North Iowa Spin and E=MC2

Spring Clothing Order for North Iowa Spin

2012-01-26T07:58:00.002-06:00

A new clothing order will be submitted on February 17, so now it a good time to order clothing items for the spring and summer. The product list and order form will be posted on this site soon. Otherwise, contact John at the address below to have them emailed to you.

There are three options for submitting the order form and check.
1. Mail to John Johnson at 116 Lakeview Drive, MC 50401, by Feb. 16.
2. Drop of at re:Cycle, indoor cycling class, at 2599 South Federal during class times.
3. Drop off at Wayne's Ski & Cycle.

Please contact John at jljohnson@allstate.com with questions.

Early AM indoor cycling classes

2012-01-22T09:32:00.000-06:00

North Iowa Spin will be offering a new series of indoor cycling classes. One hour classes will be held at 5:30 AM (yes, AM) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Carrie Berg will be organizing the classes with the assistance of Kent Stevenson. The doors will be open at 5:15 AM for warm-up and wakeup. It will be a great way for all the early morning exercisers to balance their workouts with Mason City Masters Swim Club workouts on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Please contact Carrie at thebergs1@juno.com with any questions.

A good article about indoor cycling from TrainingPeaks.com

2011-12-28T09:28:00.000-06:00

http://blog.trainingpeaks.com/posts/2011/12/27/indoor-cycling-get-your-spin-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+trainingpeaks%2FXAlX+%28TrainingPeaks+Blog%29&safe=on

re:Cycle indoor cycling leaders - January 2012

2011-12-27T15:09:00.000-06:00

1/3 - Earl
1/5 - Steve
1/7 - Mark
1/10 - Earl
1/12 - Hunter
1/14 - John
1/17 - Steve
1/19 - Connie
1/21 - Brad
1/24 - Hunter
1/26 - John
1/28 - Connie
1/31 - Brad

Indoor cycling 2011-2012

2011-09-30T19:29:00.002-06:00

Indoor cycling will start on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6:30PM.

Thanks to the generous offer of George Jessen, classes will be held at 2599 South Federal, part of the Heartland Asphalt building. We will be using the space on the north side of the building being vacated by North Iowa Millwork. Parking is available between that location and Hewitt Wholesale.

Our indoor classes are for cyclists of all interests and abilities. When you are riding on a trainer, you can’t get dropped! Only one person has fallen off his bike in the last six years, and that was because his seat post broke after 25 years. You can make the workout as hard or as leisurely as you wish. Our space will be about 20x40 feet with good acoustics and restroom accessibility. The area is carpeted, so any rider who is likely to drip sweat on the floor is encouraged to bring a mat or rug (sounds like kindergarten) to place under his/her bike.

Our schedule will remain the same - Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM and Saturday morning at 8:30 AM. In the past, there was interest in starting at 6:00 PM. We can readdress that issue if there is interest once we get started.

The funds that we generate with our classes allow SPIN to donate to organizations that promote many types of silent sports in order to encourage active, healthy, and fun lifestyles for the people of northern Iowa. In the past, SPIN has donated money to Cerro Gordo Recreational Trails ($3,000 recently to develop more of the bike trail around Clear Lake), North Iowa Nordic ($1,350 recently to purchase another track setter to be used at Lime Creek Nature Center and Pilot Knob), and JDRF. In addition, each year at Christmas time the participants in indoor cycling have sponsored a family through one of the local agencies, giving them clothes, food, and grocery store cash cards. Check the SPIN blog at www.northiowaspin.blogspot.com.

All participants will need to renew their North Iowa Touring Club membership for 2012; current memberships expire 12/31/11. Membership in North Iowa SPIN is optional (Click for Form), but carries some benefits for those interested in racing – cycling, triathlon, cyclocross, and running. If you compete in three or more races wearing SPIN/MC2 gear, you are eligible once a year for $100 entry fee reimbursement and $50 discount on clothing orders.

Fees:
NITC single - $15
NITC family - $20
North Iowa SPIN - $15

NITC/NISPIN membership form

Season pass - $100
10-punch ticket without trainer - $30
10-punch ticket with trainer - $60
Single session without trainer - $3
Single session with trainer - $6
Skewer (to be used with the trainer) - $10

Registration forms are available for you to complete before you came, but forms will also be available at class.

