Trans Iowa IV

Let's see, we'll get the obvious out of the way first: Didn't make it as far (in terms of mileage) as last year, didn't even make the first of 3 time cuts, and didn't finish. Added 6 miles due to missed turns, with 6 miles of returning to the missed turns, adding up to 12 "extra" miles and about an hour lost. I lost my cue sheets somewhere in the last 9 miles to checkpoint one and had no idea until I was at a turn with no one around. So I had to wait. The next guy through was Vassago Ben (fixed), he had sheets but the only piece missing (held them in his mouth for a bit and it disintegrated) was the direction to turn onto Derby. Luckily Cale wasn't too far behind and his sheets were complete. We all busted ass to get into town, knowing we were close (we had about 2 minutes by my computer clock) but missed it by 2 minutes according to the checkpoint volunteers watch. We were denied cue sheets to continue. Only 1 of our 6 made it in time (barely) and that was Travis "Brotate" Braun. He didn't continue on though (but did ride back to Decorah with Matt), along with all but 8 or so of the 17 who had made the cutoff (Travis was #17). The wind was that bad. It had drained everyone.

Now, having typed all of that you would think I would be a bit bitter about the confusing "slight right on 110" which was a hard right and a dead end with the missing left turn info, but we found our way. Or maybe I'd blame the missed stake for the first (of many) re-routes due to high flood waters as my betrayer. Well, you'd be wrong. Those are just some of the reasons this race is the bomb.

I rode probably the best race of my life. My body never let me down. I ate well. I hydrated perfectly. While saddened that I didn't make it further, I am 100% satisfied with my performance. It shows me that I have been learning from past failures and am becoming a better cyclist. I am still mostly bitter and upset about v3's performance. My v4 performance was spot on, the elements just won out over me and a lot of other riders. I'm very grateful for the group I was in, the comraderie was top notch, humor abundant, and we were consistent and cohesive. That's probably the reason I'm so positive on the event. I was never alone to think evil bad poor me thoughts, I was in a dynamic group and had fun suffering all the conditions, whether it was missed turns, frigid cold "balmy" wind, sleet, ruts, potholes of unusual sizes, or gusts that blew us around like ragdolls. Thanks Cale, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Hennessey.

Not only did I ride better than I had hoped, I had way more fun than I've had in a long time during a race. My computer said we had just under 9 hours of solid ride time. I think there was only a short stretch of silence where we weren't gaffing and laughing. The Brotators were like riding with 8Ball and gRant, always up for shenanigans. Travis and I even shared a mailbox sprint up one of the evil final climbs ( I SOOO kicked his arse with a blistering 3mph sprint, boo yah!!) Cale, too, was entertaining despite not initially believing me that it was at least a "balmy" 31 degrees (before windchill) or that the leaders were "afraid" of us ss'ers "chasing" them and "hiding" the re-route flags. (no way could we have missed them, it had to be those smart, efficient gearies right?).

There are multiple conflicting reports going around, so I don't know the accuracy of it all yet, but this is what we knew to be the "facts" at the time:

• There were 16 people ahead of us in the lead pack. 3 of them SS'ers.
• We were the first chasing group. (Before the lead pack shattered)
  
• Our group was made up of 6 singlespeeders. Cale, Matt & Travis B., Brian, Hennessey, and me.
• We were about 30 minutes behind them at Cresco. We were making great time but that is where the frigid cold (a balmy frigid cold though) and the strong sustained winds (30-35mph with 45mh gusts) started to take it's toll on our average speed. We had been hauling around 18mph, now we were working way too hard to maintain 12mph.
• The semi head/crosswind heading South was the main killer. We were all riding at a cant of about 45 degrees to vertical. I made the comment that it looked like were were all in the villain's chambers in the Batman tv series, where the cameras were all angled.
• It wasn't just the sustained wind though, the gusts when climbing the long final climbs to Wadena had us struggling, pedalling with all our might DOWNHILL at a rocketing 5.5mph!!! We were climbing faster than we could descend. That, my friends is the power of the wind. Like Matt said "if only we could harness this power".
• Out of the 17 that made the cuttoff, only 8 pressed on, with only 5 of them continuing after 5PM and those 5 would be the only remaining racers and eventual finishers.
• The route was cut short by 100 miles due to rising flood waters and worsening roads.
• Cale doesn't like "lite" beer.

