Trans Iowa V10: Get Yer Head On Straight!

In the early days of Trans Iowa, we used to ask, "Is Your Head On Straight?" This post will help you to understand just what we mean by that.

You've read all the "you are responsible for you" stuff here a million times, and that stands true to this day as far as this event goes. But what does that mean? This year's edition of Trans Iowa is going to bring the meaning of this home in a serious way for those who are still in the running by Saturday evening. This time in Trans Iowa, it is as imperative as ever that you understand just what needs to be done to get from Saturday evening to Sunday morning.

I've said before in recent years that riders need to carry water and food supplies enough to get them by for 100 miles at all times. I wasn't kidding either. Just ask any of several riders from last year's version who didn't heed my warnings and paid the price, being forced to drop out late Saturday, or on Sunday morning, or Sunday afternoon. One fellow had to quit, getting within two miles of the finish,  succumbing to a severe bonk.

Pack rat: Image by Wally Kilburg

Why all the dire warnings? Well, first off, I can say "I told ya so" if and when you come back complaining about your T.I. DNF. (And believe me, I would say that!) Secondly, I know about the course- you don't. You may want to think hard about what I am about to share here....

As I have oft said, convenience stores are closing up at night these days, and many by 10-11pm. After Checkpoint #2, approximately 175 miles from the start, you have a convenience store chance shortly afterward. If you get to the checkpoint on time, (10pm is the cut off), you should see this chance still open. Then you have 90 miles or so until another chance, but unless you are traveling at super-human speed, and the conditions are spot on, (think last year's perfect weather), then you'll likely come through there after closing time but before they open at 6am.

So, you think, but how long could it take to go 90 miles? Think about this: Chris Shotz cane through Checkpoint 2 last year at 3:11pm. (A Trans Iowa record for getting to Checkpoint #2) I was standing at a corner 98 miles up the road afterward and he did not come through until after 11:00pm- past closing time for most convenience stores!

This was on perfect weather with a head start that was a Trans Iowa record. Yeah......you have a better chance of rolling through closer to when the store opens than to when it closes, but at any rate, there is a high probability you will have 120 miles without any chances for water or food.

I think I can.....NOPE! I'm walking! (Image by W. Kilburg)

 Consider that there may be at least one B Maintenance road in between Checkpoint #2 and the end, and you may be going even slower, unless we have perfect weather again. (Which I would be super surprised by if we did.) You are more than likely going to have to walk any B Maintenance Road you come across if it is a typical Trans Iowa year.

So- the point is that you had better not be caught out skipping a chance to load up with water, food, and have your clothing and mental state dialed by the time you get past Trans Iowa's second checkpoint and hit that convenience store. .You'd better be ready for the night and a long slog with zero chances for resupply until the morning.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

Pre-Race Meat-Up E-Mail: 

I still need to hear back from several folks about that e-mail I sent out to everyone two weeks ago. Most of you have responded, (thank you!), but some of you need to get back to me. Maybe you didn't see te e-mail? Then hit me up a g.ted.productions@gmail.com and I'll make sure you get the e-mail. For now, here is the list of folks I need to hear from ASAP!!

1.  James Chidester
2.  Gary Cale

Friday News And Views

That's me on the left in 2010: Image by Jason Boucher

An Ode To Adventure:
When I was a kid, it happened with regularity. So much so that I didn't even think twice about how special those times were. What were they? Adventure rides- Rides where I didn't really know where I was going nor just what it was I would see. Rides that had no time limit......well, that's not entirely true! I didn't miss supper! But bedtime, darkness, or parental warnings never were really hard and fast rules. It was whenever and wherever the bicycle took me.

Fortunately for me I was able to go on about three or four "official" Fargo Adventure Rides which were all organized by Jason Boucher, who used to work for Salsa Cycles. All were a blast, but Jason kept refining his idea until in 2010, I feel he hit upon the perfect "recipe" for the outing. Riders were to come into town, hang out the evening before, (if they wanted to), and the following day, all we knew was where we were leaving from and that we needed to be going all day long. Just like when I was a kid!

A stop for a visit from the "Candyman".

We left and spent the entire day going where- we did not know with the exception of Jason- to find adventure on pavement, gravel, dirt, and grass.

It wasn't racing, it wasn't a "group ride", and it wasn't all "organized" or planned out 100%. (At least it didn't feel that way.) No one got hurt, we were spent at the end of it all, and everyone had such a good time that when Jason mentioned it recently, many of us were clamoring for another go.

I think it is an excellent idea, but what is more, anyone can and should just go have a bicycle adventure. Just like when we were kids. These are the best, most memorable rides, in my opinion. If I think about my top ten rides of my life, most of them are rides like this. Not races, not group rides, and not at events I have attended, for the most part. The ones that would rate from events were ones that had a high degree of adventure in them, for sure. Bottom line is- plan to "not plan" and go have yourself a little bicycle adventure. The sooner the better. If you need a little more stoke, see Jason's post on our 2010 adventure here.

The Long Way Home: 

I've been hit twice in the span of a month and a half with some of the wickedest sickness I have experienced in a long time. Most recently last weekend into the first part of this week. Something viral, which made for a heavy feeling, soreness, lightheadedness, a severe, debilitating headache, and sinus trouble.

It put me off the bicycle along with the weather, and I was feeling the extreme need to ride Wednesday. I had ridden the Snow Dog to work, and I got off early, so I took the long route along the Cedar River back home. I knew that a street had been blocked off to only allow cycling and pedestrian traffic down that way, so I went down to check that out. Normally it is a chip seal street, but what I found was a bit disappointing.

