Trans Iowa V7: Registration Update/Announcements

As with a previous post last week, I am going to throw in some images of post cards received from Rookies. I was seriously wondering if there would be anything worth posting, actually. Compared to the Vets and Finishers, (not to mention years past), you Rookies need to step up your game in terms of creativity!

Okay, this one seriously saved the entire Rookie class. Here is a bit of pre-Trans Iowa history that is super relevant to the event today. Circa 1980, some of the local racers had an idea to cross Iowa by road. Starting at 2am and finishing by 8pm, they intended to set a record for crossing the state by bicycle. Sound familiar? It is this event that helped inspire Trans Iowa. (By the way, my current boss at the shop is the guy on the right in the photo)

A fine bit of history unearthed here and it is much appreciated and appropriate.

Moving right along now....

Registration Update: The Rookie Registration is still open. As of Tuesday, there were still 10 available spots open to claim. If we go through Saturday without filling up the roster, it will remain at whatever number we reach by then. Registration will close Saturday regardless. No more entries will be accepted past Saturday.

I would be a bit surprised if we don't fill up, but the way it looks today, we may not. Either way it makes no difference to me.

Once the Roster is frozen, anybody needing to drop off will need to e-mail me as soon as possible so we can keep our costs under control. This includes cue sheets, race packets, and the "Pre-Race Meat-Up".

Oh......you don't know what that is?

Trans Iowa Pre-Race Meat-Up: Just yesterday I received the news that Trans Iowa V7's pre-race meeting will again be held at The Grinnell Steakhouse.  This is a "grill it yerself" joint where we had our meeting last year. The riders liked it, the Grinnell Steakhouse liked us, and we hit on a plan to have the meeting there again. The meeting is a requirement. You must attend. At the "Meat-Up", (don't worry if you don't eat meat, we'll have something for you too.), we'll get together, have a meal, hear from myself and d.p. on the event and what to expect, plus you will receive the all important cue sheet set, without which you can not take the start.

Lodging Announcement: We have secured a block of 30 rooms at The Comfort Inn And Suites of Grinnell. (Link to site with directions) This facility is located just off I-80 and is the same motel we used last year. What's more, if you mention that you are with Trans Iowa V7, and request the special rate, the room will only cost you $64.99, the same rate we had for last year. This motel is a short walk from the Grinnell Steakhouse, and works perfectly for our needs. There are only 30 rooms available at this rate, so make your plans now. More motels are also located along the highway here, so if the Comfort Inn fills up, there are other choices near by.

Remember- the dates for the Pre-Race Meat-Up and Trans Iowa are April 22, 23, and 24. Book rooms accordingly.

We still have some details to work through regarding the finish line, checkpoints, mileages, and time cut offs. These finer details will be coming soon. We have some surprises in store, and we'll be releasing information as we can throughout the winter months regarding those things.

<===Gnomes were a big part of T.I.V1. They may make a return appearance....

In the meantime, figure on the first checkpoint at about 55 miles, and the last checkpoint at approximately 170miles. Figure on time cut offs being set at approximately 10 miles covered on course per hour. So, for instance, you'd have about till 9:30am to get to Checkpoint #1 using this formula. Race start is at 4am. These are approximates and subject to change, but we are expecting this to be a close estimate. More details will be released as we go through the winter.

Welcome to Trans Iowa V7!

Update: Seems that the decision to post detailed annoncements for Trans Iowa V7 has hit a nerve with some "anonymous" person who sent me this from "anonymous@anonymous.com" (Gotta love the ownership of this comment!) So, take this for what it is worth. Comedy? Serious? I don't put any stock in anonymous comments myself. But since this clown dared me.....here's the comment in its entirety.

Please, I don't come to your blog site to read about TIV7 every single day.  The separate TI blog exists for a reason.  I'm thisclose to deleting my bookmark to your site (I know, don't let the door hit me on the way out).  Hello, McFly?  The race isn't until next frickin' April.  And it's not like this is a big, professional event like Leadville or the TdF with real competitors and real prizes.  It's a small-time, amateur event put on by some rustic, podunk Iowegians (bet you remember that phrase from your old blog post).  I dare you to post this rant to your blog!  I double dog dare you!  But only if you have a well reasoned and insightful justification/rebuttal.  Sorry for venting, but I feel compelled to set things right when I see something awry.


Nice!

Trans Iowa V7: Registration Update/Announcements

As with a previous post last week, I am going to throw in some images of post cards received from Rookies. I was seriously wondering if there would be anything worth posting, actually. Compared to the Vets and Finishers, (not to mention years past), you Rookies need to step up your game in terms of creativity!

Okay, this one seriously saved the entire Rookie class. Here is a bit of pre-Trans Iowa history that is super relevant to the event today. Circa 1980, some of the local racers had an idea to cross Iowa by road. Starting at 2am and finishing by 8pm, they intended to set a record for crossing the state by bicycle. Sound familiar? It is this event that helped inspire Trans Iowa. (By the way, my current boss at the shop is the guy on the right in the photo)

A fine bit of history unearthed here and it is much appreciated and appropriate.

Moving right along now....

Registration Update: The Rookie Registration is still open. As of Tuesday, there were still 10 available spots open to claim. If we go through Saturday without filling up the roster, it will remain at whatever number we reach by then. Registration will close Saturday regardless. No more entries will be accepted past Saturday.

I would be a bit surprised if we don't fill up, but the way it looks today, we may not. Either way it makes no difference to me.

