T.I.v14: The Images

With three photographers working Trans Iowa, I have had the pleasure of checking out several images. But why should I be the only one who gets to look at the awesome images made by these folks? I've already used a few in my event report, (which will conclude next week), but I wanted to cull out some of my favorites here and share them.

Note: These are good for personal use only. Any media or promotional use is strictly forbidden without prior consent.

Okay, admittedly this one is mine, but it turned out so good, I had to share it again.

This year's start line image by George Keslin for Wally Kilburg Photography

This image by Jon Duke captures the essence of this year's TI- Dust, wind, hills, and LOTS of fresh gravel!

I was stunned by this image by Jon Duke. Imagine eating all that dust in the peloton that morning!

So, you think Iowa is flat? A great long shot by Celeste Mathias

I took T.I.v14's course through Amish/Mennonite territory near Iowa City. It's part of Iowa's rich cultural heritage. Image by Celeste Mathias.

So, this is why Trans Iowa never had big fields of  riders. This C-store is 123 miles into the event and look how the riders swarmed it. Image by Jon Duke.

Okay, another of mine to end it with, but only because Sunsets are rather appropriate here.

T.I.v14: The Images

With three photographers working Trans Iowa, I have had the pleasure of checking out several images. But why should I be the only one who gets to look at the awesome images made by these folks? I've already used a few in my event report, (which will conclude next week), but I wanted to cull out some of my favorites here and share them.

Note: These are good for personal use only. Any media or promotional use is strictly forbidden without prior consent.

Okay, admittedly this one is mine, but it turned out so good, I had to share it again.

This year's start line image by George Keslin for Wally Kilburg Photography

This image by Jon Duke captures the essence of this year's TI- Dust, wind, hills, and LOTS of fresh gravel!

I was stunned by this image by Jon Duke. Imagine eating all that dust in the peloton that morning!

So, you think Iowa is flat? A great long shot by Celeste Mathias

I took T.I.v14's course through Amish/Mennonite territory near Iowa City. It's part of Iowa's rich cultural heritage. Image by Celeste Mathias.

So, this is why Trans Iowa never had big fields of  riders. This C-store is 123 miles into the event and look how the riders swarmed it. Image by Jon Duke.

Okay, another of mine to end it with, but only because Sunsets are rather appropriate here.

Minus Ten Review- 18

Skip Cronin (L) and Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey at the end of T.I.v4

ten years ago on this blog I was doing exactly the same thing I've been doing all week on the blog- recapping a Trans Iowa event. I won't bore you with the details of that one here.

I did have some post event thoughts which were interesting. I mused on whether or not the event should move on from Decorah, and maybe that was prophetic, since T.I.v4 actually was the last Trans Iowa based out of that fine city, but the reason might surprise you. (More some other day on that)

One thought I posted was about how this event, Trans Iowa, is not at all like any other event, but from my viewpoint. Here is the quote:

"I love doing the event, I really do, but it's stupid. Really stupid from a financial point of view, really stupid from a time spent on it point of view, and really dumb from a family point of view"

This might give you a hint as to why after ten more years of this madness it is time to put the event away, never to be seen again. But I have a post coming which addresses this in better detail. The thing I will say here is that "fun" has run its course for me. I attained my goals, I had my fun, and I am done with it. Some folks are telling me "I" am Trans Iowa.That without me, it doesn't exist whether someone else does it or not. I don't know..... Seems rather pompous to me to even think in those terms, but a good friend of mine was wagging his finger at me just the other night, insisting it was so. Maybe......

 

Minus Ten Review- 18

Skip Cronin (L) and Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey at the end of T.I.v4

ten years ago on this blog I was doing exactly the same thing I've been doing all week on the blog- recapping a Trans Iowa event. I won't bore you with the details of that one here.

I did have some post event thoughts which were interesting. I mused on whether or not the event should move on from Decorah, and maybe that was prophetic, since T.I.v4 actually was the last Trans Iowa based out of that fine city, but the reason might surprise you. (More some other day on that)

One thought I posted was about how this event, Trans Iowa, is not at all like any other event, but from my viewpoint. Here is the quote:

"I love doing the event, I really do, but it's stupid. Really stupid from a financial point of view, really stupid from a time spent on it point of view, and really dumb from a family point of view"

This might give you a hint as to why after ten more years of this madness it is time to put the event away, never to be seen again. But I have a post coming which addresses this in better detail. The thing I will say here is that "fun" has run its course for me. I attained my goals, I had my fun, and I am done with it. Some folks are telling me "I" am Trans Iowa.That without me, it doesn't exist whether someone else does it or not. I don't know..... Seems rather pompous to me to even think in those terms, but a good friend of mine was wagging his finger at me just the other night, insisting it was so. Maybe......

 

Trans Iowa v14: The Drama

Barns for Jason- Taken backwards out of the sunroof. Nailed it!

With the action up front in the event having passed through the bridge we were hanging out on it was time to get a move on. Tony and Mike had corners to mark and we had to keep ahead of the riders.

The day was now full-on warm and Summer-like. Not too crazy as far as heat, but t-shirt weather for sure. We noted breezes, strong ones, in spots, but then at other places it would be calm. Weird.

