LATEST NEWS

Look for updates concerning Trans Iowa V8 here.

Scroll down! This is a long page.

Trans Iowa V7: 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. 


3/2/12: Welcome to March! A little over a month to go to T.I.V8!! Here is a story from our In Race Reporter, Dave Mable in this month's "Iowa Momentum Magazine". Click the link to see former winners and finishers take on this event, plus Dave's previous experience.  Also: We welcome past Trans Iowa Sponsor, Ergon  back again for another year. Thanks! Please check out the link and see their fine gloves, saddles, and backpacks.
 
2/20/12: Okay, some details on the Pre-Race Meet-Up, the film premier, and a special Oakley Swap at Bikes To You are being hammered out. Hopefully I can pass along some specific details soon, but it is getting pretty exciting. Here's a little bit from Jeff Frings on scoring the film. Enjoy! Stay tuned...
Scoring Gravel Movie from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

 
2/9/12: Just got an update on "300 Miles Of Gravel", a film by Jeff Frings Photography, and as of now, music is being written for the film. Final details are being taken care of, and there seems to be no reason we won't be able to premier this at the Pre-Race Meet-Up before T.I.V8. I look forward, (as I am sure many of you all do), to seeing this documentary. (Scroll down to see the trailer!)

To the winner of T.I.V8

 2/8/12: Oakley, one of our sponsors for T.I.V8, has announced that the winner of the event is to receive this watch, which Oakley is providing. The watch is pictured to the left here. Trans Iowa would like to thank Oakley and rep Rob Versteegh for this awesome prize.

 2/4/12: There is a big, important post today concerning T.I.V8's cue sheets you should read on Guitar Ted Productions here.

2/1/12: Total mileage figure for T.I.V8 is tentatively at 326.18m which must be completed in 34 hrs. Checkpoint #1 is at 51.4m and must be reached by 9:30am Saturday April 28th. Checkpoint #2's location is yet to be determined, so I do not have a time cut off set for it as of now. Stay tuned! 

1/30/12: Dave Mable of "Iowa Momentum Magazine" would like to have a word with you!  If you would like to help out with his story for the March issue, please contact me and I will put you in touch with him. He is particularly interested in speaking with any Vets with front of the event experience. Thanks!

 1/28/12: Just posted a compilation of Gravel Road Riding Tips to "Guitar Ted Productions". Click here to see it. Good info is in there for anyone into riding gravel and specifically this is important for all T.I.V8 riders!

1/20/12:  We welcome back Clif Bar as a T.I. sponsor again.

1/13/12: Trans Iowa welcomes sponsor Oakley again for T.I.V8. The plan is to get an Oakley timepiece engraved and presented to the overall winner of T.I.V8. There will also be another event on the eve of the race that will feature Oakley. Stay tuned for fine details which are being worked out. Thanks to Oakley again for stepping up and sponsoring T.I.V8!

1/8/12: Happy New Year! A new recon of the course has just been done, (nearly completed now!), and you can read all about it on Guitar Ted Productions here.

 12/24/11: Trans Iowa gets industry media attention. If you can get your hands on the latest "Bicycle Retailer and Industry News", you'll see an article front and center on the cover. Check it out if you can.

12/17/11: Trans Iowa welcomes back "Official Photographer for T.I.V8", Steve Fuller. Steve did a great job on imagery for T.I.V7 and wanted to volunteer to do it again for T.I.V8. See the entry  dated 5/3/11  below for a link to last springs pics.


12/13/11: The film project, "300 Miles of Gravel" by Jeff Frings, is still in production. Jeff contacted me to say that the project is running a bit behind schedule, and that he still has some details to put to it, including music and final editing. The rough cut is done though, so we're hoping to see the finished project in early 2012. 

In fact, Jeff suggested a premier showing before T.I.V8. Stay tuned for details. (See the trailer for the film below!)

 12/6/11: Trans Iowa is proud to announce that T.I. Vet, Dave Mable who is also the Editor In Chief of "Iowa Momentum Magazine" will be riding as an "in race reporter" for a story in the magazine planned for a summer 2012 release.

11/26/11: A big recon post with many pics is up now at Guitar Ted Productions. Check it out. Also, talks have started with a possible returning sponsor for T.I.V8. News on some Race Details may become available in the near future as well. Stay tuned....  


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.

 5/3/11: Official Photographer, Steve Fuller, has posted Terms Of Use and the link to his photos from T.I.V7. Please respect his wishes and read the terms he has posted. I think they are rather generous. Also: The Trans Iowa History Site has been updated to reflect T.I.V7. 

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.V7 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 V7!

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

Media
"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.V2 video clip
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:  Meeting to be held April 27th at the Grinnell steakhouse. Attendance to this meeting is MANDATORY to be able to race. (Details coming soon)

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. Jonathan Weissman
 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. Eric Claessens
 21. Brian Hall
 22. Nicholas McCulloch
 23. Jerod Morford
 24. Jim McGuire
 25. Matt Maxwell
 26. Andy Schutte
 27. Gary Cale
 28. Mark Johnson
 29. Paul LaCava
 30. Eric Wehr
 31. Rafal Doloto
 32. Courtney Hilton
 33. Charles Showalter
 34. Dan Dougan
 35. Steve Meyers
 36. Derek Chinn
 37. Scott Sundby
 38. Robert Kiefer
 39. Regie Romo
 40. Chris Schotz
 41. Marco Holgado
 42. Joe Stephens
 43. Samuel Auen
 44. Robert Fry
 45. Kevin Ehrlich
 46. Ben Miller
 47. Trevor Heithoff
 48. John Mathias
 49. Chuck Fritz
 50. Ben Oney
 51. Charly Tri
 52. Mike Fox
 53. Mike Wallace
 54. Brian Oestrike
 55. Jeffrey Losso
 56. Jim Thompson
 57. Jeff Scott
 58. Dan Jansen
 59. Kelley Wescott
 60. Chris Skogen
 61. Brian Bottke
 62. Craig Severson
 63. Nicholas Wethington
 64. Jeremy Kershaw
 65. Al Brunner
 66. Brad Showalter
 67. Dallas Sigurdur
 68. Maciej Nowak
 69. Aaron Schnee
 70. Steve Hengst
 71. Dan Driscoll
 
Women's Open

1. Audrey Wiedemeier
2. Andrea Cohen


Single Speed/ Fixed Gear:
 1. Matt Wills
 2. Troy Krause
 3. Joe Partridge
 4. Steve McGuire
 5. Don Daly
 6. Matt Jennings
 7. Warren Wiebe
 8. Bill Ostrowski
 9. Scott McConnell
 10. Mike Neumeyer
 11. George Mattison
 12. John Karrasch
 13. Lee Neal
 14. John Welsh
 15. Joel Dyke
   

   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.