<====Trans Iowa V4 is over!

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

4/27/08: Final Trans Iowa Report: Trans Iowa V4 is in the books and what a roller coaster ride! Please click on the Utterz audio blog posts for a recap as it happened. (Note: Oldest posts at bottom!)

If you listened to the "Trans Iowa Radio" posts, you have somewhat of an idea of how insane this years event was. Take T.I.V1 wind and chilly temps, amp that up a bit, throw in a mudslide, add in flooding of epic proportions, road damage that is unprecedented in my memories of living here in Iowa, and washed out, impassable roads and you will get T.I.V4 in a nutshell.

I will only add that as a promoter of this event, this was by far the most epic from all points of view. Even d.p. and myself were worked over during this one. (Special honorable mention to Princeton Tec for it's lighting. It saved our bacon!) We are so grateful not only to our sponsors, (see below) but our awesome volunteers, and you, the racers. You guys and gals are so inspiring, gracious, and kind. Thanks!

Okay, I will say that I was a bit disappointed that the full length of the event was not run. I want to address the "why" of the situation. Typically, we run Trans Iowa over some pretty harsh roads and conditions. We are ready and willing to allow more than your fair share of weather, road conditions, and navigational difficulties to affect our events participants as it will. However; due to an unprecedented ugly winter, topped off by torrential rainfalls over much of the course less than two days prior to the start, and howling ice ridden winds, we were left with no choice but to cut the event short. It really wasn't any "one" thing that stopped it, but an aggregate of several factors mentioned above.

So, imagine if you will five men beaten and battered by 12-13 hours of 25mph winds at temperatures hovering around 40 degrees for most of that time. Throw in wind gusts of over 40mph throughout that time. Winds that knocked some of these five riders off their rigs! Now throw at that roads that are frost heaved to the point that vehicles could no longer navigate them and made bicycle riding treacherous in daylight, much less at night. Finally, throw in downed trees across our path, and washed out roads that were so badly rutted on the downhills that our SUV chase vehicle was often skidding and skittering around out of control at 20mph. Roads that would have caused dangerous cycling conditions with fresh riders.

We ran into a downhill after about 250 miles that was so dangerous that we were left shaking our heads thinking of what the riders might experience after that many miles in their legs and in the dark of night. The nail in the coffin came when at the bottom we found the approach to the low water crossing washed out with nothing left to traverse the 20 foot wide section but slimy wet boulders and rip-rap. With no other feasible re-route options open to us and after scrambling with previous re-routes for hours, we decided to bag it in the previous town rather than subject the final five riders to dangerous conditions and possibly confusing re-routes in the pitch black of night.

In the end both d.p, and myself were able to walk away from it with clear consciouses. The riders seemed to be fine with it, and we have moved on.

Again, we thank our sponsors, athletes, and especially our super crew of volunteers!

Thanks to our sponsors: Surly, Stranahan's Colorado Whisky, Ergon, Hammer Nutrition, Princeton Tec, Quality Bicycle Products, Yazoo Brewery, Smithwick Socks, and all the rest. Without you, it would not have been nearly as much fun. A Special Thank You: T-Bock's Bar and Grill, Decorah, Iowa for the pre-race meal and meeting room. (see side bar for linkage- click on the logos!)

Event Dates: TBA

Entry Fee: FREE!

Field Limit: TBA

Start/Finish Town: Decorah, Iowa (click for map) (click for official city site)

Lodging: Link to lodging/camping in Decorah

Registration: TBA

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

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 drop 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.

New! 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:


Single Speed/ Fixed Gear:


Women’s Open: