isn't like other gravel events in that it isn't a road race. (Right: I  bask in the glow of Checkpoint #2 -image by d.p.)

Trans Iowa got its "DNA" originally from the great ultra-endurance events out west, like the Great Divide Race.  Much like that event, we wanted to carve out a challenge for riders in Iowa that maybe isn't so remote and fraught with danger, but has the feel of that challenge in a smaller dose. Lately we felt like Trans Iowa was being pulled away from that a bit.

While we may not have bears and mountain lions roaming the area, (well.......we might actually have mountain lions!), we can make the challenge more about self reliance and finishing with a great sense of accomplishment, if you actually finish it, which is intended to be hard to do. To that end we will be having just two checkpoints in Trans Iowa V7. Traditionally we have had only one, and in the last couple or so, we've added a couple checkpoints. This has made the event more about getting from one checkpoint to another, breaking T.I. into manageable chunks from the get go. No more!

We will still have a brief run in to an initial checkpoint in a small Iowa town, probably at 50 or so miles in, that will keep folks honest as far as the pre-planning of the first half of Trans Iowa the night before. It will also dissuade folks from camping out on the route's first half to "cheer on" people in the event, which we highly discourage. The next checkpoint, which will come at about 170 miles in, will not be at a place where there will be services. It will be at a random crossroads which we have specifically chosen. This is done to take away the "convenience" that we formerly were providing of having a checkpoint right near a convenience store, if not at one. This does several things for us, but importantly to you, the prospective Trans Iowa competitor,  it forces you into a decision more quickly and decisively to carry on, or not. Trust me, this crossroads won't be a place you'll want to hang out at! There will be no haven, no comfort there. Just the next set of cue sheets, gravel, and probably wind. We're pretty sure there will be wind.......

What about re-supply stops? Well, there will be several chances for you to do so, but these will become less as the event goes on, and in fact, we are recommending that you be able to carry enough food and water to last you at least 100 miles for the final run in. Now, this doesn't mean that there are convenience stores right on the route, (there will be some), and when there are none, we'll indicate on the cues when you are passing a nearby opportunity. We haven't done all our research yet, but this is pretty much a given- if you are out beyond 10pm Saturday night, you'd better have what you need to have by then to finish. If you decide to travel light, it might end up biting you in the end. In fact, I am betting it will.

There are a couple of good reasons for this. #1: Convenience stores that stay open 24hours are becoming a rarity in Iowa. #2: It makes Trans Iowa more challenging, and we like that.

<===For whatever reasons, we seem to be finding all kinds of rural cemeterys.

So that's it. We're taking away one checkpoint and making the re-supplies more of a intentional choice by the riders instead of an obvious choice. We're trying to make this more about overcoming a big challenge, and less about a road race on gravel. We're trying to make this low key, about riding bicycles a long way, with like minded people, and not about spectators, hoopla, or spectacle.

Stay tuned for more updates to come...

UPDATE: I am still getting e-mails from Rookies wanting in T.I.V7. Please Read The Trans Iowa V7 Site's Latest News dated 9/28/10!

Trans Iowa V10: Pre-Race Review

How wet will it get?

Last night I finished off doing the cue sheets, a big hurdle that has been jumped, and now it is all downhill to Trans Iowa V10 and the start at 4:00am in Grinnell, Iowa.

Here's a few tidbits in review that as a rider or casual observer you won't want to forget. In no particular order.....

The Barn: There is a barn located three miles west of Grinnell on Jacob Ave where we will be having the finish line. Starting Saturday evening, you can come out, hang out, camp out, grill out, and generally hob-nob with other support folks and Trans Iowa fans if you want to. I already am aware of at least a handful of individuals that will be hanging around out there, so please do check it out. If you have a car to park, please do so at the Nature Area just past the barn to the West where the road makes a 90° turn South up on a hill. There are restrooms there and plenty of parking on a gravel lot. If anyone can finish Trans Iowa this year I expect that won't happen until shortly after sunrise on Sunday.

Pre-Race Meat-Up: If you are riding in Trans Iowa v10, be on time for rider check in which MUST BE DONE BY 6pm SHARP at the GRINNELL STEAKHOUSE!! You can start filing in to eat by 4pm, and I highly suggest that the earlier you get there the better. Anyone in the area that wants to stop in to eat with us is certainly welcome to come and meet the racers.

