I've been having a struggle lately that some of you might just be able to relate to. Speeding. Yep! Things going too fast........waaay too fast! (And you thought I was talkin' about cars!) Nah, just the speed of life, you know.........it's spring, you get busy........hey! It's fall again already! Where did the time go?
So, I was contemplating all of this when it occurred to me. Maybe the reason I'm getting excited about this 200 mile torture rack called Dirty Kanza is because I know that things will slow down a bit. They will slow down too much, probably. The moments of head wind and hill climb, over and over again, will become so focused and seem so long. It will drive away all else and become a sort of twisted place of peace from all the mayhem of normal life. Life that flashes by and leaves you sucked dry. Like a wrinkled skin of a mouse after a tarantulas feasting. Nothing but an empty sack!
That focused pain. The suffering that is so "loud" and intense that it becomes everything for a moment or two. It's the only thing you've got to overcome. The one thing. Not a million other things like mowing the grass, fixing the window, getting bills paid on time, or worrying about what your spouse might think. No, it's just you and that familiar pain. Can you deal with it now. Just that one thing and that's all that matters. No speeding. Life stands still for one glorious moment.
Is this what it is that makes my mind focus on this event and nothing beyond that? I don't know for sure, but I know why I'll be sad when it's over, whether I finish the course or not.
It'll be as though it went by too fast. Here and gone. Speeding!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Caught Speeding
I've been having a struggle lately that some of you might just be able to relate to. Speeding. Yep! Things going too fast........waaay too fast! (And you thought I was talkin' about cars!) Nah, just the speed of life, you know.........it's spring, you get busy........hey! It's fall again already! Where did the time go?
So, I was contemplating all of this when it occurred to me. Maybe the reason I'm getting excited about this 200 mile torture rack called Dirty Kanza is because I know that things will slow down a bit. They will slow down too much, probably. The moments of head wind and hill climb, over and over again, will become so focused and seem so long. It will drive away all else and become a sort of twisted place of peace from all the mayhem of normal life. Life that flashes by and leaves you sucked dry. Like a wrinkled skin of a mouse after a tarantulas feasting. Nothing but an empty sack!
That focused pain. The suffering that is so "loud" and intense that it becomes everything for a moment or two. It's the only thing you've got to overcome. The one thing. Not a million other things like mowing the grass, fixing the window, getting bills paid on time, or worrying about what your spouse might think. No, it's just you and that familiar pain. Can you deal with it now. Just that one thing and that's all that matters. No speeding. Life stands still for one glorious moment.
Is this what it is that makes my mind focus on this event and nothing beyond that? I don't know for sure, but I know why I'll be sad when it's over, whether I finish the course or not.
It'll be as though it went by too fast. Here and gone. Speeding!
So, I was contemplating all of this when it occurred to me. Maybe the reason I'm getting excited about this 200 mile torture rack called Dirty Kanza is because I know that things will slow down a bit. They will slow down too much, probably. The moments of head wind and hill climb, over and over again, will become so focused and seem so long. It will drive away all else and become a sort of twisted place of peace from all the mayhem of normal life. Life that flashes by and leaves you sucked dry. Like a wrinkled skin of a mouse after a tarantulas feasting. Nothing but an empty sack!
That focused pain. The suffering that is so "loud" and intense that it becomes everything for a moment or two. It's the only thing you've got to overcome. The one thing. Not a million other things like mowing the grass, fixing the window, getting bills paid on time, or worrying about what your spouse might think. No, it's just you and that familiar pain. Can you deal with it now. Just that one thing and that's all that matters. No speeding. Life stands still for one glorious moment.
Is this what it is that makes my mind focus on this event and nothing beyond that? I don't know for sure, but I know why I'll be sad when it's over, whether I finish the course or not.
It'll be as though it went by too fast. Here and gone. Speeding!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Gary Fisher 29"er Race News
The Fisher brand of bikes has been on the 29"er forefront for years now, but the race team that is sponsored by Fisher has not been seen on 29"ers very often. That is about to change now.
Here is a picture that has appeared on a few blogs already, showing Jeremy Horgan-Kolbelski on his new 29"er hardtail. The cool thing about this is that now the 29"er format will be piloted by a top notch elite racer at marquee events. Well, at least some of those events! JHK is going to go back and forth between 29"ers and 26"ers depending on the makeup of each course he races at. Wise thing to do as far as I'm concerned.
Another new developement for the Fisher squad is the arrival of the 29"er Race Day full suspension platform. The team mechanics are building up the race bikes now, and soon Cameron Chambers, Nat Ross, and perhaps even JHK himself will be seen racing the new bike. A prototype weighed by a bike shop employee is said to weigh just a bit over 26lbs. That's pretty impressive. Now we'll just have to see how the bikes actually ride, and we'll go from there!
All of this should get 29"ers in front of a lot more peoples eyes and get more people interested in finding out more about the larger wheel format. It will really get crazy if somebody like JHK should happen to win a race on one of these!
Thanks go out today to Mr. 24 for the idea to post about this.
Gary Fisher 29"er Race News
The Fisher brand of bikes has been on the 29"er forefront for years now, but the race team that is sponsored by Fisher has not been seen on 29"ers very often. That is about to change now.
Here is a picture that has appeared on a few blogs already, showing Jeremy Horgan-Kolbelski on his new 29"er hardtail. The cool thing about this is that now the 29"er format will be piloted by a top notch elite racer at marquee events. Well, at least some of those events! JHK is going to go back and forth between 29"ers and 26"ers depending on the makeup of each course he races at. Wise thing to do as far as I'm concerned.
Another new developement for the Fisher squad is the arrival of the 29"er Race Day full suspension platform. The team mechanics are building up the race bikes now, and soon Cameron Chambers, Nat Ross, and perhaps even JHK himself will be seen racing the new bike. A prototype weighed by a bike shop employee is said to weigh just a bit over 26lbs. That's pretty impressive. Now we'll just have to see how the bikes actually ride, and we'll go from there!
All of this should get 29"ers in front of a lot more peoples eyes and get more people interested in finding out more about the larger wheel format. It will really get crazy if somebody like JHK should happen to win a race on one of these!
Thanks go out today to Mr. 24 for the idea to post about this.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Turning The Page
It's time to turn the page and move on to a new chapter. Trans Iowa was an epic, wet, muddy event and it came and went waaay too quickly! I mean, it was over before it really got started, and that's too bad. I don't think I'm the only one that thinks this way about it. It would seem that for more than a few, the Dirty Kanza 200 is looking like an event that will bring either redemption or closure for folks that were in Trans Iowa V2. Heck, maybe it's working in both ways for them, I don't know. For me, it is the first event of it's kind and the first race that I've entered since 1997. I wish that there would have been things like this to do back in those days. I would have really enjoyed it, but XC was king and endurance racing was in it's infancy back then. I'm sure that there were events to do in the 90's, but I never heard about them. Anyway..........
So, it looks as though this will be a pretty exciting event. Not just for you guys that are in this with me, but for me personally, it'll be a big, big challenge. I have done some long distance, fully loaded touring madness in my day, and that's kind of how I am looking at this event. I won't be riding a bike that is so heavy that I can't lift it off the ground, so that'll be a bonus! I will be riding a single speed in a very hilly event, which might be crazy, but then again, I never shifted much when I had the gears anyway. Raised a single speeder, always a single speeder, I guess. I will be turning to a new page in the story of my cycling life. That's going to be pretty cool. I know that it's going to be tough, but it wouldn't be worth anything to me if it wasn't.
I think this sort of thing is going to be right up my alley, or I wouldn't have signed on in the first place. I was tested at the local university back in the late 90's to see how I stacked up as a cyclist against other cyclists in my area. We were hooked up to all sorts of wonky machinery that measured all the gas intake and exhaust that the human body deals with while cycling under stress. We were tested to exhaustion. What the results showed were pretty eye opening, for me.
The rest of the cyclists showed a sharp uptake of oxygen when the load was applied to the trainer. Me? My oxygen uptake went down. That's right, down. My oxygen uptake stayed down and the amount then rose at a consistent level as more load was applied, but always at a level far below the other cyclists. I asked what that meant and was told that I was more adept at long, slower speed, endurance type efforts than the other guys. They were all in the go fast, short distance category. You know.....XC stuff. Exactly what I was trying to do. I didn't know of anything that suited my body make up at the time, so I sort of lost interest in the racing scene for this, and other reasons.
Now things are different. Thanks to Jeff Kerkove, and Trans Iowa, and all you other nutcases out there.......you know who you are! Well, I am about to write a new chapter in my cycling life. I'm not going to blame anyone but myself if it doesn't work out like I think it will. I just want to tell all of you guys thanks for your inspiration. I'll be looking forward to riding, and riding a long way, with you all.
More Dirty Kanza 200 stories and updates to come.
So, it looks as though this will be a pretty exciting event. Not just for you guys that are in this with me, but for me personally, it'll be a big, big challenge. I have done some long distance, fully loaded touring madness in my day, and that's kind of how I am looking at this event. I won't be riding a bike that is so heavy that I can't lift it off the ground, so that'll be a bonus! I will be riding a single speed in a very hilly event, which might be crazy, but then again, I never shifted much when I had the gears anyway. Raised a single speeder, always a single speeder, I guess. I will be turning to a new page in the story of my cycling life. That's going to be pretty cool. I know that it's going to be tough, but it wouldn't be worth anything to me if it wasn't.
I think this sort of thing is going to be right up my alley, or I wouldn't have signed on in the first place. I was tested at the local university back in the late 90's to see how I stacked up as a cyclist against other cyclists in my area. We were hooked up to all sorts of wonky machinery that measured all the gas intake and exhaust that the human body deals with while cycling under stress. We were tested to exhaustion. What the results showed were pretty eye opening, for me.
The rest of the cyclists showed a sharp uptake of oxygen when the load was applied to the trainer. Me? My oxygen uptake went down. That's right, down. My oxygen uptake stayed down and the amount then rose at a consistent level as more load was applied, but always at a level far below the other cyclists. I asked what that meant and was told that I was more adept at long, slower speed, endurance type efforts than the other guys. They were all in the go fast, short distance category. You know.....XC stuff. Exactly what I was trying to do. I didn't know of anything that suited my body make up at the time, so I sort of lost interest in the racing scene for this, and other reasons.
Now things are different. Thanks to Jeff Kerkove, and Trans Iowa, and all you other nutcases out there.......you know who you are! Well, I am about to write a new chapter in my cycling life. I'm not going to blame anyone but myself if it doesn't work out like I think it will. I just want to tell all of you guys thanks for your inspiration. I'll be looking forward to riding, and riding a long way, with you all.
More Dirty Kanza 200 stories and updates to come.
Turning The Page
It's time to turn the page and move on to a new chapter. Trans Iowa was an epic, wet, muddy event and it came and went waaay too quickly! I mean, it was over before it really got started, and that's too bad. I don't think I'm the only one that thinks this way about it. It would seem that for more than a few, the Dirty Kanza 200 is looking like an event that will bring either redemption or closure for folks that were in Trans Iowa V2. Heck, maybe it's working in both ways for them, I don't know. For me, it is the first event of it's kind and the first race that I've entered since 1997. I wish that there would have been things like this to do back in those days. I would have really enjoyed it, but XC was king and endurance racing was in it's infancy back then. I'm sure that there were events to do in the 90's, but I never heard about them. Anyway..........
So, it looks as though this will be a pretty exciting event. Not just for you guys that are in this with me, but for me personally, it'll be a big, big challenge. I have done some long distance, fully loaded touring madness in my day, and that's kind of how I am looking at this event. I won't be riding a bike that is so heavy that I can't lift it off the ground, so that'll be a bonus! I will be riding a single speed in a very hilly event, which might be crazy, but then again, I never shifted much when I had the gears anyway. Raised a single speeder, always a single speeder, I guess. I will be turning to a new page in the story of my cycling life. That's going to be pretty cool. I know that it's going to be tough, but it wouldn't be worth anything to me if it wasn't.
I think this sort of thing is going to be right up my alley, or I wouldn't have signed on in the first place. I was tested at the local university back in the late 90's to see how I stacked up as a cyclist against other cyclists in my area. We were hooked up to all sorts of wonky machinery that measured all the gas intake and exhaust that the human body deals with while cycling under stress. We were tested to exhaustion. What the results showed were pretty eye opening, for me.
The rest of the cyclists showed a sharp uptake of oxygen when the load was applied to the trainer. Me? My oxygen uptake went down. That's right, down. My oxygen uptake stayed down and the amount then rose at a consistent level as more load was applied, but always at a level far below the other cyclists. I asked what that meant and was told that I was more adept at long, slower speed, endurance type efforts than the other guys. They were all in the go fast, short distance category. You know.....XC stuff. Exactly what I was trying to do. I didn't know of anything that suited my body make up at the time, so I sort of lost interest in the racing scene for this, and other reasons.
Now things are different. Thanks to Jeff Kerkove, and Trans Iowa, and all you other nutcases out there.......you know who you are! Well, I am about to write a new chapter in my cycling life. I'm not going to blame anyone but myself if it doesn't work out like I think it will. I just want to tell all of you guys thanks for your inspiration. I'll be looking forward to riding, and riding a long way, with you all.
More Dirty Kanza 200 stories and updates to come.
