North Iowa Spin / MC2 was well represented at Ironman 70.3 Kansas in Lawrence on Sunday, June 14, 2009. Nine members followed the yellow brick road, and most had spectacular times; mine was a bit slower. The forecast was 60% chance of rain, but there were only a few sprinkles during the early part of the bike leg. Then the sun came out, while the temperature and humidity rose; the wind was light. The swim course was very flat, but the bike course made up for it with lots of big hills. It was amazing to see about 2,000 bikes racked in T1 and out on the course. The run course was quite well planned with 2 loops of mostly flat terrain. However, there was one significant hill that we had to do twice. The race volunteers were amazing, and the coordination was awesome. I dropped off my rain jacket and a hat at the first aid station on the bike course as I shouted out my bib number. When I retrieved my bike and paraphernalia at T2 after the race, there was my jacket and hat hanging on my bike! The run course had an out-and-back loop twice through the campground, so spectators saw each runner four times. Casey and Hunter Callanan brought the Winnebago, so our team had great support. Each time one of us would pass, horns were blasting and bells were ringing. Bloody Marys and other libations were enjoyed by those not suffering on the course. Chrissie Wellington, who won the womens pro division didn't stop for the Bloody that was offered, but the second to last age grouper runner in the whole event did have a glass of champagne as he passed by. Overall, it was a great day!
Hunter Callanan - 5:41:11
Katie Fistler - 5:43:39
Wade Busch - 5:49:49
Mike Irving - 6:09:46
Mark Koerber - 6:14:03
Mary Davenport - 6:14:15
Steve Schurtz - somewhat less than a whole day
Joan Vrieze - chip "lost" at T1, so no recorded time, although she did well
Tina Friday - had to DNF on the run due to a calf problem
We also have a new sponsor this year for the Clear Lake Crit: Goose Island - 312 Urban Wheat Ale! We will have primes for all races and those winners will be able to enjoy some ice cold 312 at the sponsors tent in City Park. Unfortunately you will not be able to purchase this produce from the tent and only those speedy fast enough to win the prime will be able to enjoy this fine brew while watching the races and listening to Clear Lakes Municiple Band!
