Look for updates concerning Trans Iowa V5 here. Audio blog posts (otherwise known as Trans Iowa Radio) can be found HERE.

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Trans Iowa V5: Here's a reminder of what Trans Iowa is.........We are informing you all that are in the event that if you don't agree that you are on your own, that you are responsible for yourself, and that this is being undertaken of your own volition, then don't take the start.

Read that and consider it carefully.

05/11/09: The Trans Iowa History blog has been updated with a page for T.I.V5. I am working on updating the roster page and I will be adding a results page soon.

05/06/09: Trans Iowa V5
“Beyond The Rocks, Dust, and Dirt”
By Guitar Ted

Trans Iowa V5, the fifth running of the ultra endurance cycling event run around on Iowa’s back roads, is over. The reports are coming in from the event’s participants, and in all I would have to say it was a grand success. The question that many outside the circle of “gravel culture” may have is, “Why?” Actually, that is a great question, and one that is still being answered.

“There are plenty of races out there anyone can finish, it is nice to have some out there like TI to keep posers like me in their place.”
Jim McGuire, 5 time Trans Iowa participant.

Known to racers as “TI”, “The Trans-Iowa”, or as something that haunts their unconscious mind until they tame the beast, Trans Iowa has been something of a cult. It seems to be a passion that is hard to explain to others unless they have been bitten by the bug that infects the soul of any who dare to toe the line at the late spring event.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the running of T.I.V5 and perhaps you will see a hint of just what it is about this event that elicits such a passionate outflow of training effort, determination during the event, and praise of the event and fellow participants afterwards.

The technical hard data on this event barely scratches the surface of what takes place out there during a Trans Iowa, but it is important to realize what the challenge is that is faced by anyone that pulls up behind “The Dirty Blue Box” at 4am on Saturday morning. Trans Iowa V5 was a 314 mile long modified loop course run out of and back in to Williamsburg, Iowa. Along the way each rider had to navigate themselves using cue cards provided at the start and at each checkpoint for the following sector of the loop. No one knew where they were going until the evening before when they received the cues for the first 40 miles in to check point #1 at Washington, Iowa.

So, you show up for a 300 plus mile event, and you do not know the course, or exactly where you are going. It is discovered along the way. Faith or craziness?

The course must be completed within 34 hours and each checkpoint has time cutoffs. Riders often do not have time for anything other than a quick stop to refuel or exchange clothing layers. Checkpoints are at convenience stores, and convenience stores are on the route, but the riders must use their own judgment to resupply or not. No services are supplied by the race promoters.

The roads are mostly crushed limestone and are dotted with sections called “B-Maintenance” roads that are usually nothing more than a dirt slot graded into Iowa’s rich soil. Hills and flats intermix to create a mosaic of pain that many riders find not only a great challenge, but a surprising and intoxicating mix.

“ Bravo for creating, developing, and continually enhancing such a masterpiece that is the Trans-Iowa. I have been around cycling for 30 years and the Trans-Iowa is to my mind the most incredible citizen's event in USA cycling.”

Charlie Farrow, 6th place finisher of T.I.V5

This year saw 52 participants take the rolling controlled start at 4am Saturday, May 2nd under starlit skies. The opening salvos of the event were rather flat or gently rolling hills. Iowa has a reputation for being somewhat of a flat state, but that notion would soon be laid to rest not long after Checkpoint #1 had been passed.

At about mile 65, the riders turned north at a town named North English where the big, incessant rollers started in earnest. The grade is steep, and one hill follows another with no respite. The roads were also interspersed with several of the infamous “B Maintenance” sectors that give one a feeling of remoteness and a hint of what our predecessors had to deal with in their Conestoga wagons 175 years ago. Although mud was at a minimum, the rutted, uneven surface of some of the B roads was difficult enough to force riders to walk the climbs.

Added to any Trans Iowa event is the wild card of weather. Sometimes the weather is such a factor that it precludes the possibility of any finishers at all, (Trans Iowa V2), or severely limits the amount of finishers and truncates the planned course (Trans Iowa V4). This year the weather was a benign factor for the most part with the exception of a stiff afternoon breeze on Saturday that happened to coincide with the riders traveling the part of the loop that caused this wind to be at their faces. The resulting mix of headwind, bright sunlight, hills, loose gravel, and B Maintenance roads was too much for a great part of the field. Only 25 riders would leave Checkpoint #2 due to others missing the time cut off, or “DNF-ing” before reaching it. The weather had its say in Trans Iowa V5, albeit in a subtle way.