If you're riding on a 10-punch card or a single session pass, there is a room adjacent to ours where bikes can be stored when not in use.

As always, we are always looking for people to volunteer to lead class. Please contact me at sschurtz3@mchsi.com if you would like to try leading a class or if you have any questions about indoor cycling.

See you on November 1! We will be present by 5:45 PM on the first night to start the registration process.

Steve Schurtz
641-430-1745
sschurtz3@mchsi.com

Maschka Wins @ Capital Cross!

2011-09-26T08:44:00.001-06:00

IMG_3966, a photo by BIKEIOWA.com on Flickr.

Saturday:
Donny Maschka takes second Mens Master 45
Results: http://goo.gl/2ZBHX
Sunday:
Donny Maschka wins Mens Master 45
Results: http://goo.gl/ZUFZo
Now this is how you post results quickly and effective old school style!

Unofficially, this should place Donny near the top of the CENTRAL IOWA CYCLOCROSS Series.

SPIN on Facebook

2011-09-21T12:38:00.002-06:00

The new FB changes have me, and quite a few other people, a bit unfamiliar with the workings. It's my understanding that groups are being archived, so a North Iowa SPIN page has been created. Please visit that page and "Like" it to stay updated with postings.

North Iowa Spin on FB

North Iowa Spin Donates to CGRT and NIN

2011-09-20T04:42:00.002-06:00

North Iowa Spin, represented by President Dave Delperdang, presented a check for $3,000 to Cerro Gordo Recreational Trails via Casey Martin to be used for more trail development in our area. The Iowa DNR as announced that further funding will be available for development of another section of the trail on the southwest side of Clear Lake. The trail will be extended over the Ventura grade, according to Casey. The Spin money will go toward that project, also.

Spin also has given funds to North Iowa Nordic to purchase another tracksetter for XC skiing this winter. Currently, NIN has one tracksetter which is transported between Lime Creek and Pilot Knob. Now, each location will have equipment on site, so that the volunteers will not spend time moving the equipment. That will give them a lot more time for training and representing NIN and Spin/MC2 at events this winter. For more information on that, please contact joel@masoncitylawyer.com.

Fall Clothing Order

2011-09-15T13:46:00.001-06:00

Fall 2011 Nispin Mc2 Order Form

Time Trial star - Curt Sauve

2011-08-15T16:19:00.003-06:00

Our time trial specialist, Curt Sauve, found great success this season in the Elkhart Time Trial Series and at the Iowa Games TT. He was second in the Elkhart series, with results below. He won the Iowa Games TT in July. The photo is Curt with his gold medal. The prize for second in the Elkart series was a pair of Kyle's Bikes socks. Congratulations to Curt!

Don Maschka and Earl Hill also represented North Iowa Spin in the Elkhart races with one race each. We'll look forward to more races for them next season.

2011 Elkhart TT Series #1
4/14/11
3rd

2011 Elkhart TT Series #2
5/12/11
3rd

2011 Elkhart TT Series #3
6/23/11
2nd

2011 Elkhart TT Series #4
7/14/11
3rd

2011 Elkhart TT Series #5
8/12/11
5th

2011 BBBBQ Race Weekend Summary

2011-07-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

The 2011 Bicycle, Blues, and BBQ Festival was another great success. Each year, the event gets bigger and better, and this year was no exception.
The weekend kicked off with music by Ross William Perry and by Reverend Raven and the Chain-Smoking Alters Boys, as well as delicious BBQ provided by multiple vendors. On Saturday morning, charity fun rides of several distances left from and returned to City Park in downtown Clear Lake. Thank you to Casey Martin, Shane Cooney, and their volunteers for arranging this part of the weekend. It was great to see Joe Boatman, one of the original organizers of BBBBQ, back for the weekend from Minneapolis.
Racing kicked off at noon on Saturday with the Iowa State Criterium Championships under the generous sponsorship of Monson & Sons Trucking. Lots of other sponsor contributed, as well. Juniors were the first riders, and more juniors participated than ever before. As the afternoon and evening progressed, the races become faster and more exciting. Tom Zirbel, originally from Clear Lake and now racing for Jamis/Sutter Home out of Boulder, CO, returned for the weekend bringing with him teammate Nick Frey, originally from Des Moines. Two riders from the Kenda 5 Hour Energy Pro Cycling Team presented by Geargrinder, Gregg Brandt and Pat Lemieux, also came for the race. Frey won the Pro/1/2 crit race, with Zirbel finishing fourth. The road race was fast and close, with Brandt winning the Pro/1/2 road race. Frey was third, and Zirbel finished in the main pack within two seconds of the winners. Zirbel smiled and said, “You guys need more wind or more hills to separate the riders.” We can hope for wind next year.
North Iowa Spin racers included David Delperdang, John Johnson, Andy O’Brien, Don Maschka, Lyell Hogg, Mike Campbell, Joel Yunek, and Tom Thul. Mike was the highest place finisher, taking 2nd in Cat 5. Todd Juhlin, riding for Sioux City Velo, competed in the Masters category, and David Hand from Mason City, riding for Bennett Cycles, competed for the first time in Juniors 17-18.

