LATEST NEWS
Published by Guitar Ted on Monday at 8:00 AM.09/06/10: The new web design is up! Look for an announcement pertaining to registration and how we will switch that up coming soon. One thing d.p. and I can say now is that the roster limit will be increased to 100 riders, (at least), and that a new way to divvy up the roster spots to Rookies, Finishers, and Veterans will be employed. Stay tuned! Start training!
07/27/10: Trans Iowa V7 will occur April 23rd-24th, 2011. This is our working date for now. We will also be choosing a new web design and making changes regarding the registration process as well. With such a backlog of former T.I.vets, we found that they snagged most of the entries last time around and left little for the others to grab. We will be divvying up the entries with three categories this time. Those that finished a Trans Iowa will have a crack at the first batch, then those that are veterans will get a crack at another batch, and finally new recruits will have a batch to grab from as well. We'll detail all the numbers out later, but expect an expanded roster for 2011 as well. Registration will occur again in November. Stay tuned!
04/29/10: The greatest part about Trans Iowa is the people that come to ride it. Their reports afterward are the stuff of T.I. legend. Here are some links to some great reading. Hopefully it will inspire you like it does us.
Tim Ek
Jason Buffington and Jason Buffington Take Two
Charlie Farrow and Charlie Farrow Take Two
Joe Meiser
Charly Tri
Matt Gersib
Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey
Sean Mailen
Eric Brunt
Troy Krause
Ari Andonopoulous
And one from a T.I.V6 Volunteer: Paul Buchanan
If you have a Trans Iowa V6 report you'd like linked here, hit me with an e-mail and I'll get it up. Enjoy!
04/25/10: Trans Iowa V6 was a perfect example of what I write a lot of times about this event: The weather is the wildcard.
The event, which saw 57 competitors toe the line this year, was affected from the very beginning by the weather and was cut short due to the tremendous rain, worsening winds, and roads that were deteriorating as the event wore on. Still, I have not heard a single complaint about how things went down from any of the riders who all enjoyed what they could of what was for many, the most brutal riding they had ever done in their lives.
Starting in front of Grinnell’s Bikes To You shop in the downtown area, riders took off in heavy fog and mist into the dank blackness at 4am in the morning on Saturday. Before 20 miles had been completed, lightning was noticed in the area, which grew in intensity and closeness to the point that the event was in danger of being cut short at Checkpoint #1. Fortunately, the weather cleared the area without putting anyone in danger, but we saw some rain. The state of the roads then became an issue for a big part of the field.
In Iowa, we have what we call “B Maintenance” roads which vary from destroyed gravel, to straight dirt, to grass two track. There was a one mile section of B Road going into Checkpoint #1 that was so mucky that riders were forced off their bikes and had to hike the entire mile. This in combination with soft roads caused 30 riders to not meet the checkpoint cut off time of 8am, which was 44 miles into the event.
The weather improved the rest of the morning until about noon when cloud cover built back in and by 2pm the rain kicked back into gear which was only a warning shot of what was to come. The remaining riders took what was dealt them and ground out the miles towards Checkpoint#2 which was approximately 88 miles from the first checkpoint. The roads continued to be a problem for many as the tires of their bicycles were cutting into the gravel/mud/water mixture of the road surface. This was eating into their energy reserves, their resolves, and most importantly, their time to make the checkpoint cut off of 5pm.
By the late afternoon, it was becoming apparent that the weather conditions were going to worsen. We had reports that rain would become heavy, winds were going to increase to 30mph, and the road conditions would therefore deteriorate even more. With riders barely on time to make cutoffs, it was the determination of David Pals and I to truncate the event and get the riders to a safe, warm place before the situation became dire. So it was that at the time we made the decision to pull the riders at 7pm, there were only 8 riders left on course. They included the following people.
Joe Meiser
John Gorilla
Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey
Matt Braun
Eric Brunt
Jay & Tracey Petervary (Tandem)
Charles Parsons
These people would become the “finishers” of this version of Trans Iowa, which became the second shortest in distance of the six so far. (V2 being the shortest)
Thanks to Kerkove Design Media for the header design for Trans Iowa V6!

Labels: Trans Iowa News
RACE DETAILS & REGISTRATION
Published by Jeff Kerkove on at 2:21 PM.Entry Fee: FREE!
Field Limit: 75 (roster is filled)
Start/Finish Town: Grinnell, IA. The start will take place at 4am Saturday the 24th of April, 2010 in front of Bikes To You in downtown Grinnell, Iowa . The finish will be in a barn outside of Grinnell!
Registration: Closed.