Leaving Checkpoint #2 after 151 miles of the course was not an easy decision for some. Over half the course remained, and now it was going on into the dark of night on massive hills, B roads, and more gravel than you can imagine. For a few, the night time was a nightmare.

“What kind of insanity drives one to repeat this back of the woodshed total body beating year after year? That is the question my shivering, pain racked body was screaming at my brain with every turn of the pedals on the long road back to Williamsburg in the wee hours of Sunday morning.”

Jim McGuire


Some “pulled the plug”, some wretched and vomited, some pedaled in a zombie-like haze to the beat of some voodoo playing in their minds. Whatever demons the racers dealt with, we can not totally fathom. However; the results of the pain and misery were evident upon the faces of the competitors as I observed them coming in to Checkpoint #3. Dave Pramann looked like he had aged ten years in the space of 65 miles. Charlie Farrow, whose body shut down on him in-between Checkpoint #2 and #3 limped in and hit the convenience store for much needed fluids and calories. Tim Ek was drenched in sweat and moving gingerly. It was plain that “the pain cave” had been visited somewhere along the way.

Now moving on into the depths of early Sunday morning, the final 15 riders left in the event forged on in whatever way that they could, relying on each others company to continue on in what would otherwise be a futile attempt to finish the last leg of Trans Iowa V5.

“I honestly don't know how many people could have finished this entire ride alone. I’m pretty sure there's no way I could have”

Ben Shockey, fixed gear rider. 11th overall

The final leg was done by the first three finishers in just under 25 hours. Which was an incredible feat considering the toughness of this particular course. Joe Meiser took the finish line first with Dave Pramann and Tim Ek having made a gentleman’s agreement on the road to tie for 2nd out of respect for their helping each other along the way, both physically by drafting and mentally by just being there.

“I'll never forget when I was drifting backward after a pull down the line past you and you (Dave Pramann) looked over at me with a huge smile and we held hands for about five seconds without a word spoken, we were winning the Trans Iowa.”

Tim Ek, finisher of T.I.V3 and T.I.V5

Trans Iowa is a bit unique in its own way when you think about how it breaks a person down. The obvious thing is the physical part. The brutality of 300 plus miles of Iowa back roads is not to be taken lightly. However; the mental and emotional part is even more shocking, really. Grown men crying as they sit on the ground at the finish line. Freely given and accepted hugs, handshakes, and words flow amongst competitors and promoters alike. Alliances made upon the road become life-long friendships. It is hard not to feel it well up inside of me even now as I type out this story. Trans Iowa is like that. It gets into you, it breaks you down in my opinion.

“I'm still a bit unglued mentally from it, actually... but in a good way.”

Matt Gersib, 8th overall, T.I.V5

“When we crossed the finish line and the stories were being told for about 10 minutes, then suddenly, slowly the group started to clap for us. I did all I could to not start crying in front of all of you”

Tim Ek

So, what is it that gets into you and why? How can it really be explained to those that have not taken on such a challenge? I am sure this bit of writing falls very short of the mark in regards to answering those questions. I just know that it even has gotten into me, as a promoter/organizer. I can’t tell you how many times I have sworn off ever doing another Trans Iowa event, but somehow the “itch” comes back, and I am not satisfied until I have scratched it. Not just a little bit either, but maybe until it is bleeding. I think that the 15 finishers of Trans Iowa V5 would agree, and that many of the folks that fell short of the challenge would not only agree, but say, “Hell yeah!” Let’s do this again!

I think maybe it is all summed up in this quote from Ben Shockey: “…thanks doesn't seem to cut it but it’s all I’ve got right now. You allow us...encourage us to chase a dream no matter how crazy it may seem to others”

That is what motivates me and keeps myself and David Pals doing this year after year. It is why folks come back and do this event year after year, and why new folks come to throw down what they’ve got in the face of this huge challenge that we craft for them. It isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely a life changing experience that all of us involved with Trans Iowa can attest to.