Post holing. Hey! It's exercise!

The street had not been maintained, or touched at all. There were some signs of some walkers and one fat bike track dusted over with recent snow. The snow had been rutted in by trucks or official vehicles in some places, and when I came across this, I could ride. Otherwise, it was off the bike, post holing, and pushing.

I reached the end of the old street section near to where the dike creeps in toward the river. Here at this point there used to be a lot of cars entering the bike path and using the dike's top to access an old raceway grounds hard by the river behind the dike and out of view to anyone so they could do........well, whatever! Nothing good, I'm sure! It used to tick me off because I was using this path several years ago as my commute to work and I had a close encounter or two on the bike path where no motor vehicles were supposed to be. So I took matters into my own hands back then.

At the point where the chip seal ended, I stacked up big piles of chunky limestone, kind of like totems, to prevent cars and trucks from accessing the bike path. A couple of times I would come back to find the stones scattered, but I would always come back and build them up again, more and higher, until finally the City came in and erected three bollards to effectively cut off the path from encroachment by cars and trucks. Anyway........

Following that thin, brownish strip for best traction.

I accessed the top of the dike where I hoped to find that the wind had blown off the snow thin enough that perhaps I could ride. When I crested the top, I found I was in luck! On the leeward side there was a thin, brownish strip where the grasses had been able to keep their heads above the snow with the help of the winds. Here the snow was thin enough to ride over. It was punctuated by many Canadian geese tracks. Apparently the thinner snow attracted them for foraging for some hard to find Winter snacks. I stayed to this exposed grass. On the bike path, the snow was so sugary in consistency that riding through it was out of the question.

I was cautious not to ride too far to the downward slope side, since getting off camber was resulting in a quick loss of grip, again due to the slippery, granular sized snow that acted more like loose sand than snow proper. I did slide out once, but otherwise I made a good stretch of pedaling out of it despite having to suffer a Northeasterly wind which was humid and cutting.

The ride was cut short once I was behind the fence that came close to the dike on the one side and the low cement foundation on the other which caused the snow to collect rather than to have been blown off. I gave it a go, but to no avail. With lack of consistency and stability with that snow, I was swapping ends and it was simply no use. I was wasting energy, so off I go pushing until I passed by this section and could ride a bit further up the dike. Eventually the dike gave way to allow Conger Avenue to pass through it, and here I dumped off the dike to the street.  

This dike essentially protects the National Cattle Congress grounds from potential flooding. The Cattle Congress, as we locals call it, was an annual "county fair", for lack of a better term, and attracted agricultural interests in the early days, then it became a sort of "fair" when I was younger. Industry, businesses, and the ag side all came together to show their wares and entertainment also was a big thing then. I saw several touring Country & Western acts then, since my floks were into that sort of thing.

The Cattle Congress still happens but it has basically turned into a yearly carnival with amusement rides and is a hollow shell of its former self, lacking any of the "glory", pomp and circumstance it once had. I'm not sure that such things that could claimed to have captured the public's attention and were the "big deal" for entertainment 50 years ago can be viable in these self gratified days of the Information Age.

I pedaled now past the John Deere foundry on some dirty, mashed potato snow and dry pavement. The stench of the foundry is unmistakeable, once you've experienced it. Here is where a lot of John Deere parts are born.

The John Deere foundry operation in Waterloo Iowa

The road that passes by the foundry is called Westfield Street. This passes by all the old John Deere grounds where once all the tractors were assembled. Most of the old buildings have been demolished now and the old parking lots are still there, the only piece of the old days that gives one any indication that at one time, hundreds of employees would park to swap shifts with hundreds of other employees. Now it's mostly empty fields and low, drab buildings.

This brought me to the cheerless streets of the Western edge of downtown Waterloo where I made my way back up the hill and into my neighborhood to get back onto some snow. The sidewalks and streets were still covered and decently packed in. At least the last several blocks of my long way home were interesting and challenging. Probably the last decent snow ride I would get for 2014.

Have a great weekend folks!

Friday News And Views

That's me on the left in 2010: Image by Jason Boucher

An Ode To Adventure:
When I was a kid, it happened with regularity. So much so that I didn't even think twice about how special those times were. What were they? Adventure rides- Rides where I didn't really know where I was going nor just what it was I would see. Rides that had no time limit......well, that's not entirely true! I didn't miss supper! But bedtime, darkness, or parental warnings never were really hard and fast rules. It was whenever and wherever the bicycle took me.

Fortunately for me I was able to go on about three or four "official" Fargo Adventure Rides which were all organized by Jason Boucher, who used to work for Salsa Cycles. All were a blast, but Jason kept refining his idea until in 2010, I feel he hit upon the perfect "recipe" for the outing. Riders were to come into town, hang out the evening before, (if they wanted to), and the following day, all we knew was where we were leaving from and that we needed to be going all day long. Just like when I was a kid!

A stop for a visit from the "Candyman".

We left and spent the entire day going where- we did not know with the exception of Jason- to find adventure on pavement, gravel, dirt, and grass.

It wasn't racing, it wasn't a "group ride", and it wasn't all "organized" or planned out 100%. (At least it didn't feel that way.) No one got hurt, we were spent at the end of it all, and everyone had such a good time that when Jason mentioned it recently, many of us were clamoring for another go.

I think it is an excellent idea, but what is more, anyone can and should just go have a bicycle adventure. Just like when we were kids. These are the best, most memorable rides, in my opinion. If I think about my top ten rides of my life, most of them are rides like this. Not races, not group rides, and not at events I have attended, for the most part. The ones that would rate from events were ones that had a high degree of adventure in them, for sure. Bottom line is- plan to "not plan" and go have yourself a little bicycle adventure. The sooner the better. If you need a little more stoke, see Jason's post on our 2010 adventure here.