RACE RULES
Published by Jeff Kerkove on at 2:20 PM.The Trans-Iowa Mountain Bike Race is a non-stop, self-supported, solo competition along the gravel roads of rural Iowa. Competitors must carry with them ALL necessary equipment.
Each rider is considered to be on a private excursion and remains solely responsible for any accidents in which he or she may be involved. No responsibility can be accepted for riders becoming lost or stranded.
Prearranged outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to assistance with navigation, delivery of supplies, lighting, or lodging.
Competitors will stock up on food and other items at stores and businesses along the route. Viva la gas station burritos and Oatmeal Cream Pies!
Competitors may not advance on the route by any means other than bicycling or in the case of a mechanical, by foot. There will be no hitching of rides via Iowa farm animals. Moooooooo.
Competitors may, in the case of emergency, mechanical or other unforeseeable problems, be assisted by motorized transport. By accepting motorized transport you will automatically relinquish your standing in the race.
The primary race route must be followed at all times. No short cuts or alternate routes are permitted. If you do this, you are a retard and will be forced to help local farmers scoop poop!
Bike choice is up to you! We are allowing mnt bikes, cyclocross bikes, 29ers, and road bikes if you really want to be stupid. Just be aware that some research is going to have to go into your final bike choice. The gravel roads of Iowa can get pretty harsh in northern part of the state. I suggest atleast a 1.95, but then again, it's up to you how much you want to hurt. We'll leave it at that.
All singlespeed/fixie category racers must start and finish on the same gear. So, that means don't stick 10 assorted freewheels/track cogs in your bag. You CAN run a flip-flop hub, but both gears (freewheel & cog) must have the same number of teeth.
You are completely on your own. Use your head. Look and yield for traffic. There will be no course marshalls to hold up traffic. Don't be a dumbass!
Riders must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet, must obey city, county and state laws and Rules of the Road, and conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring discredit to the event.
All racers must use and carry with them a flashing red taillight and front light, and a back-up light source, i.e. headlamp. A cell phone is also a good/great idea.
Racers will be supplied a course map, a.k.a Cue Sheet.
This event will happen regardless of rain, sleet, snow, drought, wind, rabbit infestation, etc. You get the idea.
Weather Related Stoppage and Time Cut Off Rule: In case of severe weather during the event, we will do the folowing things so you can act accordingly. Remember: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!! If the sky is falling, or you see Dorothy's house go spinning by your head, you should take appropriate actions to protect yourself. We will not be responsible for ill advised heroics in inclement weather. Be smart, or be pig fodder! This is only given out so that you as an event participant will know what our actions will be in regards to keeping tabs on your progress and what will be done with prizing.
Weather related cancellation of the event will be enforced at the checkpoints. All participants will be directed as to where and when any prizing will be distributed at checkpoints by our volunteers. If you pull out before a checkpoint, you will need to contact the Event Director to find out if the event is being terminated. Results will not be tabulated if we have to stop the event. If cut off times to a checkpoint are not met by any event participant then the event will be terminated and all will be considered as DNF's.
Prizing will be distributed by raffle to the remaining participants in the event at the time of stoppage or when it becomes clear that the cut off times will not be met. Must be present to win. Decisions of the event directors is final. No GPS Systems allowed for navigation. GPS's are allowed for personal data and recording your ride.
Have atleast a pit crew of 1 to help you if you have problems. The people and sponsors associated with this race will not come get you or be responsible for you! You get ran over by a tractor, that is your problem. You get attacked by a rabid raccoon, that also is your problem. You get recruited to scoop pig poop, yep you guessed it, that is your problem.
A cell phone is highly recommended. Make sure you know how to use it.
Racers can help other racers with mechanical support. We are not doing this event to leave someone out in the boonies of Iowa.
If you exit the course for food, supplies, or any other reason, You must re-enter in the same spot in which you left. Got it!
Drafting is allowed. But please do not show up with 8 of your buds and turn this into a road race.
The intent of these rules is to establish an equal and fair opportunity for all racers.
VIVA LA IOWA GRAVEL!!!
PRIZING & RACE CATEGORIES
Published by Jeff Kerkove on at 2:20 PM.Open Men
Open Women
Open Singlespeed / Fixed Gear
Plus, there may be some Special Prizing given at the discretion of the Event Directors and Sponsors. Look for details in the "Latest News" section on any prizing that may be given out in this manner.
SAFETY & SUPPLIES
Published by Jeff Kerkove on at 2:17 PM.The following is information for you the racer, and some suggestions for gear to keep in mind for the event. Of course, what you decided to carry is up to you. The items listed in RED are the "must haves" by all racers!