Even though T.I.V5 has just been completed, a T.I.V6 is already in the works. Look for updates on this event at www.transiowa.blogspot.com

05/04/09: Trans Iowa V5 is in the books. First off, here is the results with times..

1st- Joe Meiser 24r, 52min

2nd- (tie) Dave Pramann/Tim Ek 24hr, 52min

3rd- (tie) Jason Novak/Travis Braun (1st SS/Fixed) 27hr, 10min

4th- Matt Braun (2nd SS/Fixed) 27hr, 13min

5th- B.J. Bass (3rd SS/Fixed) 28hr, 53min

6th- Charlie Farrow 31hr, 18min

7th- Andy Stockman (4th SS/Fixed) 31hr, 18min

8th- Matt Gersib 31hr, 30min

9th- (tie) Ben Shockey(5th SS/Fixed*)/Matt Wills (5th SS/Fixed)

10th- (tie) Jeremy Fry/George Vargas 31hr, 58min

11th- Paul Jacobson 32 hr

*Note: Ben Shockey is the second fixie rider to ever finish a Trans Iowa event.

You can check out the history of this event here: http://guitarted1961.wordpress.com/

Find out where this crazy ride has been and where it's going!
Thanks to Kerkove Design Media for the header design for Trans Iowa V5!

2008 Results

1st: John Gorilla: Mens Open

2nd Joe Kucharski: SS/Fixed

3rd Charlie Farrow: Men's Open (all same time)

4th Charles Parsons: Men's Open @ 1hr 15min

5th Corey Godfrey: Men's Open @ 3hrs 15min

Labels: Trans Iowa News

Event Dates: May 2nd-3rd A pre-race meeting will be held on May 1st. Look for details coming soon!

Entry Fee: FREE!

Field Limit: 75

Start/Finish Town: Williamsburg Ia. (Details coming soon!)

Lodging: Motel Info: If we can get at least 10 rooms filled, we can get a reduced rate at the Best Western. Here's the deal: Double occupancy King Bed Room $80.91 + tax. Double occupancy 2 Queens Room $89.91 +tax. Tell them you are with Trans Iowa when you call. Check out the motel here.

Best Western 1708 N Highland Street Williamsburg, Iowa, 52361-9633, Phone: 319/668-9777

Registration: CLOSED

Yeah, we have some prizes, but they are neither bling-bling or going to help you find a mate. If you are looking to get rich by winning this event, I am sorry, but you better look elsewhere. Some prizing will be given to the top finishers in these 3 fields...
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.

The Golden Rule. The sponsors, organizers, and anyone having anything to do with this race are NOT responsible for your safety. Think of this race as a 300+ mile hard training ride with prizes. We can't say this enough.....YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!

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!!!

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.

Men’s Open:
1. Aaron Schnee
2. Adam Lorenz
3. Allen Brunner
4. Ari Andonopoulos
5. Bill Dietrich
6. Bill Graves
7. Brian Bottke
8. Charles Parsons
9. Charlie Farrow
10. Charly Tri
11. Craig Severson
12. Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey
13. Dan Stefiuk
14. Dave Pramann
15. Dennis Grelk
16. Derek Carlson
17. Dwight Beavers
18. Eric Brunt
19. Eric Claessens
20. Gerald Hart
21. Gary Cale
22. George Vargas
23. Ian Chidister
24. Jason Novak
25. Jeremy Fry
26. Jim Cummins
27. Jim McGuire
28. Joe Fox
29. Joe Meiser
30. John Gorilla
31. John O'Brien
32. Matt Gersib
33. Michael Meiser
34. Michael Roe
35. Paul Jacobson
36. Robin Bennett
37. Ron Saul
38. Steve Fuller
39. Tim Ek



Single Speed/ Fixed Gear:
1. Andy Stockman
2. Aristotle Peters
3. B.J. Bass
4. Ben Shockey
5. Constantine Peters
6. Dave Nice
7. Endurosnob
8. Jeff Bonsall
9. Matt Braun
10. Matt Wills
11. Travis Braun
12. Warren Weibe
13, Brian Dukek