Special thanks out to Linus at Yazoo Brew and Sharpie at Swiftwick for helping me out with prizing. The Yazoo was well received by all and the OTC woolies kept my legs and feet warm in the freezing temps. I also had "magic" legs in the last, long climbs - the compression socks prevented the dead legs. I only wish I'd had enough to set up a support tent at Cresco and Wadena, where riders could warm up and get "endless" legs from fresh Swiftwicks or brighten their spirits with some Yazoo Brew. I hope the winners enjoy their wares.

Thanks also to Jen at Walz Caps for my ear flappy wool cycling cappy, it kept my head and left ear toasty warm (the right ear and nostril froze from the cross wind, but it was only due to it's constant determination of the evil wind, not the fault of the wool). Walz Caps are the best caps out there, period.

Thanks to Epic Eric for getting my bags built and to me in such short order. My Epic Designs Framebag is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It made all the difference in my performance. I noticed no weight and all my food and items were easily accessible while riding at pace, even in the wind. I have plans to order a new hydration bladder holder from Eric, riding with the Brotating Brauns, I garnered a brilliant idea for getting the water weight (and thus any pack) off of my back. I had no pain issues with my wingnut, but I hate wearing it and I have to take it off to shed layers or access the back pockets, all of which cost energy and time to be lost.

I ran Ernesto Lube (as I have been all year) and it has been the best lube I've ever used. Silent and efficient chains and no hassle or messes. It held on through many rain storms traveling up North and many, many, muddy, gritty gravel grinders. My chain is still clean and quiet without having to re-lube. It holds well. Thanks for hooking me up with the biodegradeable-ness, Ernesto!

Last, but definitely not least, HUGE thanks out to G.Ted (Mark) and D.P. for going to such great lengths to provide us all with a killer time. Thanks to all the volunteers, racers, and friends new and old for the good times, memories, and personal challenges. Ride on!

Shoe Mittens!

Just a quick update:
Didn't finish. Made it to the first checkpoint 2 minutes too late. Perhaps if we didn't miss the re-route or the directions in some spots had been clearer, the 12 extra miles (hour lost) might have allowed me time, or if the evil wind hadn't stolen my queue sheets with 9 miles left and I didn't have to wait for 2 riders to come before one had directions I could have eked in under time, but as it stands all of that is part of the experience and part of the fun. I'm proud of my race, effort, preparation, and fitness. Devastated by the 35 mph sustained winds and 40-45 mph gusts we fought all day. Had a great time. Rode strong with 5 great ss'ers, several top SS finishers from last year; spot on in the group I was hoping to hang with. At least there was a bar at the end. Still digesting it all. Currently hangin' at the Hoffman tavern drinking some Mothership Wit after a short spit around town.

ARRRRGH!!!!!

I should count my blessings that H. noticed the low tire and the metal shard today, early enough to get the car to the tire place and the truck to her for work, but I'm still frustrated. I'm left without, but once I get home at least I'll have a bike. Assumed it could be plugged, but it turns out the nail went in through the tread, bent, and came out the side wall. They can't patch/plug it. Naturally the place (where I've bought all my tires (practically every year - damn Mazda) from) doesn't have my tire in stock, nor at any of their other local stores, so I'm told there "should" be one on the truck coming in tomorrow. "should"? I politely informed them that I have plans to leave town tomorrow and that "should" wasn't going to settle me, especially when I still have several hours to try to track down a damn Mazda tire (love the cars, hate their stock tire choices as NO one ever has them in stock and the cars eat through them, zoom zoom) from some other local dealers to get brought over and installed. I walked over to confirm, they said yes and promised the car by 11:30am tomorrow. We'll see if that happens. Another $150 bucks down the drain. Damn Mazda - Z rated low profile, stupid wide, barely 10,000 mile tires. Argh! They are only 4 months old too... dammit!

So catastrophe averted. Plans rearranged. Some hoops jumped through. Some sacrifices made, but we should be able to get out near planned time tomorrow. What a pain in the ass, but again, I should count my blessings. Better now than on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere Iowa or along the interstate in nowhere Illinois. Normally it'd be no big deal, we could swap to another vehicle, only there is only one other option and it is requiring service to repair a compressor. The other option is a cramped rear seat $150 per tank Diesel truck that would almost triple our fuel bill. The other attendee doesn't have a vehicle that would work. Frustrating, but I feel oh so much better venting.

Note to self: befriend friends with nicer vehicles. So who's driving me to Kanza? :-)

It's begun.

The packing has started. I'm packing a bit lighter than last year, but more wisely. I'm carrying less calories than last year, but better calories. I carried enough to get me through without needing to stop last year, however none of it was appealing after 8 hours in the saddle. By 15 hours, I couldn't get myself to swallow any of it without gagging. The gas station burgers and tastey freezes along the way were way more appealing and satisfying. It sounds like there may be far less convenience stores along this years longer, tougher route, so I'm packing for the "just this side of worse" case, but more wisely selected nutrition than last year.

I also am loving the Epic Designs frame bag. More hills with Old Greg Sunday with a heavy, heavy load in the bag along with 2 full 24oz water bottles and the bike climbed nimbly. I never noticed the additional weight from the saddle or while standing. Lifting the bike, you feel it; riding you don't. Perfect.

Despite all efforts to not have to carry a pack on my back, I'll be running 80oz of water in my wingnut. At least it'll just be the water weight this year. But 2 bottles isn't going to cut it, considering this year's route is destined to be more challenging and I ran out of water for a long, grueling stretch despite having topped off every chance I could last year. I hadn't even reached the 80 mile no service stretch either! Just a long, hot, thirst inducing head wind from hell section.

I've gotten the bike dialed. The drive train issues resolved. My pacing strategy figured out. Several "survival" mode scenarios played out in my head. And, most importantly, my nutritional strategy. That's where I always suffer, but I think I've gotten a good base line from last years T.I. effort and the lessons learned at Leadville.

Despite not logging the uber miles I put in for last years attempt, I'm feeling strong. I'm to where 50 miles feels like an hour and a half effort. That's a far cry from being strong enough for 347 miles, but I feel prepared without being burned out. My gearing is feeling spot on. I'm sure there will be points where I wish for more gearing and several points where I'll wish for less gearing, which pretty much means I'm geared appropriately. Since the course is unknown, that's an assumption and we all know what happens when we assume, however I am certain I am much more wisely geared than last years 2:1@26" gear selection. I've got my favorite day to day/cyclocross gearing on. I've gotten more miles logged on this gear combination than all others combined. So at least I'll feel at home, even if I'm hating life in Iowa.

I'm ready to get the show on the road. The final week is always the hardest to get through. Doubt of fitness, preparedness, and mental preparation all try to creep in. So far this year I'm feeling more secure. I'm not brash enough to say I "will" finish, but I "will" give it my all. I have an exit strategy prepared, as 32 hours is a long time and myriad things can happen outside of my control: weather, cars/drunk drivers, equipment failure, I could roll up on a racer needing medical attention, alien abductions, angry pig farmers, children of the corn, I could lose my cue sheets, the list goes on and on... inherent risks for all such adventures.

