Trans-Iowa

4am came quick but not as quick as our 2:15 wake-up. Starts like that carry additional gravity for lightweights like me. Thankfully the shock was tempered by an incredible omelet built by two of our hosts, Bob and Tom. In an era where hospitality often means 'free' soap from a hotel you have already paid, a hearty breakfast at 3 in the morning eclipses the definition. Thanks so much.

When our boys gathered at the line for the start of the race it was under the same system of precipitation that continues to inundate Iowa as I write. Nevertheless, the racers headed out, unsure what to expect aside from wetness, to find chain wrecking road conditions of sloppy at best.


As it became clear that the conditions were not improving and not even the fastest of the racers would be able to make the cutoff, the decision was made to call it at Algona. MW talked of 6mph averages and being able to HEAR water running down the roads. Ouch is right.


Butch and I spent most of our time hanging out under the Highgear van's rear door near gravel pavement transitions. The only vehicles we saw on the course roads were tractors or trucks with tractors nearby. Our footsteps squeezed water from the gravel everywhere we walked.

In Algona prizes were distributed, except for the Surly frame which would go to one of the two riders, still on the course, not yet in Algona at 6pm.

To check out more info and photos go to:

Trans-Iowa V2

and

www.transiowa.blogspot.com

Trans-Iowa Bike Race

Wet conditions are the theme for this year's Trans-Iowa. A smooth drive in through sheets of rain foreshadows what is yet to come.

Upon arrival our hosts in Hawarden welcomed us into their home. Butch, Matt and I took a spin around Hawarden to strech the legs. The town is quiet save for the splashes of wheels through the ubiquitous puddles.


After a brief rest we headed to the Pizza Ranch for dinner and regulations. Sam, Matt, and Skip picked up the bags they can use for their supply drop while Butch and I chowed down. Afterwards we headed back so the guys could pack their bags and adjust their rigs. Take off in the morning is 4am and coming quick.

Have you seen this man?

If you have seen CVO it is not unlikely he was lending you a hand. On the blog he posts us on events, quizzes us on Simpsons, and photographs everything in Lincoln. Every time I see him in person he is helping out with something. Getting someone a drink or fixing a strangers bike. He provides momentum for many efforts including last Saturday when he gathered a posse and towed a chainsaw to clear out trail obstructions at Wilderness. I guess I just wanted to say thanks CVO.

Some things to say.

The semester is nearly over and with only a couple classes to focus on I have a little bit of time to catch up on some things I had hoped to do earlier. As some of you may know, I have been taking photographs for my college's weekly publication Redweek as a part of my coursework. It has given me the opportunity to shoot things I might not have on my own. I will be posting some of the shots from this semester in the next couple weeks not only to share some of what I have been doing doing but also to add my voice to a few issues. As if I don't talk enough.

April 10th across the country, protesters marched on their various capitols to oppose stricter immigration laws being discussed by congress. Here in Lincoln, more than 4,000 protesters and a dozen or so speakers called for immigration reform. They asked lawmakers to show compassion when faced with legal and illegal immigrant issues and chanted "Si se puede!" or "Yes, it can be done!"

US Senator Ben Nelson emailed a response to my petition for compassion towards immigrant issues with his idea of how "Yes, it can be done." Excerpts of his letter outline the proposal he has put forward in congress.

"A key element of my proposal is an increased presence on our
nation's southwest border. My bill provides for the construction of
a border fence and would double the number of border agents over
five years. It also calls for the U.S. Departments of Homeland
Security (DHS) and Defense to work together to increase the
availability of unmanned aerial vehicles and surveillance
equipment."

"Finally, because lax border security is one of the main causes of
unlawful immigration and drug trafficking and has the potential to
allow terrorists to enter our country, I believe that border security
must be addressed before any other immigration concerns can be
adequately addressed."

While I agree with Nelson on some issues, I respectfully disagree with him on this one. This is not 14th century China. The Mongols and Turkics are not raiding our villages although references to terrorists are surely aimed at conjuring this image. This is also not a sixties era soviet outpost surrounded by democratic nations. This is 21st century America that is nearly 4 percent illegal immigrant. (295 million divided by estimated 12 million illegals) Refusing to address "any other immigration concerns" when 4% of the population is institutionally disenfranchised is inexcusable. I do not purport to have all the answers but refusing to talk about ideas is dumb. Just saying.

Also, in an effort to head off those who are inclined to make comments about how people do or do not 'deserve' citizenship: If you are willing to mop the blood of a shit smelling animal all day long, all week long, all year long in an effort to elevate your family while your neighbor who is eating burgers for cheap prices tells you that you are a drain on his economy than feel free to cast the first stone. If not you might try looking for your economy drainers in some of my large-group classrooms. They are usually the half asleep drooling kids in pink Ugg boots whose white collar jobs will be outsourced before they wake up.

Tired of looking at my bitter cynicism. Take a look at some hardworking people who want to be heard.

Lincoln native Felix Rivas-Sanchez rallies protesters in their cry, "Si se puede!" or "Yes it can be done!" Monday outside the Federal Building. His speech referenced the Great Wall of China and the Berlin Wall pointing out, "Walls Do Not Work!"

(Left) Nebraska State Senator Ray Aguilar spoke to the peaceful protesters outside the capitol in Lincoln.

Protest placards read "We are America", "Pilgrim = Immigrant" and "Who's Gonna Build Your Fence?" A good question from the backbone of America.

Chris Andersen, member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1055 joined the protest because his jobsite shut down when many of the other workers left to march on the State Capitol and Federal Building.



Nebraska Weslyan Sociology Professor Emeritus John Krejci speaks out against the border security bill proposed by US Senator Ben Nelson.