The races were well organized under the direction and hard work of Tim Putnam. Support was provided by Earl Hill, Dave Delperdang, John Johnson, Curt Sauve, and Steve Schurtz, as well as dozens of volunteers. The planning committee wishes to thank each of our volunteers. Without their help, this event would not be possible.

Results

2011-07-13T13:33:00.001-06:00

Monson & Sons Trucking/Bicycle, Blues, & BBQ

2011-07-11T21:22:00.014-06:00

Thank you everyone for participating in the Monson & Sons/Bicycle,
Blues, & BBQ race weekend and for all the wonderful compliments. Each
one is truly appreciated. We have a very dedicated race committee that
works extremely well together and really enjoys putting on this event.
Our volunteers are amazing and are willing to stand under the hot,
baking sun for hours at a time. To our long time sponsors who believe
in what we are doing and are willing to invest in our event. Finally,
we want to express our thanks to Monson & Sons Trucking, who came on
board without really knowing a thing about cycling, racing or our event.
To Ron and Ben Monson, and to all of you - THANK YOU!

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/northiowaspin/

Thank you,
Tim Putnam
Earl Hill
Steve Schurtz
Dave Delperdang
John Johnson
Curt Sauve

Junior Racers Wanted!

2011-06-24T08:22:00.003-06:00

Looking for Junior to compete in Monson and Sons Iowa State Criterium Championships in Clear Lake Iowa:
The races start at noon on Saturday, July 9, with the Iowa State Criterium Championships. The crit is a fast, multilap event on a 0.9-mile course starting and ending at City Park in Clear Lake. There will be special race categories for kids ages of 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18.

They will be racing to be the Iowa State Champion for their respective age category and Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age category!!!

The entry Fee is $10 for juniors and North Iowa Spin will pay for a one day USA Cycling license ($15) for any Junior from the North Iowa Area to include the counties include: Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth, Wright.

Bikes must be in good operating conditions and aero bars may not be used or attached to the bike. Wayne’s in Mason City will complete a thorough bike safety inspection for free. Bring your bike into their Mason City shop prior to the race and they will also be in the park the morning of the race to provide bike safety inspection for race participants.

Monson and Sons Race Weekend, Clear Lake, IA

2011-05-26T21:02:00.001-06:00

Monson and Sons Bike Race Flyer 2011

The TT’s Shadow

2011-03-25T12:51:00.007-06:00

By Velodogster

“The season is over, it’s time to rest”, he heard from the Bike Nazi, who always knows best.

Those words of advice made him think twice, but he poured on the coals and ‘to hell with HIS goals.’

It’s all about fun, this race with the sun.

Down on his aeros he looks to the right and sees the shadow of a time trialist cast from the light.

With a wall of amber corn stalks like a big screen, he could see an aero man on his TT machine.

As drops of sweat fell from the tip of his nose

he accepted the season was coming to a close.

The season was waning and so was his form, but not many days would still be this warm.

It won’t be long now and those stalks will be gone and the “machine”, as he calls it, will be on display… in his home.

He rides for a reason from season to season.

When his legs drive his steeds he has all that he needs.

Through wind, rain and sleet, he trains to defeat, the demons he contends with when he puts up his feet.

The pain comes mainly when he tries to sleep – some superficial and some quite deep. “Periodization” comforts his soul as he drifts off to sleep thinking of next season’s goal.

As long as he’s ridin’ his mind never drifts, to dark scary places he’d rather miss.