So, it looks as though this will be a pretty exciting event. Not just for you guys that are in this with me, but for me personally, it'll be a big, big challenge. I have done some long distance, fully loaded touring madness in my day, and that's kind of how I am looking at this event. I won't be riding a bike that is so heavy that I can't lift it off the ground, so that'll be a bonus! I will be riding a single speed in a very hilly event, which might be crazy, but then again, I never shifted much when I had the gears anyway. Raised a single speeder, always a single speeder, I guess. I will be turning to a new page in the story of my cycling life. That's going to be pretty cool. I know that it's going to be tough, but it wouldn't be worth anything to me if it wasn't.
I think this sort of thing is going to be right up my alley, or I wouldn't have signed on in the first place. I was tested at the local university back in the late 90's to see how I stacked up as a cyclist against other cyclists in my area. We were hooked up to all sorts of wonky machinery that measured all the gas intake and exhaust that the human body deals with while cycling under stress. We were tested to exhaustion. What the results showed were pretty eye opening, for me.
The rest of the cyclists showed a sharp uptake of oxygen when the load was applied to the trainer. Me? My oxygen uptake went down. That's right, down. My oxygen uptake stayed down and the amount then rose at a consistent level as more load was applied, but always at a level far below the other cyclists. I asked what that meant and was told that I was more adept at long, slower speed, endurance type efforts than the other guys. They were all in the go fast, short distance category. You know.....XC stuff. Exactly what I was trying to do. I didn't know of anything that suited my body make up at the time, so I sort of lost interest in the racing scene for this, and other reasons.
Now things are different. Thanks to Jeff Kerkove, and Trans Iowa, and all you other nutcases out there.......you know who you are! Well, I am about to write a new chapter in my cycling life. I'm not going to blame anyone but myself if it doesn't work out like I think it will. I just want to tell all of you guys thanks for your inspiration. I'll be looking forward to riding, and riding a long way, with you all.
More Dirty Kanza 200 stories and updates to come.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Trans Iowa: Some Pictures! Part II
Today's Trans Iowa photos will focus on the two Canadian riders that ended up being the ones that got the closest to Algona Checkpoint.
The first picture is of Lindsay Gauld on his Scalpel coming off the "B" road section just before Sutherland. If I was told correctly, Lindsay is a 57 year old bicycle courier in Winnepeg. I heard he puts in about 80 miles every day at work. It probably helped him that his work makes him ride in all sorts of conditions!
This picture is of Dallas Sigurdur who was riding a Norco hardtail. All Canadian baby! Dallas is into running and did most of his training by doing ultra long runs. It seemed to pay off for him in this event. Dallas switched his bike choice three times before settling on this Norco!
The thing that I believe really helped these two and a few of the other riders up in the front of the race was their mental attitude about what they were experiencing. I remember Dallas smiling and laughing as he was walking his bike down the ditch in that picture above. Others were doing similar things. Smiling, laughing, and having a great attitude about the situation. I learned alot from their examples.
Really, overall the event was dominated by everyone having a great attitude and not getting frustrated to the point that they outwardly showed it, at least in my sight and hearing. I was quite honestly amazed by this. I fully expected there to be some serious bitching from folks not happy about the conditions, the way the event was run, or by decisions that Jeff and I made. There was none- zero- nothing of the sort to be found.
In fact, even in the blog posts that I have read and in the online forums that I have visited there has been no negative commentary. I haven't found a single recounting that didn't say in some way that the individual got alot out of their experience at Trans Iowa V2. Some even saying that they want another crack at it!
So, will Jeff and I run it again? We'll decide later in the year, after all of this hoopla dies down and ya'all have time to re-think this. If it's that important to you, please sound off in the fall to let us know that your still thinking about it. We take all your comments to heart!
Trans Iowa: Some Pictures! Part II
Today's Trans Iowa photos will focus on the two Canadian riders that ended up being the ones that got the closest to Algona Checkpoint.
The first picture is of Lindsay Gauld on his Scalpel coming off the "B" road section just before Sutherland. If I was told correctly, Lindsay is a 57 year old bicycle courier in Winnepeg. I heard he puts in about 80 miles every day at work. It probably helped him that his work makes him ride in all sorts of conditions!
This picture is of Dallas Sigurdur who was riding a Norco hardtail. All Canadian baby! Dallas is into running and did most of his training by doing ultra long runs. It seemed to pay off for him in this event. Dallas switched his bike choice three times before settling on this Norco!
The thing that I believe really helped these two and a few of the other riders up in the front of the race was their mental attitude about what they were experiencing. I remember Dallas smiling and laughing as he was walking his bike down the ditch in that picture above. Others were doing similar things. Smiling, laughing, and having a great attitude about the situation. I learned alot from their examples.
Really, overall the event was dominated by everyone having a great attitude and not getting frustrated to the point that they outwardly showed it, at least in my sight and hearing. I was quite honestly amazed by this. I fully expected there to be some serious bitching from folks not happy about the conditions, the way the event was run, or by decisions that Jeff and I made. There was none- zero- nothing of the sort to be found.
In fact, even in the blog posts that I have read and in the online forums that I have visited there has been no negative commentary. I haven't found a single recounting that didn't say in some way that the individual got alot out of their experience at Trans Iowa V2. Some even saying that they want another crack at it!
So, will Jeff and I run it again? We'll decide later in the year, after all of this hoopla dies down and ya'all have time to re-think this. If it's that important to you, please sound off in the fall to let us know that your still thinking about it. We take all your comments to heart!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Trans Iowa: Some Pictures!
I thought I'd share with you all some of my favorite images from Trans Iowa V2 this week. I also will be making some commentary on these.
This was at the start in the parking lot at the West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa at about 3:55 am. I had all the riders lined up behind the lead out van. All the lights and bicycles made for quite a beautiful spectacle!
There was excitement in the air and everybody was looking forward to getting to Algona before six at night. Of course, that didn't happen, but at this time it looked like it was anyone's race to win. The misting rain was light, the winds were light, and it was about 50 degrees at this point.
By the time that I snapped this photo, things had changed radically! This was about 45 miles into the event. These guys were the only ones that had any chance at all to get to Algona before 6pm. Everybody else was mathematically out of it. The sun had barely come up and that was it for most of the field!
This scene is the same one you'll find on the video that Jeff made 0f the event. These were the eight guys that were out front for the entire event until most of them pulled the plug in Sutherland and Pederson, Iowa. Then a few other guys had caught up and about another eight fellows, including a couple from this group made it past Pederson to get anywhere from 80 to just over a hundred miles up the road. The "last men standing" were Dallas Sigurdur and Lindsey Gauld who made it to the 119.5 mile mark in Mallard, Iowa by about seven in the evening!
A couple of notes on that second picture. Jeff was at the other end of that mile section of "B" road where a blacktop road intersected the course. He was ferrying Lindsey Gauld's van for him. Jeff got the thing stuck in the mud when he slipped a little too far off of the pavement trying to park the van for a meet-up with me. He got out, but just barely!
While I was waiting for the riders at this spot, Jeff joined me, but before he did, I was approached by a lady who was jogging by herself in the rain. She was wondering if I needed help. I was wondering the same about her, as she was running in the rain in 48 degree temperatures with a t-shirt and jogging pants on! Hardy lady, I'd say!
After Jeff showed up at this spot, a fellow on a quad runner came by to see how we were doing, and if we'd "lost a pet or something". When Jeff told him that there would be cyclists coming up that "B" road, he said, "You can't do that! They can't ride up that road!". Jeff replied, "Oh yes, they are coming!" To which the guy said, "No, they can't make it......." He shook his head in disbelief and rode off. I secretly hope he sees Jeff's video!
Don't forget to read the race recap here for all the details on this years event from my perspective! I'll have more linkage to other great T.I. stories soon!
Trans Iowa: Some Pictures!
I thought I'd share with you all some of my favorite images from Trans Iowa V2 this week. I also will be making some commentary on these.
This was at the start in the parking lot at the West Sioux High School in Hawarden, Iowa at about 3:55 am. I had all the riders lined up behind the lead out van. All the lights and bicycles made for quite a beautiful spectacle!
There was excitement in the air and everybody was looking forward to getting to Algona before six at night. Of course, that didn't happen, but at this time it looked like it was anyone's race to win. The misting rain was light, the winds were light, and it was about 50 degrees at this point.
By the time that I snapped this photo, things had changed radically! This was about 45 miles into the event. These guys were the only ones that had any chance at all to get to Algona before 6pm. Everybody else was mathematically out of it. The sun had barely come up and that was it for most of the field!
This scene is the same one you'll find on the video that Jeff made 0f the event. These were the eight guys that were out front for the entire event until most of them pulled the plug in Sutherland and Pederson, Iowa. Then a few other guys had caught up and about another eight fellows, including a couple from this group made it past Pederson to get anywhere from 80 to just over a hundred miles up the road. The "last men standing" were Dallas Sigurdur and Lindsey Gauld who made it to the 119.5 mile mark in Mallard, Iowa by about seven in the evening!
A couple of notes on that second picture. Jeff was at the other end of that mile section of "B" road where a blacktop road intersected the course. He was ferrying Lindsey Gauld's van for him. Jeff got the thing stuck in the mud when he slipped a little too far off of the pavement trying to park the van for a meet-up with me. He got out, but just barely!
While I was waiting for the riders at this spot, Jeff joined me, but before he did, I was approached by a lady who was jogging by herself in the rain. She was wondering if I needed help. I was wondering the same about her, as she was running in the rain in 48 degree temperatures with a t-shirt and jogging pants on! Hardy lady, I'd say!
After Jeff showed up at this spot, a fellow on a quad runner came by to see how we were doing, and if we'd "lost a pet or something". When Jeff told him that there would be cyclists coming up that "B" road, he said, "You can't do that! They can't ride up that road!". Jeff replied, "Oh yes, they are coming!" To which the guy said, "No, they can't make it......." He shook his head in disbelief and rode off. I secretly hope he sees Jeff's video!
Don't forget to read the race recap here for all the details on this years event from my perspective! I'll have more linkage to other great T.I. stories soon!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Trans Iowa V2 Re Cap
Here it is! The story of this year's Trans Iowa V2 race. Get your favorite beverage handy! This is going to be a loooong post!
To say that this year's event was going to be affected by the weather was just a mild understatement! It was dominated by the weather. To understand exactly what happened, we need to examine the situation from earlier in the month. When April started, we were getting several storms with heavier amounts of rain dropped over southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. This ended up causing widespread flooding across the state of Iowa. The week to ten day period previous to Trans Iowa looked promising for the event; however, because we enjoyed summer-like temperatures and dry days. This served to get the surface dry, but the water tables had not had time to drain down properly. At least they were not ready for what happened this weekend!
A high pressure system parked itself above the eastern U.S. and blocked the passage of weather systems for a few days. It coincided with Trans Iowa weekend, which turned out to be all of our undoings. The skies opened up over the course on Thursday night. The rain continued unabated throughout the weekend from there. By the time of the race start, the ground, which still hadn't fully recovered from the rains earlier in the month, were totally saturated with water. Rain was forming in pools, rivulets, and lakes all over northern Iowa.
This had a very negative effect on the "B" roads especially. The "B" roads are, in reality, just dirt. There often is no drainage systems in place and in a couple of instances, no ditches to gather rain water. Iowa dirt forms some of the stickiest, thickest, pastiest stuff I've ever seen. It gets stuck onto any metal or rubber surfaces and holds on for dear life! This made these sections of the course that I had intended to be hindrances to the "speedier" bikes into unrideable quagmires. In fact, you couldn't even walk in them! The mud litterally would suck the shoes off your feet!
Not only was this a race killer, but the gravel itself was so engorged with water, that it became much like riding on a beach. The rolling resistance was unreal. Western Iowa has the distinction of having a high amount of glacial till type gravel. High in granite and quartz content, it's ground up consistency being most like sand. In the eastern part of the state, we have mostly limestone gravel roads, which are more like concrete when wet. In fact, our gravel out here gets faster in many cases when it has been rained on! Unfortunately, the riders got no where near the eastern part of the state!
What this all meant was that the riders could not meet the minimum speed requirements to allow them to make it to Algona Checkpoint before six in the evening on Saturday. This was the reason the event was over yesterday. We made every effort to get the competitors something for their efforts by raffling off any of the prizes donated to us by our generous sponsors to the remaining folks that showed up in Algona to retrieve their drop bags. Everyone was very complimentary towards the event, and Jeff and I. We say "Thank You!" and we were proud to be associated with such fine atheletes. Everyone seemed to be very understanding of the plight that we were all being subjected to. That just shows me again how cool the endurance racing crowd is. I was again impressed.
The pre race meeting: Once again, the Pizza Ranch in Hawarden made out like bandits- as well they should have- by hosting our humble little pre-race meeting. I was glad to see that the racers and their supporters took advantage of the food on offer and spent their hard earned dollars there. The folks that live and work in Hawarden are some very fine people and they deserved our support for hosting this event's start. I heard similar goodwill stories from the folks staying at the various host family houses and from the folks down at the new Super 8 motel. Makes me feel proud to be an Iowan, it does! (sniff!) Ah- I digress! Anyway, a special thanks to David Nice from Colorado for lending us a hand in getting the drop bags readied before the meeting. Thanks! After everyone ate, we had a quick Q and A session, and then we called everyone up for the bags. We were a bit surprised by the 19 no shows! I knew the weather would be a detriment to people showing up, but I didn't think that many would drop out! After the end of the meeting, everyone scurried off to their beds for whatever shut eye they could muster before the early morning start.