The Long Way Home: 

I've been hit twice in the span of a month and a half with some of the wickedest sickness I have experienced in a long time. Most recently last weekend into the first part of this week. Something viral, which made for a heavy feeling, soreness, lightheadedness, a severe, debilitating headache, and sinus trouble.

It put me off the bicycle along with the weather, and I was feeling the extreme need to ride Wednesday. I had ridden the Snow Dog to work, and I got off early, so I took the long route along the Cedar River back home. I knew that a street had been blocked off to only allow cycling and pedestrian traffic down that way, so I went down to check that out. Normally it is a chip seal street, but what I found was a bit disappointing.

Post holing. Hey! It's exercise!

The street had not been maintained, or touched at all. There were some signs of some walkers and one fat bike track dusted over with recent snow. The snow had been rutted in by trucks or official vehicles in some places, and when I came across this, I could ride. Otherwise, it was off the bike, post holing, and pushing.

I reached the end of the old street section near to where the dike creeps in toward the river. Here at this point there used to be a lot of cars entering the bike path and using the dike's top to access an old raceway grounds hard by the river behind the dike and out of view to anyone so they could do........well, whatever! Nothing good, I'm sure! It used to tick me off because I was using this path several years ago as my commute to work and I had a close encounter or two on the bike path where no motor vehicles were supposed to be. So I took matters into my own hands back then.

At the point where the chip seal ended, I stacked up big piles of chunky limestone, kind of like totems, to prevent cars and trucks from accessing the bike path. A couple of times I would come back to find the stones scattered, but I would always come back and build them up again, more and higher, until finally the City came in and erected three bollards to effectively cut off the path from encroachment by cars and trucks. Anyway........

Following that thin, brownish strip for best traction.

I accessed the top of the dike where I hoped to find that the wind had blown off the snow thin enough that perhaps I could ride. When I crested the top, I found I was in luck! On the leeward side there was a thin, brownish strip where the grasses had been able to keep their heads above the snow with the help of the winds. Here the snow was thin enough to ride over. It was punctuated by many Canadian geese tracks. Apparently the thinner snow attracted them for foraging for some hard to find Winter snacks. I stayed to this exposed grass. On the bike path, the snow was so sugary in consistency that riding through it was out of the question.

I was cautious not to ride too far to the downward slope side, since getting off camber was resulting in a quick loss of grip, again due to the slippery, granular sized snow that acted more like loose sand than snow proper. I did slide out once, but otherwise I made a good stretch of pedaling out of it despite having to suffer a Northeasterly wind which was humid and cutting.

The ride was cut short once I was behind the fence that came close to the dike on the one side and the low cement foundation on the other which caused the snow to collect rather than to have been blown off. I gave it a go, but to no avail. With lack of consistency and stability with that snow, I was swapping ends and it was simply no use. I was wasting energy, so off I go pushing until I passed by this section and could ride a bit further up the dike. Eventually the dike gave way to allow Conger Avenue to pass through it, and here I dumped off the dike to the street.  

This dike essentially protects the National Cattle Congress grounds from potential flooding. The Cattle Congress, as we locals call it, was an annual "county fair", for lack of a better term, and attracted agricultural interests in the early days, then it became a sort of "fair" when I was younger. Industry, businesses, and the ag side all came together to show their wares and entertainment also was a big thing then. I saw several touring Country & Western acts then, since my floks were into that sort of thing.

The Cattle Congress still happens but it has basically turned into a yearly carnival with amusement rides and is a hollow shell of its former self, lacking any of the "glory", pomp and circumstance it once had. I'm not sure that such things that could claimed to have captured the public's attention and were the "big deal" for entertainment 50 years ago can be viable in these self gratified days of the Information Age.

I pedaled now past the John Deere foundry on some dirty, mashed potato snow and dry pavement. The stench of the foundry is unmistakeable, once you've experienced it. Here is where a lot of John Deere parts are born.

The John Deere foundry operation in Waterloo Iowa

The road that passes by the foundry is called Westfield Street. This passes by all the old John Deere grounds where once all the tractors were assembled. Most of the old buildings have been demolished now and the old parking lots are still there, the only piece of the old days that gives one any indication that at one time, hundreds of employees would park to swap shifts with hundreds of other employees. Now it's mostly empty fields and low, drab buildings.

This brought me to the cheerless streets of the Western edge of downtown Waterloo where I made my way back up the hill and into my neighborhood to get back onto some snow. The sidewalks and streets were still covered and decently packed in. At least the last several blocks of my long way home were interesting and challenging. Probably the last decent snow ride I would get for 2014.

Have a great weekend folks!

Fat Thursday

New Maxxis 29+ tire: image courtesy of Brant Richards

The Taipei Bicycle Show is happening right now and some leakage is going down that is Fat and Beautiful! (I know, that sounds dirty, but it's all legit. REALLY! )

First off, on Wednesday morning I awoke to two images posted by On One's Brant Richards of some Maxxis tires. one a 29+ and the other a 4 inch wide fat bike tire called the Mammoth, which looks kind of like a fat Ardent-like tread.

So my thoughts on this were that finally some break through on tires was imminent. This could only mean one thng: More companies were ramping up fat bike production. The tire companies are not going to do fat bike tires or 29+ unless some mainstream company is pulling the trigger for them with orders to put on new bicycle models. Expect this Summer to be rife with news on fat and 29+ stuff!