Yeah, I'm in a much stronger and better frame of mind this year. My only real fear is that it won't be as much fun as it was last year. I'm glad the route is a secret as at least the navigation/orienteering/where the f*ck am I? portion of the "fun" will still be there. But I fear the camaraderie may not be there for me this year. I have a feeling I'll be faster than the back of the packers for most of the route but slower than the front of the packers and be in a limbo world. The best parts of last year were running into Mojoe in Decorah and enjoying pre-riders meeting beers, riding early stretches with him too, sharing 2 for 1 cheeseburgers with T.roy, almost every customer at the gas stations asking if we were with RAGBRAI, sipping from the flask every 100 miles ticked over and after grin inducing downhills, riding with D.P. from the afternoon till pulling the plug, riding with Paul and his group in the evening hours, drinking pitchers with D.P., Dave Nice, and T.roy after calling an end to the journey. Those are the portions that last and are the hardest to reproduce, as they happen best when organic and unplanned. Those are the things that draw me back, aside from the journey to finish what to me is my GDR or Iditasport. My gravel brevet designed by endurance mountain bikers.

See you in Iowa fellas!

King Cornfed

More impeccable timing. NPT (Nashville Public Television), one of the free broadcast channels I can get from the antenna, had an independent lens show on last night that I have been eagerly anticipating since I first caught wind of it: King Corn.



Not only did it entertain, provoke thoughts on what I eat, and turn kind of depressing towards the end, but it made me laugh and mentally inspired me to get stoked up about grinding some gravel. Plenty of great corn porn, tractors, combines (that's Frank), and silos. Even plenty of shots of the concrete grain towers that, as a kid, I always thought looked like giant robots about to crush the town from a distance. That's one thing I miss about the Midwest, being able to see the next town that is 40+ miles away. In Middle Tennessee we have so many hills and hollers that visibility is limited to a few miles, up there in the wide open everything feels so much larger. Luckily Trans Iowa will provide me with plenty of time and miles to get my corn land fix.

Time For Hope

After a very stormy overnight and early morning, Friday really delivered. Not only was it a sunny, warm, and beautiful, albeit breezy, spring day, but my new go bike go bits came in. H. delivered my replacement go-go crankset and bottom bracket, the mail box place delivered my new go-go rubbers, and Mother Nature and Mama (aka Free Speed) conspired in concert to deliver little baby Hope (aka Time for Hope).


Here she is peeking out from under the safety of Mama:


And doing what babies do best, looking cute:


She couldn't have come at a better time and, to steal a line for the second time, be more impeccably appropriately named. She's a symbol of good things to come and a beacon of hope in some turmoiled times for several close friends/family members and myself. Despite the weekend turning colder, raining, and some close medical calls and late night hours trying to keep the lil' babe around a while longer, she ushered in a refreshing and revitalizing weekend.



The Epic Designs Frame bag got it's initial ride on the Surly Saturday and I couldn't be happier with it. I wish I could say the same for my go-go bottom bracket. It worked. It spun. It just didn't seat in as it should, or appears to have seated. Saturday after a great ride with T.roy, I pulled it apart again and did some investigating. All is seated better now and spins better, but I'm still questioning it (natch). Tuesday will bring back the sun, warmth, and another test ride. Weds looks even better, then Thursday I'm "leaving on a jet plane, not sure when I'll be back again". (Seriously, I'm flying American, I'm not sure if I'll be leaving on time with all their recent flight cancellations). All one can do is "Hope" for the best.


Special shout-out-o-thanks to Henry of Harpeth Bicycles for leading Mike, Scott, and I out on a fun road bike gravel grinder version. It was nice not having to lead/map out a ride for once and it's always exciting learning and experiencing new roads. Any of you closet mtb roadies should take Henry up for these training rides, they are a hoot, with ear to ear grin inspiring 38+ mph decents on steep, twisty gravel roads all on 25mm road tires. Good times. As Mike pointed out it was the "bizarro Thad ride", completely opposite the way we normally ride. Which was a nice change of pace and pretty entertaining. Henry left us and the boys were still hungry for a bit more (they are both racing Cohutta next week) so I pulled out the trusty map, consulted with Henry, then led a "no wrong turns" (thank you very much) route, finishing up with spent legs, cold wind, and some rain. Perfect.