The Race Start: Jeff and I tossed and turned all night with the jitters. We weren't helped out by the fact that our host home had the World's Loudest Toilet in the bathroom downstairs where we slept. That thing sounded like it was powered by a jet engine! Anyway, we popped out of the sack at 2:30 am, got our clothes on and bolted for the nearest convenience store so that Jeff could procure his requisite "black goodness" fix before our 3am arrival at the West Sioux High School parking lot. I haven't been so wide awake in a high school parking lot at that time of the morning since.......well..... Another story for another time! At any rate, Jeff and I were ready to go. The racers started showing up shortly afterward. The lights were kindled on their helmets and handlebars, and we lined up to head out at 4am. sharp. As I tooted the horn to signify the start of the race, I noticed that Aerosmith's song Back in the Saddle Again was blaring out of my radios speakers. How fitting! The winds that had been forcast were nothing but breezes and we had a fine mist spewing in our faces, but it seemed fine to us. Spirits were pretty high, and hope was still in good supply.
The Early Stages Until Morning: The roll out was three miles on pavement before I pulled the van off and the racers made the left hand turn onto the first gravel section. The event soon saw a small lead group go off the front containing about eight riders. In the darkness, it was quite impossible to tell who they were, but they had several minutes advantage on the main field by the 20 mile mark. The conditions were steady, and the pace that the leaders were setting was a bit torrid for a 340 mile event. It was my opinion at the time that this lead group would either disintegrate or be absorbed again by the main field later in the event. However; I hadn't seen what effect the "B" road sectors were going to have. I would change my opinion!
Attack of the Killer Bees!: I was pleased with the way the event was unfolding until I saw how long it took for the race leaders to traverse that first section of "B" road. These guys were reletively fresh and excellent riders, yet they had been slowed tremendously by the first mile of "B" road. I chalked it up to having it be so dark when they hit that muddy mess. There was another "B" road section at about dawn. I thought that this would prove to be a better guage of things to come. I was aware that there was worse to come, and the racers weren't. I was hoping the onset of dawn would help them out by allowing them to pick better lines through the "B" roads. My concerns were growing as each minute passed with no riders in sight. Finally, I saw a few guys coming up the road, but the time that had passed by was putting a finish in Algona by 6pm. in jeapordy. The lead group was about eight or nine riders strong. They still had several minutes lead on another slightly larger group. It didn't really matter though, because only the lead group had any prayer of getting to the check point in time to continue onwards to Decorah. The race was over for the other 37 riders and we were only 45 miles into the event!
The Final Cut: The end came quickly for the rest of the field. At the town of Paulina, Iowa, many riders realized that it was already over for them and they packed it in. Probably a wise choice, because the next twelve miles to Sutherland, Iowa proved to be the undoing of everyone else in the event! That twelve miles had 4.5 miles of "B" road that must have been walking speed only as it took our lead group just over two hours to cover that distance. Hope was gone. The event was, for all intents and purposes, over at this point. No one was going to make that nearly 100 miles that were left to get into Algona by six in the evening. Not with the extreme effort that had been put out already. Several of the lead group decided to try to race for Algona anyway. We agreed that we would bestow prizing upon anyone that could roll into Algona by using the course laid out on their bike.
Crazy Canadians! While Jeff and I watched the lead group plow it's way through the last "B" road sector, we noticed that there were two extra fellows tagging along in the back. They turned out to be none other than Dallas Sigurdur and Lindsey Gauld who were the Canadian counterparts to Paddy Hummeny, who had been grinding along in the front for most of the event. An amazing bridge up! Lindsey and Dallas had been no where to be seen just ten miles back and here they were! Paddy was suffering badly from a respitory ailment that he had been battling for a week, so he pulled the plug, along with three others from the lead group, in Sutherland. Dallas and Lindsey kept grinding, and soon, they were the only two left standing. At the 119 mile mark, in Mallard, Iowa, they finally pulled out. It was about seven in the evening, and no one was going to get to Algona. The Crazy Canadians gave it their all, but the course and the forces of nature conspired to beat all challengers this year!
Thoughts and Musings: I suppose that some folks would tend to look at this and think that it is all a failure. Well, that would be a tragic miscalculation on their part. If anything, this years event was a rsounding success. Jeff and I made some tweaks to the event since last year, and they worked out beautifully. The participants in the event seemed to understand fully the reasons for the way things turned out and accepted that gracefully. I met sevearl new people and got to experience several new things. I think several of the event participants would agree. Will there be another Trans Iowa- a Trans Iowa V3? Hmm........yet to be determined! Give us a rest and Jeff and I will decide later. Whatever the outcome, I have had a great time doing the previous two Trans Iowas, and I have learned alot!
Look for picture and the stories to go with them in the days ahead!
To say that this year's event was going to be affected by the weather was just a mild understatement! It was dominated by the weather. To understand exactly what happened, we need to examine the situation from earlier in the month. When April started, we were getting several storms with heavier amounts of rain dropped over southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. This ended up causing widespread flooding across the state of Iowa. The week to ten day period previous to Trans Iowa looked promising for the event; however, because we enjoyed summer-like temperatures and dry days. This served to get the surface dry, but the water tables had not had time to drain down properly. At least they were not ready for what happened this weekend!
A high pressure system parked itself above the eastern U.S. and blocked the passage of weather systems for a few days. It coincided with Trans Iowa weekend, which turned out to be all of our undoings. The skies opened up over the course on Thursday night. The rain continued unabated throughout the weekend from there. By the time of the race start, the ground, which still hadn't fully recovered from the rains earlier in the month, were totally saturated with water. Rain was forming in pools, rivulets, and lakes all over northern Iowa.
This had a very negative effect on the "B" roads especially. The "B" roads are, in reality, just dirt. There often is no drainage systems in place and in a couple of instances, no ditches to gather rain water. Iowa dirt forms some of the stickiest, thickest, pastiest stuff I've ever seen. It gets stuck onto any metal or rubber surfaces and holds on for dear life! This made these sections of the course that I had intended to be hindrances to the "speedier" bikes into unrideable quagmires. In fact, you couldn't even walk in them! The mud litterally would suck the shoes off your feet!
Not only was this a race killer, but the gravel itself was so engorged with water, that it became much like riding on a beach. The rolling resistance was unreal. Western Iowa has the distinction of having a high amount of glacial till type gravel. High in granite and quartz content, it's ground up consistency being most like sand. In the eastern part of the state, we have mostly limestone gravel roads, which are more like concrete when wet. In fact, our gravel out here gets faster in many cases when it has been rained on! Unfortunately, the riders got no where near the eastern part of the state!
What this all meant was that the riders could not meet the minimum speed requirements to allow them to make it to Algona Checkpoint before six in the evening on Saturday. This was the reason the event was over yesterday. We made every effort to get the competitors something for their efforts by raffling off any of the prizes donated to us by our generous sponsors to the remaining folks that showed up in Algona to retrieve their drop bags. Everyone was very complimentary towards the event, and Jeff and I. We say "Thank You!" and we were proud to be associated with such fine atheletes. Everyone seemed to be very understanding of the plight that we were all being subjected to. That just shows me again how cool the endurance racing crowd is. I was again impressed.
The pre race meeting: Once again, the Pizza Ranch in Hawarden made out like bandits- as well they should have- by hosting our humble little pre-race meeting. I was glad to see that the racers and their supporters took advantage of the food on offer and spent their hard earned dollars there. The folks that live and work in Hawarden are some very fine people and they deserved our support for hosting this event's start. I heard similar goodwill stories from the folks staying at the various host family houses and from the folks down at the new Super 8 motel. Makes me feel proud to be an Iowan, it does! (sniff!) Ah- I digress! Anyway, a special thanks to David Nice from Colorado for lending us a hand in getting the drop bags readied before the meeting. Thanks! After everyone ate, we had a quick Q and A session, and then we called everyone up for the bags. We were a bit surprised by the 19 no shows! I knew the weather would be a detriment to people showing up, but I didn't think that many would drop out! After the end of the meeting, everyone scurried off to their beds for whatever shut eye they could muster before the early morning start.
The Race Start: Jeff and I tossed and turned all night with the jitters. We weren't helped out by the fact that our host home had the World's Loudest Toilet in the bathroom downstairs where we slept. That thing sounded like it was powered by a jet engine! Anyway, we popped out of the sack at 2:30 am, got our clothes on and bolted for the nearest convenience store so that Jeff could procure his requisite "black goodness" fix before our 3am arrival at the West Sioux High School parking lot. I haven't been so wide awake in a high school parking lot at that time of the morning since.......well..... Another story for another time! At any rate, Jeff and I were ready to go. The racers started showing up shortly afterward. The lights were kindled on their helmets and handlebars, and we lined up to head out at 4am. sharp. As I tooted the horn to signify the start of the race, I noticed that Aerosmith's song Back in the Saddle Again was blaring out of my radios speakers. How fitting! The winds that had been forcast were nothing but breezes and we had a fine mist spewing in our faces, but it seemed fine to us. Spirits were pretty high, and hope was still in good supply.
The Early Stages Until Morning: The roll out was three miles on pavement before I pulled the van off and the racers made the left hand turn onto the first gravel section. The event soon saw a small lead group go off the front containing about eight riders. In the darkness, it was quite impossible to tell who they were, but they had several minutes advantage on the main field by the 20 mile mark. The conditions were steady, and the pace that the leaders were setting was a bit torrid for a 340 mile event. It was my opinion at the time that this lead group would either disintegrate or be absorbed again by the main field later in the event. However; I hadn't seen what effect the "B" road sectors were going to have. I would change my opinion!
Attack of the Killer Bees!: I was pleased with the way the event was unfolding until I saw how long it took for the race leaders to traverse that first section of "B" road. These guys were reletively fresh and excellent riders, yet they had been slowed tremendously by the first mile of "B" road. I chalked it up to having it be so dark when they hit that muddy mess. There was another "B" road section at about dawn. I thought that this would prove to be a better guage of things to come. I was aware that there was worse to come, and the racers weren't. I was hoping the onset of dawn would help them out by allowing them to pick better lines through the "B" roads. My concerns were growing as each minute passed with no riders in sight. Finally, I saw a few guys coming up the road, but the time that had passed by was putting a finish in Algona by 6pm. in jeapordy. The lead group was about eight or nine riders strong. They still had several minutes lead on another slightly larger group. It didn't really matter though, because only the lead group had any prayer of getting to the check point in time to continue onwards to Decorah. The race was over for the other 37 riders and we were only 45 miles into the event!
The Final Cut: The end came quickly for the rest of the field. At the town of Paulina, Iowa, many riders realized that it was already over for them and they packed it in. Probably a wise choice, because the next twelve miles to Sutherland, Iowa proved to be the undoing of everyone else in the event! That twelve miles had 4.5 miles of "B" road that must have been walking speed only as it took our lead group just over two hours to cover that distance. Hope was gone. The event was, for all intents and purposes, over at this point. No one was going to make that nearly 100 miles that were left to get into Algona by six in the evening. Not with the extreme effort that had been put out already. Several of the lead group decided to try to race for Algona anyway. We agreed that we would bestow prizing upon anyone that could roll into Algona by using the course laid out on their bike.
Crazy Canadians! While Jeff and I watched the lead group plow it's way through the last "B" road sector, we noticed that there were two extra fellows tagging along in the back. They turned out to be none other than Dallas Sigurdur and Lindsey Gauld who were the Canadian counterparts to Paddy Hummeny, who had been grinding along in the front for most of the event. An amazing bridge up! Lindsey and Dallas had been no where to be seen just ten miles back and here they were! Paddy was suffering badly from a respitory ailment that he had been battling for a week, so he pulled the plug, along with three others from the lead group, in Sutherland. Dallas and Lindsey kept grinding, and soon, they were the only two left standing. At the 119 mile mark, in Mallard, Iowa, they finally pulled out. It was about seven in the evening, and no one was going to get to Algona. The Crazy Canadians gave it their all, but the course and the forces of nature conspired to beat all challengers this year!
Thoughts and Musings: I suppose that some folks would tend to look at this and think that it is all a failure. Well, that would be a tragic miscalculation on their part. If anything, this years event was a rsounding success. Jeff and I made some tweaks to the event since last year, and they worked out beautifully. The participants in the event seemed to understand fully the reasons for the way things turned out and accepted that gracefully. I met sevearl new people and got to experience several new things. I think several of the event participants would agree. Will there be another Trans Iowa- a Trans Iowa V3? Hmm........yet to be determined! Give us a rest and Jeff and I will decide later. Whatever the outcome, I have had a great time doing the previous two Trans Iowas, and I have learned alot!
Look for picture and the stories to go with them in the days ahead!
Trans Iowa V2 Re Cap
Here it is! The story of this year's Trans Iowa V2 race. Get your favorite beverage handy! This is going to be a loooong post!
To say that this year's event was going to be affected by the weather was just a mild understatement! It was dominated by the weather. To understand exactly what happened, we need to examine the situation from earlier in the month. When April started, we were getting several storms with heavier amounts of rain dropped over southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. This ended up causing widespread flooding across the state of Iowa. The week to ten day period previous to Trans Iowa looked promising for the event; however, because we enjoyed summer-like temperatures and dry days. This served to get the surface dry, but the water tables had not had time to drain down properly. At least they were not ready for what happened this weekend!