But you may say, "Okay- but that's just two tires. How many bikes would use those?" You are right to be skeptical, but I had a funny feeling Maxxis wasn't the only ones jumping in. And I was correct.....

Duro Fat: Image Courtesy of "Red"

Later on Wednesday, I got confirmation that Trek will have a Bontrager TLR-type tubeless set up for fat bikes. The system will consist of tires and rims which will work together- the first of its kind for fat bikes. Not only that, but another source has informed me that the rim is a ".... pretty wild departure from anything "normal"". 

This source went on to say that Trek will have five total fat bike models for 2015: Two aluminum hard tails, two carbon hard tails, and a full suspension fat bike! 

Think about that final statement a bit. That means the long awaited front suspender from Rock Shox will become reality for 2015 on Trek fat bikes. Probably on Salsa fat bikes as well. Why? Did you see how all the Salsa 2014 fat bike models are suspension corrected and have 51mm offset forks? Think about it.......possibly two full suspension fat bikes with dialed suspension in 2015. It boggles the mind to think what was available for fat bikes in 2011 were pretty much basic hard tails with rigid forks and Surly Larry tires were the talk of the town. Now we're talking about more things happening in one model year for fat bikes then has happened in the fat bike's entire previous history combined. 2015 "The Year of the Fat Bike"? I don't think that is too far from the mark if it isn't dead on. 

While many folks seem to think fat bikes are too dull and heavy to be all-year-around mountain bikes, apparently many companies are betting differently. It will be interesting to see how all the geometry choices affect snow, sand, and mud riding, which early fat bikes were specifically dialed in to tackle.

Then later in the day I get the word that Kenda Tire is doing a fat bike tire. A 26 X 4.0" tire with their DTC compound and dubbed the "Juggernaut Sport".  It is interesting to note that all of these "leaked" tires are in the 4.0" range. Apparently that is where we are going to see manufacturers focus their efforts on in terms of fat bike tires.


So, the market really is opening up, eh? With Maxxis in, Duro Tire in, and Kenda Tire in, along with the Bontrager tires, and what I would assume should be more offerings from Specialized, the fat bike tire selections will effectively triple in one year! 

Like one source told me, "...this is like 2006 and 29"ers all over again!" I would have to agree. I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg as well. Obviously we don't have any idea what Salsa Cycles is doing, and I am sure other surprises lurk in the shadows yet, like Specialized's offerings, or other companies with components, (tires, rims, and forks), that we will be finding out about soon. 

This week was " Fat Tuesday", but the real deal this year is "Fat Thursday"! 

More Images:

Prototype Bontrager tire

Mammoth Tread

Chronicle Tread

Maxxis Mammoth

Fat Thursday

New Maxxis 29+ tire: image courtesy of Brant Richards

The Taipei Bicycle Show is happening right now and some leakage is going down that is Fat and Beautiful! (I know, that sounds dirty, but it's all legit. REALLY! )

First off, on Wednesday morning I awoke to two images posted by On One's Brant Richards of some Maxxis tires. one a 29+ and the other a 4 inch wide fat bike tire called the Mammoth, which looks kind of like a fat Ardent-like tread.

So my thoughts on this were that finally some break through on tires was imminent. This could only mean one thng: More companies were ramping up fat bike production. The tire companies are not going to do fat bike tires or 29+ unless some mainstream company is pulling the trigger for them with orders to put on new bicycle models. Expect this Summer to be rife with news on fat and 29+ stuff!

But you may say, "Okay- but that's just two tires. How many bikes would use those?" You are right to be skeptical, but I had a funny feeling Maxxis wasn't the only ones jumping in. And I was correct.....

Duro Fat: Image Courtesy of "Red"

Later on Wednesday, I got confirmation that Trek will have a Bontrager TLR-type tubeless set up for fat bikes. The system will consist of tires and rims which will work together- the first of its kind for fat bikes. Not only that, but another source has informed me that the rim is a ".... pretty wild departure from anything "normal"". 

This source went on to say that Trek will have five total fat bike models for 2015: Two aluminum hard tails, two carbon hard tails, and a full suspension fat bike! 

Think about that final statement a bit. That means the long awaited front suspender from Rock Shox will become reality for 2015 on Trek fat bikes. Probably on Salsa fat bikes as well. Why? Did you see how all the Salsa 2014 fat bike models are suspension corrected and have 51mm offset forks? Think about it.......possibly two full suspension fat bikes with dialed suspension in 2015. It boggles the mind to think what was available for fat bikes in 2011 were pretty much basic hard tails with rigid forks and Surly Larry tires were the talk of the town. Now we're talking about more things happening in one model year for fat bikes then has happened in the fat bike's entire previous history combined. 2015 "The Year of the Fat Bike"? I don't think that is too far from the mark if it isn't dead on. 

While many folks seem to think fat bikes are too dull and heavy to be all-year-around mountain bikes, apparently many companies are betting differently. It will be interesting to see how all the geometry choices affect snow, sand, and mud riding, which early fat bikes were specifically dialed in to tackle.

Then later in the day I get the word that Kenda Tire is doing a fat bike tire. A 26 X 4.0" tire with their DTC compound and dubbed the "Juggernaut Sport".  It is interesting to note that all of these "leaked" tires are in the 4.0" range. Apparently that is where we are going to see manufacturers focus their efforts on in terms of fat bike tires.


So, the market really is opening up, eh? With Maxxis in, Duro Tire in, and Kenda Tire in, along with the Bontrager tires, and what I would assume should be more offerings from Specialized, the fat bike tire selections will effectively triple in one year! 