Once the Roster is frozen, anybody needing to drop off will need to e-mail me as soon as possible so we can keep our costs under control. This includes cue sheets, race packets, and the "Pre-Race Meat-Up".

Oh......you don't know what that is?

Trans Iowa Pre-Race Meat-Up: Just yesterday I received the news that Trans Iowa V7's pre-race meeting will again be held at The Grinnell Steakhouse.  This is a "grill it yerself" joint where we had our meeting last year. The riders liked it, the Grinnell Steakhouse liked us, and we hit on a plan to have the meeting there again. The meeting is a requirement. You must attend. At the "Meat-Up", (don't worry if you don't eat meat, we'll have something for you too.), we'll get together, have a meal, hear from myself and d.p. on the event and what to expect, plus you will receive the all important cue sheet set, without which you can not take the start.

Lodging Announcement: We have secured a block of 30 rooms at The Comfort Inn And Suites of Grinnell. (Link to site with directions) This facility is located just off I-80 and is the same motel we used last year. What's more, if you mention that you are with Trans Iowa V7, and request the special rate, the room will only cost you $64.99, the same rate we had for last year. This motel is a short walk from the Grinnell Steakhouse, and works perfectly for our needs. There are only 30 rooms available at this rate, so make your plans now. More motels are also located along the highway here, so if the Comfort Inn fills up, there are other choices near by.

Remember- the dates for the Pre-Race Meat-Up and Trans Iowa are April 22, 23, and 24. Book rooms accordingly.

We still have some details to work through regarding the finish line, checkpoints, mileages, and time cut offs. These finer details will be coming soon. We have some surprises in store, and we'll be releasing information as we can throughout the winter months regarding those things.

<===Gnomes were a big part of T.I.V1. They may make a return appearance....

In the meantime, figure on the first checkpoint at about 55 miles, and the last checkpoint at approximately 170miles. Figure on time cut offs being set at approximately 10 miles covered on course per hour. So, for instance, you'd have about till 9:30am to get to Checkpoint #1 using this formula. Race start is at 4am. These are approximates and subject to change, but we are expecting this to be a close estimate. More details will be released as we go through the winter.

Welcome to Trans Iowa V7!

Update: Seems that the decision to post detailed annoncements for Trans Iowa V7 has hit a nerve with some "anonymous" person who sent me this from "anonymous@anonymous.com" (Gotta love the ownership of this comment!) So, take this for what it is worth. Comedy? Serious? I don't put any stock in anonymous comments myself. But since this clown dared me.....here's the comment in its entirety.

Please, I don't come to your blog site to read about TIV7 every single day.  The separate TI blog exists for a reason.  I'm thisclose to deleting my bookmark to your site (I know, don't let the door hit me on the way out).  Hello, McFly?  The race isn't until next frickin' April.  And it's not like this is a big, professional event like Leadville or the TdF with real competitors and real prizes.  It's a small-time, amateur event put on by some rustic, podunk Iowegians (bet you remember that phrase from your old blog post).  I dare you to post this rant to your blog!  I double dog dare you!  But only if you have a well reasoned and insightful justification/rebuttal.  Sorry for venting, but I feel compelled to set things right when I see something awry.


Nice!

Trans Iowa V7: So What Have You Just Gotten Yourself Into?

<==="Killer Bee" has an entirely different meaning in Trans Iowa.

So, maybe you are one of the 50 or so rookies in Trans Iowa V7. Or...more correctly....on the roster, because in the end, ya'all won't show up. Oh, I know......there's no way you won't show up! How dare I suggest such a thing!

I'll tell ya "how dare I", I've seen it six times before happen where folks with every intention of coming to toe the line do not do it. Yes- they have their reasons. Let's just say, "reality bites" and many won't come that intend on doing so today. I've got a system all set up to deal with that too, but I won't get into it now. That will come later.

Fact is a lot of the rookies won't be there in April, and a few of the Veterans and Finishers probably won't either. Yes- we have a 100 on the roster when registration closes, but how many will actually show up? In the end, I will be surprised if we have a record field take the start, and that would be more than 64 folks. (T.I.V3)

You've gotten yourself into a big, long winter of training for a triple century, plus some. You have gotten yourself into a long winter of guessing games in regards to what to wear, what to eat, what to ride, and more. You've got yourself into many long hours of thinking through your strategy, what you'll do and when.

Then you'll line up at 4am, (maybe), and all your strategizing will be blown up in your face within two hours of riding. (Ask the vets and finishers, they'll tell ya all about it)

You've gotten yourself into a ride with some history in its seven short years of existence. If you haven't read about it, you can hit this site for some catching up. If you end up riding in V7, your name will be part of that story. Speaking of stories- Trans Iowa V3 got a whole chapter devoted to it in this published tome by author Zach Dundas. Who knows? maybe V7 will get it's own nationally published piece.

At any rate, you'll have a story to tell to the grandkids, if ya'all have any, that is.

You've gotten yourself into an event with its own myths. Like the one that says that every other year is a good weather year at Trans Iowa. You can believe that myth all you want to, and probably doubly so, since last spring at Trans Iowa was horrendous. Me? I ain't bitin'. Ya see, T.I.V1 was no picnic, and according to this "myth", it should have been a pleasant weather year. Uh huh.......right! Tell that to the decimated field at Algona, Iowa where wind had ravaged the competitors to the point where several had dehydrated, and some had crashed due to the severe gusts of wind. Tell that to the nine guys who braved 28 degree temperatures through a starry night to be the first finishers of Trans Iowa. Yeah......the weather was awesome! Ha! (I will admit that V2, V4, and V6 were, well...........awful!)