A high pressure system parked itself above the eastern U.S. and blocked the passage of weather systems for a few days. It coincided with Trans Iowa weekend, which turned out to be all of our undoings. The skies opened up over the course on Thursday night. The rain continued unabated throughout the weekend from there. By the time of the race start, the ground, which still hadn't fully recovered from the rains earlier in the month, were totally saturated with water. Rain was forming in pools, rivulets, and lakes all over northern Iowa.
This had a very negative effect on the "B" roads especially. The "B" roads are, in reality, just dirt. There often is no drainage systems in place and in a couple of instances, no ditches to gather rain water. Iowa dirt forms some of the stickiest, thickest, pastiest stuff I've ever seen. It gets stuck onto any metal or rubber surfaces and holds on for dear life! This made these sections of the course that I had intended to be hindrances to the "speedier" bikes into unrideable quagmires. In fact, you couldn't even walk in them! The mud litterally would suck the shoes off your feet!
Not only was this a race killer, but the gravel itself was so engorged with water, that it became much like riding on a beach. The rolling resistance was unreal. Western Iowa has the distinction of having a high amount of glacial till type gravel. High in granite and quartz content, it's ground up consistency being most like sand. In the eastern part of the state, we have mostly limestone gravel roads, which are more like concrete when wet. In fact, our gravel out here gets faster in many cases when it has been rained on! Unfortunately, the riders got no where near the eastern part of the state!
What this all meant was that the riders could not meet the minimum speed requirements to allow them to make it to Algona Checkpoint before six in the evening on Saturday. This was the reason the event was over yesterday. We made every effort to get the competitors something for their efforts by raffling off any of the prizes donated to us by our generous sponsors to the remaining folks that showed up in Algona to retrieve their drop bags. Everyone was very complimentary towards the event, and Jeff and I. We say "Thank You!" and we were proud to be associated with such fine atheletes. Everyone seemed to be very understanding of the plight that we were all being subjected to. That just shows me again how cool the endurance racing crowd is. I was again impressed.
The pre race meeting: Once again, the Pizza Ranch in Hawarden made out like bandits- as well they should have- by hosting our humble little pre-race meeting. I was glad to see that the racers and their supporters took advantage of the food on offer and spent their hard earned dollars there. The folks that live and work in Hawarden are some very fine people and they deserved our support for hosting this event's start. I heard similar goodwill stories from the folks staying at the various host family houses and from the folks down at the new Super 8 motel. Makes me feel proud to be an Iowan, it does! (sniff!) Ah- I digress! Anyway, a special thanks to David Nice from Colorado for lending us a hand in getting the drop bags readied before the meeting. Thanks! After everyone ate, we had a quick Q and A session, and then we called everyone up for the bags. We were a bit surprised by the 19 no shows! I knew the weather would be a detriment to people showing up, but I didn't think that many would drop out! After the end of the meeting, everyone scurried off to their beds for whatever shut eye they could muster before the early morning start.
The Race Start: Jeff and I tossed and turned all night with the jitters. We weren't helped out by the fact that our host home had the World's Loudest Toilet in the bathroom downstairs where we slept. That thing sounded like it was powered by a jet engine! Anyway, we popped out of the sack at 2:30 am, got our clothes on and bolted for the nearest convenience store so that Jeff could procure his requisite "black goodness" fix before our 3am arrival at the West Sioux High School parking lot. I haven't been so wide awake in a high school parking lot at that time of the morning since.......well..... Another story for another time! At any rate, Jeff and I were ready to go. The racers started showing up shortly afterward. The lights were kindled on their helmets and handlebars, and we lined up to head out at 4am. sharp. As I tooted the horn to signify the start of the race, I noticed that Aerosmith's song Back in the Saddle Again was blaring out of my radios speakers. How fitting! The winds that had been forcast were nothing but breezes and we had a fine mist spewing in our faces, but it seemed fine to us. Spirits were pretty high, and hope was still in good supply.
The Early Stages Until Morning: The roll out was three miles on pavement before I pulled the van off and the racers made the left hand turn onto the first gravel section. The event soon saw a small lead group go off the front containing about eight riders. In the darkness, it was quite impossible to tell who they were, but they had several minutes advantage on the main field by the 20 mile mark. The conditions were steady, and the pace that the leaders were setting was a bit torrid for a 340 mile event. It was my opinion at the time that this lead group would either disintegrate or be absorbed again by the main field later in the event. However; I hadn't seen what effect the "B" road sectors were going to have. I would change my opinion!
Attack of the Killer Bees!: I was pleased with the way the event was unfolding until I saw how long it took for the race leaders to traverse that first section of "B" road. These guys were reletively fresh and excellent riders, yet they had been slowed tremendously by the first mile of "B" road. I chalked it up to having it be so dark when they hit that muddy mess. There was another "B" road section at about dawn. I thought that this would prove to be a better guage of things to come. I was aware that there was worse to come, and the racers weren't. I was hoping the onset of dawn would help them out by allowing them to pick better lines through the "B" roads. My concerns were growing as each minute passed with no riders in sight. Finally, I saw a few guys coming up the road, but the time that had passed by was putting a finish in Algona by 6pm. in jeapordy. The lead group was about eight or nine riders strong. They still had several minutes lead on another slightly larger group. It didn't really matter though, because only the lead group had any prayer of getting to the check point in time to continue onwards to Decorah. The race was over for the other 37 riders and we were only 45 miles into the event!
The Final Cut: The end came quickly for the rest of the field. At the town of Paulina, Iowa, many riders realized that it was already over for them and they packed it in. Probably a wise choice, because the next twelve miles to Sutherland, Iowa proved to be the undoing of everyone else in the event! That twelve miles had 4.5 miles of "B" road that must have been walking speed only as it took our lead group just over two hours to cover that distance. Hope was gone. The event was, for all intents and purposes, over at this point. No one was going to make that nearly 100 miles that were left to get into Algona by six in the evening. Not with the extreme effort that had been put out already. Several of the lead group decided to try to race for Algona anyway. We agreed that we would bestow prizing upon anyone that could roll into Algona by using the course laid out on their bike.
Crazy Canadians! While Jeff and I watched the lead group plow it's way through the last "B" road sector, we noticed that there were two extra fellows tagging along in the back. They turned out to be none other than Dallas Sigurdur and Lindsey Gauld who were the Canadian counterparts to Paddy Hummeny, who had been grinding along in the front for most of the event. An amazing bridge up! Lindsey and Dallas had been no where to be seen just ten miles back and here they were! Paddy was suffering badly from a respitory ailment that he had been battling for a week, so he pulled the plug, along with three others from the lead group, in Sutherland. Dallas and Lindsey kept grinding, and soon, they were the only two left standing. At the 119 mile mark, in Mallard, Iowa, they finally pulled out. It was about seven in the evening, and no one was going to get to Algona. The Crazy Canadians gave it their all, but the course and the forces of nature conspired to beat all challengers this year!
Thoughts and Musings: I suppose that some folks would tend to look at this and think that it is all a failure. Well, that would be a tragic miscalculation on their part. If anything, this years event was a rsounding success. Jeff and I made some tweaks to the event since last year, and they worked out beautifully. The participants in the event seemed to understand fully the reasons for the way things turned out and accepted that gracefully. I met sevearl new people and got to experience several new things. I think several of the event participants would agree. Will there be another Trans Iowa- a Trans Iowa V3? Hmm........yet to be determined! Give us a rest and Jeff and I will decide later. Whatever the outcome, I have had a great time doing the previous two Trans Iowas, and I have learned alot!
Look for picture and the stories to go with them in the days ahead!
To say that this year's event was going to be affected by the weather was just a mild understatement! It was dominated by the weather. To understand exactly what happened, we need to examine the situation from earlier in the month. When April started, we were getting several storms with heavier amounts of rain dropped over southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. This ended up causing widespread flooding across the state of Iowa. The week to ten day period previous to Trans Iowa looked promising for the event; however, because we enjoyed summer-like temperatures and dry days. This served to get the surface dry, but the water tables had not had time to drain down properly. At least they were not ready for what happened this weekend!
A high pressure system parked itself above the eastern U.S. and blocked the passage of weather systems for a few days. It coincided with Trans Iowa weekend, which turned out to be all of our undoings. The skies opened up over the course on Thursday night. The rain continued unabated throughout the weekend from there. By the time of the race start, the ground, which still hadn't fully recovered from the rains earlier in the month, were totally saturated with water. Rain was forming in pools, rivulets, and lakes all over northern Iowa.
This had a very negative effect on the "B" roads especially. The "B" roads are, in reality, just dirt. There often is no drainage systems in place and in a couple of instances, no ditches to gather rain water. Iowa dirt forms some of the stickiest, thickest, pastiest stuff I've ever seen. It gets stuck onto any metal or rubber surfaces and holds on for dear life! This made these sections of the course that I had intended to be hindrances to the "speedier" bikes into unrideable quagmires. In fact, you couldn't even walk in them! The mud litterally would suck the shoes off your feet!
Not only was this a race killer, but the gravel itself was so engorged with water, that it became much like riding on a beach. The rolling resistance was unreal. Western Iowa has the distinction of having a high amount of glacial till type gravel. High in granite and quartz content, it's ground up consistency being most like sand. In the eastern part of the state, we have mostly limestone gravel roads, which are more like concrete when wet. In fact, our gravel out here gets faster in many cases when it has been rained on! Unfortunately, the riders got no where near the eastern part of the state!
What this all meant was that the riders could not meet the minimum speed requirements to allow them to make it to Algona Checkpoint before six in the evening on Saturday. This was the reason the event was over yesterday. We made every effort to get the competitors something for their efforts by raffling off any of the prizes donated to us by our generous sponsors to the remaining folks that showed up in Algona to retrieve their drop bags. Everyone was very complimentary towards the event, and Jeff and I. We say "Thank You!" and we were proud to be associated with such fine atheletes. Everyone seemed to be very understanding of the plight that we were all being subjected to. That just shows me again how cool the endurance racing crowd is. I was again impressed.
The pre race meeting: Once again, the Pizza Ranch in Hawarden made out like bandits- as well they should have- by hosting our humble little pre-race meeting. I was glad to see that the racers and their supporters took advantage of the food on offer and spent their hard earned dollars there. The folks that live and work in Hawarden are some very fine people and they deserved our support for hosting this event's start. I heard similar goodwill stories from the folks staying at the various host family houses and from the folks down at the new Super 8 motel. Makes me feel proud to be an Iowan, it does! (sniff!) Ah- I digress! Anyway, a special thanks to David Nice from Colorado for lending us a hand in getting the drop bags readied before the meeting. Thanks! After everyone ate, we had a quick Q and A session, and then we called everyone up for the bags. We were a bit surprised by the 19 no shows! I knew the weather would be a detriment to people showing up, but I didn't think that many would drop out! After the end of the meeting, everyone scurried off to their beds for whatever shut eye they could muster before the early morning start.
The Race Start: Jeff and I tossed and turned all night with the jitters. We weren't helped out by the fact that our host home had the World's Loudest Toilet in the bathroom downstairs where we slept. That thing sounded like it was powered by a jet engine! Anyway, we popped out of the sack at 2:30 am, got our clothes on and bolted for the nearest convenience store so that Jeff could procure his requisite "black goodness" fix before our 3am arrival at the West Sioux High School parking lot. I haven't been so wide awake in a high school parking lot at that time of the morning since.......well..... Another story for another time! At any rate, Jeff and I were ready to go. The racers started showing up shortly afterward. The lights were kindled on their helmets and handlebars, and we lined up to head out at 4am. sharp. As I tooted the horn to signify the start of the race, I noticed that Aerosmith's song Back in the Saddle Again was blaring out of my radios speakers. How fitting! The winds that had been forcast were nothing but breezes and we had a fine mist spewing in our faces, but it seemed fine to us. Spirits were pretty high, and hope was still in good supply.
The Early Stages Until Morning: The roll out was three miles on pavement before I pulled the van off and the racers made the left hand turn onto the first gravel section. The event soon saw a small lead group go off the front containing about eight riders. In the darkness, it was quite impossible to tell who they were, but they had several minutes advantage on the main field by the 20 mile mark. The conditions were steady, and the pace that the leaders were setting was a bit torrid for a 340 mile event. It was my opinion at the time that this lead group would either disintegrate or be absorbed again by the main field later in the event. However; I hadn't seen what effect the "B" road sectors were going to have. I would change my opinion!
Attack of the Killer Bees!: I was pleased with the way the event was unfolding until I saw how long it took for the race leaders to traverse that first section of "B" road. These guys were reletively fresh and excellent riders, yet they had been slowed tremendously by the first mile of "B" road. I chalked it up to having it be so dark when they hit that muddy mess. There was another "B" road section at about dawn. I thought that this would prove to be a better guage of things to come. I was aware that there was worse to come, and the racers weren't. I was hoping the onset of dawn would help them out by allowing them to pick better lines through the "B" roads. My concerns were growing as each minute passed with no riders in sight. Finally, I saw a few guys coming up the road, but the time that had passed by was putting a finish in Algona by 6pm. in jeapordy. The lead group was about eight or nine riders strong. They still had several minutes lead on another slightly larger group. It didn't really matter though, because only the lead group had any prayer of getting to the check point in time to continue onwards to Decorah. The race was over for the other 37 riders and we were only 45 miles into the event!