Like one source told me, "...this is like 2006 and 29"ers all over again!" I would have to agree. I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg as well. Obviously we don't have any idea what Salsa Cycles is doing, and I am sure other surprises lurk in the shadows yet, like Specialized's offerings, or other companies with components, (tires, rims, and forks), that we will be finding out about soon. 

This week was " Fat Tuesday", but the real deal this year is "Fat Thursday"! 

More Images:

Prototype Bontrager tire

Mammoth Tread

Chronicle Tread

Maxxis Mammoth

Some Thoughts On Governing Bodies, Racing, & The Gravel Scene

Note: Going through some old blog posts looking for something the other day turned up the following posting circa February 2006.  Interestingly enough, it has to do with a "sanctioning body" for 24hr events, but as you will see, Trans Iowa, gravel rides, and "World Championships" come up in this interview. 

The whole nature of gravel events has gone the way we saw it back then, but I think this is still a relevant conversation in 2014 concerning gravel events and the future. Here is the interview in it's entirety as it appeared then. Note that I was a co-worker with Jeff Kerkove at the time and this interview was taken as we worked alongside each other back then....... 

Gratuitous image to make this post look good!

The Future Of Endurance Racing: Kerkove Interview

"I'll kick your a#* if you turn that thing on!"

"Hmmm..................not a very promising start to my interviewing career. Ahh...........what the heck!" click! I did it anyway, and here is the result! A ragged, yet candid look at two guys discussing the state of affairs in the endurance world and it's future. It didn't take much for me to score this interview since I work with Jeff. So, don't applaud me for tracking this down!

A quick intro.......... Jeff Kerkove is a member of the Cat Eye Enduro Team. He has been racing endurance events now since 2002. In that time he has participated in some of the endurance worlds premier solo 24 hour events, including the 24 Hours of Moab and the Solo World Championships. He is currently preparing for his 2006 campaign and working at Europa Cycle and Ski . I interviewed Jeff at work, where I met him as his co-worker in 2002.

G-Ted: So, when did you start mountain biking?

Jeff: I have no idea what you're talking about! ......I don't know. I never did.

G-Ted: You never did?

Jeff: I've never ridden a bike in my life. ...........I started squirrel hunting back in '97.............it's code for mountain biking, okay?! I got my first squirrel when I was...... oh, in '96. It had a rigid tail.

G-Ted: So, what do you think about endurance racing having a governing body? Think that'll ever happen?

Jeff: Hmmm........ I don't know.......

G-Ted: Would that be good?

Jeff: If you want to have a true National Championship, or.....or a governing body. I think it's good that they do it the way they do it with the Norba Nationals, but that's the only Norba sanctioned 24 hour race.

G-Ted: But that's the thing....they only do that one....

Jeff: Right.

G-Ted: ....and that's the only one. So, would it make more sense for them to have a series? Because it's kind of weird just having one race, isn't it? Because it's like, well....whoever happened to be good on that day won it, you know?

Jeff: Yeah, if you're going to have a jersey, you'd better at least have a race in every location in the country, not entirely East coast, like they do now with National Championships.....or West Coast, or whatever.

G-Ted: Now Norba just has their 24 hour thing- there's no Worlds......

Jeff: Officially not. There's one off clones, wannabees, local series.........

G-Ted: So what stops us from calling Trans Iowa the "World Gravel Championships"?

Jeff: Nothing! You are on to something there!

G-Ted: You are the World Champion Gravel Racer!.....Gravel Grinder!

Jeff: Here's your flannel jersey!

G-Ted: There you go!

G-Ted: Personally, I don't think it's ( World Championships) a very good idea.

Jeff: I mean, I think how it is now is perfect, it's fine. Because it lets people.....there's no set rules. Every event is unique in it's own way because there's no standards, you know? Anybody can do what they want.

G-Ted: And once you get into standards, then it starts to get weird.

Jeff: I think you should do an event where some guy puts on a 24 hour race. You have to race solo and you cannot have a support crew. It's you and whatever you bring. That would tell who's the best solo racer, I think.

G-Ted: The way they got it now, where you can run by your trailer....and grab another bike....

Jeff: Well, the fact that somebody's already there pre-mixing stuff, you know, cleaning stuff. It would be just like Nationals, just sans pit crew. You still have your pit. You still have your stuff there. You have to do everything your self.

G-Ted: But that kinda goes counter to what they've changed Norba into now, because they allow......

Jeff: Yeah!

G-Ted: .....support at cross country races!

Jeff: Exactly! Which I think is dumb.

G-Ted: Yeah!

Jeff: If you can't change your own freakin' flat tire, then you shouldn't be on a bike!

That's your look inside the mind of endurance racer Jeff Kerkove, and what he's thinking about the current state of the endurance racing scene. I hope that was insightfull, and I thank Jeff for that conversation! More thoughts on the interview in my next post!

Jeff: Sweeeeet!

 And now there is a "gravel worlds"! Tongue in cheek courtesy of the PCL

So to my mind, this conversation brings up a lot of things to think about in terms of gravel racing's future. 

I think it also speaks strongly to what Trans Iowa has become, and maybe folks that have been in that event can see where I am coming from with that statement. I also can say that this is pretty much a typical example of a day worked with Jeff Kerkove back then . Crazy days!  

Some Thoughts On Governing Bodies, Racing, & The Gravel Scene

Note: Going through some old blog posts looking for something the other day turned up the following posting circa February 2006.  Interestingly enough, it has to do with a "sanctioning body" for 24hr events, but as you will see, Trans Iowa, gravel rides, and "World Championships" come up in this interview. 