The shadow rolls on and soon it is gone, but the image he’s left with carries him on.

On through the winter and into next spring, he savors those moments and the pleasure they bring.

Like a bountiful harvest they carry him through, the dark times when clunker bikes and indoor trainers must do.

James Peterson
Menomonie, WI

RITES OF PASSAGE

2011-03-08T08:14:00.004-06:00

(from Bicycling.com)
Add your own to the list.

Falling in puppy love, graduating high school, the birth of your child--nothing compared with your first case of road rash and these 108 other momentous occasions in the life of a cyclist

01. Realizing that the hill isn't in the way; it is the way.
An essay by Mark Levine

02. You go from one pair of shorts to a dedicated drawerful.

03. Being unable to sleep the night after you first shave your legs, because of the tingle of bedsheets against your skin.

04. When "thanks for the ride" goes from something you overhear to part of your lexicon.

05. You see someone at the beach tanned low on the quads and biceps, and give him a nod of recognition.

06. Bonking so bad you don't think you'll be able to make it home.

07. Discovering how a convenience-store Coke can resurrect the dead.

08. Starting and finishing a ride—the same one—in pouring rain.

09. When you hang out at the bike shop and no one expects you to buy anything.

10. When your bike computer registers triple digits for one ride.

11. Clearing a log on a the trail.

12. You embrocate.

13. Staying with the paceline long enough to take a turn at the front.

14. You're on the bike for the fifth straight day, and your butt doesn't hurt.

15. You try bibs and realize you can never go back to shorts.

16. You stop riding beside and behind the pack and instead ride inside of it—with no claustrophobia.

17. You swing off the front of a paceline before you get tired.

18. You blow a snot rocket without hitting your shoulder or leg—or the rider behind you.

19. You notice that someone else has the chain grease on his right calf.

20. You get stuck in your pedals and topple over at a stoplight.

American Birkebeiner 2011

2011-03-01T08:33:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to North Iowa Nordic skiers at the American Birkebeiner on Saturday, March 26, in Hayward, WI.

(name/age group/overall place/age group place/time)
Evan Peterson/M25-29/619/87/2:50:25.7
Joel Yunek/M55-59/686/35/2:52:56.3
Robert Polking/M55-59/831/47/2:58:34.8
Todd Juhlin/M40-44/1198/133/:3:12:12.3
Dwight Beavers/M70-74/2560/4/4:08:40.8.

Major congratulations to Dwight, a former age group winner!

City of Lakes Loppet

2011-02-08T08:43:00.008-06:00

The City of Lakes Loppet is a 33 kilometer race with seven "waves" and approximately 140 participants per wave. Skiers were placed into the waves based on their speed, with wave 1 being the fastest. Evan Petersonand Joel Yunek were placed into wave 2; Robert Polking was in wave 3; Dwight wave 5; and Andy Johnson was placed in wave 6.

The overall winner of the City of Lakes Loppet was Minnesota resident Matt Liebsch with a time of 1:21:17. Evan Peterson finished first for the Mason City team with a time of 1:51:43. Peterson placed 200th out of the 1086 participants. The average time it took a participant to complete the Loppet was 2:19:25.

Evan Peterson 1:51:43
Joel Yunek 2:00:53
Robert Polking 2:03:09
Andy Johnson 2:22:53
Dwight Beavers 2:47:18

Spring Clothing Order

2011-01-11T12:11:00.007-06:00

We currently have a wide selection of NISPIN/MC2 Clothing items in stock and stop by Wayne's to check it out.

Next Clothing Order will be placed on 2/10/11

All Nordic gear 25% off - Gear in stock at Waynes Ski & Cycle

Order Form

Spring 2011 NISPIN MC2 Clothing Order Form(1)

Yule Ride 2010

2010-12-03T14:26:00.008-06:00

Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to Yule Ride!!! Raising just over $1,000 in cash donations we were able to adopt a third family. We also had a good number of presents donated and these families are sure to have a wonderful Christmas!

Thank you everyone for your generosity!

Please join us at the SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class for our third annual Yule Ride to collect gifts for two families in North Iowa. The Yule Ride will take place on Thursday, December 16th and will be a free ride for everyone who attends, even if you're not signed up for classes yet. Please wear any and all Christmas clothing you can find. Bring your gifts or donation.