You've gotten yourself into an event where you just might make some life-long friend of some cycling freak you've never met before. You'll definitely be changed.

You've gotten yourself into an event that is really tough, and not finishing it is still cool. (How weird is that?) However; not finishing it may also eat at your mind for the other 363 days of the year until you can line up to take a crack at it again.

You've gotten yerself into a great big pickle. Maybe you'll show up and see just how it really is for yourself. Maybe.

Welcome to the Trans Iowa V7 roster folks, and to those few more that make it in today. I hope you all make it to Grinnell in April next year.

But I won't be holding my breath on that thought either!

Trans Iowa V7: So What Have You Just Gotten Yourself Into?

<==="Killer Bee" has an entirely different meaning in Trans Iowa.

So, maybe you are one of the 50 or so rookies in Trans Iowa V7. Or...more correctly....on the roster, because in the end, ya'all won't show up. Oh, I know......there's no way you won't show up! How dare I suggest such a thing!

I'll tell ya "how dare I", I've seen it six times before happen where folks with every intention of coming to toe the line do not do it. Yes- they have their reasons. Let's just say, "reality bites" and many won't come that intend on doing so today. I've got a system all set up to deal with that too, but I won't get into it now. That will come later.

Fact is a lot of the rookies won't be there in April, and a few of the Veterans and Finishers probably won't either. Yes- we have a 100 on the roster when registration closes, but how many will actually show up? In the end, I will be surprised if we have a record field take the start, and that would be more than 64 folks. (T.I.V3)

You've gotten yourself into a big, long winter of training for a triple century, plus some. You have gotten yourself into a long winter of guessing games in regards to what to wear, what to eat, what to ride, and more. You've got yourself into many long hours of thinking through your strategy, what you'll do and when.

Then you'll line up at 4am, (maybe), and all your strategizing will be blown up in your face within two hours of riding. (Ask the vets and finishers, they'll tell ya all about it)

You've gotten yourself into a ride with some history in its seven short years of existence. If you haven't read about it, you can hit this site for some catching up. If you end up riding in V7, your name will be part of that story. Speaking of stories- Trans Iowa V3 got a whole chapter devoted to it in this published tome by author Zach Dundas. Who knows? maybe V7 will get it's own nationally published piece.

At any rate, you'll have a story to tell to the grandkids, if ya'all have any, that is.

You've gotten yourself into an event with its own myths. Like the one that says that every other year is a good weather year at Trans Iowa. You can believe that myth all you want to, and probably doubly so, since last spring at Trans Iowa was horrendous. Me? I ain't bitin'. Ya see, T.I.V1 was no picnic, and according to this "myth", it should have been a pleasant weather year. Uh huh.......right! Tell that to the decimated field at Algona, Iowa where wind had ravaged the competitors to the point where several had dehydrated, and some had crashed due to the severe gusts of wind. Tell that to the nine guys who braved 28 degree temperatures through a starry night to be the first finishers of Trans Iowa. Yeah......the weather was awesome! Ha! (I will admit that V2, V4, and V6 were, well...........awful!)

You've gotten yourself into an event where you just might make some life-long friend of some cycling freak you've never met before. You'll definitely be changed.

You've gotten yourself into an event that is really tough, and not finishing it is still cool. (How weird is that?) However; not finishing it may also eat at your mind for the other 363 days of the year until you can line up to take a crack at it again.

You've gotten yerself into a great big pickle. Maybe you'll show up and see just how it really is for yourself. Maybe.

Welcome to the Trans Iowa V7 roster folks, and to those few more that make it in today. I hope you all make it to Grinnell in April next year.

But I won't be holding my breath on that thought either!

Trans Iowa V7: Registration Update/ For Rookies

Just a quick update to let you all know that the Trans Iowa V7 roster has increased by 37 folks today leaving 14 spots up for grabs yet. We have added a couple to the Women's Open class and surprisingly enough, we don't have very many single speeders on board this time. Hmm..... Not sure what that might say!

The Trans Iowa V7 Roster has been updated now so you can go check that out here.

We'll keep registration open until all the spots have been filled. Then any left overs will go into the Waiting List. I suspect that we'll get more cards tomorrow and registration will likely fill in by then. We'll see. At any rate, this process is quickly coming to a close. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements.

Trans Iowa V7: Registration Update/ For Rookies

Just a quick update to let you all know that the Trans Iowa V7 roster has increased by 37 folks today leaving 14 spots up for grabs yet. We have added a couple to the Women's Open class and surprisingly enough, we don't have very many single speeders on board this time. Hmm..... Not sure what that might say!

The Trans Iowa V7 Roster has been updated now so you can go check that out here.

We'll keep registration open until all the spots have been filled. Then any left overs will go into the Waiting List. I suspect that we'll get more cards tomorrow and registration will likely fill in by then. We'll see. At any rate, this process is quickly coming to a close. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements.

Trail Maintenance

Saturday the trail crew was called in to action out at Camp Ingawanis. Several of us met to clear the trails of debris before winter sets in here.

We raked off all the dead leaves and branches were removed. Some plans were layed for re-routes.

It's going to be pretty good next spring and the crew that was there is pretty stoked.

Stay tuned for updates on the trail situation next spring.