The Final Cut: The end came quickly for the rest of the field. At the town of Paulina, Iowa, many riders realized that it was already over for them and they packed it in. Probably a wise choice, because the next twelve miles to Sutherland, Iowa proved to be the undoing of everyone else in the event! That twelve miles had 4.5 miles of "B" road that must have been walking speed only as it took our lead group just over two hours to cover that distance. Hope was gone. The event was, for all intents and purposes, over at this point. No one was going to make that nearly 100 miles that were left to get into Algona by six in the evening. Not with the extreme effort that had been put out already. Several of the lead group decided to try to race for Algona anyway. We agreed that we would bestow prizing upon anyone that could roll into Algona by using the course laid out on their bike.
Crazy Canadians! While Jeff and I watched the lead group plow it's way through the last "B" road sector, we noticed that there were two extra fellows tagging along in the back. They turned out to be none other than Dallas Sigurdur and Lindsey Gauld who were the Canadian counterparts to Paddy Hummeny, who had been grinding along in the front for most of the event. An amazing bridge up! Lindsey and Dallas had been no where to be seen just ten miles back and here they were! Paddy was suffering badly from a respitory ailment that he had been battling for a week, so he pulled the plug, along with three others from the lead group, in Sutherland. Dallas and Lindsey kept grinding, and soon, they were the only two left standing. At the 119 mile mark, in Mallard, Iowa, they finally pulled out. It was about seven in the evening, and no one was going to get to Algona. The Crazy Canadians gave it their all, but the course and the forces of nature conspired to beat all challengers this year!
Thoughts and Musings: I suppose that some folks would tend to look at this and think that it is all a failure. Well, that would be a tragic miscalculation on their part. If anything, this years event was a rsounding success. Jeff and I made some tweaks to the event since last year, and they worked out beautifully. The participants in the event seemed to understand fully the reasons for the way things turned out and accepted that gracefully. I met sevearl new people and got to experience several new things. I think several of the event participants would agree. Will there be another Trans Iowa- a Trans Iowa V3? Hmm........yet to be determined! Give us a rest and Jeff and I will decide later. Whatever the outcome, I have had a great time doing the previous two Trans Iowas, and I have learned alot!
Look for picture and the stories to go with them in the days ahead!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Some Reflections and Predictions
I'm ready to go do this Trans Iowa V2 thing with Mr. 24 today. We will be pulling out of the shop at around 9 ish o'clock, due to having to wait on some last minute deliveries. Not a big deal, as we are going to have plenty of time to get there. Racer meet and greet starts at 6:00 pm. , and it takes 5 hours to get there from here. I was wanting to check on some course conditions on the way out, so that's why we are leaving so early.
And speaking of course conditions! I was remembering last year. At the awards ceremonies, a couple of the finishers and other participants were saying that the conditions were tough, but it could have been worse. "It could have been raining." (!) is what was most often told to me by them. Well, guess what? This year it's going to be windy and rainy! Great. Obviously, this is going to change things immensely.
The very latest forcasts call for a very slow moving system in the central U.S. to tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and dump a steady, soaking rain on the northern portions of Iowa for the next three to four days! Winds at this time are forcast to be out of the south east at about 10 to 15mph and increrase throughout the race time period to up to 35mph! Yikes!
Going back to my predictions on how many will take the start and then finish, I am about to revise those thoughts. I'm thinking one or two more folks are going to bail out before the start due to this forcast. So, I'm thinking somewhere in the upper 50's for numbers at the start. Let's say 58. I was thinking lower 60's, like 62- 63 folks. We'll see.
As far as finishers, I'm thinking more along the lines of last year. Many have told me that they expect upwards of one third of the field to finish. I never thought that the numbers would be that high. I always thought about 12- 15 would finish. Now, I'm thinking 12 or less, if it rains and blows like they say it will!
For those looking for updates, I will be calling them in and my wife will post them on mtbr.com's "Endurance Racing" forum under the Trans Iowa discusssion thread. Look for updates to start later tonight. As for the audio blogging, I haven't been able to get that to post yet on the Trans Iowa site, but I'll keep trying it. If it works, there will be an icon to click that will take you to a screen that will play the audio clip. Hopefully I get it working! Otherwise, a full report or two, or three! will be up coming starting Sunday night after I return.
That's all folks until Sunday night!
Have a graet week end!
And speaking of course conditions! I was remembering last year. At the awards ceremonies, a couple of the finishers and other participants were saying that the conditions were tough, but it could have been worse. "It could have been raining." (!) is what was most often told to me by them. Well, guess what? This year it's going to be windy and rainy! Great. Obviously, this is going to change things immensely.
The very latest forcasts call for a very slow moving system in the central U.S. to tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and dump a steady, soaking rain on the northern portions of Iowa for the next three to four days! Winds at this time are forcast to be out of the south east at about 10 to 15mph and increrase throughout the race time period to up to 35mph! Yikes!
Going back to my predictions on how many will take the start and then finish, I am about to revise those thoughts. I'm thinking one or two more folks are going to bail out before the start due to this forcast. So, I'm thinking somewhere in the upper 50's for numbers at the start. Let's say 58. I was thinking lower 60's, like 62- 63 folks. We'll see.
As far as finishers, I'm thinking more along the lines of last year. Many have told me that they expect upwards of one third of the field to finish. I never thought that the numbers would be that high. I always thought about 12- 15 would finish. Now, I'm thinking 12 or less, if it rains and blows like they say it will!
For those looking for updates, I will be calling them in and my wife will post them on mtbr.com's "Endurance Racing" forum under the Trans Iowa discusssion thread. Look for updates to start later tonight. As for the audio blogging, I haven't been able to get that to post yet on the Trans Iowa site, but I'll keep trying it. If it works, there will be an icon to click that will take you to a screen that will play the audio clip. Hopefully I get it working! Otherwise, a full report or two, or three! will be up coming starting Sunday night after I return.
That's all folks until Sunday night!
Have a graet week end!
Some Reflections and Predictions
I'm ready to go do this Trans Iowa V2 thing with Mr. 24 today. We will be pulling out of the shop at around 9 ish o'clock, due to having to wait on some last minute deliveries. Not a big deal, as we are going to have plenty of time to get there. Racer meet and greet starts at 6:00 pm. , and it takes 5 hours to get there from here. I was wanting to check on some course conditions on the way out, so that's why we are leaving so early.
And speaking of course conditions! I was remembering last year. At the awards ceremonies, a couple of the finishers and other participants were saying that the conditions were tough, but it could have been worse. "It could have been raining." (!) is what was most often told to me by them. Well, guess what? This year it's going to be windy and rainy! Great. Obviously, this is going to change things immensely.
The very latest forcasts call for a very slow moving system in the central U.S. to tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and dump a steady, soaking rain on the northern portions of Iowa for the next three to four days! Winds at this time are forcast to be out of the south east at about 10 to 15mph and increrase throughout the race time period to up to 35mph! Yikes!
Going back to my predictions on how many will take the start and then finish, I am about to revise those thoughts. I'm thinking one or two more folks are going to bail out before the start due to this forcast. So, I'm thinking somewhere in the upper 50's for numbers at the start. Let's say 58. I was thinking lower 60's, like 62- 63 folks. We'll see.
As far as finishers, I'm thinking more along the lines of last year. Many have told me that they expect upwards of one third of the field to finish. I never thought that the numbers would be that high. I always thought about 12- 15 would finish. Now, I'm thinking 12 or less, if it rains and blows like they say it will!
For those looking for updates, I will be calling them in and my wife will post them on mtbr.com's "Endurance Racing" forum under the Trans Iowa discusssion thread. Look for updates to start later tonight. As for the audio blogging, I haven't been able to get that to post yet on the Trans Iowa site, but I'll keep trying it. If it works, there will be an icon to click that will take you to a screen that will play the audio clip. Hopefully I get it working! Otherwise, a full report or two, or three! will be up coming starting Sunday night after I return.
That's all folks until Sunday night!
Have a graet week end!
And speaking of course conditions! I was remembering last year. At the awards ceremonies, a couple of the finishers and other participants were saying that the conditions were tough, but it could have been worse. "It could have been raining." (!) is what was most often told to me by them. Well, guess what? This year it's going to be windy and rainy! Great. Obviously, this is going to change things immensely.
The very latest forcasts call for a very slow moving system in the central U.S. to tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and dump a steady, soaking rain on the northern portions of Iowa for the next three to four days! Winds at this time are forcast to be out of the south east at about 10 to 15mph and increrase throughout the race time period to up to 35mph! Yikes!
Going back to my predictions on how many will take the start and then finish, I am about to revise those thoughts. I'm thinking one or two more folks are going to bail out before the start due to this forcast. So, I'm thinking somewhere in the upper 50's for numbers at the start. Let's say 58. I was thinking lower 60's, like 62- 63 folks. We'll see.
As far as finishers, I'm thinking more along the lines of last year. Many have told me that they expect upwards of one third of the field to finish. I never thought that the numbers would be that high. I always thought about 12- 15 would finish. Now, I'm thinking 12 or less, if it rains and blows like they say it will!
For those looking for updates, I will be calling them in and my wife will post them on mtbr.com's "Endurance Racing" forum under the Trans Iowa discusssion thread. Look for updates to start later tonight. As for the audio blogging, I haven't been able to get that to post yet on the Trans Iowa site, but I'll keep trying it. If it works, there will be an icon to click that will take you to a screen that will play the audio clip. Hopefully I get it working! Otherwise, a full report or two, or three! will be up coming starting Sunday night after I return.
That's all folks until Sunday night!
Have a graet week end!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Oh Crap!
Well, the big topic of discussion has been the weather for Trans Iowa. It's not looking good! Looks like the wind will be above 20mph for the duration and easterly! The absolute worst! Add to that the high probability of rain, and you have a recipe for epic riding conditions. (Dallas Sigurdur's Honda Odyssey is going to get DIRTY!)
I know that there are alot of optimists out there, but this weekend ain't gonna be pretty, even if it doesn't rain as long as there is that head wind. If it does rain, then it'll also be cold, and that means layers. I'll be definitely layering up for a long term exposure to the elements! Last year, I about froze my feet off during the long Saturday/ Sunday night slog in the van trying to keep track of Trans Iowa. I hope it doesn't get that cold!
Okay, enough of that weather talk! We ( Jeff and I) got all the cue sheets sorted last night and tonight we put together the racer bags. I have just about gathered all my course marking materials to use if need be. ( for any possible last minute detours and for "another reason" that I can not mention!) I have to get a few odds and ends at the store. A memory chip for the digi camera, bananas, apples, and that sort of thing. Pack up the meager amount of stuff I need and throw the Inbred in the van and go! Obviously, posting on the blog will be on hiatus until Sunday night at the earliest. Probably Monday! I'll sure be tired after all of this, that much I know! I might post a final goodbye tomorrow. Then, I hope to get my wife involved in posting updates of the event as they happen by calling them in to her. She will then post up the info on mtbr.com on the endurance thread. ( I hope!) We'll see about that!
For now it's off to work at seven am. again to slay more dragons with Mr. 24! OUT!
I know that there are alot of optimists out there, but this weekend ain't gonna be pretty, even if it doesn't rain as long as there is that head wind. If it does rain, then it'll also be cold, and that means layers. I'll be definitely layering up for a long term exposure to the elements! Last year, I about froze my feet off during the long Saturday/ Sunday night slog in the van trying to keep track of Trans Iowa. I hope it doesn't get that cold!
Okay, enough of that weather talk! We ( Jeff and I) got all the cue sheets sorted last night and tonight we put together the racer bags. I have just about gathered all my course marking materials to use if need be. ( for any possible last minute detours and for "another reason" that I can not mention!) I have to get a few odds and ends at the store. A memory chip for the digi camera, bananas, apples, and that sort of thing. Pack up the meager amount of stuff I need and throw the Inbred in the van and go! Obviously, posting on the blog will be on hiatus until Sunday night at the earliest. Probably Monday! I'll sure be tired after all of this, that much I know! I might post a final goodbye tomorrow. Then, I hope to get my wife involved in posting updates of the event as they happen by calling them in to her. She will then post up the info on mtbr.com on the endurance thread. ( I hope!) We'll see about that!
For now it's off to work at seven am. again to slay more dragons with Mr. 24! OUT!
Oh Crap!
Well, the big topic of discussion has been the weather for Trans Iowa. It's not looking good! Looks like the wind will be above 20mph for the duration and easterly! The absolute worst! Add to that the high probability of rain, and you have a recipe for epic riding conditions. (Dallas Sigurdur's Honda Odyssey is going to get DIRTY!)
I know that there are alot of optimists out there, but this weekend ain't gonna be pretty, even if it doesn't rain as long as there is that head wind. If it does rain, then it'll also be cold, and that means layers. I'll be definitely layering up for a long term exposure to the elements! Last year, I about froze my feet off during the long Saturday/ Sunday night slog in the van trying to keep track of Trans Iowa. I hope it doesn't get that cold!
