Trans Iowa: Answering Some Questions

Since I announced "The End" of Trans Iowa, there hasn't been an outcry for the event to return, there hasn't been a lot of direct communication concerning it, and honestly, the whole ending of it went over way better/easier than I thought it was going to go. Why? Pfffft! I have no idea at all. 

So much for that. Now what?

 Well, there were a few questions. Questions like, "Have you considered passing TI on to another director? Would anyone be willing to take on the daunting responsibility?", which was asked in a comment last week. I'll be honest, I've been asked this before, and there has even been a person who asked who was interested in taking Trans Iowa on. It sounds like a good way to extend this into the future. However; one must put on their "reality glasses" and give this some serious thought before thinking it "will" work. It could work......maybe. Given the right person.

I have been asked about how many hours it took to do what I did every year. That's a fair question. I mean, how much time can such a simple, stripped down event take? It maybe looks easy from the outside. While I cannot tell you an exact number of hours, I can give you an analogy which maybe will help you understand this.

Dairy farmers used to have to get up and milk cows twice a day, every day, at the same hours every day. My uncles and Grandfather were dairy farmers. They never went on vacation unless they could hire out a guy or two to cover their daily chores. That's what putting on an event like Trans Iowa is like. You think about it all the time. When you want to get away from it, you can't. You have to give up that race or ride in October to do recon of the course. You don't go on the pub ride because you are thinking and planning a new course, and it never stops. You are doing Trans Iowa stuff all year. It just intensifies starting in October and doesn't stop intensifying until May. Then the cycle starts all over again.

These things don't write themselves. It takes a lot of time and effort to do these right.

So, maybe there is a person willing to do this. Then there are the cue sheets. These represent hours and hours of thought and labor.  Just coming up with a new course every year is a daunting task, and then you have to drive it to verify it. Yes.....you HAVE TO DO IT THIS WAY. There is no tech short cut, no Garmin app, no way you can just sit there on your ass and think you can have a good course, free of dead ends and truncated roads, if you try it any other way than to actually put your eyes on the course. After 14 years, I know what I am talking about here. And that takes time, money, and, not to forget, wear and tear on your vehicle. Plus- you have to have a vehicle friendly to Level B road travel. Your Mustang? Not going to cut it. Oh! And let's not forget that you may have to get out there multiple times to get the course right. This all just to get good, accurate cues. That doesn't cover getting the roster set, registration, communications with riders and sponsors, making bits up like roster sheets, waivers, number plates, pipe cleaners, pens, clipboards, etc.

Maybe one person could do it that way....... Which leads me to the next question: "Do you fear that it might morph into something you never wanted?"

Answer: No. I don't "fear" that, I know it would happen. And ultimately, this is why Trans Iowa could not work without someone of like mind to myself. Because almost anyone else would do a LOT of things to make it easier on themselves. Why wouldn't they? I would expect a new RD to set a permanent course, which would help eliminate a lot of recon, they would have GPS files for downloading to eliminate cue production costs, put the course out ahead of the event, and then I would expect that this RD would charge you money to enter this event to cover an insurance policy which would cover his butt in case something happened to a rider. Then I would suspect that it would be nothing at all like Trans Iowa anymore. 

Either that or someone willing to do it the hard way, to preserve the spirit of the event, would have to take it over that would continue everything just the way I had it. They wouldn't care about money at all. They wouldn't be afraid to stick their neck out and bet against the odds of being sued. My personal opinion is that this will never happen. But if someone out there says, "This event is like the old Trans Iowa", then you better beware, because I am willing to stake my reputation on the fact that it won't be anything like the way I did things. Now, they might say it is "better" than TI was. Fair enough, but that is a different flavor, not "the same" as TI was.

That may sound pompous, conceited, or may sound like braggadocio, but in my opinion, those are facts. It will be a super rare person that would take on a burden like TI was and run it the way I did. Time will tell if I am right about that.

So, it is not my current intention to "hand over" the event, or that there will ever be an event called "Trans Iowa" ever again. I just want it to go away, personally. I don't have any problem with that idea. Things end. Time moves on. Trying to "keep the dream alive" is an idea that almost always ends up in a watered down, twisted version of the way (whatever it was you want to use as an example) started out. I'm just not interested in perpetuating that sort of an idea by endorsing anyone else's try at this.  

I hope that answers some questions out there.

Trans Iowa: Answering Some Questions

Since I announced "The End" of Trans Iowa, there hasn't been an outcry for the event to return, there hasn't been a lot of direct communication concerning it, and honestly, the whole ending of it went over way better/easier than I thought it was going to go. Why? Pfffft! I have no idea at all. 

So much for that. Now what?

 Well, there were a few questions. Questions like, "Have you considered passing TI on to another director? Would anyone be willing to take on the daunting responsibility?", which was asked in a comment last week. I'll be honest, I've been asked this before, and there has even been a person who asked who was interested in taking Trans Iowa on. It sounds like a good way to extend this into the future. However; one must put on their "reality glasses" and give this some serious thought before thinking it "will" work. It could work......maybe. Given the right person.

I have been asked about how many hours it took to do what I did every year. That's a fair question. I mean, how much time can such a simple, stripped down event take? It maybe looks easy from the outside. While I cannot tell you an exact number of hours, I can give you an analogy which maybe will help you understand this.

Dairy farmers used to have to get up and milk cows twice a day, every day, at the same hours every day. My uncles and Grandfather were dairy farmers. They never went on vacation unless they could hire out a guy or two to cover their daily chores. That's what putting on an event like Trans Iowa is like. You think about it all the time. When you want to get away from it, you can't. You have to give up that race or ride in October to do recon of the course. You don't go on the pub ride because you are thinking and planning a new course, and it never stops. You are doing Trans Iowa stuff all year. It just intensifies starting in October and doesn't stop intensifying until May. Then the cycle starts all over again.

These things don't write themselves. It takes a lot of time and effort to do these right.

So, maybe there is a person willing to do this. Then there are the cue sheets. These represent hours and hours of thought and labor.  Just coming up with a new course every year is a daunting task, and then you have to drive it to verify it. Yes.....you HAVE TO DO IT THIS WAY. There is no tech short cut, no Garmin app, no way you can just sit there on your ass and think you can have a good course, free of dead ends and truncated roads, if you try it any other way than to actually put your eyes on the course. After 14 years, I know what I am talking about here. And that takes time, money, and, not to forget, wear and tear on your vehicle. Plus- you have to have a vehicle friendly to Level B road travel. Your Mustang? Not going to cut it. Oh! And let's not forget that you may have to get out there multiple times to get the course right. This all just to get good, accurate cues. That doesn't cover getting the roster set, registration, communications with riders and sponsors, making bits up like roster sheets, waivers, number plates, pipe cleaners, pens, clipboards, etc.

Maybe one person could do it that way....... Which leads me to the next question: "Do you fear that it might morph into something you never wanted?"