Speaking of updates: Trans Iowa V7 Registration for the Rookies starts today. I'll be updating all the latest that I can during the day today on Facebook and Twiitter. A more complete update with folks on the roster so far, and any fun news, will be posted here later today and on the T.I.V7 site.

Need To Chat? Anyone out there wanting to have some ideas bounced around concerning set ups, strategy, or just wants general banter about Trans Iowa V7 can check out this Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/trans-iowa

It's a group set up by some T.I.V7 folks that are in the event this time and is intended for the use of folks on the roster. (d.p. and I are not directly affiliated with this group on-line, but we gave it our blessing.)

Trail Maintenance

Saturday the trail crew was called in to action out at Camp Ingawanis. Several of us met to clear the trails of debris before winter sets in here.

We raked off all the dead leaves and branches were removed. Some plans were layed for re-routes.

It's going to be pretty good next spring and the crew that was there is pretty stoked.

Stay tuned for updates on the trail situation next spring.



Speaking of updates: Trans Iowa V7 Registration for the Rookies starts today. I'll be updating all the latest that I can during the day today on Facebook and Twiitter. A more complete update with folks on the roster so far, and any fun news, will be posted here later today and on the T.I.V7 site.

Need To Chat? Anyone out there wanting to have some ideas bounced around concerning set ups, strategy, or just wants general banter about Trans Iowa V7 can check out this Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/trans-iowa

It's a group set up by some T.I.V7 folks that are in the event this time and is intended for the use of folks on the roster. (d.p. and I are not directly affiliated with this group on-line, but we gave it our blessing.)

Trans Iowa V7 Registration Update/Announcements #2

Veteran Registration Closed: Well, with Saturday come and gone, this means that the Veteran roster is set. Surprisingly, we didn't fill all 40 spots available. So, the remaining 11 spots will be allotted to the Rookies bringing up the total available starting tomorrow at 9am to 51 spots.

Rookie Registration: I would be quite surprised if the Rookie registration doesn't end by Tuesday. I am already aware that some folks will be waiting at the door of Europa Cycle and Ski in the morning tomorrow and I am sure that over-nighted packets will be arriving as well. It should prove to be a wild day of Registration, and I will update here on Monday late, along with timely Tweets and Facebook updates throughout the day.Oh yeah, I got an entry early, and it has been discarded. Remember: No entries were to be taken before 9am Monday, November 15th. If you thought your name should have been on the roster, and it doesn't show up. Well, I guess the rest is easy to figure out from there.

Trans Iowa Tune Up Rides: d.p. and I have bounced this idea around. I also have been Tweeting back and forth with Matt Wills from Lincoln about this idea as well. Here's the idea: A short course of gravel is set up with sample cue sheets. (Metric Century?)  Everyone rides self supported. Ride to start in the dark, preferably, to simulate the start of T.I. and give folks an idea of what to expect. (4AM has been suggested) The rides would end at a suitable "watering hole" and folks interested to engage in Q&A with myself, d.p., and anyone in attendance that has T.I. finishing credentials.

These rides would seek to be fun, informative, and work as a bit of training for those inclined to join us.

Okay, here are the optional parts so far. d.p. had wanted to sneak something in before the winter sets in, but I am not sure time will allow for this. So, in all likelihood, these rides would take place in March or early April. There could be one, or two. Probably no more than that. There could be one in the Des Moines area, and maybe one further to the north. (Decorah?) This would accommodate folks traveling from the immediate area. Sort of a "meeting in the middle", if you will.

Maybe folks would like to chime in and make a comment, or send me an e-mail (address in right margin), and I can further refine this idea if there seems to be enough interest.

Trans Iowa V7 Registration Update/Announcements #2

Veteran Registration Closed: Well, with Saturday come and gone, this means that the Veteran roster is set. Surprisingly, we didn't fill all 40 spots available. So, the remaining 11 spots will be allotted to the Rookies bringing up the total available starting tomorrow at 9am to 51 spots.

Rookie Registration: I would be quite surprised if the Rookie registration doesn't end by Tuesday. I am already aware that some folks will be waiting at the door of Europa Cycle and Ski in the morning tomorrow and I am sure that over-nighted packets will be arriving as well. It should prove to be a wild day of Registration, and I will update here on Monday late, along with timely Tweets and Facebook updates throughout the day.Oh yeah, I got an entry early, and it has been discarded. Remember: No entries were to be taken before 9am Monday, November 15th. If you thought your name should have been on the roster, and it doesn't show up. Well, I guess the rest is easy to figure out from there.

Trans Iowa Tune Up Rides: d.p. and I have bounced this idea around. I also have been Tweeting back and forth with Matt Wills from Lincoln about this idea as well. Here's the idea: A short course of gravel is set up with sample cue sheets. (Metric Century?)  Everyone rides self supported. Ride to start in the dark, preferably, to simulate the start of T.I. and give folks an idea of what to expect. (4AM has been suggested) The rides would end at a suitable "watering hole" and folks interested to engage in Q&A with myself, d.p., and anyone in attendance that has T.I. finishing credentials.

These rides would seek to be fun, informative, and work as a bit of training for those inclined to join us.

Okay, here are the optional parts so far. d.p. had wanted to sneak something in before the winter sets in, but I am not sure time will allow for this. So, in all likelihood, these rides would take place in March or early April. There could be one, or two. Probably no more than that. There could be one in the Des Moines area, and maybe one further to the north. (Decorah?) This would accommodate folks traveling from the immediate area. Sort of a "meeting in the middle", if you will.

