RACE DETAILS & REGISTRATION

"There is no "Easy Button" when it comes to Trans Iowa. Everything is difficult."- Guitar Ted

Event Dates:  Trans Iowa v14 was the last Trans Iowa. There will be no more.  

 Registration:   CLOSED forever.


  

RACE RULES

NOTE: TRANS IOWA NO LONGER EXITS> THESE RULES ARE FREE TO USE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO PUT ON A GRAVEL EVENT: Guitar Ted

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, 29"ers, 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's directors is final.

17: No GPS Systems allowed for navigation. GPS's are allowed for personal data and recording your ride.

18: Have at least 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.

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

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

21: 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!

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

23: Due to ever evolving "technology" it has to be said now that no electric assist, nor anything other than a 100% human powered, two wheeled vehicle is allowed to be used at Trans Iowa. 

24: Participants must remain within the primary boundaries of the roadway at all times. If the roadway is bordered by fences or ditches, riders must stay between them. If the roadway is in open range, stay on the roadway. Leaving the roadway or climbing over a fence is considered short cutting the course and will result in disqualification

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. 

Categories: There will be an Open Men, Open Women, Single Speed/Fixed.

 

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. (Hint- cell phone!)

SUPPLIES TO KEEP IN MIND

• Small rucksack / hydration pack
• Lightweight waterproof / windproof top
• Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped
• 2 liters 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 ( Banjo Brothers Cue Sheet Holder)
• a cycling computer ( Garmin Edge 200)

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

 Trans Iowa Roster
Limited to 120 Riders

"Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness"

                               Aristotle

 
 Trans Iowa will not occur again. These used to be the race categories.

 Womens Open
 
  Mens Open

 Single Speed/ Fixed