Answer: No. I don't "fear" that, I know it would happen. And ultimately, this is why Trans Iowa could not work without someone of like mind to myself. Because almost anyone else would do a LOT of things to make it easier on themselves. Why wouldn't they? I would expect a new RD to set a permanent course, which would help eliminate a lot of recon, they would have GPS files for downloading to eliminate cue production costs, put the course out ahead of the event, and then I would expect that this RD would charge you money to enter this event to cover an insurance policy which would cover his butt in case something happened to a rider. Then I would suspect that it would be nothing at all like Trans Iowa anymore. 

Either that or someone willing to do it the hard way, to preserve the spirit of the event, would have to take it over that would continue everything just the way I had it. They wouldn't care about money at all. They wouldn't be afraid to stick their neck out and bet against the odds of being sued. My personal opinion is that this will never happen. But if someone out there says, "This event is like the old Trans Iowa", then you better beware, because I am willing to stake my reputation on the fact that it won't be anything like the way I did things. Now, they might say it is "better" than TI was. Fair enough, but that is a different flavor, not "the same" as TI was.

That may sound pompous, conceited, or may sound like braggadocio, but in my opinion, those are facts. It will be a super rare person that would take on a burden like TI was and run it the way I did. Time will tell if I am right about that.

So, it is not my current intention to "hand over" the event, or that there will ever be an event called "Trans Iowa" ever again. I just want it to go away, personally. I don't have any problem with that idea. Things end. Time moves on. Trying to "keep the dream alive" is an idea that almost always ends up in a watered down, twisted version of the way (whatever it was you want to use as an example) started out. I'm just not interested in perpetuating that sort of an idea by endorsing anyone else's try at this.  

I hope that answers some questions out there.

Trans Iowa v14: Final Thoughts

As I sit here well after the event has finished I have several thoughts. First, I think the event was a success, although some may point to the 120th thing and say that wasn't perfect. I get that some folks are not happy about it, but I have also heard from others who got it and made it work. In the end, it wasn't an easy set of cues to navigate, but then again, it wasn't meant to be "easy", was it?

And in the end, you can say that about the entire event. It looked as if it might be an easy year, but that was deceptive. It certainly was anything but easy and it turned out that it was very difficult. All the factors that make up a tough Trans Iowa were there with the exception of rain and mud. They weren't missed, by the way.

The event had 19 finishers. Probably about average for Trans Iowas. This was good. It certainly could have had more finishers, but circumstances must have kept more than a few from reaching the end. I noted several DNF's at CP#2 between 9:00pm and 10:pm, which, on the surface of it, seems odd. But that's just me looking in from the outside. What reality was, for each person, I cannot say.

So, in my view, the event was a success. Everyone was accounted for. The injured Kate Ankofski is back riding already. I was so happy to hear that she was not seriously injured. You all know how the specter of that possibility- that someone would get seriously injured- has haunted me. Keeping the news back that this was the last Trans Iowa was the right move. In fact, it was a difficult move. I've known this would be the last Trans Iowa for at least ten months! But saying anything ahead of time would have been bad. I feared that this knowledge would have had a detrimental effect on decision making, and after reading a few social media posts after the event, I think I was correct. So that was a success.

I have some other thoughts about the legacy of the event that I have timed for release tomorrow. You can read all about that there. However; all I wanted to share now was a bit of an anecdote. It has to do with the beginning and the end of this event.

The last winner's handshake. Image by Jon Duke

The first two Trans Iowa's didn't really have any finish line activities. The first was a line shared with the Decorah Time Trials and due to my having to sit in Cresco till all the finishing riders went by, I was never there to see Ira Ryan finish. T.I.v2 was unfinishable, and so there was no finish line. Ironically, the first winner's hand shake went to the very same Ira Ryan that won T.I.v1.

Ira cursed me, as I shook his hand, and the difficult course. It was a bit of a surprise reaction, in my view, and I was taken aback. His entourage that wrapped him in a blanket and helped him away was unfriendly and looked at me with venomous eyes. Certainly, if I had that sort of reaction more often, well, that would have been it from my standpoint. Why sit around and be cursed and looked at with disdain, just to run a free event?

Obviously, the rest of that day at V3 went a lot better. And I had no other finish line interactions like that again. Fortunately, the Trans Iowa finish line hand shakes ended on an up-note. It was made all the better by the fact that Luke Wilson is an engaging, kind man who seems very genuinely happy to have been the winner of Trans Iowa. The others that finished that day were also very grateful. Even if there were concerns, as Mark Johnson had, there was still the genuine joy in finishing and thankful attitude toward myself and the volunteers. Janna Vavra was gracious and kind as she took the last Open Women's title. No maledictions given at this finish line this time!

In a way, the T.I.v3 thing was kind of a window on how the event had potential, but there were a lot of things that needed weeding out. The last Trans Iowa finish line was what it always was meant to be. Nothing needed taking away, nothing needed to be added. The winners reflected this as well. The rest of the finishers reflected this. It was beautiful outside, so even the weather was great. People were hanging out, laughing, talking.....

I was left after the event with much satisfaction. I don't think Trans Iowa could have ended, as a series of events, any better than it did.

Thanks: Volunteers- wow! You once again were the very best group of folks ever. I heard so many compliments on you folks. Unbelievable service and stellar performances you folks. Special shout out to Craig Groseth for being willing to take a vacation,come from South Dakota, and volunteer. Venues: The Grinnell Steakhouse for the 9th year of hosting the Pre-Race Meat-Up, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, The City of Grinnell, Bikes To You/Craig Cooper, Sponsors- WTB, Pedal of Littleton, Josh Lederman/Lederman Bail Bonds, Bar Yak, RidingGravel.com, Guitar Ted Productions, Black Mountain Cycles, Andy's Mobile Bike Shop, Europa Cycle & Ski, Velo Press/Nick Legan. Imagery- George Keslin for Wally Kilburg Photography, Jon Duke, Celeste Mathias.  Special Thanks: Matt Gersib "MG"- My brother, thank you for being there with me. Tony McGrane and Mike Johnson- You two were indispensable. Always there for me. My wife Phyllis and my family- Long suffering and so understanding. I love you so much!

Trans Iowa v14: Final Thoughts

As I sit here well after the event has finished I have several thoughts. First, I think the event was a success, although some may point to the 120th thing and say that wasn't perfect. I get that some folks are not happy about it, but I have also heard from others who got it and made it work. In the end, it wasn't an easy set of cues to navigate, but then again, it wasn't meant to be "easy", was it?

And in the end, you can say that about the entire event. It looked as if it might be an easy year, but that was deceptive. It certainly was anything but easy and it turned out that it was very difficult. All the factors that make up a tough Trans Iowa were there with the exception of rain and mud. They weren't missed, by the way.

The event had 19 finishers. Probably about average for Trans Iowas. This was good. It certainly could have had more finishers, but circumstances must have kept more than a few from reaching the end. I noted several DNF's at CP#2 between 9:00pm and 10:pm, which, on the surface of it, seems odd. But that's just me looking in from the outside. What reality was, for each person, I cannot say.