Then we started getting fairly regular DNF calls. Several were from folks reaching CP#1 too late. Then an alarming set of crashes were reported. Nothing super serious, but alarming none the less. One fellow crashed so hard he broke off his saddle and brake lever but said "....miraculously I'm okay." MG and I pondered this and we really had no solid answer as to what might be going on here. Trans Iowa isn't an event where you typically see crashes, but they have happened from time to time.

We ended up over taking the leaders coming South on L Avenue North of North English. If you want to experience some tough hills, go there! I've used that section of road in Trans Iowa several times. In fact, I mentioned to MG that a famous image of him riding these hills happened back in v10. He was thrilled to see that same section again. Ahh.......memories! 

Barns for Jason- The TI version

 It was in this section we found Greg Gleason floundering off the back. We ran up alongside of him and he said he was in "survival mode". Later on we heard that others who had been riding with him earlier were feeling he wasn't breathing well. Whatever it was, MG and I were a bit bummed for him. Meanwhile Walter and Stefano Tomaselli were chasing Luke Wilson who had about 20 minutes on the chasers by this point. Some ways back behind Greg was Mathew Kutilek who had been riding on his own for some time since leaving CP#1.

Along about this time, noon or after, I believe, more DNF calls started up. The most alarming one was news of Kate Ankofski's crash which had apparently rendered her unconscious, according to reports from the riders. My volunteers, John and Celeste Mathias were dispatched to fetch Kate while Warren Wiebe and Keisuke Inoue stayed with her till help arrived. Kate was observed, treated and released at the hospital with bruises and a clean bill of health as far as concussions go.

Simultaneously, as I was gathering info on Kate's case, I was contacted by a mysterious person not in Trans Iowa, but claiming her Labrador was drawn off by cyclists and that the dog was missing. I was a bit befuddled as to just how that was an issue I needed to deal with, but I sent along images of the route cues for this person's area so they could search for the dog. Ultimately, who knows where the dog really went, and I never heard whether or not anything came of that.

This sign was 90° off so it was indicating the wrong information.

Then MG was saying something about not turning, but going straight instead while my head was down recording information. I called for a stop and it was obvious to my eyes that we were off course here. We went back to the last corner and looked at the signage, but it didn't jive with the cues. I knew the cues were correct, but what gives?! Well, after further investigation, it became apparent that the sign was removed from it's sleeved base, turned 90°, and replaced. By design or by default, I know not, but it was off. Great!

I called in Mike and Steve to mark it with stakes, hoping riders would see those and make the correct turn. I never heard whether that tripped anyone up, so it must have been mostly effective. Meanwhile, after the corner was staked out, a driver pulled up to ask if we were okay. That was kind, and I figured that was that, but then the guy gets out of his car and starts hawking the local Amish shops, almost as if he were a salesman for them. He was carrying on a little longer than was comfortable, but finally he got back in his car and went along his way. Weird!

But that wasn't all! Oh no! Luke Wilson had passed by and not long afterward he called me with a report that the road out of the next town was "torn up". What!?? Well, I asked Luke, "Does it look like you could get through?", to which he replied, yes, he was sure he could. Then I asked, "Are there any workers around?", to which he replied that there were none he could see, so I told him to go for it. We came over and witnessed him coming through, and we stayed long enough to find that Walter, Stefano, and now Greg Gleason (?!) were chasing yet. They got through fine, so we left that and moved along. We did note that Luke Wilson had extended his lead by this point to about an hour!

High Fives all around!

With these navigational challenges addressed, which were totally unexpected, we moved on from the mid-afternoon drama into an area that presented what we knew would be the biggest mind bender of them all.

Over the weekend I am posting the next "Minus Ten Review" and another edition of "The Touring Series". Look for this tale to be taken back up on Monday. That next post in my Trans Iowa v14 report will be called "Left On 120th "

Trans Iowa v14: The Drama

Barns for Jason- Taken backwards out of the sunroof. Nailed it!

With the action up front in the event having passed through the bridge we were hanging out on it was time to get a move on. Tony and Mike had corners to mark and we had to keep ahead of the riders.

The day was now full-on warm and Summer-like. Not too crazy as far as heat, but t-shirt weather for sure. We noted breezes, strong ones, in spots, but then at other places it would be calm. Weird.

Then we started getting fairly regular DNF calls. Several were from folks reaching CP#1 too late. Then an alarming set of crashes were reported. Nothing super serious, but alarming none the less. One fellow crashed so hard he broke off his saddle and brake lever but said "....miraculously I'm okay." MG and I pondered this and we really had no solid answer as to what might be going on here. Trans Iowa isn't an event where you typically see crashes, but they have happened from time to time.

We ended up over taking the leaders coming South on L Avenue North of North English. If you want to experience some tough hills, go there! I've used that section of road in Trans Iowa several times. In fact, I mentioned to MG that a famous image of him riding these hills happened back in v10. He was thrilled to see that same section again. Ahh.......memories! 

Barns for Jason- The TI version

 It was in this section we found Greg Gleason floundering off the back. We ran up alongside of him and he said he was in "survival mode". Later on we heard that others who had been riding with him earlier were feeling he wasn't breathing well. Whatever it was, MG and I were a bit bummed for him. Meanwhile Walter and Stefano Tomaselli were chasing Luke Wilson who had about 20 minutes on the chasers by this point. Some ways back behind Greg was Mathew Kutilek who had been riding on his own for some time since leaving CP#1.