Maybe folks would like to chime in and make a comment, or send me an e-mail (address in right margin), and I can further refine this idea if there seems to be enough interest.

The Belt Drive Odyssey : Part IV

Okay folks, this is the last of this series on "The Belt" vs "The Chain". First though, an update on what has been going on since the last time I posted on this.

I installed a Manitou Tower Expert 100mm travel suspension device on the front of the XXIX. Whew! What a relief to my paws and a major boost to the handling that was! A few more rides revealed no more issues with "The Belt". However; the belt tension is so tight that even with my "throwing" the crank arm as hard as I can backwards, the crank will barely spin one revolution. In contrast, all of my chain driven single speeds spin multiple times around at the crank when doing a similar "throw".  What does this prove? Well, nothing except that there is excessive drag in the belt system which is either due to the tension of the belt resisting engaging with the cogs, or the side loading of the bearings. Probably some of both.

This tells me two things. One: The tension necessary to maintain proper belt/cog interface during hard efforts also decreases efficiency of the system overall. Two: Premature wear of bearings is a distinct possibility.

Now, as for "The Belt" working in a mountain bike setting, I give the system a passing grade. Yes- it works. However; one must "count the costs", both real and in a design sense, in regards to using the Gates Carbon Belt Drive.

First off, let me say that Gates is working very hard to minimize the drawbacks, and someday, (perhaps), they will achieve lower costs, better design integration, and more choices in gearing options. (I speak strictly in terms of mountain biking/racing mountain bikes) However; this is now, and Gates is not there today with those goals accomplished.

So, to get a belt drive to work on a reasonably priced single speed, we have this example of the XXIX. A bike with some serious compromises to geometry, (long, even for 29"ers, chain stays, weird drive line), and efficiency that is lowered due to tension requirements of the belt itself. Whether this will also affect future drive train life expectancy is question not yet answered, but signs point to earlier failure, (snapping, crunching sounds from the free hub body already at this early stage.)

Another point to consider is the current cost to invest into the system. You obviously will need a frame that is compatible with a belt, (currently a very limited selection), and you may need to swap out to a different belt/cog combination. This will prove to be quite expensive, as the current costs of cogs is in the neighborhood of $110-$135.00 and belts are around $65.00-$70.00 each. (You can't simply change the length of a belt, you will have to have different lengths to accommodate different cog options.)

Belt drive fans will tell you several "advantages" over chains, but only two things they say really matter. (The rest are not really advantages over chains in single speed applications.) One: Belt drive set ups are lighter than chain drive. Two: Belts and cogs will outlast chains and chain rings in terms of lifespan. This is somewhat offset by the fact that the looming early wear issues on the bearings are still out there, the efficiency of the entire drive train suffers, and obviously, in terms of costs.

Conclusions: The short and simple is this: Belts are not better than chain drive systems. Not in terms of single speed mountain biking. Belt drive has some advantages, but costs, unknown bearing wear issues, design constraints in terms of frames, and the limited availability of cogs and belts in all gearing ranges is holding belt drive back. For now "The Chain" is the obvious winner.

Maybe Gates will achieve the goals they have set forth for themselves and premium, high end single speed mountain bikes with belt drive will be something that makes sense. However; today that isn't the case, and most of us will be better served with a chain driven single speed mountain bike.

The Belt Drive Odyssey : Part IV

Okay folks, this is the last of this series on "The Belt" vs "The Chain". First though, an update on what has been going on since the last time I posted on this.

I installed a Manitou Tower Expert 100mm travel suspension device on the front of the XXIX. Whew! What a relief to my paws and a major boost to the handling that was! A few more rides revealed no more issues with "The Belt". However; the belt tension is so tight that even with my "throwing" the crank arm as hard as I can backwards, the crank will barely spin one revolution. In contrast, all of my chain driven single speeds spin multiple times around at the crank when doing a similar "throw".  What does this prove? Well, nothing except that there is excessive drag in the belt system which is either due to the tension of the belt resisting engaging with the cogs, or the side loading of the bearings. Probably some of both.

This tells me two things. One: The tension necessary to maintain proper belt/cog interface during hard efforts also decreases efficiency of the system overall. Two: Premature wear of bearings is a distinct possibility.

Now, as for "The Belt" working in a mountain bike setting, I give the system a passing grade. Yes- it works. However; one must "count the costs", both real and in a design sense, in regards to using the Gates Carbon Belt Drive.

First off, let me say that Gates is working very hard to minimize the drawbacks, and someday, (perhaps), they will achieve lower costs, better design integration, and more choices in gearing options. (I speak strictly in terms of mountain biking/racing mountain bikes) However; this is now, and Gates is not there today with those goals accomplished.

So, to get a belt drive to work on a reasonably priced single speed, we have this example of the XXIX. A bike with some serious compromises to geometry, (long, even for 29"ers, chain stays, weird drive line), and efficiency that is lowered due to tension requirements of the belt itself. Whether this will also affect future drive train life expectancy is question not yet answered, but signs point to earlier failure, (snapping, crunching sounds from the free hub body already at this early stage.)

Another point to consider is the current cost to invest into the system. You obviously will need a frame that is compatible with a belt, (currently a very limited selection), and you may need to swap out to a different belt/cog combination. This will prove to be quite expensive, as the current costs of cogs is in the neighborhood of $110-$135.00 and belts are around $65.00-$70.00 each. (You can't simply change the length of a belt, you will have to have different lengths to accommodate different cog options.)

