Trans Iowa Pics

Trixie takes the pics.

Get up!

Wired

Lets bow our heads

Smiles all around

Scott is so polite not to put his bottles on the counter

Flat

Polish

Ahh yes, pain.

Farrow

Moo at them and they take a step closer

Rolling into CP1

I was 50/50 here, Cornbread was 100

I even aired the tires

Props

More props...can you guess why?

donuts, I called it quits.

Trans Iowa

Scenic drive west was littered with pee stops. Our knowledge of a 5pm pasta feed had us scrambling to find some $5 foot longs quick. So Trixie, Aris, Theo, Brandon, Jordan and I pulled of into the Troll Capitol of the World for some Subway. Who would of guessed it, that a fellow TI crazy would show up at the same Subway at the same time? In Mount Horab, WI?? Squidbuzz was on his way with his Fam sporting a svveet full suspension. I had been looking at his bike set up all week. Great guy and a nice frame pack.


It was talk about TI prep time at the pre-race meeting/pasta feed. Scoletrain and Scott were swarmed by us at the table. Scott talked about TI and 24/9 and Scott talked about RAAM. It was so neat talking to two guys that are as experienced and successful as they. The stuff that came out of their two mouth's had me rethinking, reworking and repacking my gear, all for the better I must say.




It was cold. Aris and I got up around 2:30am to get dressed and load the bikes. I would do short quick shuttles back and forth from the hotel lobby to the truck it was so cold. The breakfast of choice was Pop-Tarts(said with a quick "pop"). Aris and I were ready. Smiles all around. It was go time. Guitar Ted gave the double beep from his car and we were off. Up up up we went. The goal was to not blow, tear or tweak anything on the body. Aris and I kind of settle in as the lead group stayed in our sights for some time. The weather was crazy 20-40mph winds, temps felt like the teens and the gravel was certainly gravel. As my fingers were on the rebound I start to look around. I see Scott Cole and Endurosnob within arm's reach. We were in good company.



The climbs started to peak their way through the nights sky. This only excited 16yr old Aris as he stormed up each one as if it was the last. He was really looking good. Of course, when you go up, you must go down. g-tED even warned us of some nasty 40mph descents within the first 17miles, and to not end our race so early into the event. What did Aris do at mile 15? He gaped us by, I'd say, 50yards on a snake descent. Of course, he kept it rolling and talking to new peeps as often as he could.



It was getting to be time to turn off our lights. A beautiful sun rise was out of the question. The effort was beyond me with rarely ever a break. We would ride south for 3-6miles at a time which meant cross wind. I would huddle to the left of someone and Aris to the left of me and then someone to the left of Aris. We would span the entire road trying to survive winds I never thought I would ever ride in. My right side was starting to cramp and I would pray the cue sheet was going to turn us.



It did. Right into the head wind. For 38miles we were cross wind, head wind, repeat. Cresco was the first town. I was loving the Heed, so I needed to refill. Eating and drinking was going great! Aris was still riding strong and I had managed to meet and chat with the rest of the group.



Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey(5th finisher). This guy never took a break. He was ALWAYS taking the brunt of the wind. He was ALWAYS out front carrying the group. The nicest guy too. Charles Parsons(fourth finisher) was another one that amazed me. He defined minimalist out there with nothing on his back or bike, knee warmers and a thermal jersey. He would make numerous stops on his own to pee(something I would never risk doing) and always effortlessly make his way back to the front of the pack.



Aris was on the down stroke at about mile 50. He had verbalized to me that he was thinking of dropping. Corey and Scott both made it a point to circle the troops around him and make sure he stayed with us. I truly commend everyone in our chase group for doing what they did to make sure Aris was in a safe place to call it quits.



Aris showed the peeps his stuff. For the conditions and his age, he did more than most mortals would ever be forced to do. Aris has the up side! At his stopping point (mile 70ish) Aris helped fix my flat and the crew did their thing. He waved goodbye we were headed for some tailwind snacks and monster climbs.



Climbs I never though possible in the Midwest. They were eating away at my chance to stay with the group. Mix the wind and the ascents and you get a serious regret for running the gear I brung. I could have easily managed to make it to CP1 on an easier gearing.