The whole nature of gravel events has gone the way we saw it back then, but I think this is still a relevant conversation in 2014 concerning gravel events and the future. Here is the interview in it's entirety as it appeared then. Note that I was a co-worker with Jeff Kerkove at the time and this interview was taken as we worked alongside each other back then....... 

Gratuitous image to make this post look good!

The Future Of Endurance Racing: Kerkove Interview

"I'll kick your a#* if you turn that thing on!"

"Hmmm..................not a very promising start to my interviewing career. Ahh...........what the heck!" click! I did it anyway, and here is the result! A ragged, yet candid look at two guys discussing the state of affairs in the endurance world and it's future. It didn't take much for me to score this interview since I work with Jeff. So, don't applaud me for tracking this down!

A quick intro.......... Jeff Kerkove is a member of the Cat Eye Enduro Team. He has been racing endurance events now since 2002. In that time he has participated in some of the endurance worlds premier solo 24 hour events, including the 24 Hours of Moab and the Solo World Championships. He is currently preparing for his 2006 campaign and working at Europa Cycle and Ski . I interviewed Jeff at work, where I met him as his co-worker in 2002.

G-Ted: So, when did you start mountain biking?

Jeff: I have no idea what you're talking about! ......I don't know. I never did.

G-Ted: You never did?

Jeff: I've never ridden a bike in my life. ...........I started squirrel hunting back in '97.............it's code for mountain biking, okay?! I got my first squirrel when I was...... oh, in '96. It had a rigid tail.

G-Ted: So, what do you think about endurance racing having a governing body? Think that'll ever happen?

Jeff: Hmmm........ I don't know.......

G-Ted: Would that be good?

Jeff: If you want to have a true National Championship, or.....or a governing body. I think it's good that they do it the way they do it with the Norba Nationals, but that's the only Norba sanctioned 24 hour race.

G-Ted: But that's the thing....they only do that one....

Jeff: Right.

G-Ted: ....and that's the only one. So, would it make more sense for them to have a series? Because it's kind of weird just having one race, isn't it? Because it's like, well....whoever happened to be good on that day won it, you know?

Jeff: Yeah, if you're going to have a jersey, you'd better at least have a race in every location in the country, not entirely East coast, like they do now with National Championships.....or West Coast, or whatever.

G-Ted: Now Norba just has their 24 hour thing- there's no Worlds......

Jeff: Officially not. There's one off clones, wannabees, local series.........

G-Ted: So what stops us from calling Trans Iowa the "World Gravel Championships"?

Jeff: Nothing! You are on to something there!

G-Ted: You are the World Champion Gravel Racer!.....Gravel Grinder!

Jeff: Here's your flannel jersey!

G-Ted: There you go!

G-Ted: Personally, I don't think it's ( World Championships) a very good idea.

Jeff: I mean, I think how it is now is perfect, it's fine. Because it lets people.....there's no set rules. Every event is unique in it's own way because there's no standards, you know? Anybody can do what they want.

G-Ted: And once you get into standards, then it starts to get weird.

Jeff: I think you should do an event where some guy puts on a 24 hour race. You have to race solo and you cannot have a support crew. It's you and whatever you bring. That would tell who's the best solo racer, I think.

G-Ted: The way they got it now, where you can run by your trailer....and grab another bike....

Jeff: Well, the fact that somebody's already there pre-mixing stuff, you know, cleaning stuff. It would be just like Nationals, just sans pit crew. You still have your pit. You still have your stuff there. You have to do everything your self.

G-Ted: But that kinda goes counter to what they've changed Norba into now, because they allow......

Jeff: Yeah!

G-Ted: .....support at cross country races!

Jeff: Exactly! Which I think is dumb.

G-Ted: Yeah!

Jeff: If you can't change your own freakin' flat tire, then you shouldn't be on a bike!

That's your look inside the mind of endurance racer Jeff Kerkove, and what he's thinking about the current state of the endurance racing scene. I hope that was insightfull, and I thank Jeff for that conversation! More thoughts on the interview in my next post!

Jeff: Sweeeeet!

 And now there is a "gravel worlds"! Tongue in cheek courtesy of the PCL

So to my mind, this conversation brings up a lot of things to think about in terms of gravel racing's future. 

I think it also speaks strongly to what Trans Iowa has become, and maybe folks that have been in that event can see where I am coming from with that statement. I also can say that this is pretty much a typical example of a day worked with Jeff Kerkove back then . Crazy days!  

Sick & Tired

This image posted for my sanity!

I guess I do not need to tell anyone in the Upper Mid-West about how tough this Winter has been. We get it. Call it a "real Winter", or "climate change", or whatever, this is going on a grind so long and tough that it is quite remarkable.

That said, all signs point to getting out from under the pile. Warmer temperatures, more sunshine, Day Light Savings Time kicks in this coming weekend. The Sun will win and Time marches onward.....

I have been ill of late as well. Twice in the last month and a half with viral stuff. The worst headaches I've ever experienced, and to the point I've been bedridden for several days this Winter. Not at all fun, but this too shall pass. Not looking for sympathy here, but I just am painting a picture of how long, tough, and grinding this winter has been for me, and I am sure for many reading this.

So I am really hoping that yesterday's negative temperatures are the last I will see for the year. I am looking forward to messy gravel roads and warmer days ahead. The Renegade Gents Race is in about a month, and I've got a big hole to ride out of to get ready for that.

Sick & Tired

This image posted for my sanity!