Belt drive fans will tell you several "advantages" over chains, but only two things they say really matter. (The rest are not really advantages over chains in single speed applications.) One: Belt drive set ups are lighter than chain drive. Two: Belts and cogs will outlast chains and chain rings in terms of lifespan. This is somewhat offset by the fact that the looming early wear issues on the bearings are still out there, the efficiency of the entire drive train suffers, and obviously, in terms of costs.

Conclusions: The short and simple is this: Belts are not better than chain drive systems. Not in terms of single speed mountain biking. Belt drive has some advantages, but costs, unknown bearing wear issues, design constraints in terms of frames, and the limited availability of cogs and belts in all gearing ranges is holding belt drive back. For now "The Chain" is the obvious winner.

Maybe Gates will achieve the goals they have set forth for themselves and premium, high end single speed mountain bikes with belt drive will be something that makes sense. However; today that isn't the case, and most of us will be better served with a chain driven single speed mountain bike.

Trans Iowa V7 Update #4

Who You Gonna Call? (Hint: NOT Ghostbusters!)

Along the same vein as my last two updates, I am going to continue on with my discussion of "support" in the case of Trans Iowa. In this post, I am going to detail a specific type of support you should have!

Make A Plan: Basically, your "support" will entail how you plan to get your carcass off course in case you can not finish, don't want to go on, or whatever. Yeah, yeah.....You say you intend on finishing "no matter what", or you say, "I am not even going to think about not finishing", or what have you. Power of positive thinking and all. Yada, yada, yada..........

Listen up folks. You do know that very few people ever finish this event, right? And that means most of you will not finish it. (Sorry to be a "Negative Nancy" here, but I am trying to make a point). You don't know who will be in that elite number, if anyone does finish. (The wild card of weather will have a say in this) So, here is the likely scenario you all will be facing come the day of the event.....

The first checkpoint isn't but 50 miles or so from Grinnell, as the course goes, closer as the crow flies. So, if you bail out there, it is a relatively "easy" ride back, and I would not be surprised if almost everyone that gets in could ride this loop. However; here is the deal: After Checkpoint #1, you will be getting further and further away from Grinnell, and at Checkpoint #2, you'll be as far away as you can get on the course from Grinnell as you can get, approximately 170 miles into the event.

Did you get that? That means if you bail at Checkpoint #2, and you have no one to get you, you will have about as far to get back to Grinnell as it would take you to get back by running the course anyway. If you can go no further by bicycle, you probably will be sitting there a long time, cold, alone, and with zero help. Yep! We won't bail you out. Yer on yer own! Just like we tell you up front. This is very real folks, please take this quite seriously. Oh yeah......did I mention that Checkpoint #2 is at the intersection of a gravel road and a B Maintenance road? Yeah. The middle of nowhere.....

 I said, "Make A Plan!": So, if you were a smart cookie, you would have a friend, relative, or someone along, hanging out in Grinnell to bail your carcass out if you happen to hit the wall, have a bad mechanical, run out of food or water, (or both), and bonk, or whatever, and need assistance. You would have a working cell phone to call them. You would have that cell phone to call me to tell me you are out, and I could possibly give some driving directions to someone to go get you in the middle of some God forsaken Iowa country road.

I would suggest you make that "bail out plan" today. You can deny all you want to that it is necessary, or the idea is not worth considering due to its "negative nature". But.......you might be reconsidering your thoughts of independance in the middle of the night, when you are cold, shivering, and can not go on. 

Think about that seriously.

Trans Iowa V7 Update #4

Who You Gonna Call? (Hint: NOT Ghostbusters!)

Along the same vein as my last two updates, I am going to continue on with my discussion of "support" in the case of Trans Iowa. In this post, I am going to detail a specific type of support you should have!

Make A Plan: Basically, your "support" will entail how you plan to get your carcass off course in case you can not finish, don't want to go on, or whatever. Yeah, yeah.....You say you intend on finishing "no matter what", or you say, "I am not even going to think about not finishing", or what have you. Power of positive thinking and all. Yada, yada, yada..........

Listen up folks. You do know that very few people ever finish this event, right? And that means most of you will not finish it. (Sorry to be a "Negative Nancy" here, but I am trying to make a point). You don't know who will be in that elite number, if anyone does finish. (The wild card of weather will have a say in this) So, here is the likely scenario you all will be facing come the day of the event.....

The first checkpoint isn't but 50 miles or so from Grinnell, as the course goes, closer as the crow flies. So, if you bail out there, it is a relatively "easy" ride back, and I would not be surprised if almost everyone that gets in could ride this loop. However; here is the deal: After Checkpoint #1, you will be getting further and further away from Grinnell, and at Checkpoint #2, you'll be as far away as you can get on the course from Grinnell as you can get, approximately 170 miles into the event.

Did you get that? That means if you bail at Checkpoint #2, and you have no one to get you, you will have about as far to get back to Grinnell as it would take you to get back by running the course anyway. If you can go no further by bicycle, you probably will be sitting there a long time, cold, alone, and with zero help. Yep! We won't bail you out. Yer on yer own! Just like we tell you up front. This is very real folks, please take this quite seriously. Oh yeah......did I mention that Checkpoint #2 is at the intersection of a gravel road and a B Maintenance road? Yeah. The middle of nowhere.....