Okay, enough of that weather talk! We ( Jeff and I) got all the cue sheets sorted last night and tonight we put together the racer bags. I have just about gathered all my course marking materials to use if need be. ( for any possible last minute detours and for "another reason" that I can not mention!) I have to get a few odds and ends at the store. A memory chip for the digi camera, bananas, apples, and that sort of thing. Pack up the meager amount of stuff I need and throw the Inbred in the van and go! Obviously, posting on the blog will be on hiatus until Sunday night at the earliest. Probably Monday! I'll sure be tired after all of this, that much I know! I might post a final goodbye tomorrow. Then, I hope to get my wife involved in posting updates of the event as they happen by calling them in to her. She will then post up the info on mtbr.com on the endurance thread. ( I hope!) We'll see about that!
For now it's off to work at seven am. again to slay more dragons with Mr. 24! OUT!
I know that there are alot of optimists out there, but this weekend ain't gonna be pretty, even if it doesn't rain as long as there is that head wind. If it does rain, then it'll also be cold, and that means layers. I'll be definitely layering up for a long term exposure to the elements! Last year, I about froze my feet off during the long Saturday/ Sunday night slog in the van trying to keep track of Trans Iowa. I hope it doesn't get that cold!
Okay, enough of that weather talk! We ( Jeff and I) got all the cue sheets sorted last night and tonight we put together the racer bags. I have just about gathered all my course marking materials to use if need be. ( for any possible last minute detours and for "another reason" that I can not mention!) I have to get a few odds and ends at the store. A memory chip for the digi camera, bananas, apples, and that sort of thing. Pack up the meager amount of stuff I need and throw the Inbred in the van and go! Obviously, posting on the blog will be on hiatus until Sunday night at the earliest. Probably Monday! I'll sure be tired after all of this, that much I know! I might post a final goodbye tomorrow. Then, I hope to get my wife involved in posting updates of the event as they happen by calling them in to her. She will then post up the info on mtbr.com on the endurance thread. ( I hope!) We'll see about that!
For now it's off to work at seven am. again to slay more dragons with Mr. 24! OUT!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Got Fenders?
Whoo boy! Looks like this weekend could be shaping up to be a real epic! Have you checked the forcast lately for the weekend?
Yeah! That'd be a recipe for wet and windy weather that you are lookin' at. By the way, the "L" is right over the top of the Trans Iowa course!
This means that for me, as a race director, that I'll be wearing my rain gear. For the Trans Iowa competitor, this means misery! I can about imagine that those that have pre-packed their gear are adding and subtracting things in accordance with this forcast. This is going to be really interesting if it does actually rain. At any rate, this is typical of what April has been about this year. The storm track has been right through Iowa/southern Minnesota and we have had more easterly winds than I can remember in such a short period of time. This weekend's forcast calls for more of the same with south easterly or north easterly winds at 15- 20mph. Yep! Should be epic!
As for the preparations, I'd like to say that we are all ready to go, but we are not! It looks like we are going to be taking delivery on some things right up to the last second before we leave! Crazy! I can report that all the important elements for putting on the event are essentially in place. Cue sheets, race roster check offs, volunteers, plans, and logistics are all coming together like butt cheeks! It's just some of the extras for the event- the non-essentials if you will, that are lacking right now. Hopefully that stuff all shows up as it would enhance the participants experience a bit!
All we can do now is gather up what we have and wait. It would figure that things at work have gotten craaaazy since last week! We are trying to push through as much shop work as we can before we bug out, which is only adding to the stress levels of Mr. 24 and yours truly. We will deal with it though! Going in at seven in the morning today with our long swords in hand and a lusty Viking battle song on our tongues to slay as many repair jobs as we can before 3pm. Our goal: take no prisoners and leave no one standing! Notches on battle gear will be an extra badge of honor! (Perhaps only shop geeks and single speeders will understand the previous statements)
Speaking of single speeders...... You guys will be lovin' it if it rains! (That's not code for anything by the way!)
Well, more T.I. posts to come in the following days. I can't help that. My mind is consumed with details of it for now! Bear with me through the weekend and the posts might get interesting again!
My photography goal for the weekend: To find a mud caked racers mug. You know...... with the only skin showing around the eyes and mouth? Take close up of the face. Post it on this blog with the caption: Got Fenders?
Epic, I say epic!
Got Fenders?
Whoo boy! Looks like this weekend could be shaping up to be a real epic! Have you checked the forcast lately for the weekend?
Yeah! That'd be a recipe for wet and windy weather that you are lookin' at. By the way, the "L" is right over the top of the Trans Iowa course!
This means that for me, as a race director, that I'll be wearing my rain gear. For the Trans Iowa competitor, this means misery! I can about imagine that those that have pre-packed their gear are adding and subtracting things in accordance with this forcast. This is going to be really interesting if it does actually rain. At any rate, this is typical of what April has been about this year. The storm track has been right through Iowa/southern Minnesota and we have had more easterly winds than I can remember in such a short period of time. This weekend's forcast calls for more of the same with south easterly or north easterly winds at 15- 20mph. Yep! Should be epic!
As for the preparations, I'd like to say that we are all ready to go, but we are not! It looks like we are going to be taking delivery on some things right up to the last second before we leave! Crazy! I can report that all the important elements for putting on the event are essentially in place. Cue sheets, race roster check offs, volunteers, plans, and logistics are all coming together like butt cheeks! It's just some of the extras for the event- the non-essentials if you will, that are lacking right now. Hopefully that stuff all shows up as it would enhance the participants experience a bit!
All we can do now is gather up what we have and wait. It would figure that things at work have gotten craaaazy since last week! We are trying to push through as much shop work as we can before we bug out, which is only adding to the stress levels of Mr. 24 and yours truly. We will deal with it though! Going in at seven in the morning today with our long swords in hand and a lusty Viking battle song on our tongues to slay as many repair jobs as we can before 3pm. Our goal: take no prisoners and leave no one standing! Notches on battle gear will be an extra badge of honor! (Perhaps only shop geeks and single speeders will understand the previous statements)
Speaking of single speeders...... You guys will be lovin' it if it rains! (That's not code for anything by the way!)
Well, more T.I. posts to come in the following days. I can't help that. My mind is consumed with details of it for now! Bear with me through the weekend and the posts might get interesting again!
My photography goal for the weekend: To find a mud caked racers mug. You know...... with the only skin showing around the eyes and mouth? Take close up of the face. Post it on this blog with the caption: Got Fenders?
Epic, I say epic!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
I'm Bad. I'm Nationwide!
Let me get this straight: 29"ers are just a Mid Western thing? Yet we see how many new introductions and promised new models coming out from under the wraps? Either Mid Westerners are ditching their 26 inch bikes in droves or something else is going on. Hmm....... Could it be that the cyclist nationwide and in other countries, (Yes, that includes you Aussies!) are discovering the benifits of 29"ers and demanding more choice? Or, are the manufacturers driving this trend?
Let's see here.......We've got the Orbea "Alma" 29"er gearie, the Dean "Ace" full susser, the Salsa "El Mariachi" single speed, the Kona "Kula" hardtail, the GT "Peace" single speed, the Bianchi "Rita" single speed, the Raliegh single speed and another model to come, the Niner Bikes R.I.P.9 full suspension bike, the Haro Mary's, (geared and single speed), the Redline Monocog 29"er, the On One "Scandal" frame and carbon fork,the Intense Cycles "Spider" full suspension bike, and the Race Day Super Caliber by Fisher .
Yeah..............riiiigght! These bikes are all being introduced or being sold now because this is a Mid Western thing. Uh-huh. Yeah, that's it!
With appologies to ZZ Top, 29"ers are bad! They're nationwide!
Let's see here.......We've got the Orbea "Alma" 29"er gearie, the Dean "Ace" full susser, the Salsa "El Mariachi" single speed, the Kona "Kula" hardtail, the GT "Peace" single speed, the Bianchi "Rita" single speed, the Raliegh single speed and another model to come, the Niner Bikes R.I.P.9 full suspension bike, the Haro Mary's, (geared and single speed), the Redline Monocog 29"er, the On One "Scandal" frame and carbon fork,the Intense Cycles "Spider" full suspension bike, and the Race Day Super Caliber by Fisher .
Yeah..............riiiigght! These bikes are all being introduced or being sold now because this is a Mid Western thing. Uh-huh. Yeah, that's it!
With appologies to ZZ Top, 29"ers are bad! They're nationwide!
I'm Bad. I'm Nationwide!
Let me get this straight: 29"ers are just a Mid Western thing? Yet we see how many new introductions and promised new models coming out from under the wraps? Either Mid Westerners are ditching their 26 inch bikes in droves or something else is going on. Hmm....... Could it be that the cyclist nationwide and in other countries, (Yes, that includes you Aussies!) are discovering the benifits of 29"ers and demanding more choice? Or, are the manufacturers driving this trend?
Let's see here.......We've got the Orbea "Alma" 29"er gearie, the Dean "Ace" full susser, the Salsa "El Mariachi" single speed, the Kona "Kula" hardtail, the GT "Peace" single speed, the Bianchi "Rita" single speed, the Raliegh single speed and another model to come, the Niner Bikes R.I.P.9 full suspension bike, the Haro Mary's, (geared and single speed), the Redline Monocog 29"er, the On One "Scandal" frame and carbon fork,the Intense Cycles "Spider" full suspension bike, and the Race Day Super Caliber by Fisher .
Yeah..............riiiigght! These bikes are all being introduced or being sold now because this is a Mid Western thing. Uh-huh. Yeah, that's it!
With appologies to ZZ Top, 29"ers are bad! They're nationwide!
Let's see here.......We've got the Orbea "Alma" 29"er gearie, the Dean "Ace" full susser, the Salsa "El Mariachi" single speed, the Kona "Kula" hardtail, the GT "Peace" single speed, the Bianchi "Rita" single speed, the Raliegh single speed and another model to come, the Niner Bikes R.I.P.9 full suspension bike, the Haro Mary's, (geared and single speed), the Redline Monocog 29"er, the On One "Scandal" frame and carbon fork,the Intense Cycles "Spider" full suspension bike, and the Race Day Super Caliber by Fisher .
Yeah..............riiiigght! These bikes are all being introduced or being sold now because this is a Mid Western thing. Uh-huh. Yeah, that's it!
With appologies to ZZ Top, 29"ers are bad! They're nationwide!
Monday, April 24, 2006
New Rides On Dirt = It Must Be Springtime!
I got the new steed out for a quick shake down cruise on Sunday. I had thought about going to a couple other places to ride, but when you have a brand spankin' new build, it's best to stick close to the ranch. That way, if there is a failure or problem you won't have to walk as far. ( Yeah! I ride to my "rides", so no car)
Anyway, You just can't trust a new bike, at least I can't. A new bike has to proove it's trust worthy to me before I will cut loose on some epic ride or manouvers. To prove my point, my saddle ended up sliding all the way back on it's rails, and the seat QR needed tightening with an allen wrench to achieve optimum clamping force on the Salsa Shaft seat post. Problems solved! Everything else went just fine.
I saw another bike getting shaken down at the GreenBelt under the tutelage of Jeff Slade. Nice KHS soft tail single speed! "Kerkove Approved" all black paint and components. (with the exception of that offensive WTB saddle, right Slade?) Anyway, it was good to see that I'm not the only one that has a new single speed in the area. Nice ride Slade!
We talked for a bit about the Trans Iowa V2 finish line. Slade will be helping out with that, ( Thanks a bunch pal!) so any of you T.I. riders reading this, make sure you give him a shout out at the finish to encourage him. (and dirtram, Carlos, and The Cheese Queen too. They'll all be there!)
Going into work early today for a meeting. zzzzz........zzzzzz......zzzzz........ah, wah-what? Yes! I agree! ah.......great idea. umm..........zzzzz......zzzzzz........zzzzzzz........
Well, you get the idea!
Sign me: In a Frenzied Fit to Get All Ends Tied Up Before T.I.V2! OUT!
New Rides On Dirt = It Must Be Springtime!
I got the new steed out for a quick shake down cruise on Sunday. I had thought about going to a couple other places to ride, but when you have a brand spankin' new build, it's best to stick close to the ranch. That way, if there is a failure or problem you won't have to walk as far. ( Yeah! I ride to my "rides", so no car)
Anyway, You just can't trust a new bike, at least I can't. A new bike has to proove it's trust worthy to me before I will cut loose on some epic ride or manouvers. To prove my point, my saddle ended up sliding all the way back on it's rails, and the seat QR needed tightening with an allen wrench to achieve optimum clamping force on the Salsa Shaft seat post. Problems solved! Everything else went just fine.
I saw another bike getting shaken down at the GreenBelt under the tutelage of Jeff Slade. Nice KHS soft tail single speed! "Kerkove Approved" all black paint and components. (with the exception of that offensive WTB saddle, right Slade?) Anyway, it was good to see that I'm not the only one that has a new single speed in the area. Nice ride Slade!
We talked for a bit about the Trans Iowa V2 finish line. Slade will be helping out with that, ( Thanks a bunch pal!) so any of you T.I. riders reading this, make sure you give him a shout out at the finish to encourage him. (and dirtram, Carlos, and The Cheese Queen too. They'll all be there!)
Going into work early today for a meeting. zzzzz........zzzzzz......zzzzz........ah, wah-what? Yes! I agree! ah.......great idea. umm..........zzzzz......zzzzzz........zzzzzzz........
Well, you get the idea!
Sign me: In a Frenzied Fit to Get All Ends Tied Up Before T.I.V2! OUT!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Who Made Who.