So, in my view, the event was a success. Everyone was accounted for. The injured Kate Ankofski is back riding already. I was so happy to hear that she was not seriously injured. You all know how the specter of that possibility- that someone would get seriously injured- has haunted me. Keeping the news back that this was the last Trans Iowa was the right move. In fact, it was a difficult move. I've known this would be the last Trans Iowa for at least ten months! But saying anything ahead of time would have been bad. I feared that this knowledge would have had a detrimental effect on decision making, and after reading a few social media posts after the event, I think I was correct. So that was a success.

I have some other thoughts about the legacy of the event that I have timed for release tomorrow. You can read all about that there. However; all I wanted to share now was a bit of an anecdote. It has to do with the beginning and the end of this event.

The last winner's handshake. Image by Jon Duke

The first two Trans Iowa's didn't really have any finish line activities. The first was a line shared with the Decorah Time Trials and due to my having to sit in Cresco till all the finishing riders went by, I was never there to see Ira Ryan finish. T.I.v2 was unfinishable, and so there was no finish line. Ironically, the first winner's hand shake went to the very same Ira Ryan that won T.I.v1.

Ira cursed me, as I shook his hand, and the difficult course. It was a bit of a surprise reaction, in my view, and I was taken aback. His entourage that wrapped him in a blanket and helped him away was unfriendly and looked at me with venomous eyes. Certainly, if I had that sort of reaction more often, well, that would have been it from my standpoint. Why sit around and be cursed and looked at with disdain, just to run a free event?

Obviously, the rest of that day at V3 went a lot better. And I had no other finish line interactions like that again. Fortunately, the Trans Iowa finish line hand shakes ended on an up-note. It was made all the better by the fact that Luke Wilson is an engaging, kind man who seems very genuinely happy to have been the winner of Trans Iowa. The others that finished that day were also very grateful. Even if there were concerns, as Mark Johnson had, there was still the genuine joy in finishing and thankful attitude toward myself and the volunteers. Janna Vavra was gracious and kind as she took the last Open Women's title. No maledictions given at this finish line this time!

In a way, the T.I.v3 thing was kind of a window on how the event had potential, but there were a lot of things that needed weeding out. The last Trans Iowa finish line was what it always was meant to be. Nothing needed taking away, nothing needed to be added. The winners reflected this as well. The rest of the finishers reflected this. It was beautiful outside, so even the weather was great. People were hanging out, laughing, talking.....

I was left after the event with much satisfaction. I don't think Trans Iowa could have ended, as a series of events, any better than it did.

Thanks: Volunteers- wow! You once again were the very best group of folks ever. I heard so many compliments on you folks. Unbelievable service and stellar performances you folks. Special shout out to Craig Groseth for being willing to take a vacation,come from South Dakota, and volunteer. Venues: The Grinnell Steakhouse for the 9th year of hosting the Pre-Race Meat-Up, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, The City of Grinnell, Bikes To You/Craig Cooper, Sponsors- WTB, Pedal of Littleton, Josh Lederman/Lederman Bail Bonds, Bar Yak, RidingGravel.com, Guitar Ted Productions, Black Mountain Cycles, Andy's Mobile Bike Shop, Europa Cycle & Ski, Velo Press/Nick Legan. Imagery- George Keslin for Wally Kilburg Photography, Jon Duke, Celeste Mathias.  Special Thanks: Matt Gersib "MG"- My brother, thank you for being there with me. Tony McGrane and Mike Johnson- You two were indispensable. Always there for me. My wife Phyllis and my family- Long suffering and so understanding. I love you so much!

Trans Iowa v14: The Final Finish

Luke Wilson pounding out the final miles of T.I.v14 Image by Jon Duke

Hanging out in a non-descript municipal park's parking lot, looking rather suspiciously drunk since your head is bobbing, heavy with sleep, is generally a recipe for a tap on the window from a local law enforcement person. This was just par for the course at any given Trans Iowa finish line for me. I wasn't alone though. I had good company. MG was next to me in his Subie and Sonya, waiting on Luke's imminent arrival, was to my left. Still, it probably looked rather suspicious to the casual observer.

As the day dawned we got more solid information on Luke's arrival time. I thought originally he might be there between six and seven o'clock in the morning, but the final miles must have been brutal. I know it was very cold. I know it was very hilly! Then we pushed back that timing until after seven. But in the end he arrived at ten minutes to nine!

I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. This was, by far, the longest Trans Iowa ever. Most riders completing the course clocked in nearly 350 miles before they finished. A few "bonus miles" weren't uncommon due to navigational errors. Add in the fresh gravel covering, in my estimation, 80% of the course, the wind, the extreme cold, and you have a Trans Iowa that ranks right up there with the toughest ever.

The final Trans Iowa winner, Luke Wilson gets a hand shake from me. Image by Jon Duke

In the meantime, after Luke's arrival, I tried to tally up who was in and who was out. There were several people still struggling to make it through to the end. When Luke finished I think we were still in the high twenties for rider numbers. But the kicker was that as the Sun rose up in the Eastern sky, so did the wind speeds. The course featured a long, Eastward push to nearly the end, and the wind was contrary here. Riders coming in later would face nearly 20mph headwinds while Luke faced a mere breeze.

Mark Johnson finishes second on a single speed

Probably the biggest surprise was that Mark Johnson pulled off a second place overall and first place SS/Fixed gear class win after not being on the radar up front nearly the entire event. But Mark somehow finds himself in the top ten at Trans Iowa no matter what if it is even possible to finish.

Last year he was the only single speeder to finish and that in horrendous conditions. This guy is tough as nails and a great cyclist.

I was also impressed with Mathew Kutilek's third place overall. Many may not realize this man has a back story which would make you drop your jaw in amazement. Basically, he was wounded severely as a Marine and probably should have died, or at least lost one of his legs. But somehow here he is pedaling to a well deserved third place Trans Iowa finish. He was cold, shivering, and spent as he finished. He said later that it was only the second time he has been this close to Death. Hyperbole? Maybe. You'll have to ask Mathew. At any rate, I couldn't be prouder or more honored to have had him in the event.

Finally, in a storybook way, Janna Vavra finished in first place in the Women's Open category. But that doesn't tell the story here. She was the very first female to ever finish a Trans Iowa, one of only five females to ever complete a Trans Iowa, and the only woman finisher out of 21 women that started Trans Iowa v14. All that through a nagging knee issue which she pushed through to get her finish. For this, she was granted the "Grittiest Ride" which comes with the prize of a Black Mountain Cycles frame and fork of her choice. Again.....wow! I couldn't be happier about how this turned out. Definitely a super cool way to cap off the last Trans Iowa ever.

Janna Vavra chatting shortly after her final Trans Iowa victory.

The finish line scene got a little hectic there for a bit with pairs of riders coming in within a half an hour or less of each other for about an hour and a half. But then it dwindled to a trickle. Janna finished at 12:50, then Jason Shearer came in twelve minutes later and Ben Mullin pulled in fifteen minutes after that. This would conclude the finishline welcoming for me.