Along about this time, noon or after, I believe, more DNF calls started up. The most alarming one was news of Kate Ankofski's crash which had apparently rendered her unconscious, according to reports from the riders. My volunteers, John and Celeste Mathias were dispatched to fetch Kate while Warren Wiebe and Keisuke Inoue stayed with her till help arrived. Kate was observed, treated and released at the hospital with bruises and a clean bill of health as far as concussions go.

Simultaneously, as I was gathering info on Kate's case, I was contacted by a mysterious person not in Trans Iowa, but claiming her Labrador was drawn off by cyclists and that the dog was missing. I was a bit befuddled as to just how that was an issue I needed to deal with, but I sent along images of the route cues for this person's area so they could search for the dog. Ultimately, who knows where the dog really went, and I never heard whether or not anything came of that.

This sign was 90° off so it was indicating the wrong information.

Then MG was saying something about not turning, but going straight instead while my head was down recording information. I called for a stop and it was obvious to my eyes that we were off course here. We went back to the last corner and looked at the signage, but it didn't jive with the cues. I knew the cues were correct, but what gives?! Well, after further investigation, it became apparent that the sign was removed from it's sleeved base, turned 90°, and replaced. By design or by default, I know not, but it was off. Great!

I called in Mike and Steve to mark it with stakes, hoping riders would see those and make the correct turn. I never heard whether that tripped anyone up, so it must have been mostly effective. Meanwhile, after the corner was staked out, a driver pulled up to ask if we were okay. That was kind, and I figured that was that, but then the guy gets out of his car and starts hawking the local Amish shops, almost as if he were a salesman for them. He was carrying on a little longer than was comfortable, but finally he got back in his car and went along his way. Weird!

But that wasn't all! Oh no! Luke Wilson had passed by and not long afterward he called me with a report that the road out of the next town was "torn up". What!?? Well, I asked Luke, "Does it look like you could get through?", to which he replied, yes, he was sure he could. Then I asked, "Are there any workers around?", to which he replied that there were none he could see, so I told him to go for it. We came over and witnessed him coming through, and we stayed long enough to find that Walter, Stefano, and now Greg Gleason (?!) were chasing yet. They got through fine, so we left that and moved along. We did note that Luke Wilson had extended his lead by this point to about an hour!

High Fives all around!

With these navigational challenges addressed, which were totally unexpected, we moved on from the mid-afternoon drama into an area that presented what we knew would be the biggest mind bender of them all.

Over the weekend I am posting the next "Minus Ten Review" and another edition of "The Touring Series". Look for this tale to be taken back up on Monday. That next post in my Trans Iowa v14 report will be called "Left On 120th "

Trans Iowa v14: Hanging Out At Trans Iowa

Barns for Jason- The TI Version

We left CP#1 and passed the lead group shortly afterward. Then we were simply out on our own. The route actually went closer to Grinnell again before turning North then Eastward along the Tama/Powesheik County line toward a Level B Road I always have liked.

The day was now warming up nicely from the chill of dawn. The Sun rode up high into the sky and the breezes were light. The countryside was strangely quiet. I felt as though a peace was over the lands of Eastern Powesheik County. Where were the farmers I was warning the riders about? Only a lone Ag-Gator spraying a field was seen to break the idyllic scenery of that morning.

MG and I were chatting about life, love, and the pursuit of gravelly happiness. We came upon that Level B road I mentioned and it did not disappoint. Although it was easily traversed, due to the Summer-like conditions, it was still beautiful in that rustic, pre-automobile era way that only certain Level B roads can impart. One could easily imagine running a team of horses pulling a heavy farm wagon through the slot cut into the Earth here.

Imagine this with wagon ruts. It isn't hard to do. (Apologies to J. Lennon)

Near the end of that mile of beautiful Iowa dirt road we stopped by a grove of trees to have a "nature break" and we fell to chatting about "The End". You know, the end of Trans Iowa? Well, MG wanted to express his feelings and in that moment the tears flowed. I don't mind saying that it was a special moment between two great friends.

The whole weekend was about "soaking it in" for me. I mean, I knew it was the last time for all of this stuff. The good and the bad. The hanging out wasn't something I ever relished enough in years past. I was always feeling a bit guilty because I felt responsible for the outcomes associated with the event. This last time I relaxed about that and tried to just "be", if that makes any sense. If there was one take-away from the entire weekend for me it was this- I should have done this years ago. Worrying never got anything accomplished. Not that I shouldn't "care" about things. But caring and worrying are not the same thing. Wish I could have discerned that a little earlier. There were a few things that happened later which brought this home for me, but that will come in the next post.

Barns for Jason- The TI version

Well, anyway, it was a special time there at the end of that unknown dirt road in the middle of nowhere. It may have not been a special place to anyone else, but to me and MG it was now sacred ground. Something I'll always cherish. But good times must end, just like this event would, so we gathered it back up and moved on. Not before a huge semi-tractor trailer rig went by us and baptized us in a thin layer of dirt though. Somehow that seemed appropriate.

We wound our way down into Iowa County and on some narrow, almost farm lane-like roads. This would take us near to Marengo, and we dropped South of Highway 6 into some wild territory. The turns came quick so navigation was the theme of this stretch. That was until we came upon the bit of road that has a "Road Closed" sign at the intersection.