IOWA SAFETY TIPS
- When you’re out riding in Iowa in April, the weather can change rapidly at any time and being prepared for wind and rain or snowy conditions with the gear that you carry will make your ride much more enjoyable. Even on a 60 degree day, it’s possible to get cold very quickly if you have to stop to fix a mechanical problem or become injured so always carry a waterproof/windproof jacket or thermal top and dress in layers appropriate to the conditions.
- Maintain your bike so that it doesn’t let you down when you’re at the furthest point from civilization.
- As a minimum I suggest carry the tools listed below and more importantly, know how to use them.
- If possible cycle in a group so that if someone does hurt himself or herself there are enough people to stay with the injured person while others go for help.
- Carrying a basic first aid kit and survival blanket is a very good idea.
- Unless you are VERY familiar with the area where you are cycling, carry a map and compass in clear plastic bag. Again – know how to use them!
- Keep eating and drinking regularly to keep your energy levels up so that you can complete the race. Be able to recognise the symptoms of dehydration and “hitting the wall” and act accordingly.
- In most cases the farmers of Iowa are your best bud. They will give you food, and treat you like a son or daughter. But there are a few out there that would rather mow you down with their 1969 Dodge pickup.
- Farmers own dogs. These dogs chase anything that moves. Be prepared to throw-down with a mutt if needed.
- Redwing Blackbirds......if you get too close to their nests, they will dive-bomb your head. Just keep riding, they can't hurt you.
SUPPLIES YOU MUST CARRY
- Red tail light (here is a good example)
- Front light. Power output is up to you. Keep in mind you won't be able to recharge. (here is a good example)
- A way to contact the "outside" world should you need help.
SUPPLIES TO KEEP IN MIND
- Small rucksack / hydration pack
- Lightweight waterproof / windproof top
- Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped
- 2 litres of water either in a bladder or water bottles
- Food – for example energy bars, gels or chocolate
- A good pump
- Tyre levers
- 2 spare inner tubes
- Puncture repair kit
- Chain splitter
- Allen key set
- Spoke wrench
- First aid kit and survival blanket
- Mobile phone / money for pay-phone
- Butt butter....ahhhhh smooooth!
- Good chain lube. Don't under-estimate Iowa's harsh conditions in the Spring.
- Cash, debit card, credit card. Use these items to get items on the road to complete the route.
- Handle bar map case (http://www.cycoactive.com/bike/bms.html)
- a cycling computer (here is a excellent example)
This may sound like a lot of gear to be lugging around during a race and on many cases you won’t need all of it. However, if something does happen to you or your bike in a remote spot, you’ll be equipped to deal with most situations or at least stay safe and warm until help arrives.
RACE ROSTER
Published by Jeff Kerkove on at 2:15 PM.1. Jeremy Fry
2. Sean Mailen
3. Mike Howard
4. Ari Andonopoulos
5. Charly Tri
6. Charlie Farrow
7. Michael Roe
8. Jim McGuire
9. Dave Mable
10. Scott Marx
11. Tim Ek
12. Craig Severson
13. Matt Gersib
14. Jason Buffington
15. Lance Andre
16. Allen Brunner
17. Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey
18. Travis Braun
19. Charles Parsons
20. Ken Stuckart
21. Bill Dietrich
22. Robin Bennett
23. Steve Fuller
24. Joe Fox
25. Joe Meiser
26. Brad Nauman
27. Brett Davis
28. Dan Stefiuk
29. Dennis Grelk
30. John Gorilla
31.Troy Krause
32. Joe Mann
33. Russ Stewart
34. Joe Alligood
35.
36. Mike Johnson
37. Tim Krueger
38. Eric Brunt
39. Aaron Gammel
40. Rusty Kay
41. Brian Dukek
42. Ken Yokanovich
Women's Open
1.
2. Kristin Riching
3. Elizabeth Baumgardt
Tandem
1. Jay and Tracey Petervary
Single Speed/ Fixed Gear:
1. Ben Shockey
2. Constantine Peters
3. Jason Novak
4. Scott Ronken
5. B.J. Bass
6. Matt Braun
7. Matt Wills
8. Jeffrey Bonsall
9.Matthew Beck
10. Ryan Anzalone
11. Darren Phelps
Industry Cup*
1.Ryan Carlson (Twin Six)
2. Gerald Hart (Garmin)
* The "Industry Cup" is a way for Trans Iowa to aknowledge and thank our sponsors by allowing those who work for our sponsors an entry into Trans Iowa without going through the registration process. Appearance by any individual in the "Industry Cup" category was pre-arranged and approved by Guitar Ted in consideration of specific sponsorships that benefit T.I.V6.
* Volunteer in 2009 Trans Iowa Special Exemption
Labels: Roster, Trans Iowa