I guess I do not need to tell anyone in the Upper Mid-West about how tough this Winter has been. We get it. Call it a "real Winter", or "climate change", or whatever, this is going on a grind so long and tough that it is quite remarkable.

That said, all signs point to getting out from under the pile. Warmer temperatures, more sunshine, Day Light Savings Time kicks in this coming weekend. The Sun will win and Time marches onward.....

I have been ill of late as well. Twice in the last month and a half with viral stuff. The worst headaches I've ever experienced, and to the point I've been bedridden for several days this Winter. Not at all fun, but this too shall pass. Not looking for sympathy here, but I just am painting a picture of how long, tough, and grinding this winter has been for me, and I am sure for many reading this.

So I am really hoping that yesterday's negative temperatures are the last I will see for the year. I am looking forward to messy gravel roads and warmer days ahead. The Renegade Gents Race is in about a month, and I've got a big hole to ride out of to get ready for that.

So- Just How Big Is This Gravel Thing?

Gravel Country

I seem to be a person who is considered to be someone who knows something. Either that, or I am the only person fool enough to open my mouth when asked these questions I get asked. I cannot say which it is really, but apparently some folks want to know, so I tell 'em. So, here's the thing I get asked a lot lately: "Just how big is this gravel thing, really?"

I can't say I am the authority on gravel events, but I happen to compile a calendar of these sorts of events over on Gravel Grinder News. I have a counter on my site, and it tells me that for this year I have about 160 events, maybe more, (I have to weed out some dead wood from last year), and I've been adding new events every week to the tune of about 2-3 events a week for the last three months. Consider that I had 112 events listed in early 2013 and it becomes obvious things are expanding.

There is the possibility that 30 more events will re-up, but you never know. I have to say that many folks don't do the utmost in terms of informing the public in a timely or thorough manner. I wade through a lot of dead web sites, Google searches, and Facebook sites that have been left idle instead of updated. But that's my issues with the scene, and a bit off topic.......

That's the event side. But there's more to it. There is interest shown in terms of numbers. Participation numbers, that is. Some events are easily topping 1000 participants now. Barry-Roubaix, Dirty Kanza 200, and the Almanzo events all are way over 1000 folks for each of those. Other events easily reach their caps, and still other events and group rides, not showing up on my calendar, happen all the time. Their are a lot of the latter, as I come across news of them in my web searches. Participation numbers are waaaay up!

WTB's new Nano 40

Then there is the hardware side. The companies talking "gravel" have increased exponentially since three years ago. Five years ago virtually no company even acknowledged the category. Call it "cashing in on a trend", or call it "smart business", it doesn't matter. The fact is that this is happening. Now.

So, yeah........about that question. Maybe I am not the best guy to ask. Maybe I don't know squat, but when I look at the evidence, I see that something is happening, I see it getting bigger, and I see business happening on the hardware and event side because of it. You can judge it for yourself. I think it is pretty hard not to say that it is bigger than maybe many people think, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

I will say that as far as my events go, enthusiasm, numbers, and attention that the events attract has done nothing but increase. I fully expect to see a record turnout for Trans Iowa. I think last year's GTDRI was the biggest by twice the previous number, and this year's event has already got folks marking their calendars, which for me is flattering and not something I was ever thinking would happen.

So, if you pressed me for an answer, I'd say, "It is pretty dang big, and only getting bigger."

So- Just How Big Is This Gravel Thing?

Gravel Country

I seem to be a person who is considered to be someone who knows something. Either that, or I am the only person fool enough to open my mouth when asked these questions I get asked. I cannot say which it is really, but apparently some folks want to know, so I tell 'em. So, here's the thing I get asked a lot lately: "Just how big is this gravel thing, really?"

I can't say I am the authority on gravel events, but I happen to compile a calendar of these sorts of events over on Gravel Grinder News. I have a counter on my site, and it tells me that for this year I have about 160 events, maybe more, (I have to weed out some dead wood from last year), and I've been adding new events every week to the tune of about 2-3 events a week for the last three months. Consider that I had 112 events listed in early 2013 and it becomes obvious things are expanding.

There is the possibility that 30 more events will re-up, but you never know. I have to say that many folks don't do the utmost in terms of informing the public in a timely or thorough manner. I wade through a lot of dead web sites, Google searches, and Facebook sites that have been left idle instead of updated. But that's my issues with the scene, and a bit off topic.......

That's the event side. But there's more to it. There is interest shown in terms of numbers. Participation numbers, that is. Some events are easily topping 1000 participants now. Barry-Roubaix, Dirty Kanza 200, and the Almanzo events all are way over 1000 folks for each of those. Other events easily reach their caps, and still other events and group rides, not showing up on my calendar, happen all the time. Their are a lot of the latter, as I come across news of them in my web searches. Participation numbers are waaaay up!

WTB's new Nano 40

Then there is the hardware side. The companies talking "gravel" have increased exponentially since three years ago. Five years ago virtually no company even acknowledged the category. Call it "cashing in on a trend", or call it "smart business", it doesn't matter. The fact is that this is happening. Now.

So, yeah........about that question. Maybe I am not the best guy to ask. Maybe I don't know squat, but when I look at the evidence, I see that something is happening, I see it getting bigger, and I see business happening on the hardware and event side because of it. You can judge it for yourself. I think it is pretty hard not to say that it is bigger than maybe many people think, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

I will say that as far as my events go, enthusiasm, numbers, and attention that the events attract has done nothing but increase. I fully expect to see a record turnout for Trans Iowa. I think last year's GTDRI was the biggest by twice the previous number, and this year's event has already got folks marking their calendars, which for me is flattering and not something I was ever thinking would happen.