I noted that people were hanging out in the Sun, lounging in the grass, and generally enjoying the unfolding scene. It took me back to T.I.v3 when the scene was similar. I remembered that day and the joy I felt in just watching so many finishers and support people filled with joy at the end of a long, grueling event. It was something pretty special then, and it still was in 2018. Craig Cooper, of Bikes To You, looked at me and smiled. He said, "You've really created something special here." Man.....that was hard to hear, in a way, knowing this was it.

Will Ritchie showed up with a box of coffee. I never saw such a thing in my life, but man! Was that a lifesaver! Will's offering of coffee woke me right up and kept the batteries charged enough that I was alert and attentive right up to the bitter end. Jess Rundlett, whose Tweet I quoted at the Pre-Race, was also hanging out there along with Scott Sumpter, whose attempt at a fat bike finish wasn't successful.

I chatted with Will for quite some time, but eventually 2:00pm came around and it was time to get out of there. I noted that I hadn't seen one drop of alcohol consumed at the finish line. How strange was that?! Since that was the case, I purposed to raise a toast with a can of Dale's Pale Ale in my truck. That done, I fired up the "Truck With No Name" and slowly rolled out of Miller Park.

I guess I didn't really know what to expect at this moment. Would I be relieved? Would I be sad and cry? I didn't know. But oddly enough, I just drove away like it was the end of any other Trans Iowa I've ever done.

And maybe that's the best way it could have been.

That's the end of my last Trans Iowa report ever. I will have some closing thoughts in tomorrow's post. Thank you for indulging me this opportunity to tell the story.

Trans Iowa v14: The Final Finish

Luke Wilson pounding out the final miles of T.I.v14 Image by Jon Duke

Hanging out in a non-descript municipal park's parking lot, looking rather suspiciously drunk since your head is bobbing, heavy with sleep, is generally a recipe for a tap on the window from a local law enforcement person. This was just par for the course at any given Trans Iowa finish line for me. I wasn't alone though. I had good company. MG was next to me in his Subie and Sonya, waiting on Luke's imminent arrival, was to my left. Still, it probably looked rather suspicious to the casual observer.

As the day dawned we got more solid information on Luke's arrival time. I thought originally he might be there between six and seven o'clock in the morning, but the final miles must have been brutal. I know it was very cold. I know it was very hilly! Then we pushed back that timing until after seven. But in the end he arrived at ten minutes to nine!

I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. This was, by far, the longest Trans Iowa ever. Most riders completing the course clocked in nearly 350 miles before they finished. A few "bonus miles" weren't uncommon due to navigational errors. Add in the fresh gravel covering, in my estimation, 80% of the course, the wind, the extreme cold, and you have a Trans Iowa that ranks right up there with the toughest ever.

The final Trans Iowa winner, Luke Wilson gets a hand shake from me. Image by Jon Duke

In the meantime, after Luke's arrival, I tried to tally up who was in and who was out. There were several people still struggling to make it through to the end. When Luke finished I think we were still in the high twenties for rider numbers. But the kicker was that as the Sun rose up in the Eastern sky, so did the wind speeds. The course featured a long, Eastward push to nearly the end, and the wind was contrary here. Riders coming in later would face nearly 20mph headwinds while Luke faced a mere breeze.

Mark Johnson finishes second on a single speed

Probably the biggest surprise was that Mark Johnson pulled off a second place overall and first place SS/Fixed gear class win after not being on the radar up front nearly the entire event. But Mark somehow finds himself in the top ten at Trans Iowa no matter what if it is even possible to finish.

Last year he was the only single speeder to finish and that in horrendous conditions. This guy is tough as nails and a great cyclist.

I was also impressed with Mathew Kutilek's third place overall. Many may not realize this man has a back story which would make you drop your jaw in amazement. Basically, he was wounded severely as a Marine and probably should have died, or at least lost one of his legs. But somehow here he is pedaling to a well deserved third place Trans Iowa finish. He was cold, shivering, and spent as he finished. He said later that it was only the second time he has been this close to Death. Hyperbole? Maybe. You'll have to ask Mathew. At any rate, I couldn't be prouder or more honored to have had him in the event.

Finally, in a storybook way, Janna Vavra finished in first place in the Women's Open category. But that doesn't tell the story here. She was the very first female to ever finish a Trans Iowa, one of only five females to ever complete a Trans Iowa, and the only woman finisher out of 21 women that started Trans Iowa v14. All that through a nagging knee issue which she pushed through to get her finish. For this, she was granted the "Grittiest Ride" which comes with the prize of a Black Mountain Cycles frame and fork of her choice. Again.....wow! I couldn't be happier about how this turned out. Definitely a super cool way to cap off the last Trans Iowa ever.

Janna Vavra chatting shortly after her final Trans Iowa victory.

The finish line scene got a little hectic there for a bit with pairs of riders coming in within a half an hour or less of each other for about an hour and a half. But then it dwindled to a trickle. Janna finished at 12:50, then Jason Shearer came in twelve minutes later and Ben Mullin pulled in fifteen minutes after that. This would conclude the finishline welcoming for me.

I noted that people were hanging out in the Sun, lounging in the grass, and generally enjoying the unfolding scene. It took me back to T.I.v3 when the scene was similar. I remembered that day and the joy I felt in just watching so many finishers and support people filled with joy at the end of a long, grueling event. It was something pretty special then, and it still was in 2018. Craig Cooper, of Bikes To You, looked at me and smiled. He said, "You've really created something special here." Man.....that was hard to hear, in a way, knowing this was it.

Will Ritchie showed up with a box of coffee. I never saw such a thing in my life, but man! Was that a lifesaver! Will's offering of coffee woke me right up and kept the batteries charged enough that I was alert and attentive right up to the bitter end. Jess Rundlett, whose Tweet I quoted at the Pre-Race, was also hanging out there along with Scott Sumpter, whose attempt at a fat bike finish wasn't successful.

I chatted with Will for quite some time, but eventually 2:00pm came around and it was time to get out of there. I noted that I hadn't seen one drop of alcohol consumed at the finish line. How strange was that?! Since that was the case, I purposed to raise a toast with a can of Dale's Pale Ale in my truck. That done, I fired up the "Truck With No Name" and slowly rolled out of Miller Park.

I guess I didn't really know what to expect at this moment. Would I be relieved? Would I be sad and cry? I didn't know. But oddly enough, I just drove away like it was the end of any other Trans Iowa I've ever done.

And maybe that's the best way it could have been.

That's the end of my last Trans Iowa report ever. I will have some closing thoughts in tomorrow's post. Thank you for indulging me this opportunity to tell the story.

