LATEST NEWS

Look for updates concerning Trans Iowa V8 here.

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Trans Iowa V8: 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. 

 5/7/12: Jeff Frings, the film maker behind "300 Miles of Gravel", has asked that I pass along the following "thank you":

 "If you could pass along on your site how thankful I am for everyone’s
cooperation in the making of the movie, and for their enthusiasm for the
movie after it was all said and done.  Also pass along my congratulations
to all who attempted the race and especially those who finished.   I am
glad to be in some small way part of the Trans Iowa family."

5/2/12: Concerning the film "300 Miles of Gravel": Many of you have been asking how you can get a copy of the Jeff Frings' film shown at T.I.V8. Here is what is going to happen: First and Foremost- All racers in T.I.V7 will get a free copy.  Secondly, if you were not in T.I.V7, but would like a copy, you must send me an e-mail with your e-mail address to contact you. I will put you on a list. That list will be sent to Jeff Frings who will then contact you and let you know about format choices, costs, etc. I will be sending in this list of e-mails on May 18th, 2012. Don't delay if you want a copy for yourself! After May 18th, I am out of the loop on this! Don't even ask me about it!

4/28/12: Trans Iowa V8 is in the books! Congratulations to Eric Brunt, overall winner, and to Troy Krause, Single Speed/Fixed winner and second place overall. 19 Finishers in all. Congratulations to them and all who toed the line at T.I.V8!
Official Results:

1. Eric Brunt @ 7:15am
2. Troy Krause @ 7:25am
3. Chris Schotz @ 8:40am
4. Mark Johnson @ 9:20am
5. Dennis Grelk @ 10:40am
6. Charles Showalter @ 11:14am
7. Charles Parsons @ 11:25am
8. Mike Johnson @ 11:32am
9. Matt Maxwell @ 11:40am
10. Robert Fry @ 12:09pm
11. Corey "Cornbread" Godfrey @ 12:20pm
12. (Same Time) Jay Barre, Jeremy Kershaw @ 1:09pm
13. (Same Time) Joe Partridge,  Dan Jansen@ 1:12pm
14. Aaron Schnee, Bruce Currin, Scott Bigelow @ 1:19pm
15. Adam Boone @ 1:21pm

More details will be posted soon. Stay Tuned!
2/20/12:  Here's a little bit from Jeff Frings on scoring the film. Enjoy! Stay tuned...
Scoring Gravel Movie from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

 
 
6/4/11: Jeff Frings has just released the new trailer for his film project covering T.I.V7 called "300 Miles Of Gravel" Here ya go......
300 Miles of Gravel Trailer from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

Sponsors: Want to sponsor Trans Iowa? Shoot me an e-mail! The link is down at the lower right of this page or use g.ted.productions@gmail.com Thanks!

05/05/11: The Trans Iowa History blog has been updated with a page for T.I.V8 I have updated the roster page. Take a look at the results page Here. 

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 V8!

Racers have been known to mentally break down and cry along side of the road.

Media
Jeff Frings released "300 Miles of Gravel" a movie made about Trans Iowa V7, in May of 2012
"Iowa Momentum Magazine" ran a story on Trans Iowa in its March 2012 issue.
"Bicycle Retailer and Industry News" runs a story on gravel grinding featuring Trans Iowa on its cover for its last issue of 2011.
"Dirt Rag" ran an article on T.I.V7 in its issue #157 released 7/11
Bicycle Times published an article on T.I. in issue #10, 2011

Zach Dundas' book "The Renegade Sportsman" contains a chapter about T.I.V3

T.I.V5 Clip by George Vargas. 
Clip By Matt Gersib From T.I.V6
Ben Shockey's T.I.V7 Video Scrapbook
Part I
PartII
PartIII
PartIV
An article about running, but related in spirit to Trans Iowa. Recommended for those wondering about this event. 

RACE DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Event Dates: April 28th-29th, 2012

Entry Fee: FREE!

Field Limit: 100:

Start/Finish Town:  Grinnell, Iowa

Registration:  CLOSED!

Lodging:  Lodging can be secured at Comfort Inn and Suites, Grinnell, Iowa, at the rate of 
$64.99 per night for the days of April 27th and 28th. Rates will be given for these two nights only by mentioning "Trans Iowa". Space is limited. First come, first served.


Pre-Race Meat Up:   Here are all the details on the mandatory attendance meeting to be held at the Grinnell Steakhouse on April 27th, 2012 at 4:00pm sharp!!

• 4:00pm- Doors open for Racer Check In and to get started eating. You'll be grilling your own meal. Menu choices will be e-mailed to you in advance. Beer and other refreshments will be available for purchase as well.
• 6:30pm- Things should be wrapping up in the dining area, but most importantly, Rider Check In Will Close!  If you have not checked in with Guitar Ted by 6:30pm, you will not be racing in T.I.V8. No Exceptions!!
• 7:00pm: Brief welcome and Introductions will open ahead of the premier showing of the Jeff Frings film, "300 Miles of Gravel".
• 7:30-ish: Pre race details, final cautions, and Racer Call Up will start.
• 8:00-ish: Event should end

Afterward you are invited to come down to Bikes To You, which will be the site of the start of T.I.V8, for an Oakley Swap and hanging out until 10pm.  Bikes To You is located at 921 Broad Street.