This was the first "navigational challenge" of Trans Iowa v14. Everyone passed this test, at least I think so. I never heard anyone say it threw them for a loop, but adventure bicyclists generally don't let "Road Closed" signs rattle them. The road was well maintained right up to where a short, chip seal covered steel bridge jumped over a typical creek. I was pretty excited to show it to MG, who also likes finding stuff like this that cyclists can utilize out in the country. As we approached MG spied Tony's Ford truck parked on the other side of the bridge. We would see those guys then and maybe hang out a bit on the bridge.

The meeting was held on this "closed to automotive traffic" bridge.

Sure enough, Tony and Mike emerged from the Ford and strode up to the bridge from the South as MG and I met them from the North. We chatted about things we had seen and had heard so far into the event. Then, "Hey, want a beer?", and then more conversation ensued. Again, it was a fun time.I'm sure the farmer who was doing field work there was wondering what the heck the conflab was all about. We weren't causing any trouble though, and with farm work pressing in, and time being short, I am sure that farmer wasn't going to stop to question our motives.

Luke Wilson, solo breakaway at 10:49 in the morning?

Suddenly we saw a cyclist. It was Luke Wilson, solo! What? We were surprised and stoked to see this. Luke has been in other Trans Iowa events and is well liked by almost everyone I know that is aware of him. He's just is generally a good dude and you want to pull for him. His humble yet powerful style of cycling commands respect and admiration. So, we were pretty happy to see this development. We stuck around, marveling at this new development until the chase group showed up about twelve minutes later. Okay then! This was a big deal now.

Next: The Drama

Trans Iowa v14: Hanging Out At Trans Iowa

Barns for Jason- The TI Version

We left CP#1 and passed the lead group shortly afterward. Then we were simply out on our own. The route actually went closer to Grinnell again before turning North then Eastward along the Tama/Powesheik County line toward a Level B Road I always have liked.

The day was now warming up nicely from the chill of dawn. The Sun rode up high into the sky and the breezes were light. The countryside was strangely quiet. I felt as though a peace was over the lands of Eastern Powesheik County. Where were the farmers I was warning the riders about? Only a lone Ag-Gator spraying a field was seen to break the idyllic scenery of that morning.

MG and I were chatting about life, love, and the pursuit of gravelly happiness. We came upon that Level B road I mentioned and it did not disappoint. Although it was easily traversed, due to the Summer-like conditions, it was still beautiful in that rustic, pre-automobile era way that only certain Level B roads can impart. One could easily imagine running a team of horses pulling a heavy farm wagon through the slot cut into the Earth here.

Imagine this with wagon ruts. It isn't hard to do. (Apologies to J. Lennon)

Near the end of that mile of beautiful Iowa dirt road we stopped by a grove of trees to have a "nature break" and we fell to chatting about "The End". You know, the end of Trans Iowa? Well, MG wanted to express his feelings and in that moment the tears flowed. I don't mind saying that it was a special moment between two great friends.

The whole weekend was about "soaking it in" for me. I mean, I knew it was the last time for all of this stuff. The good and the bad. The hanging out wasn't something I ever relished enough in years past. I was always feeling a bit guilty because I felt responsible for the outcomes associated with the event. This last time I relaxed about that and tried to just "be", if that makes any sense. If there was one take-away from the entire weekend for me it was this- I should have done this years ago. Worrying never got anything accomplished. Not that I shouldn't "care" about things. But caring and worrying are not the same thing. Wish I could have discerned that a little earlier. There were a few things that happened later which brought this home for me, but that will come in the next post.

Barns for Jason- The TI version

Well, anyway, it was a special time there at the end of that unknown dirt road in the middle of nowhere. It may have not been a special place to anyone else, but to me and MG it was now sacred ground. Something I'll always cherish. But good times must end, just like this event would, so we gathered it back up and moved on. Not before a huge semi-tractor trailer rig went by us and baptized us in a thin layer of dirt though. Somehow that seemed appropriate.

We wound our way down into Iowa County and on some narrow, almost farm lane-like roads. This would take us near to Marengo, and we dropped South of Highway 6 into some wild territory. The turns came quick so navigation was the theme of this stretch. That was until we came upon the bit of road that has a "Road Closed" sign at the intersection.

This was the first "navigational challenge" of Trans Iowa v14. Everyone passed this test, at least I think so. I never heard anyone say it threw them for a loop, but adventure bicyclists generally don't let "Road Closed" signs rattle them. The road was well maintained right up to where a short, chip seal covered steel bridge jumped over a typical creek. I was pretty excited to show it to MG, who also likes finding stuff like this that cyclists can utilize out in the country. As we approached MG spied Tony's Ford truck parked on the other side of the bridge. We would see those guys then and maybe hang out a bit on the bridge.

The meeting was held on this "closed to automotive traffic" bridge.

Sure enough, Tony and Mike emerged from the Ford and strode up to the bridge from the South as MG and I met them from the North. We chatted about things we had seen and had heard so far into the event. Then, "Hey, want a beer?", and then more conversation ensued. Again, it was a fun time.I'm sure the farmer who was doing field work there was wondering what the heck the conflab was all about. We weren't causing any trouble though, and with farm work pressing in, and time being short, I am sure that farmer wasn't going to stop to question our motives.

Luke Wilson, solo breakaway at 10:49 in the morning?

Suddenly we saw a cyclist. It was Luke Wilson, solo! What? We were surprised and stoked to see this. Luke has been in other Trans Iowa events and is well liked by almost everyone I know that is aware of him. He's just is generally a good dude and you want to pull for him. His humble yet powerful style of cycling commands respect and admiration. So, we were pretty happy to see this development. We stuck around, marveling at this new development until the chase group showed up about twelve minutes later. Okay then! This was a big deal now.

Next: The Drama

Trans Iowa v14: The Moon And Cows

A fat, nearly full Moon over Iowa

"I don't mean to be a bitch about speed, but try to keep it under 20", I said to MG. This was no less the third time I asked him to back down the speed for the lead out. He was excited and it is hard to drive that slow. I know from having done this a few times myself. Plus, the spectacle of the lead out of a Trans Iowa field is not to be missed. We had a seat in the front row to view it, literally, and knowing it was the last Trans Iowa made it special for both of us. Yes......MG was in on the secret. He was one of three people I had confided in to help me decide this over 10 months prior.

Then the turn on to 37th Street and gravel. We were off now on our own. The fat, nearly full moon graced the Iowa rural landscape in its luminescence. Honestly, I cannot remember a lot about talking about much besides the commands to turn this way or that and the conditions of the race which were going to affect the riders.

The gravel was dry, very dusty, and loose. Despite that, I figured the event would be fast. MG agreed. We figured that riders would start showing up at Hartwick, Iowa, the location of Checkpoint #1, shortly after 6:00am with a guessed at 18 mph average speed. There were fast enough guys in the field to do this, for sure. Dan Hughes, the defending race winner, Greg Gleason, Eric Brunt, and Walter Zitz, all former winners, along with Luke Wilson, Corey Godfrey, and some new hot shots. There was no reason to not believe at that time that the event had a sub-24 hour look to it.

The Moon slightly obscured. It was a beautiful start to T.I.v14

The wind from the day before had subsided and the forecast was for light breezes, lots of Sun, and comfortable temperatures. It was perfect weather, or so it was seeming to be. The wind factor didn't seem to be one, with the possible exception of Sunday. It was supposed to pick up in intensity all Sunday morning, but that probably would not affect the leaders.

The air was dry though. Really dry by Iowa standards. 40% humidity with any wind is no joke and I figured a few people would likely suffer issues related to that throughout the day. But the event seemed to have this record number of finishers feel to it at the start. Kind of like v12, which saw 42 folks finish. Still, everything has to line up for that to happen. Just having the roads be as sketchy and loose at the beginning as they were was pause to consider that a record finishing rate wasn't going to happen. Plus, my friend Wally had driven out further on Friday on the course and pronounced the roads as being really rough. Hmm......

But in the meantime, it was just a bumpy ride toward Checkpoint #1 with MG. Suddenly the phone sprang to life, startling me. It isn't uncommon to have a DNF call this early in the event, but seasoned Trans Iowa veterans like Jeremy Kershaw usually are not at the the other end of those texts and calls. Unfortunately, it was him, and respiratory problems forced him to abandon. Both MG and I were shocked and saddened. But onward we went.

MG and I stopped at the intersection of four Level B roads to soak in the atmosphere.

Just before CP#1 there was a Level B road with a four way, all Level B road intersection. I asked MG to stop and we walked around a bit, just taking it all in. The sound of song birds was in the air, and the hollow where the intersection was gave the rising Sun a perfect chance to back light the rural landscape. It was a "calm before the storm" moment, since several cyclists would soon be descending upon this spot. We hopped back in the Subie and continued to the checkpoint location.

Much later than expected, the lead group finally arrives at CP#1

We arrived when a few of the other volunteers pulled up. The invasion of Hartwick, Iowa had commenced! Dennis and Christina Grelk were already there. Mike Baggio, Jess Rundlett, Dori Jansma, Todd Southworth, and Julie Fisher rolled in. Last but not least, Patrice Parsons joined us. We all chatted, laughed, and made prognostications about the day's events. Then the cows kicked in.

Hartwick is not very big. It is a village, maybe five or six blocks for the entire place, and seemingly surrounded by herds of cows. Cows that were not happy. Not by the evidence of their melodious bellering, which filled the air. Despite our hi jinx and the loud sounds emanating from the bovine residents of Hartwick, we were alone out there in the street. Perhaps the invasion of outsiders was so alarming we frightened the few residents of Hartwick away into hiding behind curtains and blinds. Or, perhaps they just couldn't have cared less.

As six o'clock passed we strained our eyes Southward down the main street of Hartwick looking for any signs of riders up. Six fifteen went by and still nothing. Puzzled looks at 6:30am and we were still waiting. Maybe this was a harder day than any of us imagined. Finally, at about ten minutes to seven, riders appeared. About nine strong, this group included Greg Gleason, Luke Wilson, Dan Hughes, and Walter Zitz. The usual suspects. Then, something surprising happened. Dan Hughes stated he was waiting for his girlfriend, who was also in the event. He poked fun, or made some comment which elicited a terse comeback from Gleason. Then the sneaky Eric Brunt tried a surprise escape and bolted on out of the checkpoint. Hughes bellowed that the chasers better get going, and the small group of riders was off again, with Nick Legan bringing up the rear.