With 10 miles to go until CP1 our chase group had blown up thanks to more climbing. Corey and Charles paired and Scott stayed with me(thankfully). Those last few miles g-tED threw in right before CP1 really put the thought of DNF into my head. We had spent all day worrying about even making it to the checkpoint on time, with only a few miles to go we knew we were going to make it. Nice, but we weren't even a third into the race...And we still had to go west for miles. We strolled into the first CP with 30minutes to spare. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hang on to Corey's, Charles's or Scott's wheel. They all did everything they could to talk me in to going, but I didn't want to slow anyone's chances of making it to CP2. I had already put out an effort harder than ever before. This was the toughest 9.5 hours I have ever endured, bike or no bike. I felt good because of it. I still feel good today.



Trixie, Theo, Brandon and Jordan did everything they could to help Aris and I. Thank you!



The folks from Lincoln are pronasty.



Guitar Ted can plan out a tough course and an awsome event!



Scoletrain thanks for getting me to CP1. Much respect for heading back out there.

pics to follow

Checkpoint 1

I pulled the plug at checkpoint 1.

I hope there is a 5th.

more later

We Made It

Hey everyone - It's Trixie reporting tonight. We made it safe and sound to Iowa. We faced some rain on the way, but had our share of sunshine as well. When we arrived it was in the mid 70's and now has dropped to the 40's. Gus and Aris are looking at mid 30's for the start at 4 a.m.
T-Bock's welcomed us for registration and dinner Pasta Feed - enjoyed hearing some TransIowa advice from the man himself

Guitar Ted giving us the low-down - guidelines and course changes (only one so far - a river crossing has been taken out due to the excessive amounts of rainfall)

This is where it all begins...a nice climb up Quarry Hill Rd. We rode the first few miles of the course tonight ...long gravel climb..followed by some nice downhill - potholes galore

Gus and Aris spent the night going over every last detail...and now are resting safe and sound. The alarm is set for 2:30 am. I plan to post some updates tomorrow.

-Trix

I think I'm Ready

I finally feel that I am ready to go. We will sleep in(prob 7am, ugh) on Friday morning. Then it is off to Aris's crib to pick up him and his bike. Theo, Brandon, Jordan and Buckwheat all look to be making the trip to Iowa to keep Trixi company. g-tED posted a Thursday pic of a section on the course...I will NOT change a thing on my bike. I will however put the look of determination on my face as I chug through this early Sunday morning.

Well, All that is TI can't wait. Friday looks to be just as fun as Saturday, however Sunday is sure to take the cake. We hope for some type of internet connection in Iowa to make one last post.

Below isn't everything...I still need to add:


extra pair of socks


pants


wet wipes


ibuprofen


more Shot Bloks


extra water bottle for the BD1

Roger That

missing: Cue sheet

The best part about Trans Iowa vs. a 24/9 is you don't gotta do the $80 grocery trip all at once.

A few additions on your left

Trans Iowa - Its the official TI web site. Look (click the pic) for at least one more update before 4am on Saturday. Also read and scroll to familiarize yourself with this epik event. Aris and I will be heading out early Friday morning for Decorah, IA. Our goals are of course to finish. Aris is looking for an "*" next to his name - The youngest TI finisher. More posts to come.


g-tED - Guitar Ted. Hmmmm. Don't really know what to say. I can't wait to shake his hand this weekend. He rides, reviews and posts better than most. Before you know it, you'll have him linked too.

Squirrel - Cause he titles his post "Riding is good". Rumor has it, he might show up at 24/9.


In other news:

I have a nice little window on Thursday morning to finalize everything TI. From packing and repacking my pack to charging the batteries and reading blogs. I can't wait.

Speaking of packing. Get a look at this little number from Endura. Lickidy split this sweet Ultralite Jacket was delivered right to my front door last week just in time for some testing and drooling. Breathable waterproof fabric that folds into the palm of your hand. I won't even know its packed. Endura won me over in less than one winter ride two winters ago. Folks, if they can keep me comfortable at minus10, they must be doing something right. I am staying true, they will soon keep me dry and spinning at Trans Iowa. Thanks Endura!
Zipper zips up to the side leaving you with a super soft under-chin.

I love long sleeves. I LOVE THEM.

Bar Wrapping Saturday

Grill, tunes, fam, Buckwheat, unwrap
Trans Iowa secret

all finished!