Course Info and Time Cut Off  Info

• Course length: 327.8m miles
• Checkpoint Alpha: Distance from Start- 52 miles Time Cut Off: 9:30am Saturday
• Checkpoint Bravo: Distance from Start- 170 miles. Time Cut Off: 9:30pm Saturday
• Checkpoint Charlie: Secret Checkpoint located beyond Checkpoint Bravo. No time limit.
• Finish Line: Distance from Start- 327.8 miles. Time Cut Off: 2:00pm Sunday

Notes: Mileage on cues resets to zero at Checkpoint Alpha and at Checkpoint Bravo. Checkpoints close at specified times and No Cue Sheets Will Be Distributed To Late Riders! If you are even one minute late, your ride in Trans Iowa V8 is over. Make sure you keep track of time and have a bail out plan in case you are late or have a mechanical. Trans Iowa, its directors and volunteers, or anyone associated with the event are not responsible for taking care of you. You Are Responsible For Yourself!

RACE RULES

1: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!

2: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.

3: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.

4:Prearranged outside support is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to assistance with navigation, delivery of supplies, lighting, or lodging.

5: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!

6: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.

7: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.

8: 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!

9: 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.

10: 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.

11: 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!

12: 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.

13: 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.

14: Racers will be supplied a course map, a.k.a Cue Sheet.

15: This event will happen regardless of rain, sleet, snow, drought, wind, rabbit infestation, etc. You get the idea.


16: 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.

17: 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.

18: A cell phone is highly recommended. Make sure you know how to use it.

19: Racers can help other racers with mechanical support. We are not doing this event to leave someone out in the boonies of Iowa.

20: 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!

21: Drafting is allowed. But please do not show up with 8 of your buds and turn this into a road race.

22: Social media, such as Twitter and Facebook is allowed. But, be advised that it will slow you down, and may not work in areas not covered by cell phone coverage.

23: The intent of these rules is to establish an equal and fair opportunity for all racers.

VIVA LA IOWA GRAVEL!!!

PRIZING & RACE CATEGORIES

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.

SAFETY & SUPPLIES

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

 


Men’s Open:
 1. John Gorilla
 2. Charlie Farrow
 3. Joe Frost Jr.
 4. Joe Mann
 5. Scott Bigelow
 6. Charles Parsons
 7. Cornbread
 8. Eric Brunt
 9. Mike Johnson
 10. Dennis Grelk
 11. Dan Jansen R
 12. Adam Boone
 13. Matt Braun
 14. Travis Braun
 15. Bruce Currin
 16. Craig Irving
 17. Jay Barre
 18. Ari Andonopoulos
 19. Michael Roe
 20. Maciej Nowak
 21. Brian Hall
 22. Nicholas McCulloch
 23. Jerod Morford
 24. Jim McGuire
 25. Matt Maxwell
 26. Andy Schutte
 27. Al Brunner
 28. Mark Johnson
 29. Paul LaCava R
 30. Jeff Scott R
 31. Rafal Doloto R
 32. Courtney Hilton R
 33. Charles Showalter R
 34. Dan Dougan R
 35. Steve Meyers R
 36. Derek Chinn R
 37. Scott Sundby R
 38. Robert Kiefer R
 39. Kelley Wescott R
 40. Chris Schotz R
 41. Marco Holgado R
 42. Joe Stephens
 43. Samuel Auen R
 44. Robert Fry
 45. Kevin Ehrlich
 46. Aaron Schnee
 47. Brad Showalter
 48. John Mathias
 49. Chuck Fritz
 50. Ben Oney R
 51. Charly Tri
 52. Mike Fox R
 53. Mike Wallace R
 54. Jeremy Kershaw
 55. Brian Bottke
 56. Chris Skogen R
 
  Women's Open

1. Andrea Cohen R

Single Speed/ Fixed Gear:
 1. Matt Wills
 2. Troy Krause
 3. Joe Partridge
 4. Steve McGuire
 5. Matt Jennings
 6. Warren Wiebe
 7. John Welsh R
 8. Scott McConnell R
 9. Mike Neumeyer R
 10. John Karrasch R
 11. Lee Neal R
 
    Industry Cup**
 1.  Chris Wells Gu Energy

Media***
1. Dave Mable 

Volunteers Exemptions*
1. Bill Graves 


 ** The "Industry Cup" is a way for Trans Iowa to acknowledge 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 benefits T.I.V7. (Note: Participation in the Industry Cup does not count against the roster limit!)

* Volunteer in 2011 Trans Iowa Special Exemption

*** Media: Dave Mable will be an "In Race Reporter" for "Iowa Momentum Magazine" and will be doing a story on T.I.V8 for a summer 2012 release in the magazine.