Trans Iowa v14: The Cold, Lonesome Call Of The Owl

A Trans Iowa rider navigates in the dark of an Iowa night- Image by Jon Duke

The Sun had set on an eventful day of Trans Iowa. MG and I found ourselves bumping down the last few miles to the final town on the course, Montezuma. It was chosen since it had a 24 hour Casey's which riders could avail themselves of no matter when they got there Saturday night or Sunday morning.

We needed to get gas and when we pulled up we found Tony and Mike there finishing up what was supper. Since MG and I had been on a diet of pizza for breakfast and lunch, we decided to finish it off with a Casey's slice o' pie. As we munched and chatted here came in Luke Wilson, shivering in the now plummeting temperatures. The dry air and dying winds doubled up for an intense drop in temperature which would dive well below freezing during the overnight hours.

At this point Luke was still a bit rattled by the sudden appearance of the three chasers at CP#2. He still hadn't quite got it out of his mind that he was being hounded by them. We informed him that the reason they were so close at CP#2 was that the chasers missed the same corner he called us about and that the three had cut the course there. Luke took that in and then relaxed a bit, taking care of his needs for the last 100 miles.

Luke Wilson's bike at rest outside the Casey's General Store in Montezuma, Iowa.

We took leave of Luke and Tony and Mike here and went about our business. We wound our way Southwest of the city, then North, then West until we crossed Highway 146 directly South of Grinnell. It was about at this point that I noted MG had the "thousand yard stare" and he wasn't going to make it to Grinnell without some shut eye. I suggested we find a place to allow him to catch a few winks and we found a turn in to a farm field just West of 146 and pulled in. I grabbed my book and phone as the DNF's were piling up now. It was shortly before 11:00pm, CP#2 was about to close, and a lot of riders were figuring out they weren't going to make it on time.

There is nothing quite like a Level B road after midnight, somewhere in Iowa....

I was taking calls, trying not to shine the flashlight app on my phone in MG's direction, and being as quiet between calls as I could be. If you have never stood outside in Iowa in the middle of nowhere, with almost no wind, at night, there is a level of quiet that you do not know.  It was serene. Then, as if on cue, with the full moon riding up over a grove of trees, a Barred Owl hooted- "who cooks for you-who cooks for YOUUUU...". The sound echoed into the night. It sent shivers down my spine. Then an answering hoot from further away. It was scary, magical, and made me feel alive. I loved it.

Then I heard the distinctive sound of car tires on gravel. Faintly at first, but then it grew louder. I figured a lone figure sauntering around near a parked car might elicit a confrontation that I may not want to have. So I quickly moved over to the Subie, crouched down near the rear wheel, and made myself still. Just as the car was coming the phone lit up with a call. Great! I answered and the car went roaring by, with no sign of slowing down. Good! I stayed completely still until the car disappeared over the next hill.

Not long afterward MG appeared out of the car refreshed enough that we went along about our business. We came across Tony and Mike parked off the road about 50 miles from the finish line, but we didn't want to wake them up. We pushed onward and ended up on the last Level B road on the course. I told MG to park. We grabbed two beers and toasted to the end of the road for Trans Iowa. I stared around, trying to feel all the feels I could. I would never be on this "mission" again. Eventually we were freezing, as it reached a recorded 23°F in places that evening. MG and I jumped in the Subie and rolled into Grinnell shortly before 3:00am.

I got my truck and rolled into the parking lot at Miller Park where MG was already sleeping. I sat, freezing to death for a few minutes, then two other cars rolled up. One had Luke Wilson's girlfriend, Sonya, in it. I told them they were too excited. Luke wouldn't be back in Grinnell until well after Sunrise, so they took off for a bit, but later Sonya came back and slept in her car. I fought off sleep demons and intermittantly fired up the truck to get heat in the cab. Then I heard it again.....

The cold, lonesome call of the owl. Morning was coming, and Trans Iowa was ending.

Next: The Final Finish

Trans Iowa v14: The Cold, Lonesome Call Of The Owl

A Trans Iowa rider navigates in the dark of an Iowa night- Image by Jon Duke

The Sun had set on an eventful day of Trans Iowa. MG and I found ourselves bumping down the last few miles to the final town on the course, Montezuma. It was chosen since it had a 24 hour Casey's which riders could avail themselves of no matter when they got there Saturday night or Sunday morning.

We needed to get gas and when we pulled up we found Tony and Mike there finishing up what was supper. Since MG and I had been on a diet of pizza for breakfast and lunch, we decided to finish it off with a Casey's slice o' pie. As we munched and chatted here came in Luke Wilson, shivering in the now plummeting temperatures. The dry air and dying winds doubled up for an intense drop in temperature which would dive well below freezing during the overnight hours.

At this point Luke was still a bit rattled by the sudden appearance of the three chasers at CP#2. He still hadn't quite got it out of his mind that he was being hounded by them. We informed him that the reason they were so close at CP#2 was that the chasers missed the same corner he called us about and that the three had cut the course there. Luke took that in and then relaxed a bit, taking care of his needs for the last 100 miles.

Luke Wilson's bike at rest outside the Casey's General Store in Montezuma, Iowa.

We took leave of Luke and Tony and Mike here and went about our business. We wound our way Southwest of the city, then North, then West until we crossed Highway 146 directly South of Grinnell. It was about at this point that I noted MG had the "thousand yard stare" and he wasn't going to make it to Grinnell without some shut eye. I suggested we find a place to allow him to catch a few winks and we found a turn in to a farm field just West of 146 and pulled in. I grabbed my book and phone as the DNF's were piling up now. It was shortly before 11:00pm, CP#2 was about to close, and a lot of riders were figuring out they weren't going to make it on time.

There is nothing quite like a Level B road after midnight, somewhere in Iowa....

I was taking calls, trying not to shine the flashlight app on my phone in MG's direction, and being as quiet between calls as I could be. If you have never stood outside in Iowa in the middle of nowhere, with almost no wind, at night, there is a level of quiet that you do not know.  It was serene. Then, as if on cue, with the full moon riding up over a grove of trees, a Barred Owl hooted- "who cooks for you-who cooks for YOUUUU...". The sound echoed into the night. It sent shivers down my spine. Then an answering hoot from further away. It was scary, magical, and made me feel alive. I loved it.

Then I heard the distinctive sound of car tires on gravel. Faintly at first, but then it grew louder. I figured a lone figure sauntering around near a parked car might elicit a confrontation that I may not want to have. So I quickly moved over to the Subie, crouched down near the rear wheel, and made myself still. Just as the car was coming the phone lit up with a call. Great! I answered and the car went roaring by, with no sign of slowing down. Good! I stayed completely still until the car disappeared over the next hill.

Not long afterward MG appeared out of the car refreshed enough that we went along about our business. We came across Tony and Mike parked off the road about 50 miles from the finish line, but we didn't want to wake them up. We pushed onward and ended up on the last Level B road on the course. I told MG to park. We grabbed two beers and toasted to the end of the road for Trans Iowa. I stared around, trying to feel all the feels I could. I would never be on this "mission" again. Eventually we were freezing, as it reached a recorded 23°F in places that evening. MG and I jumped in the Subie and rolled into Grinnell shortly before 3:00am.