Impeccably Appropriate

Another 2 hours of gravel/off-road test riding and an enjoyable commute in to work with the Epic Designs Frame Bag. I'm loving it. In fact I just ordered a Gas Tank. I had discussed with a fellow (and somewhat jealous) cyclist about maybe getting a larger sized one for commuting, make it easier to haul clothing, computers, etc... but the more I thought about it, packed it, rode with it, the more I leaned towards having the adaptability of the Gas Tank and the Frame Bag.

Tent pole loops Eric put in for me conveniently double as CO2 cartridge holders. Each loop easily accommodating 3-4 16gram canisters without getting in the way of the rest of my pack. Not quite a bandoleer, but much better than them clanking around loose and a happy discovery for a "dual purpose" tent pole strap. I heft the bike over a gate to get onto the paved road from the gravel farm road. When the rack is on it, even empty, it's an extra grunt to heave it over. You feel where the added weight is. Same with a heavily loaded saddle bag. This pack, loaded with 9 CO2s, 3 2.235 tubes, rain jacket & pants, multi-tool, 2 Pedros tire levers, a CO2 inflater cap, extra chain links, and a 3 allen triangle wrench, was barely a noticeable weight difference. Easy to grasp the back of the top tube and the stem and lift it balanced. Same was true with riding the hills to work. Out of the saddle the tail waggles when loaded with a rack, or the saddle bag bounces around; the frame bag was secure and hid the weight well.

That got me thinking rather than a larger pack, ordering up a smaller one for the shorter 4-12 hour epic rides. Reason being the weight balance is impeccable. So now I'm thinking ultra thin with elastic CO2 holders and enough room for 3-4 tubes. Maybe a compression strap. Or I might go with an inverted gas tank design. Not sure. I'm going to keep playing with it, but so far I'm already ready to say Sia-nara to the fanny pack of doom I've been using on rides like Snake, ORAMM, Swank, & Leadville.

Why not a saddle bag? I don't like that they are either too big or too little. They are often cumbersome to access with their usual straps over and around the zippers or a pain to repack or deal with when muddy. They also block or limit tail lights and reflectors. I was able to pull a tube, CO2, tool, and jacket out while riding today. It's that easy to get into this thing. Not that I can change a flat while riding (though that would be pretty cool at parties), I just wanted to see if I could easily and safely get to items inside the pack. Could be I need a cookie at 4 AM in Iowa or a friend needs a hit from the flask. You never know so I should be prepared right?

So, sorry to ramble on about packs, but I'm just that excited by this discovery. The quality is top notch, the service is great. There are so many options and possibilities opened up now that my head is spinning thinking of new and clever ways to haul crap with me through the outdoors. Whichever design I go with next, you can be certain I'll request one thing, a chapstick holder. Yup, I'm still jealous of Ken's stem mounted stick holder.

Instructions for Use

Driving in today listening to the radio a fitting song filled the background as I pondered the looming Trans Iowa:

Whiskey river take my mind don't let her memory torture me

Whiskey river don't run dry you're all I've got take care of me

A flask of Templeton Rye will be by my side, and a Stranahan's bottle to finish at the end.

How fitting though that I find a bag designed for this epic ride by Epic Designs? Happy happy joy joy!! The bag was at the mailbox place last night and I sped home excitedly to give it a shake down. (Drove due to having to haul 9 gallons of water home as the water is off due to a broken line). After unloading the water, I grabbed my shoes, installed the bag (easy peasy), released the hounds, and threw some stuff into the bag to test it out. Since the bike it's designed for isn't operational at the moment:


I put it on the recently released from the D.L. Litespeed. It fit perfectly. Bonus!! I was a little leary from the onset of my knees rubbing or snagging the bag, just from experience with some pesky saddle bags, but the fears were unfounded. On road/gravel or trail or field, in the saddle or out of the saddle I had no issues. Never even noticed the bag or the added weight while riding. The zippers are easy to access while riding and no load shifting issues.