The Start: In front of Bikes To You at 921 Broad Street at 4:00AM. Riders should show up by 3:30am and we will be lining you up at 3:50am for the roll out. Spectators are welcome.

Getting ready to start a Trans Iowa- Image by GNAT

 Trans Iowa Radio: Trans Iowa is not a spectator sport and people are discouraged to be out looking for riders, as this is seen as breaking the rules of "no support/self support" the event is based upon. To get a read on what is going down, we have worked out a deal again with Mountain Bike Radio to air rider call-ins and my updates on their Trans Iowa Radio Page. Riders are encouraged to use the phone number provided on that page to call in during the event and give brief updates. I will also be giving my viewpoint on the goings on as I cruise the course over the 34 hours of the event. Stay tuned for a new update later today on the Pre-event outlook.

Imagery: Of course, the images of Trans Iowa are always a very popular thing, and with the weather being what it looks to be for this one, the images should really be fantastic. Our event photographer, Wally Kilburg is researching and testing ideas to grab some great stuff out there this weekend. Look for some tasty shots from him later after the event. However; if you just can't wait that long, I will be posting some cheesy shots from my amateur viewpoint on Facebook and on Twitter. Just search the hashtag "TIV10" for my updates on social media.

Okay, that's a wrap from me on Trans Iowa stuff for now. This weekend expect to see some Trans Iowa images and a couple of audio prompts to go to the Trans Iowa Radio Page. I'll have my News And Views up for tomorrow, which will be heavily Trans Iowa flavored, as you can imagine.

Trans Iowa V10: Pre-Race Review

How wet will it get?

Last night I finished off doing the cue sheets, a big hurdle that has been jumped, and now it is all downhill to Trans Iowa V10 and the start at 4:00am in Grinnell, Iowa.

Here's a few tidbits in review that as a rider or casual observer you won't want to forget. In no particular order.....

The Barn: There is a barn located three miles west of Grinnell on Jacob Ave where we will be having the finish line. Starting Saturday evening, you can come out, hang out, camp out, grill out, and generally hob-nob with other support folks and Trans Iowa fans if you want to. I already am aware of at least a handful of individuals that will be hanging around out there, so please do check it out. If you have a car to park, please do so at the Nature Area just past the barn to the West where the road makes a 90° turn South up on a hill. There are restrooms there and plenty of parking on a gravel lot. If anyone can finish Trans Iowa this year I expect that won't happen until shortly after sunrise on Sunday.

Pre-Race Meat-Up: If you are riding in Trans Iowa v10, be on time for rider check in which MUST BE DONE BY 6pm SHARP at the GRINNELL STEAKHOUSE!! You can start filing in to eat by 4pm, and I highly suggest that the earlier you get there the better. Anyone in the area that wants to stop in to eat with us is certainly welcome to come and meet the racers.

The Start: In front of Bikes To You at 921 Broad Street at 4:00AM. Riders should show up by 3:30am and we will be lining you up at 3:50am for the roll out. Spectators are welcome.

Getting ready to start a Trans Iowa- Image by GNAT

 Trans Iowa Radio: Trans Iowa is not a spectator sport and people are discouraged to be out looking for riders, as this is seen as breaking the rules of "no support/self support" the event is based upon. To get a read on what is going down, we have worked out a deal again with Mountain Bike Radio to air rider call-ins and my updates on their Trans Iowa Radio Page. Riders are encouraged to use the phone number provided on that page to call in during the event and give brief updates. I will also be giving my viewpoint on the goings on as I cruise the course over the 34 hours of the event. Stay tuned for a new update later today on the Pre-event outlook.

Imagery: Of course, the images of Trans Iowa are always a very popular thing, and with the weather being what it looks to be for this one, the images should really be fantastic. Our event photographer, Wally Kilburg is researching and testing ideas to grab some great stuff out there this weekend. Look for some tasty shots from him later after the event. However; if you just can't wait that long, I will be posting some cheesy shots from my amateur viewpoint on Facebook and on Twitter. Just search the hashtag "TIV10" for my updates on social media.

Okay, that's a wrap from me on Trans Iowa stuff for now. This weekend expect to see some Trans Iowa images and a couple of audio prompts to go to the Trans Iowa Radio Page. I'll have my News And Views up for tomorrow, which will be heavily Trans Iowa flavored, as you can imagine.