So, if you pressed me for an answer, I'd say, "It is pretty dang big, and only getting bigger."

Trans Iowa V10: Research Links

Going into any Trans Iowa in the last several years, I have provided a lot of written material for the rider's benefit. Instead of rehashing the same subjects all over again, I will simply provide links here for your reading pleasure. Use them, or not, but know that a wealth of info is behind these and you never know what gem you may find that actually saves a ride for you.

First up we have a "A Letter To All The Rookies" which was written by my good friend and head of the Slender Fugus Cycling Association, Ari Andonopoulous. Ari does a great, long, detailed analysis of what Trans Iowa is and what you should consider to get ready for it. Oh yeah.......it isn't just for Rookies in Trans Iowa. Any rider could glean a nugget or three from this.

Next up we have "Tips On Riding Gravel Roads For T.I.V8 (Or Any Other Gravel Event)" which I wrote a couple of years ago, but all of it applies to you, the rider of Trans Iowa. Many of the points shared are good for any gravel event, but many are Trans Iowa specific. All need to be read and understood for T.I.v10.

Finally for this edition I have a link to one of the more popular posts I put up on Trans Iowa. The "Mental Toughness" post has a llot on the one big hurdle all riders face, their minds. Read it and see what I mean! (And definitely read the comments section!)

That's it for now. Check out those links and I'll be back next weekend with more important information. 

Trans Iowa V10: Research Links

Going into any Trans Iowa in the last several years, I have provided a lot of written material for the rider's benefit. Instead of rehashing the same subjects all over again, I will simply provide links here for your reading pleasure. Use them, or not, but know that a wealth of info is behind these and you never know what gem you may find that actually saves a ride for you.

First up we have a "A Letter To All The Rookies" which was written by my good friend and head of the Slender Fugus Cycling Association, Ari Andonopoulous. Ari does a great, long, detailed analysis of what Trans Iowa is and what you should consider to get ready for it. Oh yeah.......it isn't just for Rookies in Trans Iowa. Any rider could glean a nugget or three from this.

Next up we have "Tips On Riding Gravel Roads For T.I.V8 (Or Any Other Gravel Event)" which I wrote a couple of years ago, but all of it applies to you, the rider of Trans Iowa. Many of the points shared are good for any gravel event, but many are Trans Iowa specific. All need to be read and understood for T.I.v10.

Finally for this edition I have a link to one of the more popular posts I put up on Trans Iowa. The "Mental Toughness" post has a llot on the one big hurdle all riders face, their minds. Read it and see what I mean! (And definitely read the comments section!)

That's it for now. Check out those links and I'll be back next weekend with more important information. 

Trans Iowa V10: Pre-Race Meat-Up & More

Image: Ari Andonopoulous

Pre-Race Meat-Up:

I sent out an e-mail to everyone on the roster earlier this week. If you have not seen this, please check your spam folder, and  if nothing shows up there, let me know ASAP.

A few folks e-mail addresses were "funky" for some reason or another and the e-mails failed to go through. If your name appears below, please contact me ASAP to have me snd you the Pre-Race Meat-Up info.

• Jim McGuire
• Chris Schotz
• Patrick Lackey
• Jennifer Barr

The Pre-Race Meat-Up is mandatory to attend for all Trans Iowa Riders. It is imperative that you get this e-mail with the details of the meeting so you don't miss being in T.I.V10.

With the end of the Trans Iowa Tales series, weekends will be used here to talk about the upcoming event. I will cover gravel road riding etiquette, lights, hydration, nutrition, strategy, and more. Recon of the course will happen again in late March, so hopefully the weather cooperates and we can double check the cues.

Trans Iowa Radio: I have been informed by Mountain Bike Radio's Ben Welnak that we will once again be having the feature available where riders can call in their reports during the event alongside my reports. This was immensely popular last year and I am excited about having this on T.I.V10 for everyone's listening pleasure.  What is more, there is an ap for mobile devices that will also be able to tap into the Trans Iowa radio thing, making it even more convenient to listen to the rider updates. Stay tuned for more details on this coming soon....

Stay tuned for more on T.I.V10......

Trans Iowa V10: Pre-Race Meat-Up & More

Image: Ari Andonopoulous

Pre-Race Meat-Up:

I sent out an e-mail to everyone on the roster earlier this week. If you have not seen this, please check your spam folder, and  if nothing shows up there, let me know ASAP.

A few folks e-mail addresses were "funky" for some reason or another and the e-mails failed to go through. If your name appears below, please contact me ASAP to have me snd you the Pre-Race Meat-Up info.

• Jim McGuire
• Chris Schotz
• Patrick Lackey
• Jennifer Barr

The Pre-Race Meat-Up is mandatory to attend for all Trans Iowa Riders. It is imperative that you get this e-mail with the details of the meeting so you don't miss being in T.I.V10.

With the end of the Trans Iowa Tales series, weekends will be used here to talk about the upcoming event. I will cover gravel road riding etiquette, lights, hydration, nutrition, strategy, and more. Recon of the course will happen again in late March, so hopefully the weather cooperates and we can double check the cues.

Trans Iowa Radio: I have been informed by Mountain Bike Radio's Ben Welnak that we will once again be having the feature available where riders can call in their reports during the event alongside my reports. This was immensely popular last year and I am excited about having this on T.I.V10 for everyone's listening pleasure.  What is more, there is an ap for mobile devices that will also be able to tap into the Trans Iowa radio thing, making it even more convenient to listen to the rider updates. Stay tuned for more details on this coming soon....

Stay tuned for more on T.I.V10......