The Wrecking Krew taking a break:



My first experience with the bag met and easily exceeded my expectations. I had told Eric early on in our communications that I didn't expect it to fit perfectly or be spot on due to being my first foray into a frame bag. I admit I am blown away and I did not expect to be so enamored with the bag. I fully expected a few "darn, I wish that..." or "why didn't I ask for..." or "I'm an idiot what was I thinking" moments, but there haven't been any in my initial testing. I expected to only use this bag on long epics, but I'm loving it's convenience that it's going to become my standard commuting gear hauler.


After a few hours of play, the only thing I think I would change on next one I order (and there will be more orders) will be clips installed for a shoulder strap so I can take it off and carry it as a pack when locking up the bike. And that would only be for a commuting specific designed bag, as the current one hooks up to the bottom clasps of my messenger bag without issue. I love it when you stumble across a product that not only fills a need, but surpasses all expectation. I read about it on the Surly blog, ordered one, am super pleased with my decision, and wouldn't hesitate to refer my friends to call on Eric for a bag need.


If this were one of those magazine product rating articles he'd probably get 4-5 stars out of 5, but it's not so he gets a 7 out of 5. I paid in full for it, I don't get a huge corporate support/commission check from Epic Designs (call me Eric, we can discuss salary ;-) ), and I trusted a guy I don't know in Alaska to get a custom bag built and delivered to me (TN) in my short time line as equally as he trusted me to actually mail him money, not to mention the snafus I kept making with measurements, my delays in emailing him back due to not having internet at home, and taking 3 extra days to get a check dropped in the mail. Typically you'd send him a tracing of your frame, but in order to accommodate my rush despite it falling within a period where he had previous travel plans, he let me slide with just sending him measurements. To top that off, I probably got receipt of the bag before he had my check in hand. If it's even gotten there yet. Yup, Eric is up on the same pedestal as Walz Caps and Swiftwick. Great companies with stellar personal relationships and service. Another amazing side effect of the bicycling culture.

Epic Designs' Summer Frame Bag, Equine Inspected and Approved!

Saturday's Adventures

Friday night I swapped parts over to build Johnny "Black Death" Cash (aka Yersinia Pestis) up into my TransIowa setup. 42x18 with 1.95 semi-slicks. New chain, new ring, new Sweeney Todd Blood bolts. While I was getting my steed ready for the next mornings ride, H. was down in the barn preparing her steed. Clipping, pulling mane, gathering tack, etc... Saturday was going to be Ian's first foray into Eventing: Dressage, Stadium Jumping, and Cross Country (my favorite by far). H. loaded up and drove over while I mounted up and rode to the park. The shake down ride was going well and the bike felt good. Then up a short steep hill on Old Natchez I heard a pop and a clink and a snap. Huh... I thought maybe it was the chain popping off then back onto a tooth or a loose chain ring bolt. The noise never reappeared so I kept on motoring although the bike really felt slow, like the gearing was harder to push on it vs my Litespeed (same 42x18 setup). Once at the park I pulled out my allen wrenches and checked the bolts, everything seemed spot on. Chain tension about perfect, no drag in the hub. I left it as an oddity and set about helping H. prepare for her events, since she unconditionally supports me out in my endurance races.



First up was Dressage which is more a sampling of horse and rider working together, kinda like dancing. The higher the level of dressage, the harder and more complex the moves, however to most non-horsemen it just looks like people riding around a small ring. Bikers should think Trials.


Then Stadium Jumping, which is what most people see on TV. This is where the riders have to navigate their steeds around a ring filled with jumps of varying complexity. The jumps have poles that will fall out of the way if a horse snags a hoof or leg, or throws a rider into them by stopping and refusing a jump.


Last up was Cross Country, which is akin to riding in Pisgah. Large, solid, not falling out of the way jumps of varying complexity designed to challenge horse and rider, over a timed course, so speeds are generally higher. This is the Farlow Gap or the Heartbreak Ridge; Sketchy, fun, but could really get you and your horse/bike hurt. I love watching this section, to me it's thrilling, nerve wrecking, and intense; And I'm not even the one riding!!