I was talking with one of our product reps the other day when he made an interesting statement. He said that singlespeed and 29"ers as movements in the mountain biking world have their roots in the Mid West. He said that the Mid West is where these ideas took hold and started to influence other riders. Is that possible?
It seems to me that any trend in any arena tends to start somewhere else and then slowly find it's way to the middle of the country about five years later. It's as if we are a sponge as a nation, and anything that gets absorbed is diluted and old by the time it soaks into Iowa or it's surrounding environs. I just find the idea that we here in the Mid West started any trend, especially in mountain biking. For that matter, I find it hard to believe that we even helped a trend along before it caught on out on the coasts.
Speaking of which; the very same rep said that you can hardly find a 29"er out on the west coast, which I happen to know is a false statement. I only mention these things here because this is a well known individual in the industry and if this is his perception of single speed and 29"ers then the influence he has is important to those two facets of mountain biking.
Does the industry really think that single speed and 29"ers, together or separately, have it's popularity base in the Mid West primarily? Could that actually be the case? I find that hard to believe.
It is true, though that alot of Midwestern cities and towns have their fair share of both types of riders. Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Omaha/ Council Bluffs come to mind. But there has to be a "hotbed" of 29"ers and single speeders that was more influential some where else. It just couldn't be a Midwestern thing, since we are generally not known as trend setters. Then again, maybe we are just a bit odd in this. Perhaps we did get the ball rolling with single speed and 29"ers. Maybe cycling trends will start forming in the Mid West on a regular basis? .................Naaah!
But then again..............there's Jason McCartney! (scroll to bottom article on the page!)
Who Made Who.
I was talking with one of our product reps the other day when he made an interesting statement. He said that singlespeed and 29"ers as movements in the mountain biking world have their roots in the Mid West. He said that the Mid West is where these ideas took hold and started to influence other riders. Is that possible?
It seems to me that any trend in any arena tends to start somewhere else and then slowly find it's way to the middle of the country about five years later. It's as if we are a sponge as a nation, and anything that gets absorbed is diluted and old by the time it soaks into Iowa or it's surrounding environs. I just find the idea that we here in the Mid West started any trend, especially in mountain biking. For that matter, I find it hard to believe that we even helped a trend along before it caught on out on the coasts.
Speaking of which; the very same rep said that you can hardly find a 29"er out on the west coast, which I happen to know is a false statement. I only mention these things here because this is a well known individual in the industry and if this is his perception of single speed and 29"ers then the influence he has is important to those two facets of mountain biking.
Does the industry really think that single speed and 29"ers, together or separately, have it's popularity base in the Mid West primarily? Could that actually be the case? I find that hard to believe.
It is true, though that alot of Midwestern cities and towns have their fair share of both types of riders. Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Omaha/ Council Bluffs come to mind. But there has to be a "hotbed" of 29"ers and single speeders that was more influential some where else. It just couldn't be a Midwestern thing, since we are generally not known as trend setters. Then again, maybe we are just a bit odd in this. Perhaps we did get the ball rolling with single speed and 29"ers. Maybe cycling trends will start forming in the Mid West on a regular basis? .................Naaah!
But then again..............there's Jason McCartney! (scroll to bottom article on the page!)
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Weather Worries
The next few days will be focused mostly on making sure our "i's" are dotted and our "t's" are crossed for Trans Iowa V2. The biggest swing factor out of everybodies control is the weather.
The greatest fear is pouring down rain and massive headwinds. The best scenario would be sunny, warm temperartures with a tailwind. What will happen? Probably something inbetween.
The current forecast calls for showers, cloudy skies, and a mild headwind. Look for that to change again as we get nearer to next weekend. That's the thing that drives you nuts if you focus on it. The changing forcast. I say, just forget about it! Yep! Just let it go.
You can't control it. The weather will be what it will be, regardless of Trans Iowa, life, or death. The weather will not be the determining factor, most likely, that will stop someone from completing the course. It will be a factor, no doubt. But it's just that, a factor. One of many that will determine the outcome of 66 riders fates that weekend.
Now where did I put that rain coat.........................???
The greatest fear is pouring down rain and massive headwinds. The best scenario would be sunny, warm temperartures with a tailwind. What will happen? Probably something inbetween.
The current forecast calls for showers, cloudy skies, and a mild headwind. Look for that to change again as we get nearer to next weekend. That's the thing that drives you nuts if you focus on it. The changing forcast. I say, just forget about it! Yep! Just let it go.
You can't control it. The weather will be what it will be, regardless of Trans Iowa, life, or death. The weather will not be the determining factor, most likely, that will stop someone from completing the course. It will be a factor, no doubt. But it's just that, a factor. One of many that will determine the outcome of 66 riders fates that weekend.
Now where did I put that rain coat.........................???
Weather Worries
The next few days will be focused mostly on making sure our "i's" are dotted and our "t's" are crossed for Trans Iowa V2. The biggest swing factor out of everybodies control is the weather.
The greatest fear is pouring down rain and massive headwinds. The best scenario would be sunny, warm temperartures with a tailwind. What will happen? Probably something inbetween.
The current forecast calls for showers, cloudy skies, and a mild headwind. Look for that to change again as we get nearer to next weekend. That's the thing that drives you nuts if you focus on it. The changing forcast. I say, just forget about it! Yep! Just let it go.
You can't control it. The weather will be what it will be, regardless of Trans Iowa, life, or death. The weather will not be the determining factor, most likely, that will stop someone from completing the course. It will be a factor, no doubt. But it's just that, a factor. One of many that will determine the outcome of 66 riders fates that weekend.
Now where did I put that rain coat.........................???
The greatest fear is pouring down rain and massive headwinds. The best scenario would be sunny, warm temperartures with a tailwind. What will happen? Probably something inbetween.
The current forecast calls for showers, cloudy skies, and a mild headwind. Look for that to change again as we get nearer to next weekend. That's the thing that drives you nuts if you focus on it. The changing forcast. I say, just forget about it! Yep! Just let it go.
You can't control it. The weather will be what it will be, regardless of Trans Iowa, life, or death. The weather will not be the determining factor, most likely, that will stop someone from completing the course. It will be a factor, no doubt. But it's just that, a factor. One of many that will determine the outcome of 66 riders fates that weekend.
Now where did I put that rain coat.........................???
Friday, April 21, 2006
The Inbred 29"er
Here are some detail shots of my new Inbred 29"er. Once again, thanks go out to Mr.24 for his digi-pics! Here we get a good shot of the sinister set Chris King pink goodness, the Nokon cable set, Niner Flat Top bar, and the Bontrager Race stem provided by the Jackal.
Profile shot showing the more upright seated posistion I was looking for to get more comfort on longer rides. The Fizik Arione saddle is highly recommended as a comfy, swank, and well made perch. Sporting Nanoraptors and a 34 X 18 gear. Avid BB-7, Salsa Delgado Disc rims, and purple Surly single speed disc hubset round out the wheels. You can't see it, but I've got gold, green, and purple spoke nipples too!
A look from above. The Niner Flat Top bar is a nine degree swept back affair with Ergon grips, old Avenir purple bar ends, and old Avid SD 2.0 red bladed brake levers. That bar is plenty wide! I may cut it down some. It's a 31.8 clamp diameter, by the way.
The pedals are old Ritchey spd type, the crank is an old Race Face Turbine LP forged aluminum at 180mm in length. The chainring, seat post, and green annodized skewers are all from Salsa. The chain is some old Sachs chain that I had handy just to get it up and running. I will probably upgrade that to a SRAM chain that I've got hiding in my tool box at work someday soon.
My intial impressions are that the Arione saddle is waaaay comfy! The frame makes that familiar tink-tink sound when small rocks and sand bounce off the downtube. The SurlyI own must be made out of thicker steel, because it doesn't make that sound! Speaking of the Surly, it's a heavier bike than this one. I've never weighed the Surly, but it's gotta be in the upper 20's. This Inbred came in at just under 25 lbs. Not bad. There are alot lighter single speeds out there but I'm a clydesdale class fella, so I like solid parts that are sensibly made. I've had my experiences with sketchy, lightweight stuff! No thanks! Besides, the Niner bar may get trimmed, which would drop the weight some along with the abscence of the barends, which are there only for the purposes of running the Dirty Kanza. I might end up with the Ergon integrated bar end/grips someday. The grips, if they were foam, would be a good place to lose weight too. I bet I could get this down to the 23 pound range pretty easily with a few good component swaps, but that ain't gonna happen........at least not for awhile!
I can nevr leave a build the same for very long! We'll see what happens. In the mean time, I'm planning on putting some long hours on this bike. A report will follow after I've had some quality time on it!
The Inbred 29"er
Here are some detail shots of my new Inbred 29"er. Once again, thanks go out to Mr.24 for his digi-pics! Here we get a good shot of the sinister set Chris King pink goodness, the Nokon cable set, Niner Flat Top bar, and the Bontrager Race stem provided by the Jackal.
Profile shot showing the more upright seated posistion I was looking for to get more comfort on longer rides. The Fizik Arione saddle is highly recommended as a comfy, swank, and well made perch. Sporting Nanoraptors and a 34 X 18 gear. Avid BB-7, Salsa Delgado Disc rims, and purple Surly single speed disc hubset round out the wheels. You can't see it, but I've got gold, green, and purple spoke nipples too!
A look from above. The Niner Flat Top bar is a nine degree swept back affair with Ergon grips, old Avenir purple bar ends, and old Avid SD 2.0 red bladed brake levers. That bar is plenty wide! I may cut it down some. It's a 31.8 clamp diameter, by the way.
The pedals are old Ritchey spd type, the crank is an old Race Face Turbine LP forged aluminum at 180mm in length. The chainring, seat post, and green annodized skewers are all from Salsa. The chain is some old Sachs chain that I had handy just to get it up and running. I will probably upgrade that to a SRAM chain that I've got hiding in my tool box at work someday soon.
My intial impressions are that the Arione saddle is waaaay comfy! The frame makes that familiar tink-tink sound when small rocks and sand bounce off the downtube. The SurlyI own must be made out of thicker steel, because it doesn't make that sound! Speaking of the Surly, it's a heavier bike than this one. I've never weighed the Surly, but it's gotta be in the upper 20's. This Inbred came in at just under 25 lbs. Not bad. There are alot lighter single speeds out there but I'm a clydesdale class fella, so I like solid parts that are sensibly made. I've had my experiences with sketchy, lightweight stuff! No thanks! Besides, the Niner bar may get trimmed, which would drop the weight some along with the abscence of the barends, which are there only for the purposes of running the Dirty Kanza. I might end up with the Ergon integrated bar end/grips someday. The grips, if they were foam, would be a good place to lose weight too. I bet I could get this down to the 23 pound range pretty easily with a few good component swaps, but that ain't gonna happen........at least not for awhile!
I can nevr leave a build the same for very long! We'll see what happens. In the mean time, I'm planning on putting some long hours on this bike. A report will follow after I've had some quality time on it!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
A "Viking" and His Weapon!
Well, here is the weapon of choice for the Dirty Kanza 200.
Thanks to Jeff Kerkove for the pic!
More details and info on the build in tomorrows post. Look for it then!
A "Viking" and His Weapon!
Well, here is the weapon of choice for the Dirty Kanza 200.
Thanks to Jeff Kerkove for the pic!
More details and info on the build in tomorrows post. Look for it then!
Is It Time To Go Yet?
The time is getting closer and it's almost here. Trans Iowa V2! It's the main thought that runs through my mind most of the time now. To complicate things, we are super busy at work. To find the time that's not related to work or family right now is very tough to do. That makes it even harder to get in any detail work for the event that is only a week away! Yikes!
I'm anxious to get on with it, as I know most of the racers are. The thing is, I have a different motivation for this than they do. For them, it's the culmination of all that they have been training for all winter long. It's the trip into the unknown depths of their physical and mental beings which draws them into a place that they have never been to before. It's exciting for them to see what they will find. However; for me it's a task that must be done. A difficult, long, and dreary slog through the backroads of Iowa. Making sure there are no surprises. Bridges out? Road construction? Watching the front of the race develope, keeping tabs on it so I can organize volunteers over a time window that could stretch to ten hours from one end to another. Keeping track of riders. Heck, keeping awake! I just want to see folks having fun, being challenged, being smart and safe, and getting through this with no major complications, crashes, or death.
If it's anything like last year, the best part will be after the event is over. That will be true in two ways. One: I'll be able to relax. No more worrying about details, time schedules, or managing events. Secondly, I'll get to start reading the great stories that are sure to come out of this. Like a huge tapestry, all the parts will reveal a different scene, a new color to the composistion that will become the true picture of this years Trans Iowa. I can't wait for this to be over and for the stories to come in.
Of course, there will be a flood of coverage here and on Jeff's blog, along with some bits on The Biking Hub and Twenty Nine Inches. I'm sure there will be several stories related on mtbr.com as well as other photo sharing sites, just like last year. The thing I want to do differently this time is to write a story for release for some magazine or other. I wanted to do that last year, but I couldn't get a handle on anything to hang a narrative on. We'll see about that this time. It might happen.
Inbred Update: It's finished! Well, at least to ride, I never leave a bike set up alone for very long. I'll be shaking it down on some commutes to work, to find any hidden foibles. If it passes muster, it may get put to the test this eekend for the first time. Sorry! No pictures.........yet! I forgot my camera at my mom's house over Easter weekend! Maybe I can talk Mr.24 into taking a couple shots for me today!