Dan made some small talk with us and then we bade him farewell. MG and I hopped back into the Subie in hot pursuit of the lead group in the bright morning Sun.

Next: Hanging Out At Trans Iowa

Trans Iowa v14: The Moon And Cows

A fat, nearly full Moon over Iowa

"I don't mean to be a bitch about speed, but try to keep it under 20", I said to MG. This was no less the third time I asked him to back down the speed for the lead out. He was excited and it is hard to drive that slow. I know from having done this a few times myself. Plus, the spectacle of the lead out of a Trans Iowa field is not to be missed. We had a seat in the front row to view it, literally, and knowing it was the last Trans Iowa made it special for both of us. Yes......MG was in on the secret. He was one of three people I had confided in to help me decide this over 10 months prior.

Then the turn on to 37th Street and gravel. We were off now on our own. The fat, nearly full moon graced the Iowa rural landscape in its luminescence. Honestly, I cannot remember a lot about talking about much besides the commands to turn this way or that and the conditions of the race which were going to affect the riders.

The gravel was dry, very dusty, and loose. Despite that, I figured the event would be fast. MG agreed. We figured that riders would start showing up at Hartwick, Iowa, the location of Checkpoint #1, shortly after 6:00am with a guessed at 18 mph average speed. There were fast enough guys in the field to do this, for sure. Dan Hughes, the defending race winner, Greg Gleason, Eric Brunt, and Walter Zitz, all former winners, along with Luke Wilson, Corey Godfrey, and some new hot shots. There was no reason to not believe at that time that the event had a sub-24 hour look to it.

The Moon slightly obscured. It was a beautiful start to T.I.v14

The wind from the day before had subsided and the forecast was for light breezes, lots of Sun, and comfortable temperatures. It was perfect weather, or so it was seeming to be. The wind factor didn't seem to be one, with the possible exception of Sunday. It was supposed to pick up in intensity all Sunday morning, but that probably would not affect the leaders.

The air was dry though. Really dry by Iowa standards. 40% humidity with any wind is no joke and I figured a few people would likely suffer issues related to that throughout the day. But the event seemed to have this record number of finishers feel to it at the start. Kind of like v12, which saw 42 folks finish. Still, everything has to line up for that to happen. Just having the roads be as sketchy and loose at the beginning as they were was pause to consider that a record finishing rate wasn't going to happen. Plus, my friend Wally had driven out further on Friday on the course and pronounced the roads as being really rough. Hmm......

But in the meantime, it was just a bumpy ride toward Checkpoint #1 with MG. Suddenly the phone sprang to life, startling me. It isn't uncommon to have a DNF call this early in the event, but seasoned Trans Iowa veterans like Jeremy Kershaw usually are not at the the other end of those texts and calls. Unfortunately, it was him, and respiratory problems forced him to abandon. Both MG and I were shocked and saddened. But onward we went.

MG and I stopped at the intersection of four Level B roads to soak in the atmosphere.

Just before CP#1 there was a Level B road with a four way, all Level B road intersection. I asked MG to stop and we walked around a bit, just taking it all in. The sound of song birds was in the air, and the hollow where the intersection was gave the rising Sun a perfect chance to back light the rural landscape. It was a "calm before the storm" moment, since several cyclists would soon be descending upon this spot. We hopped back in the Subie and continued to the checkpoint location.

Much later than expected, the lead group finally arrives at CP#1

We arrived when a few of the other volunteers pulled up. The invasion of Hartwick, Iowa had commenced! Dennis and Christina Grelk were already there. Mike Baggio, Jess Rundlett, Dori Jansma, Todd Southworth, and Julie Fisher rolled in. Last but not least, Patrice Parsons joined us. We all chatted, laughed, and made prognostications about the day's events. Then the cows kicked in.

Hartwick is not very big. It is a village, maybe five or six blocks for the entire place, and seemingly surrounded by herds of cows. Cows that were not happy. Not by the evidence of their melodious bellering, which filled the air. Despite our hi jinx and the loud sounds emanating from the bovine residents of Hartwick, we were alone out there in the street. Perhaps the invasion of outsiders was so alarming we frightened the few residents of Hartwick away into hiding behind curtains and blinds. Or, perhaps they just couldn't have cared less.

As six o'clock passed we strained our eyes Southward down the main street of Hartwick looking for any signs of riders up. Six fifteen went by and still nothing. Puzzled looks at 6:30am and we were still waiting. Maybe this was a harder day than any of us imagined. Finally, at about ten minutes to seven, riders appeared. About nine strong, this group included Greg Gleason, Luke Wilson, Dan Hughes, and Walter Zitz. The usual suspects. Then, something surprising happened. Dan Hughes stated he was waiting for his girlfriend, who was also in the event. He poked fun, or made some comment which elicited a terse comeback from Gleason. Then the sneaky Eric Brunt tried a surprise escape and bolted on out of the checkpoint. Hughes bellowed that the chasers better get going, and the small group of riders was off again, with Nick Legan bringing up the rear.

Dan made some small talk with us and then we bade him farewell. MG and I hopped back into the Subie in hot pursuit of the lead group in the bright morning Sun.