Ian did extremely well for his first eventing attempt. It was a schooling show, which means that while it was a competition, it was designed more to allow horse and rider to experience and practice the disciplines in a formal setting. To help prepare them for competitions where if you mess up, you're out. Considering the several hundred dollar costs to enter, haul to, and perform at such shows, kinda makes you want to get as much practice in before you blow through a chunk of change because your horse refuses to jump. Ian jumped each jump bravely and without hesitation, that is AFTER he looked at all of them. Pretty funny this one, as he'll do anything you ask him as long as he's seen it first.


Oh, and the extra drag and effort riding the Surly was due to a busted bottom bracket. The non-drive side bearing race popped off and under the plastic tube of the Truvativ GXP. It cracked, pretty much seized up one side, so only the drive side spun. It was a long, laborious ride home with a curse word inspiring wrenching session to free it from the BB shell. Hopefully I'll have replacement parts by Friday. Better here than Iowa though....

Another Monday

It was a great weekend despite ending it with two bikes on the disabled list. Down to just the Ferrari at the moment. I also forgot to bring my mini-USB to USB cable so I could download all the images I took from Saturday. Chalk it up to another Monday.

Yesterday was beautiful, clear blue skies and 70 degree temps. I took the pups out for an hour long run. We hit the river but it is still 6 feet over normal and moving way to fast for safe pup water play. The normally dry creek in my little trail was 3 feet deep and flowing, so it made for a nice water stop on our run. Came across a mountain lion (or an emu) running across the back field. Not 100% as the visual wasn't confirmed, but it moved more like a large cat than a coyote. Dish wanted to give chase, but luckily I had him on leash.

H. got off work at 8AM and had plans to ride some Sunday when she awoke around 1PM. Sexpot texted with a dinner invite, the day was too beautiful to waste on a long lonely grinding ride, so I quickly set forth to make plans for an urban adventure. We met Mike and Jeanie downtown at LP Field, which IS across the river, and watched/heckled/chased gRant around and around as he raced in the Nashville Cyclists crit series race. Ran into White Lightnin' Werle and Andy Berry, spun Werle's dope Circle A fixie around and enjoyed watching the race.

Then it was off to explore the greenway system and the new bridges with the girls, who haven't had much of a chance to ride in months. The plan was to do the greenway and meet up with the Scavenger hunt crew at Beyond the Edge for a beer. Like I said that "was" the plan. As anyone who has ever ridden on a ride led by me is quick to find out, plan on the "plan" changing. After some adventure riding in marshland, mud, a creek crossing, and more marshland, we made our way out to the Fortland exit. Notice that is Fortland with an F. Reading it while riding I saw it as Portland, which would have taken us close to Sharpie's house where we could stop in and say hey to he and the kid. Needless to say we were a bit "off course" and uncertain of which direction to head. A call to Sharpie (cuz Jeanie wasn't about to let it go until a call was made), some quick maps.google.com searching and we were back in the game. A left, a right, a left, a long hill, a right with a downhill, then a left to the bar. 2 for 1's and some Sweet-n-Low laced Yazoo Porter before we headed out to the car.

The gals drove, Mike and I rode; meeting up for Mexican dinner before going our separate ways. About 5 hours of saddle/outside time was had and enjoyed by all. Jeanie even got to splash me with mud (after I had gotten the girls wet by hopping into a street puddle while riding). Paybacks, always fun. My only regret is not performing the flying mud tackle, though consensus held that Jeanie would have totally stomped my ass.

This just in

Pulled from G.Ted's blog:

Checkpoint#1 109.26 miles You must check in by 2:00pm Saturday afternoon to recieve cue sheet set #2 to continue on. No cue sheets will be distributed past this time.

Checkpoint#2 207.25 miles You must check in by midnight Saturday to recieve your cue sheet set #3 to continue. No cue sheets will be distributed past this time.