I got my truck and rolled into the parking lot at Miller Park where MG was already sleeping. I sat, freezing to death for a few minutes, then two other cars rolled up. One had Luke Wilson's girlfriend, Sonya, in it. I told them they were too excited. Luke wouldn't be back in Grinnell until well after Sunrise, so they took off for a bit, but later Sonya came back and slept in her car. I fought off sleep demons and intermittantly fired up the truck to get heat in the cab. Then I heard it again.....

The cold, lonesome call of the owl. Morning was coming, and Trans Iowa was ending.

Next: The Final Finish

Trans Iowa v14: Left On 120th

Chunky, loose, dusty gravel plagued riders all day at T.I.v14 Image by Jon Duke

Trans Iowa is not just a long distance ride with timed sections one must reach. It is a lot more than that. To me, one of the facets that figures into the Trans Iowa experience is navigation. Decision making also is of utmost importance in this event as well. So, it is a mental challenge on top of the rest of it. I've always paid attention to this aspect of the event.

Well, one thing presented itself with regard to this course which I found particularly delicious. A mental snag which, if the rider was paying attention to the cue sheets, would be navigated through with no issues. I've been laser focused on having exact cues to follow since T.I.v7, and I know without a doubt that Trans Iowa cues are some of the best written in the business. So, the cues were correct at the spot that threw a wrench into many rider's day. Despite what some may have thought later......

Without getting into a detailed and boring dissection of the situation, suffice it to say that the "Left on 120th" was a pitfall many fell into Saturday. The cues read that you needed to "BR On Keokuk/Washington Rd." before you turned left on 120th. Because there were TWO LEFTS one could make on 120th, one which occurred BEFORE you bore right on Keokuk/Washington Road. That cue- BR On Keokuk/Washington Rd.- was of paramount importance. The mileages were spot on for these as well. So, if you did make the mistake of taking the first left, you ended up a mile down the road at a strange intersection. Now.....most riders figured the conundrum out at this point. They went back, found the correct left on 120th, and were good to go. But a few did not.....

Kimberly Breuer (41) and Jeremy Fry on there way to Checkpoint #2 Image by Jon Duke

Before I get to that though there was more hang out time to tell you about! Tony, realizing that the whole 120th deal was probably going to trip a few folks up, found a place to park for a time which was just down from the intersection in question at the English River Wildlife Preserve. Anyone who figured it out, either eventually or right away, would go right by us. The four of us relaxed in the afternoon Sun, drinking a few cold ones, sharing stories, and just having a great time. Suddenly the phone lit up and it was Luke again. He was asking about the cues for, well.....you know where. I chose my words carefully, because the question was whether the cue sheet was wrong. I asked Luke if he could verify that his cues said "bear right on...." and he said that it was there. I told him to think if he had done that, and then the light bulb went off. We hung up and not much later, there went Luke. Next up should have been the three chasers, but after over an hour went by, here came Mathew Kutilek. Hmm.... Time to spring into action.

Headed out to CP#2 in search of the three chasers. That's Mathew Kutilek up ahead.

Tony and Mike went straight to CP#2, but MG and I followed the route. We passed Mathew again, but no one else was found up the road. We reached CP#2 to learn that Wilson and Gleason, Tomasello, and Zitz had went through. Apparently, the chasers were now only eight minutes behind Wilson. 

Get the picture?

In search of the three outlaws.

We didn't stick around to enjoy the scene at CP#2, unfortunately, because it looked like a lot of fun. There was a small fire going, beer, people having a good time, and all that. Unfortunately I had to address a situation that I had rather not have had to address. Three riders cut the course. So, MG and I headed out. Tony and Mike were already way ahead of us looking for the three miscreants.

Level B Road just out of CP#2

This wasn't the first time something like this happened, but it was a long time ago since the last time I was aware that it had. In fact, you have to go all the way back to T.I.v1 for that incident.

Back then, there was no one else out on the course but me. I was at the end of my rope, since, you know, staying up all night wasn't in my tool box at the time. I was having a really hard time at a "checkpoint" I set up just on the north side of Cresco, Iowa.

I was supposed to watch for the riders as they came through and warn the finish line volunteer for the Decorah Time Trials, whose finish line we were sharing. I saw Alex Dolpp go by, who was the leader, but when the finish was tallied up, Ira Ryan was first with Brian Hannon second and Alex Dolpp ended up third. What? Did I fall asleep and miss Hannon and Ryan? Well, about six months later I found Ira Ryan's race report and it became apparent that after getting off course in the middle of the night, Hannon and Ryan cut the course to get back on track, effectively leap frogging Dolpp in the process.

But it was what it was. If you cannot call the foul during the game, it is too late.

This time it wasn't too late. We knew Gleason, Zitz, and Tomasello hadn't suddenly put on the afterburners and made up an hour on Wilson. We also knew that they had not passed by the spot where we were watching. We couldn't watch every rider, but we were watching when the three riders that didn't go by us should have gone by us. There was nothing we could do but to confront them on the road and tell them they were DQ'ed.

After having been DQ'ed, Tomasello, Zitz, and Gleason ride off into the night.

Tony and Mike caught up with the three first. They broke the news. We came up just a bit later on the three and Tony and Mike on a hill Southeast of Montezuma. The three riders took the news about as well as you could, I guess. Walter was determined to ride out the course, and asked if that was okay. I affirmed him it was, he wasn't going to be scored though. He shrugged and turned up the road to the West. Tomasello followed, but I don't know that he actually rode the entire course, as Walter did. I saw Stefano at the finish line and we chatted though. Gleason disappeared. I never saw him again the rest of the weekend.

The Sun sets on Saturday of Trans Iowa v14.

I felt sad. Sad that this happened, but I didn't place any blame. None of us did. What actually happened amongst those three riders which precipitated the decision they made is only a story they know. I'm not really interested in the full story, to be honest. It is what it is.

We still had an event happening and after this situation was dealt with we were left with a single rider with over an hour lead on then second place Mathew Kutilek. But there was 100 plus miles to go, a night and a morning of riding ahead, and anything could happen.

Next: The Cold, Lonely Call Of The Owl

Trans Iowa v14: Left On 120th

Chunky, loose, dusty gravel plagued riders all day at T.I.v14 Image by Jon Duke

Trans Iowa is not just a long distance ride with timed sections one must reach. It is a lot more than that. To me, one of the facets that figures into the Trans Iowa experience is navigation. Decision making also is of utmost importance in this event as well. So, it is a mental challenge on top of the rest of it. I've always paid attention to this aspect of the event.

Well, one thing presented itself with regard to this course which I found particularly delicious. A mental snag which, if the rider was paying attention to the cue sheets, would be navigated through with no issues. I've been laser focused on having exact cues to follow since T.I.v7, and I know without a doubt that Trans Iowa cues are some of the best written in the business. So, the cues were correct at the spot that threw a wrench into many rider's day. Despite what some may have thought later......