The Yule Ride Class will start at: 6:00 p.m.
Social: 7:00 pm. North Iowa Spin and MC2 will supply all the beverages and snacks for an enjoyable post-ride Christmas celebration. Join us just for the social if you'd like. Just please join us!

Location: SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class is located in the old HyVee East DrugTown, the same as last year. Enter through the old Allstate location. The door is marked with NISPIN and MC2 signage.

We'd like to see anyone and everyone join us (NITC, NI SPIN, MC2, NIBU and the Clear Lake spinners, Runners, Swimmers, Nordic types, Surley Riders, and all other forms of Silent Sporters!) on Thursday, December 16th!

***************************************************************

Note: On any wrapped presents please indicate which child it is for > ‘Boy Age 4’

Family # 1:

This family is 2 boys being raised by Grandma.

The younger boy will be 4 in April and likes:

Curious George

Clifford (the Big Red Dog)

Trains & Buses

His sizes are:

Boys 4 – Pants & Shirts

Boys 4 – Undershirts

Toddler 6 –Shoes

The older boy is 8 and likes:

Ironman!

His sizes are:

Boys 7-8 – Pants

Boys 8- Shirts

Boys 6 – Underwear

Boys 2½ – Shoes

Other gifts to consider:

Movie or bowling passes, restaurant or grocery gift cards, gas gift cards

***************************************************************

Family # 2:

This family is 2 girls being raised by their mom.

The younger girl is 7 and likes:

Fairies

Tinker Bell

Her sizes are:

Girls 6

Shoes – Girls 12½

The older girl is 9 and likes:

Books

Diaries

Her sizes are:

Girls 10-12

Shoes – Size 3

Other gifts to consider:

Movie or bowling passes, restaurant or grocery gift cards, gas gift cards, hair accessories, jewelry

Families Provided by:

Allison Stevenson, Principal

Roosevelt Elementary School

Dave Delperdang's Lifetime Achievement Award

2010-11-20T17:04:00.002-06:00

On October 8, 2010, Dave Delperdang received the first North Iowa Spin Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to cycling in our area. Dave has been a leader for many years, both as a racer and as a race organizer. He is the current president of North Iowa Spin and a past president of North Iowa Touring Club (1986-1988), as well as being on both boards for quite a number of years. Dave was also a United States Cycling Federation official for several years during the 1990s.

Among races that Dave organized are the Miller TT series (held for 2 or 3 years in the mid to late ’80s), North Iowa Road Race (Mason City, 1988-90), Band Fest Crit (1991), and the North Iowa TT series (1991-93). He was also involved in organizing the Taste & Tour of North Iowa Stage Race, Clear Lake USCF TT series, and Bicycle, Blues & BBQ races.

Success has also been Dave’s in many races. Some of these are Iowa Games (advanced rider category - 4 gold, 3 silver, & 2 bronze); USCF Iowa State Championships (Masters 40+ 40K TT – Gold, Masters 40+ Crit – Bronze, Masters 50+ Gravel Road – Bronze); Lake Race (age category 1^st place – ’93, ’94, ’95, ’96; overall wins – ’94 & ’95); Dusey Days Road Race (overall wins – ’90, ’91 & ’92); Health Link Hustle Road Race (Forest City) (overall wins – ’94 & ’95); North Iowa TT series (2^nd overall and 1^st place age category - ’91,’92 & ’93); Spam Race (1^st place age category – 1998); Hickory Hills Mountain Bike Race (1^st place); and Bicycle, Blues & BBQ (2008 crit – 2^nd place Masters 50+, 2009 crit – 3^nd place Masters 50+.

In recognition of Dave’s contributions, he was presented a Scott cyclocross bike with ‘cross specific tubular wheels. Russell Rayburn of Lakeside Cyclery and Matt Curtis of Wayne’s Ski and Cycle were instrumental in making that bike happen. With his new bike, Dave has enjoyed success in ‘cross races this fall and has enjoyed riding gravel with Spin teammates.

Congratulations, Dave! You deserve it.