Tried on the new Lazer Genesis lid, never before have I felt a more comfortable fit.

We got some practice stopping at stores in the dark...
Stella on the left, Princeton Tech triple on the right. Both should be more than enough light to get us through the night. Only downer is that the Princeton Tech takes a 10cell battery vs. the Stella's 6cell. However, I may take the cub as a safety which would bring my total to 9cells anyways.

All in all a great weekend. No Rock Cut or Sea Otter or any other, we just relaxed and chilled. Trans Iowa is like 5days away. I think the stuff is ready. Are you? Am I?

Great One

Friday Commute Java

Center

Bar Wrapping Party - Saturday, April 19

In Preparation for the epic journey ahead, Aris and I will be hosting a Bar Wrapping Party on Saturday the 19th of April. We have tons of new t o y s that have freshly arrived from our sponsors that need to install and test and adjust. The party is sure to work its way into the evening for we will be embarking on our final night cruise to dial the lights in. Most importantly, we are wrapping the handlebars on our Trans Iowa bikes many times over.

Guest Instructions -
(Blog the following instructions to the guests that will be attending.)

1. Bring your own scissors and tape.
   
2. Bring at least 3 rolls of Fruity colored bar tape(1 each of elegant, kid/fun, and traditional themed wrap) and 2 rolls of ribbon to use and share (we're creating a bar wrap potluck).
   
3. Bring all the bikes you need to get wrapped.
   
4. I will provide a variety of frame labels, some women-friendly snacks (aka chocolate), beverages and the "season is upon us" ambience.

B there or B square - Email if interested.

Overlap? No...Ergon BD1? Yes

Plenty of clearance there.

Plenty of excitement here. This is very TIable. BD1 is for real.

Trek 69er

Changes:
Bontrager X-Lite Switchblade 26in fork
Sun Ringle Custom 29er Front - center lock, DB spokes w/red nipples.
Bontrager X-Lite OS Stem - 100mm

Missing:
Ergon GX2 Leichtbau


I couldn't get the caliper over enough to properly hug the rotor, so I stuffed one of those presta valve thingies that comes with your tubes. Seems to have worked for now...

So far this looks to be my 2008 WORS ride.

H8TR pics here

H8'n the H8TR

It stayed true to self. Everything you need to truly H8 a race - Cold, sleet, rainow mix, mud in your face and the most wicked head wind on the way home. I was a bit up and down, as was Aris. We were just off schedule of each other so I managed to hang on to the 6-strong chase group(as Aris faded) till just before the half way point. I reeled in the suffering Carloski on the my way home - made his hung over A** pull me most of the way. I ended up getting back into town solosixthish which was the worst mistake I could have made. I left the "final loop" map in my other jacket! I rode around for a bit, went this way, went that way...Strolled in to take a DNF. Aris caught a handful in town and managed a 9th overall. The bikes rode amazingly well. The tires held their line in the mud and rolled super smooth on the road and gravel. Aris and I could not be more stoked for Trans Iowa thanks to the H8TR. Move over Rock Cut, the H8TR is the new season opener.

Aris won Endurosnob's work of art in the Swag Give Away! I swear, everyone walked away with something sweet.

Controlled lead out was pronasty. Got to chat with new team rider, Joe Horvath. Great guy!

CPC

H8'n

Can't wait to see all the TI peeps again in less than two weeks! See Y'all too soon.

Tire Gamble for H8TR/Trans Iowa

Saturday will be a very important day regarding tire selection for Trans Iowa(if it works for H8TR, it will? work for TI). The H8TR 100 is sure going to test our bikes. Rain/snow mix with temps in the upper 30's is slated for Madison tomorrow. Hmmm. H8TR will have TI weather, TI bikes and TI peeps...Why not a TI pace? We'll see. No matter what - It's going to be a blast.


Addition:

Lazer Helmets ship Today!
Ergon is on its way!!
Endura heads out on Monday!!!

Build-A-Who?

Just my luck. The one day I could put 4+ in the saddle i get this. Why can't it just stay in Iowa?
So the day will consist of as much Revmaster as my mind can take and then some Frankenstein Build-A-Bike sessions.
By the time 3pm rolls around, I hope to have something to show...err...that rolls.