Next: Hanging Out At Trans Iowa

Trans Iowa v14: Sleep Is Over-Rated

Super Volunteers and good friends- Mike Johnson (L) and Matt Gersib or "MG"

That thing called sleep is a precious thing. It rehabilitates, resuscitates, and revives. It's a vital part of the cycle of life, but apparently something I never considered to be all that important for Trans Iowa. To wit: The riders generally are so anxious and tense before a 300+ mile bicycle ride to parts unknown that they have trouble getting to sleep, but have to wake up at 2:30am just to make sure they can get to the start line before the 4:00am start. Getting right to the state where you are producing those imaginary "Z's" over your head is paramount to having any chance of performing somewhat coherently the next what........34 hours, without sleep? Wait........what?!!

This is something not just relegated to the riders, but to myself and my volunteers as well. I have been found guilty on several occasions of not following my own advice and getting to bed early. There was that one year I ate a steak and had a glass of wine at midnight before a Trans Iowa with Bike To You's Craig Cooper, or the many times I sat up late drinking beers with MG or other volunteers. But this past TI wasn't going to be like that. I was going to behave and be on target. That sleep plan was going well as I got into bed before 10:00pm, but then all Hell broke loose and........well, fail. 

I snore. Loudly. While I was off to a good start, my roommate wasn't digging it. So, MG went out to his car and was going to crawl into his sleeping bag (apparently he was prepared for me!), and decided that I might freak out if I awoke to find an empty bed next to me. So, he kindly sent me a text, and when the notification came through, loudly, as I don't turn off the sound on Trans Iowa weekends, I awoke. Then the patrons of the motel that particular evening handled the rest. Loud televisions, a "bouncing rubber ball sound" (?) and more forced me into staying lucid enough to start worrying about things. Our room clock was off by over an hour forward, and at one point I thought it was 2:30am when it really was barely past 1:00am. I called MG and woke him up, thinking it was "go" time. Embarrassed, I tried getting back to sleep. Then MG came in to use the toilet, as he had a sudden "movement" that needed attention. Well, that was that. Sleep plan in tatters. By this time it was past 2:00am and we were going to get going by 2:30am.

Class of v14 Image courtesy of George Keslin for Wally Kilburg Photography

I guess I was no worse for the wear since I severely limited alcohol consumption at the Pre-Race Meat-Up. Our overwhelmed waitress also pitched in by forgetting one of our requests. All good. The riders were starting to congregate already when MG and I pulled in. I directed MG to park in the street so we could get the riders lined up properly. A cop car then went by and returned shortly afterward, sidling up to where MG's car was blocking the Southbound lane of Broad Street in front of Bikes To You. I approached and the cop leans out of his window and tells me we cannot park like that. I promised to have the car removed, he seemed satisfied and rolled off. Meanwhile Craig Cooper had Bikes To You open for last minute purchases. Riddle me this- At what long distance gravel event can you walk in five minutes before the start to purchase gel packets and walk right back out into the starting grid? Kudos to Craig Cooper. You made this event super unique by doing what you did.

Cue sheet hand up process. Image by George Keslin

Anyway, Dori Jansma, one of my CP#1 volunteers, who scored lodging just above the start line, had a "coffee shop" planned for the start. She had a table there with two coffee makers and I availed myself of some morning joe . Thanks Dori! I love it when people find creative, positive ways to contribute. Especially when I am sleep deprived and that idea involves caffeine!  The cue sheet hand out process went on. It was a little disjointed, but it happened and we got it done before I thought we would. This mostly due to the riders being there beforehand, actually ahead of schedule. My admonishments at the Pre-race apparently having been taken to heart. Then I had MG move his car back where we had it before.

I guess if I were to ever do another TI this cue sheet hand up process would be handled differently, I have tweaks I would make, but that won't be necessary. Still, I learned a lot, once again, by trying something new. Just for the record, I really liked the dynamic this added. I wished I had done this years ago now. It was generally agreed upon that this change made the riders tackle the first leg like the others. I also found out that it was not uncommon for riders to study maps the evening before and have a strategy laid out. I knew this, as that was what changed the first checkpoint location years ago, but I guess it never dawned on me to eliminate that factor altogether. 

And just like that, the riders are off on the last Trans Iowa. Image by George Keslin.

 Anyway, we were ready to go. I gave a few last minute admonishments, my usual fatherly advice, and that was that. Now, what many do not know is that it was at this very moment that I had planned on giving the news that this was to be the final Trans Iowa. Thoughts of how I would "drop the bomb" were going through my head for months and I had no good answer. Ultimately it was an e-mail from Sarah Cooper, who was informing me of an injury that was preventing her from being at T.I.v14, that gave me an idea. She added that there was a "rampant rumor that this will be the last Trans Iowa". That gave me pause. If it was already a rumor, it was already driving decisions. My confirmation of that fact may have made bad decisions by riders much more likely. I decided to abort that plan and just let the event unfold organically without that added stress.

So, I sauntered around a few minutes, soaking up the experience, then gave the one minute to go command. I jumped in MG's Subie, checked my phone which showed 4:00am, and MG honked the horn at my command and we were off. The last Trans Iowa was finally in motion. But, I didn't have time to think about that. I would have time to reflect later in the day though.