 I said, "Make A Plan!": So, if you were a smart cookie, you would have a friend, relative, or someone along, hanging out in Grinnell to bail your carcass out if you happen to hit the wall, have a bad mechanical, run out of food or water, (or both), and bonk, or whatever, and need assistance. You would have a working cell phone to call them. You would have that cell phone to call me to tell me you are out, and I could possibly give some driving directions to someone to go get you in the middle of some God forsaken Iowa country road.

I would suggest you make that "bail out plan" today. You can deny all you want to that it is necessary, or the idea is not worth considering due to its "negative nature". But.......you might be reconsidering your thoughts of independance in the middle of the night, when you are cold, shivering, and can not go on. 

Think about that seriously.

A Quick Trip!

Wednesday was a planned quickie trip that Captain Bob and I took to the Twin Cities area to hook up with Jason Boucher, and Ben Witt. We were going to hit up the Murph and Leb trails for whatever we could jam in on a short afternoon, then head back home.

It was well worth it!

The day started out by getting to Milltown Cycles and having a quick lunch of grilled chicken breast and scallions with Ben before we checked out to hook up with Jason at the Murphy Hanrehan trail head. Jason brought over a couple Spearfish rigs, which Captain Bob and I happily hopped on. It wasn't long before we were cruising some fast, smooth Murph trail through the woods.

<====Ummm.......yeah......I have no idea what is going on with this!

For whatever reason, it wasn't an "on" day for me. I couldn't go as fast as the other three out of the gate, and it took a long time for me to finally get a groove on. But I did, and the Spearfish was a lot of fun. Especially down hill.

The day was one of those kind of weird feeling days where you felt rushed to pack in as much as you could get in. Less sunshine, impending weather, and time constraints didn't help matters, I am sure. maybe I was just too stressed out going in. Probably was. I know I really needed that ride!

Then after Murph, we scooted over to Lebanon Hills to get Captain Bob initiated on those trails, which he had never ridden before. It was getting on in the day by this time, and the light was kind of weird. I decided to swap over to my Specialized rig I brought up for testing purposes. Rob stayed on a Spearfish.

About midway into the loop, I started to get real dizzy, my head was aching, and my vision was blurring around the edges. Bonk time!

I said something to the guys, and it was decided to shortcut the loop to the fast, swoopy, banked exit. We got sprinkled on here a bit. By the time we got back to the lot, dark clouds were rolling in. We all packed in our stuff and went over to Jason's house, and when we got there the skies cut loose with lightning, thunder, and very heavy rain. Maybe that headache/bonk was Divine Intervention? Maybe.

Anyway, we ate some pizzas with Jason's awesome family, and hit the road home. I got back very late, tired, and sore from sitting in a car for 3.5 hours after working so hard on a bike. But.....like I said,

It was worth it!

A Quick Trip!

Wednesday was a planned quickie trip that Captain Bob and I took to the Twin Cities area to hook up with Jason Boucher, and Ben Witt. We were going to hit up the Murph and Leb trails for whatever we could jam in on a short afternoon, then head back home.

It was well worth it!

The day started out by getting to Milltown Cycles and having a quick lunch of grilled chicken breast and scallions with Ben before we checked out to hook up with Jason at the Murphy Hanrehan trail head. Jason brought over a couple Spearfish rigs, which Captain Bob and I happily hopped on. It wasn't long before we were cruising some fast, smooth Murph trail through the woods.

<====Ummm.......yeah......I have no idea what is going on with this!

For whatever reason, it wasn't an "on" day for me. I couldn't go as fast as the other three out of the gate, and it took a long time for me to finally get a groove on. But I did, and the Spearfish was a lot of fun. Especially down hill.

The day was one of those kind of weird feeling days where you felt rushed to pack in as much as you could get in. Less sunshine, impending weather, and time constraints didn't help matters, I am sure. maybe I was just too stressed out going in. Probably was. I know I really needed that ride!

Then after Murph, we scooted over to Lebanon Hills to get Captain Bob initiated on those trails, which he had never ridden before. It was getting on in the day by this time, and the light was kind of weird. I decided to swap over to my Specialized rig I brought up for testing purposes. Rob stayed on a Spearfish.

About midway into the loop, I started to get real dizzy, my head was aching, and my vision was blurring around the edges. Bonk time!

I said something to the guys, and it was decided to shortcut the loop to the fast, swoopy, banked exit. We got sprinkled on here a bit. By the time we got back to the lot, dark clouds were rolling in. We all packed in our stuff and went over to Jason's house, and when we got there the skies cut loose with lightning, thunder, and very heavy rain. Maybe that headache/bonk was Divine Intervention? Maybe.

Anyway, we ate some pizzas with Jason's awesome family, and hit the road home. I got back very late, tired, and sore from sitting in a car for 3.5 hours after working so hard on a bike. But.....like I said,

It was worth it!

Bike Shop Horrors! Shark Tooth!

A local gravel grinder came in with his bike thinking all he needed was a new chain and cassette.

Bzzzt!

Wrong answer. As all good mechanics know, you've got to check out those chain rings as well. Many times they also need replacing. This one was glaringly obvious.

Just replacing a chain, at the proper time, can be a good way to go, but once everything wears beyond a certain point, you are going to have to replace the drive train as a whole: Chain, cassette, and chain wheel(s). This fellow obviously uses his big ring as his main drive gear, but I also replaced his middle ring, as it also showed significant wear, just not as severe as the big ring.