Without getting into a detailed and boring dissection of the situation, suffice it to say that the "Left on 120th" was a pitfall many fell into Saturday. The cues read that you needed to "BR On Keokuk/Washington Rd." before you turned left on 120th. Because there were TWO LEFTS one could make on 120th, one which occurred BEFORE you bore right on Keokuk/Washington Road. That cue- BR On Keokuk/Washington Rd.- was of paramount importance. The mileages were spot on for these as well. So, if you did make the mistake of taking the first left, you ended up a mile down the road at a strange intersection. Now.....most riders figured the conundrum out at this point. They went back, found the correct left on 120th, and were good to go. But a few did not.....

Kimberly Breuer (41) and Jeremy Fry on there way to Checkpoint #2 Image by Jon Duke

Before I get to that though there was more hang out time to tell you about! Tony, realizing that the whole 120th deal was probably going to trip a few folks up, found a place to park for a time which was just down from the intersection in question at the English River Wildlife Preserve. Anyone who figured it out, either eventually or right away, would go right by us. The four of us relaxed in the afternoon Sun, drinking a few cold ones, sharing stories, and just having a great time. Suddenly the phone lit up and it was Luke again. He was asking about the cues for, well.....you know where. I chose my words carefully, because the question was whether the cue sheet was wrong. I asked Luke if he could verify that his cues said "bear right on...." and he said that it was there. I told him to think if he had done that, and then the light bulb went off. We hung up and not much later, there went Luke. Next up should have been the three chasers, but after over an hour went by, here came Mathew Kutilek. Hmm.... Time to spring into action.

Headed out to CP#2 in search of the three chasers. That's Mathew Kutilek up ahead.

Tony and Mike went straight to CP#2, but MG and I followed the route. We passed Mathew again, but no one else was found up the road. We reached CP#2 to learn that Wilson and Gleason, Tomasello, and Zitz had went through. Apparently, the chasers were now only eight minutes behind Wilson. 

Get the picture?

In search of the three outlaws.

We didn't stick around to enjoy the scene at CP#2, unfortunately, because it looked like a lot of fun. There was a small fire going, beer, people having a good time, and all that. Unfortunately I had to address a situation that I had rather not have had to address. Three riders cut the course. So, MG and I headed out. Tony and Mike were already way ahead of us looking for the three miscreants.

Level B Road just out of CP#2

This wasn't the first time something like this happened, but it was a long time ago since the last time I was aware that it had. In fact, you have to go all the way back to T.I.v1 for that incident.

Back then, there was no one else out on the course but me. I was at the end of my rope, since, you know, staying up all night wasn't in my tool box at the time. I was having a really hard time at a "checkpoint" I set up just on the north side of Cresco, Iowa.

I was supposed to watch for the riders as they came through and warn the finish line volunteer for the Decorah Time Trials, whose finish line we were sharing. I saw Alex Dolpp go by, who was the leader, but when the finish was tallied up, Ira Ryan was first with Brian Hannon second and Alex Dolpp ended up third. What? Did I fall asleep and miss Hannon and Ryan? Well, about six months later I found Ira Ryan's race report and it became apparent that after getting off course in the middle of the night, Hannon and Ryan cut the course to get back on track, effectively leap frogging Dolpp in the process.

But it was what it was. If you cannot call the foul during the game, it is too late.

This time it wasn't too late. We knew Gleason, Zitz, and Tomasello hadn't suddenly put on the afterburners and made up an hour on Wilson. We also knew that they had not passed by the spot where we were watching. We couldn't watch every rider, but we were watching when the three riders that didn't go by us should have gone by us. There was nothing we could do but to confront them on the road and tell them they were DQ'ed.

After having been DQ'ed, Tomasello, Zitz, and Gleason ride off into the night.

Tony and Mike caught up with the three first. They broke the news. We came up just a bit later on the three and Tony and Mike on a hill Southeast of Montezuma. The three riders took the news about as well as you could, I guess. Walter was determined to ride out the course, and asked if that was okay. I affirmed him it was, he wasn't going to be scored though. He shrugged and turned up the road to the West. Tomasello followed, but I don't know that he actually rode the entire course, as Walter did. I saw Stefano at the finish line and we chatted though. Gleason disappeared. I never saw him again the rest of the weekend.

The Sun sets on Saturday of Trans Iowa v14.

I felt sad. Sad that this happened, but I didn't place any blame. None of us did. What actually happened amongst those three riders which precipitated the decision they made is only a story they know. I'm not really interested in the full story, to be honest. It is what it is.

We still had an event happening and after this situation was dealt with we were left with a single rider with over an hour lead on then second place Mathew Kutilek. But there was 100 plus miles to go, a night and a morning of riding ahead, and anything could happen.

Next: The Cold, Lonely Call Of The Owl

The Touring Series: A Day For Ducks

A Guitar Ted Productions Series

 Welcome to "The Touring Series". This series is a re-posting of a story I told here on this blog in 2008. The story is about what I named the "Beg, Borrow, and Bastard Tour". This was a fully loaded, self-supported bicycle tour from just Northeast of Waterloo, Iowa starting in a little village named Dewar and the goal was to get to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada in one week's time. The plan called for us to be picked up there and taken home by car.

  As mentioned, cameras, smart phones, and the like did not exist for us in 1994, so images will be few. There are some though, and I will sprinkle those in when they are relevant. I will also sprinkle in any modern images of places we visited when applicable and when I can find images that convey the same look as 1995. 

Now let's rejoin the tour as the three riders are experiencing some inclement weather.......

___________________________________________________________

 

Sometime during the night, I sort of realized in a sleeping stupor that I was getting rained on. I moved towards the wall of the church. Ahh! Then about an hour later, I had to move again. No big deal. Then about another hour later, I had to move again! Up against the wall now, no more room to move! I kept scooching up against the wall until it was useless, and I got up to check on Troy. Thunder could be heard in the distance. It was raining heavily now with the wind blowing steadily out of the East, right into the wall of the church.

Steve heard me stirring and stuck his head out of his tent. "Sucker!", he said sardonically as he darted back into the dry confines of his tent. Troy got up then and we went about packing up our soggy sleeping bags for our days trip. At least our bikes were dry for the moment, and our tents were too.

Finally the rain gave way, although the skies remained gray and menacing. It didn't look promising, but we decided to get going as soon as possible, since we had no idea how long we had until it started in raining again.

Well, we didn't have long to wait for that answer as it started in raining again just as we were pulling out of Nekoosa. Then before long, we were all soaked. Well, I am one to think that once you are soaked, you can't get any wetter, so I was good to go. Not so with Troy and Steve though. They were not happy campers! As soon as we entered Wisconsin Rapids, not more than seven miles up the road, we halted where Troy and Steve had spotted a shelter house in a park by the Wisconsin River. It was cold, we were wet, and not motivated to move anytime real soon. The rain fell so hard here that the sky looked all grey and we couldn't see across the river.

After awhile, the charm of the park grew old and we knew we had to move on. The rain seemed to have let up. We saddled up with the goal of finding some food. Not far up the road we found a busy little restaurant where we were seated as far back by the kitchen as the wait staff could get us. I didn't blame them at all since we were all wet and dressed rather oddly.

After some good grub, (even Troy was pleased!), and a laugh or two, we found our way to a local bike shop where Steve wanted to buy some full finger gloves for his shivering hands. At the shop we asked about our route. Green Bay would be the shortest distance, but it would also have the worst possible traffic. It was decided that we should bear north of there to Marinette which would take us through quieter back roads.

Leaving Wisconsin Rapids, we were told to go out on Highway 34 to a cut off to a County P. Then it was about 17 miles to Stevens Point. Well, we were a little fuzzy on the distance to the cut off. We got to a point that made us feel we were too far down the road, so we turned back to look for the turn off. We ended up back in town and we were getting panicky. I got separated from Troy and Steve at one point and thought I had lost them. Finally, we got turned around, went a little further up the road, and found the turn off. We were all feeling some pressure to salvage what we could of a "wasted day" in terms of miles, so we pressed on hard now. We had only put in about 20 miles. It had quit raining for the time being, and we had a clear path in front of us.

That enthusiasm was dashed when it started in raining again. Troy and Steve were dejected. I actually found myself leading them for much of this stretch. I thought it pretty amazing since these guys were seasoned cyclists. Here I was, leading them up the road, and at a pretty decent clip too. I think rain doesn't quite have the effect on me that it does on others, but who knows?

I do know that Steve and Troy were really glad to roll across that bridge into Stevens Point. They both were frustrated and were ready to stop. It was around 4pm when we spied a corner bar, and it was agreed, even by Troy, that we should stop and go in. Apparently, beer was the antidote for a bad day on the bike. We found a safe place to park our bikes and walked in hoping to assuage our sullen countenances. 

___________________________________________________________________

 

This was the day, looking back on it, that killed our chances of getting to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada in a week, which was the original goal. This also was the day I realized that I was good at riding in inclement weather. Part of that is due to my mindset, which at times can be an asset in such situations, but also because I tend to stay warmer than most in such conditions. But whatever the reasons, it was fun to be the "alpha" cyclist amongst the three of us that day rather than the weaker element. Although, as the week went on I did get better in terms of fitness. 

Next: The Stevens Point Debacle

The Touring Series: A Day For Ducks

A Guitar Ted Productions Series

 Welcome to "The Touring Series". This series is a re-posting of a story I told here on this blog in 2008. The story is about what I named the "Beg, Borrow, and Bastard Tour". This was a fully loaded, self-supported bicycle tour from just Northeast of Waterloo, Iowa starting in a little village named Dewar and the goal was to get to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada in one week's time. The plan called for us to be picked up there and taken home by car.

  As mentioned, cameras, smart phones, and the like did not exist for us in 1994, so images will be few. There are some though, and I will sprinkle those in when they are relevant. I will also sprinkle in any modern images of places we visited when applicable and when I can find images that convey the same look as 1995. 

Now let's rejoin the tour as the three riders are experiencing some inclement weather.......

___________________________________________________________

 

Sometime during the night, I sort of realized in a sleeping stupor that I was getting rained on. I moved towards the wall of the church. Ahh! Then about an hour later, I had to move again. No big deal. Then about another hour later, I had to move again! Up against the wall now, no more room to move! I kept scooching up against the wall until it was useless, and I got up to check on Troy. Thunder could be heard in the distance. It was raining heavily now with the wind blowing steadily out of the East, right into the wall of the church.

Steve heard me stirring and stuck his head out of his tent. "Sucker!", he said sardonically as he darted back into the dry confines of his tent. Troy got up then and we went about packing up our soggy sleeping bags for our days trip. At least our bikes were dry for the moment, and our tents were too.

Finally the rain gave way, although the skies remained gray and menacing. It didn't look promising, but we decided to get going as soon as possible, since we had no idea how long we had until it started in raining again.

Well, we didn't have long to wait for that answer as it started in raining again just as we were pulling out of Nekoosa. Then before long, we were all soaked. Well, I am one to think that once you are soaked, you can't get any wetter, so I was good to go. Not so with Troy and Steve though. They were not happy campers! As soon as we entered Wisconsin Rapids, not more than seven miles up the road, we halted where Troy and Steve had spotted a shelter house in a park by the Wisconsin River. It was cold, we were wet, and not motivated to move anytime real soon. The rain fell so hard here that the sky looked all grey and we couldn't see across the river.

After awhile, the charm of the park grew old and we knew we had to move on. The rain seemed to have let up. We saddled up with the goal of finding some food. Not far up the road we found a busy little restaurant where we were seated as far back by the kitchen as the wait staff could get us. I didn't blame them at all since we were all wet and dressed rather oddly.

After some good grub, (even Troy was pleased!), and a laugh or two, we found our way to a local bike shop where Steve wanted to buy some full finger gloves for his shivering hands. At the shop we asked about our route. Green Bay would be the shortest distance, but it would also have the worst possible traffic. It was decided that we should bear north of there to Marinette which would take us through quieter back roads.

Leaving Wisconsin Rapids, we were told to go out on Highway 34 to a cut off to a County P. Then it was about 17 miles to Stevens Point. Well, we were a little fuzzy on the distance to the cut off. We got to a point that made us feel we were too far down the road, so we turned back to look for the turn off. We ended up back in town and we were getting panicky. I got separated from Troy and Steve at one point and thought I had lost them. Finally, we got turned around, went a little further up the road, and found the turn off. We were all feeling some pressure to salvage what we could of a "wasted day" in terms of miles, so we pressed on hard now. We had only put in about 20 miles. It had quit raining for the time being, and we had a clear path in front of us.

That enthusiasm was dashed when it started in raining again. Troy and Steve were dejected. I actually found myself leading them for much of this stretch. I thought it pretty amazing since these guys were seasoned cyclists. Here I was, leading them up the road, and at a pretty decent clip too. I think rain doesn't quite have the effect on me that it does on others, but who knows?

I do know that Steve and Troy were really glad to roll across that bridge into Stevens Point. They both were frustrated and were ready to stop. It was around 4pm when we spied a corner bar, and it was agreed, even by Troy, that we should stop and go in. Apparently, beer was the antidote for a bad day on the bike. We found a safe place to park our bikes and walked in hoping to assuage our sullen countenances. 

___________________________________________________________________

 

This was the day, looking back on it, that killed our chances of getting to Sault Ste. Marie, Canada in a week, which was the original goal. This also was the day I realized that I was good at riding in inclement weather. Part of that is due to my mindset, which at times can be an asset in such situations, but also because I tend to stay warmer than most in such conditions. But whatever the reasons, it was fun to be the "alpha" cyclist amongst the three of us that day rather than the weaker element. Although, as the week went on I did get better in terms of fitness. 

Next: The Stevens Point Debacle