Next: The Moon And Cows

Trans Iowa v14: Sleep Is Over-Rated

Super Volunteers and good friends- Mike Johnson (L) and Matt Gersib or "MG"

That thing called sleep is a precious thing. It rehabilitates, resuscitates, and revives. It's a vital part of the cycle of life, but apparently something I never considered to be all that important for Trans Iowa. To wit: The riders generally are so anxious and tense before a 300+ mile bicycle ride to parts unknown that they have trouble getting to sleep, but have to wake up at 2:30am just to make sure they can get to the start line before the 4:00am start. Getting right to the state where you are producing those imaginary "Z's" over your head is paramount to having any chance of performing somewhat coherently the next what........34 hours, without sleep? Wait........what?!!

This is something not just relegated to the riders, but to myself and my volunteers as well. I have been found guilty on several occasions of not following my own advice and getting to bed early. There was that one year I ate a steak and had a glass of wine at midnight before a Trans Iowa with Bike To You's Craig Cooper, or the many times I sat up late drinking beers with MG or other volunteers. But this past TI wasn't going to be like that. I was going to behave and be on target. That sleep plan was going well as I got into bed before 10:00pm, but then all Hell broke loose and........well, fail. 

I snore. Loudly. While I was off to a good start, my roommate wasn't digging it. So, MG went out to his car and was going to crawl into his sleeping bag (apparently he was prepared for me!), and decided that I might freak out if I awoke to find an empty bed next to me. So, he kindly sent me a text, and when the notification came through, loudly, as I don't turn off the sound on Trans Iowa weekends, I awoke. Then the patrons of the motel that particular evening handled the rest. Loud televisions, a "bouncing rubber ball sound" (?) and more forced me into staying lucid enough to start worrying about things. Our room clock was off by over an hour forward, and at one point I thought it was 2:30am when it really was barely past 1:00am. I called MG and woke him up, thinking it was "go" time. Embarrassed, I tried getting back to sleep. Then MG came in to use the toilet, as he had a sudden "movement" that needed attention. Well, that was that. Sleep plan in tatters. By this time it was past 2:00am and we were going to get going by 2:30am.

Class of v14 Image courtesy of George Keslin for Wally Kilburg Photography

I guess I was no worse for the wear since I severely limited alcohol consumption at the Pre-Race Meat-Up. Our overwhelmed waitress also pitched in by forgetting one of our requests. All good. The riders were starting to congregate already when MG and I pulled in. I directed MG to park in the street so we could get the riders lined up properly. A cop car then went by and returned shortly afterward, sidling up to where MG's car was blocking the Southbound lane of Broad Street in front of Bikes To You. I approached and the cop leans out of his window and tells me we cannot park like that. I promised to have the car removed, he seemed satisfied and rolled off. Meanwhile Craig Cooper had Bikes To You open for last minute purchases. Riddle me this- At what long distance gravel event can you walk in five minutes before the start to purchase gel packets and walk right back out into the starting grid? Kudos to Craig Cooper. You made this event super unique by doing what you did.

Cue sheet hand up process. Image by George Keslin

Anyway, Dori Jansma, one of my CP#1 volunteers, who scored lodging just above the start line, had a "coffee shop" planned for the start. She had a table there with two coffee makers and I availed myself of some morning joe . Thanks Dori! I love it when people find creative, positive ways to contribute. Especially when I am sleep deprived and that idea involves caffeine!  The cue sheet hand out process went on. It was a little disjointed, but it happened and we got it done before I thought we would. This mostly due to the riders being there beforehand, actually ahead of schedule. My admonishments at the Pre-race apparently having been taken to heart. Then I had MG move his car back where we had it before.

I guess if I were to ever do another TI this cue sheet hand up process would be handled differently, I have tweaks I would make, but that won't be necessary. Still, I learned a lot, once again, by trying something new. Just for the record, I really liked the dynamic this added. I wished I had done this years ago now. It was generally agreed upon that this change made the riders tackle the first leg like the others. I also found out that it was not uncommon for riders to study maps the evening before and have a strategy laid out. I knew this, as that was what changed the first checkpoint location years ago, but I guess it never dawned on me to eliminate that factor altogether. 

And just like that, the riders are off on the last Trans Iowa. Image by George Keslin.

 Anyway, we were ready to go. I gave a few last minute admonishments, my usual fatherly advice, and that was that. Now, what many do not know is that it was at this very moment that I had planned on giving the news that this was to be the final Trans Iowa. Thoughts of how I would "drop the bomb" were going through my head for months and I had no good answer. Ultimately it was an e-mail from Sarah Cooper, who was informing me of an injury that was preventing her from being at T.I.v14, that gave me an idea. She added that there was a "rampant rumor that this will be the last Trans Iowa". That gave me pause. If it was already a rumor, it was already driving decisions. My confirmation of that fact may have made bad decisions by riders much more likely. I decided to abort that plan and just let the event unfold organically without that added stress.

So, I sauntered around a few minutes, soaking up the experience, then gave the one minute to go command. I jumped in MG's Subie, checked my phone which showed 4:00am, and MG honked the horn at my command and we were off. The last Trans Iowa was finally in motion. But, I didn't have time to think about that. I would have time to reflect later in the day though.

Next: The Moon And Cows