I'm anxious to get on with it, as I know most of the racers are. The thing is, I have a different motivation for this than they do. For them, it's the culmination of all that they have been training for all winter long. It's the trip into the unknown depths of their physical and mental beings which draws them into a place that they have never been to before. It's exciting for them to see what they will find. However; for me it's a task that must be done. A difficult, long, and dreary slog through the backroads of Iowa. Making sure there are no surprises. Bridges out? Road construction? Watching the front of the race develope, keeping tabs on it so I can organize volunteers over a time window that could stretch to ten hours from one end to another. Keeping track of riders. Heck, keeping awake! I just want to see folks having fun, being challenged, being smart and safe, and getting through this with no major complications, crashes, or death.
If it's anything like last year, the best part will be after the event is over. That will be true in two ways. One: I'll be able to relax. No more worrying about details, time schedules, or managing events. Secondly, I'll get to start reading the great stories that are sure to come out of this. Like a huge tapestry, all the parts will reveal a different scene, a new color to the composistion that will become the true picture of this years Trans Iowa. I can't wait for this to be over and for the stories to come in.
Of course, there will be a flood of coverage here and on Jeff's blog, along with some bits on The Biking Hub and Twenty Nine Inches. I'm sure there will be several stories related on mtbr.com as well as other photo sharing sites, just like last year. The thing I want to do differently this time is to write a story for release for some magazine or other. I wanted to do that last year, but I couldn't get a handle on anything to hang a narrative on. We'll see about that this time. It might happen.
Inbred Update: It's finished! Well, at least to ride, I never leave a bike set up alone for very long. I'll be shaking it down on some commutes to work, to find any hidden foibles. If it passes muster, it may get put to the test this eekend for the first time. Sorry! No pictures.........yet! I forgot my camera at my mom's house over Easter weekend! Maybe I can talk Mr.24 into taking a couple shots for me today!
Is It Time To Go Yet?
The time is getting closer and it's almost here. Trans Iowa V2! It's the main thought that runs through my mind most of the time now. To complicate things, we are super busy at work. To find the time that's not related to work or family right now is very tough to do. That makes it even harder to get in any detail work for the event that is only a week away! Yikes!
I'm anxious to get on with it, as I know most of the racers are. The thing is, I have a different motivation for this than they do. For them, it's the culmination of all that they have been training for all winter long. It's the trip into the unknown depths of their physical and mental beings which draws them into a place that they have never been to before. It's exciting for them to see what they will find. However; for me it's a task that must be done. A difficult, long, and dreary slog through the backroads of Iowa. Making sure there are no surprises. Bridges out? Road construction? Watching the front of the race develope, keeping tabs on it so I can organize volunteers over a time window that could stretch to ten hours from one end to another. Keeping track of riders. Heck, keeping awake! I just want to see folks having fun, being challenged, being smart and safe, and getting through this with no major complications, crashes, or death.
If it's anything like last year, the best part will be after the event is over. That will be true in two ways. One: I'll be able to relax. No more worrying about details, time schedules, or managing events. Secondly, I'll get to start reading the great stories that are sure to come out of this. Like a huge tapestry, all the parts will reveal a different scene, a new color to the composistion that will become the true picture of this years Trans Iowa. I can't wait for this to be over and for the stories to come in.
Of course, there will be a flood of coverage here and on Jeff's blog, along with some bits on The Biking Hub and Twenty Nine Inches. I'm sure there will be several stories related on mtbr.com as well as other photo sharing sites, just like last year. The thing I want to do differently this time is to write a story for release for some magazine or other. I wanted to do that last year, but I couldn't get a handle on anything to hang a narrative on. We'll see about that this time. It might happen.
Inbred Update: It's finished! Well, at least to ride, I never leave a bike set up alone for very long. I'll be shaking it down on some commutes to work, to find any hidden foibles. If it passes muster, it may get put to the test this eekend for the first time. Sorry! No pictures.........yet! I forgot my camera at my mom's house over Easter weekend! Maybe I can talk Mr.24 into taking a couple shots for me today!
I'm anxious to get on with it, as I know most of the racers are. The thing is, I have a different motivation for this than they do. For them, it's the culmination of all that they have been training for all winter long. It's the trip into the unknown depths of their physical and mental beings which draws them into a place that they have never been to before. It's exciting for them to see what they will find. However; for me it's a task that must be done. A difficult, long, and dreary slog through the backroads of Iowa. Making sure there are no surprises. Bridges out? Road construction? Watching the front of the race develope, keeping tabs on it so I can organize volunteers over a time window that could stretch to ten hours from one end to another. Keeping track of riders. Heck, keeping awake! I just want to see folks having fun, being challenged, being smart and safe, and getting through this with no major complications, crashes, or death.
If it's anything like last year, the best part will be after the event is over. That will be true in two ways. One: I'll be able to relax. No more worrying about details, time schedules, or managing events. Secondly, I'll get to start reading the great stories that are sure to come out of this. Like a huge tapestry, all the parts will reveal a different scene, a new color to the composistion that will become the true picture of this years Trans Iowa. I can't wait for this to be over and for the stories to come in.
Of course, there will be a flood of coverage here and on Jeff's blog, along with some bits on The Biking Hub and Twenty Nine Inches. I'm sure there will be several stories related on mtbr.com as well as other photo sharing sites, just like last year. The thing I want to do differently this time is to write a story for release for some magazine or other. I wanted to do that last year, but I couldn't get a handle on anything to hang a narrative on. We'll see about that this time. It might happen.
Inbred Update: It's finished! Well, at least to ride, I never leave a bike set up alone for very long. I'll be shaking it down on some commutes to work, to find any hidden foibles. If it passes muster, it may get put to the test this eekend for the first time. Sorry! No pictures.........yet! I forgot my camera at my mom's house over Easter weekend! Maybe I can talk Mr.24 into taking a couple shots for me today!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Another Stupid List!
The reaction to some of the recent 29"er news from Sea Otter is a little interesting. It seems as though some folks out there are thinking that there is a shift in the place that 29"ers hold in the marketplace and that shift has some people thinking a little differently about the big wheels.
The "bandwagon" effect: Some folks think that the swell of interest not only by manufacturers, but by some potential riders, is nothing more than "trend hopping". Companies do this to make a buck with a "me too" product, (read steel, hardtail, multi-purpose drop out, single speed 29"ers) and people do this to make sure that everyone else knows they are on the cutting edge of cool. The funny thing is, once these two things happen, the 29"er movement will no longer be a trend or cutting edge cool. These two entities are their own buzz-kill, which is rather ironic.
The "more is better" camp: There are alot of riders that say more selection is good. That the parts that are 29 inch specific will grow in variety because of the growth of this market segment. I can't help but think that these are folks who long for the days of the full page, fine print advertisements chock full of reduced price 26 inch goods that used to appear in the mountain bike mags. They have a view that someday 29 inch tires, forks, and wheel sets will be as plentiful as their old 26 inch parts were and still are. Sorry! That's not going to happen. We'll get more variety, no doubt about that, but always on a smaller scale than 26 inch offerings. That's just the way it is.
The "it's ruining everything" bunch: You know these guys. The ones that bail out as soon as the "weird factor" is gone from whatever they are into. If it's "popular", then they are out. That's the bunch I expect to see on free wheeling, long travel unicycles next. You heard it here first!
The "this is lame, let's ride!" group: I like these guys the most. The ones that just don't care what the manufacturers think is the "next big thing". The ones who don't care if we think that they are in a cool niche, or a popular wave. They think lists like this post has are stupid wastes of time, are divisive, and totally unnecessary. They just want to ride and ride what works for them.
I agree with the last group. Let's ride! It's the thing that matters most. To these guys and gals I say, "To those about to ride. We salute you!.........................Bang!
Don't forget to check out the Sole Power Days report on Mr. 24's site for some manic pics of yours truly.......if you dare!
The "bandwagon" effect: Some folks think that the swell of interest not only by manufacturers, but by some potential riders, is nothing more than "trend hopping". Companies do this to make a buck with a "me too" product, (read steel, hardtail, multi-purpose drop out, single speed 29"ers) and people do this to make sure that everyone else knows they are on the cutting edge of cool. The funny thing is, once these two things happen, the 29"er movement will no longer be a trend or cutting edge cool. These two entities are their own buzz-kill, which is rather ironic.
The "more is better" camp: There are alot of riders that say more selection is good. That the parts that are 29 inch specific will grow in variety because of the growth of this market segment. I can't help but think that these are folks who long for the days of the full page, fine print advertisements chock full of reduced price 26 inch goods that used to appear in the mountain bike mags. They have a view that someday 29 inch tires, forks, and wheel sets will be as plentiful as their old 26 inch parts were and still are. Sorry! That's not going to happen. We'll get more variety, no doubt about that, but always on a smaller scale than 26 inch offerings. That's just the way it is.
The "it's ruining everything" bunch: You know these guys. The ones that bail out as soon as the "weird factor" is gone from whatever they are into. If it's "popular", then they are out. That's the bunch I expect to see on free wheeling, long travel unicycles next. You heard it here first!
The "this is lame, let's ride!" group: I like these guys the most. The ones that just don't care what the manufacturers think is the "next big thing". The ones who don't care if we think that they are in a cool niche, or a popular wave. They think lists like this post has are stupid wastes of time, are divisive, and totally unnecessary. They just want to ride and ride what works for them.
I agree with the last group. Let's ride! It's the thing that matters most. To these guys and gals I say, "To those about to ride. We salute you!.........................Bang!
Don't forget to check out the Sole Power Days report on Mr. 24's site for some manic pics of yours truly.......if you dare!
Another Stupid List!
The reaction to some of the recent 29"er news from Sea Otter is a little interesting. It seems as though some folks out there are thinking that there is a shift in the place that 29"ers hold in the marketplace and that shift has some people thinking a little differently about the big wheels.
The "bandwagon" effect: Some folks think that the swell of interest not only by manufacturers, but by some potential riders, is nothing more than "trend hopping". Companies do this to make a buck with a "me too" product, (read steel, hardtail, multi-purpose drop out, single speed 29"ers) and people do this to make sure that everyone else knows they are on the cutting edge of cool. The funny thing is, once these two things happen, the 29"er movement will no longer be a trend or cutting edge cool. These two entities are their own buzz-kill, which is rather ironic.
The "more is better" camp: There are alot of riders that say more selection is good. That the parts that are 29 inch specific will grow in variety because of the growth of this market segment. I can't help but think that these are folks who long for the days of the full page, fine print advertisements chock full of reduced price 26 inch goods that used to appear in the mountain bike mags. They have a view that someday 29 inch tires, forks, and wheel sets will be as plentiful as their old 26 inch parts were and still are. Sorry! That's not going to happen. We'll get more variety, no doubt about that, but always on a smaller scale than 26 inch offerings. That's just the way it is.
The "it's ruining everything" bunch: You know these guys. The ones that bail out as soon as the "weird factor" is gone from whatever they are into. If it's "popular", then they are out. That's the bunch I expect to see on free wheeling, long travel unicycles next. You heard it here first!
The "this is lame, let's ride!" group: I like these guys the most. The ones that just don't care what the manufacturers think is the "next big thing". The ones who don't care if we think that they are in a cool niche, or a popular wave. They think lists like this post has are stupid wastes of time, are divisive, and totally unnecessary. They just want to ride and ride what works for them.
I agree with the last group. Let's ride! It's the thing that matters most. To these guys and gals I say, "To those about to ride. We salute you!.........................Bang!
Don't forget to check out the Sole Power Days report on Mr. 24's site for some manic pics of yours truly.......if you dare!
The "bandwagon" effect: Some folks think that the swell of interest not only by manufacturers, but by some potential riders, is nothing more than "trend hopping". Companies do this to make a buck with a "me too" product, (read steel, hardtail, multi-purpose drop out, single speed 29"ers) and people do this to make sure that everyone else knows they are on the cutting edge of cool. The funny thing is, once these two things happen, the 29"er movement will no longer be a trend or cutting edge cool. These two entities are their own buzz-kill, which is rather ironic.
The "more is better" camp: There are alot of riders that say more selection is good. That the parts that are 29 inch specific will grow in variety because of the growth of this market segment. I can't help but think that these are folks who long for the days of the full page, fine print advertisements chock full of reduced price 26 inch goods that used to appear in the mountain bike mags. They have a view that someday 29 inch tires, forks, and wheel sets will be as plentiful as their old 26 inch parts were and still are. Sorry! That's not going to happen. We'll get more variety, no doubt about that, but always on a smaller scale than 26 inch offerings. That's just the way it is.
The "it's ruining everything" bunch: You know these guys. The ones that bail out as soon as the "weird factor" is gone from whatever they are into. If it's "popular", then they are out. That's the bunch I expect to see on free wheeling, long travel unicycles next. You heard it here first!
The "this is lame, let's ride!" group: I like these guys the most. The ones that just don't care what the manufacturers think is the "next big thing". The ones who don't care if we think that they are in a cool niche, or a popular wave. They think lists like this post has are stupid wastes of time, are divisive, and totally unnecessary. They just want to ride and ride what works for them.
I agree with the last group. Let's ride! It's the thing that matters most. To these guys and gals I say, "To those about to ride. We salute you!.........................Bang!
Don't forget to check out the Sole Power Days report on Mr. 24's site for some manic pics of yours truly.......if you dare!
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