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