Sure, it cost him a little more, but he wouldn't have been able to pedal one revolution with just a new chain and cassette without the chain "skipping" over that waaaaaay worn out big ring!

Bike Shop Horrors! Shark Tooth!

A local gravel grinder came in with his bike thinking all he needed was a new chain and cassette.

Bzzzt!

Wrong answer. As all good mechanics know, you've got to check out those chain rings as well. Many times they also need replacing. This one was glaringly obvious.

Just replacing a chain, at the proper time, can be a good way to go, but once everything wears beyond a certain point, you are going to have to replace the drive train as a whole: Chain, cassette, and chain wheel(s). This fellow obviously uses his big ring as his main drive gear, but I also replaced his middle ring, as it also showed significant wear, just not as severe as the big ring.

Sure, it cost him a little more, but he wouldn't have been able to pedal one revolution with just a new chain and cassette without the chain "skipping" over that waaaaaay worn out big ring!

Trans Iowa V7: Registration Update/Announcements For Rookies

<==I'll be showing some recently received post cards along with this announcement. (Yes, this was one of them!)

Registration For Rookies: On November 15th, 2011 the registration for at least 40 spots on the Trans Iowa roster will open for those who have never been at a Trans Iowa before. Please read the following very carefully. If you mess this up, your entry will be disqualified. Remember: Registration is by postcard only and that postcard can be delivered by regular post, overnight express mail, hand delivered, by carrier pigeon, or magic, if you can conjure it up. I don't care by what means you deliver a postcard, just as long as you get it to me NO SOONER THAN NOVEMBER 15th @ 9am.

The Following Items Must Be On The Postcard! Keep in mind that these items must be legible, and I am the final judge on what is, and what isn't legible. If I can not make the info out, I won't ask for clarification, I will throw out your entry. So you've been warned!

Also, please know that your information will not be shared with anyone else. I only need this stuff in case we need to get a hold of you before the event, via e-mail, or during the event, in case of emergency.

#1: Your Name

#2: A Phone Number
This must be a cell phone number we can reach you at the day of the event.

#3: Class Designation
Choose one from Men's Open, Woman's Open, or Single Speed/Fixed

#4: Your E-mail Address
It is super important that this be readable on the card, and accurate. If I get a bogus e-mail, or it pings back, you may risk being left off the roster at some point. Remember: I only need this for communication as to pre-race details and what not.

#5: Write Down "The Golden Rule" From The Trans Iowa V7 Site In Its Entirety.
You can find the "Golden Rule" on the T.I.V7 site in the "Race Rules" section at the top. I need to be able to read all 44 of the words and numbers clearly.

Mailing Address For Post Cards:
Europa Cycle and Ski C/O Trans Iowa,
4302 University Avenue,
Cedar Falls, IA, 50613

Okay......any questions? Better e-mail me ASAP from the address in the right margin here or on the T.I.V7 site.

Update On Roster So Far: Of the 100 open spots so far we have 22 Veterans in and 20 Finishers in for a grand total of 42 spots out of 100 so far. Stay tuned for updates on the Veteran Registration, Roster Updates, and more on this site, the Trans Iowa V7 site, Twitter on my feed @guitarted1961, or by checking the hash tag #tiv7, or on Facebook.

Trans Iowa V7: Registration Update/Announcements For Rookies

<==I'll be showing some recently received post cards along with this announcement. (Yes, this was one of them!)

Registration For Rookies: On November 15th, 2011 the registration for at least 40 spots on the Trans Iowa roster will open for those who have never been at a Trans Iowa before. Please read the following very carefully. If you mess this up, your entry will be disqualified. Remember: Registration is by postcard only and that postcard can be delivered by regular post, overnight express mail, hand delivered, by carrier pigeon, or magic, if you can conjure it up. I don't care by what means you deliver a postcard, just as long as you get it to me NO SOONER THAN NOVEMBER 15th @ 9am.

The Following Items Must Be On The Postcard! Keep in mind that these items must be legible, and I am the final judge on what is, and what isn't legible. If I can not make the info out, I won't ask for clarification, I will throw out your entry. So you've been warned!

Also, please know that your information will not be shared with anyone else. I only need this stuff in case we need to get a hold of you before the event, via e-mail, or during the event, in case of emergency.

#1: Your Name

#2: A Phone Number
This must be a cell phone number we can reach you at the day of the event.

#3: Class Designation
Choose one from Men's Open, Woman's Open, or Single Speed/Fixed

#4: Your E-mail Address
It is super important that this be readable on the card, and accurate. If I get a bogus e-mail, or it pings back, you may risk being left off the roster at some point. Remember: I only need this for communication as to pre-race details and what not.

#5: Write Down "The Golden Rule" From The Trans Iowa V7 Site In Its Entirety.
You can find the "Golden Rule" on the T.I.V7 site in the "Race Rules" section at the top. I need to be able to read all 44 of the words and numbers clearly.

Mailing Address For Post Cards:
Europa Cycle and Ski C/O Trans Iowa,
4302 University Avenue,
Cedar Falls, IA, 50613

Okay......any questions? Better e-mail me ASAP from the address in the right margin here or on the T.I.V7 site.

Update On Roster So Far: Of the 100 open spots so far we have 22 Veterans in and 20 Finishers in for a grand total of 42 spots out of 100 so far. Stay tuned for updates on the Veteran Registration, Roster Updates, and more on this site, the Trans Iowa V7 site, Twitter on my feed @guitarted1961, or by checking the hash tag #tiv7, or on Facebook.