Finish Line Decorah, Iowa: 345.00 miles You must finish by 2:00pm Sunday to be recorded as a finisher. All later than this time will be DNF'ed.

Notes: There are no convenience stores at Checkpoint #1. There is a small gas station off route near by. There are no overnight convenience stores at Checkpoint #2. There is a bar, and a small convenience store just off route that will close for the evening by about 10pm there. There are two re-supply options after the last checkpoint.

Remember, as always we will not consider you as in the event anymore if you miss a checkpoint. You are responsible for you. We will not provide a sag or come looking for you. Please be aware that you should have a way to contact your support person(s).

This is the longest, toughest Trans Iowa that has yet been devised. Plan accordingly. Make sure you have plenty of water/fluids, nutrition, and a warm jacket or covering with you at all times. Don't be caught out in the middle of nowhere unprepared! You have been warned!

Am I prepared? Probably not even close physically, but I've been craving this mentally for a while now. I am excited beyond words at the prospect of the mental and physical beat down I'll be getting in just a few short weeks. This is close to a quadruple century, unsupported, no course markings, sleep deprived navigation from cue sheets, let the games begin!! Thanks GT & DP!

Sneak Peak

Bikes, Beer, Babes, and pint glasses. Met the crew at the tap room last night after putting in a short appearance at the Green Business Summit at Lipscomb. Anyway, I got to check out the new Dirt, Sweat, and Gears / Yazoo pint glasses. Best part of the new pint glasses are their attraction power. Shortly after holding the glass I had a pretty girl under my arm.


A few more seconds and poof! a second girl.


I had to give the glass back for fear of getting in too far over my head and getting into trouble. (But you can count on me keeping one in hand the entire weekend of DSG). I did get to interlock fingers with Sexpot Jeanie and jump mud puddles though.

Photo credit to Old Greg
Apologies out to Jen@Walz, two caps in my bag and none on my corn kernel shaped melon. I deserve a spankin'.

Stoked!

I browse a few blogs here and there. Most of the time they are good for a chuckle or two, maybe some clever smack talk (all in good fun), but usually they are just a good entertaining waste of time. Well a few weeks ago one turned up a golden nugget. I immediately clicked the link and started oogling the goods. I sent an inquiry, an email exchanged happened, I got a bid, I placed the order, & it took me too long to remember to send off a check. Fast, efficient and timely, well not me obviously, Eric of Epic Designs.

As you read this, my precious cargo is traveling South towards me, but Eric provided me with a teaser shot for both of you readers (and the one "read to" photo looker), though as I typed this on April 1st I realized it could all just be a cruel, cruel joke Alaskan joke... hmmm... but I digress. Super secret #2 is ready for mass unveiling.

Ta dah, my new Epic Designs frame bag:

I have huge plans for this puppy, er bag. This is the center piece of my Trans Iowa gear selection, weight will be kept centered and low. I've been trying racks and packs and everything in between but it was a post on the Surly blog that pointed me into the direction I was searching. My normal outlets for gear didn't offer such a solution and once I saw it I knew it was exactly what I was searching. When out of the saddle climbing anything behind the saddle made the bike feel like it was carrying twice the load, up front and my steering was wobbly. Saddle bags were either too bulky or not easily accessed. Packs (even wingnuts) started to bug me over the long hours in the saddle.

I contacted Eric at Epic Designs and we chatted about the bag. He added a few custom items for me and I sent poorly measured measurements with a badly illustrated image and crappy photos. Despite my downfalls, he made it all come together and finished by bag earlier than I expected. Fantastic customer service, especially with my tight deadline and inability to measure properly.
Now drool with envy Mr. Hennessey!! Moo hoo hah hah hah!! T.roy, Mike, gRant, and Rev, check out Eric's site and look at the Gas Tanks, might be a must have for Dirty Kanza. I'll provide reviews of how the frame bag and I get along once I receive it. I expect to use it while commuting to dial it in. Thanks again Eric.