2010 Cyclocross Update/Part Deux-by Don Maschka

2010-11-20T14:47:00.003-06:00

The 2010 Cyclocross Season has come to a close in central Iowa and the North Iowa Spin was well represented in the second half of the Central Iowa Cyclocross Series (CICS) by Evan Peterson, North Iowa Cycling Legend Dave Delperdang, and Don Maschka. The CICS consisted of 7 races including 2 days of Capital Cross, The Dirty Wooden Shoe in Pella, Altoona Cyclocross, Oakley Nightcap in Des Moines, and 2 days of racing in Living History Farms at Spooky Cross. The State Championships were also held in Altoona at the end of the season.

The second half of the series began with the most unusual race of the year with the Oakley Nightcap race held Friday night October 15. The race was contested outside Mulligan’s Bar along the banks of the Des Moines River under the lights (such as they were). This race was a late addition to the series as there was a need to replace the now defunct Cattle Cross in Marshalltown. Oakley and Mulligan’s Bar were good enough to step up and sponsor the race on fairly short notice.

A number of factors came together to give this race a different vibe compared to racing in a park or campground. First, it was held at night which required the course to be lit by portable lights. This was great, but one section of the course in a wooded area didn’t have any lights so the organizers threw some car lights on it and called it good. The Friday night time slot also made it a scramble to get there after work and made for a raucous crowd.

The loudest section of the crowd was strategically positioned at the start finish line just outside the deck of Mulligan’s Bar. Playing to the crowd were not only hundreds of ‘cross racers, but a live alternative rock band in the middle of the course. More fans lined up 2 or 3 deep along an off camber straightaway along the river.

The course itself was very short and tight. Combined with huge fields this made for a bit more paint swapping with other racers than usual. The course started on the off camber straightaway, then through the dark woods to the first set of barriers. These were double barriers before a short, punchy run-up and then an off camber descent to another barrier. The second barrier was before a short run up and then some rocky, technical turns. With all of the rocks there were probably more flat tires in this race than all of the other races combined. As we chewed up the course broken glass before the first set of double barriers came to the surface and began to claim some victims as well in terms of tires and flesh. One rider who fell at the barriers spent the rest of the night picking glass out of his hands.

We then sped around the bandstand and headed back towards the bar. A concrete parking lot barrier was placed right at the edge of the bar and some riders chose to dismount and run over it while a few bunny hopped it. Some of the less skilled provided some spectacular crashes in failed attempts at hopping over the unforgiving concrete much to the delight of the beer swilling fans.

This was not a course suited for me. I told myself to try to just get through it in one piece. We had 99 racers in my field alone fighting for every inch of position. I was close to the lead group when I dropped my chain. I was able to get my chain back on in fairly decent order, but I knew a good placing was over. With all of the mayhem the judges had a difficult time scoring the race and results weren’t posted until the following week. After my first ever protest of a race result I ended up a respectable 9^th in the CX 4. Good enough for a few points in the series standings. A special thanks to Ben and Katie Fistler who didn’t hesitate to loan me one of their Egg Beater pedals when mine broke in warm-ups. Without the quick change I couldn’t have raced at all.

The story of the race was Evan Peterson. He showed up for his first and only ‘cross race of the season and won the star studded CX 3 race! This guy has a habit of racing one race a year and winning it. Let’s hope we get to see him and Seth racing more for The Spin next year. Evan and Seth could be a fixture on the ‘cross podium across Iowa. These guys have the motors and technical skills that make them great ‘crossers.

The last two races of the CICS were held at Living History Farms over Halloween weekend in the appropriately named Spooky Cross. These are my favorite two races of the year bar none. If you are only going to do one race next year, make it one of these.

Going into the weekend I was in second place in the CICS standings down by a razor thin 2 points. The series would all come down to the final weekend. Day one was held in the “town” portion of Living History Farms and was the most I have ever hurt on a bike for 45 minutes. The course was absolutely brutal with a difficult, steep riding section followed shortly thereafter by a long, steep run-up. This combination had my legs crying out in pain. I just kept telling myself that if I was hurting this bad, so was everybody else. It turns out most everybody else was hurting worse and I was able to get a third place finish in a tough field.

North Iowa Cycling Legend Dave Delperdang rode in the masters 45+ group and had a nice 7^th place. I watched his race before mine and could tell this course was going to be tough as Dave was clearly suffering. He was able to pound out a great result and actually finished ahead of the guy who would finish in the top three for the 45+ overall series standings at season’s end.

Day two of Spooky Cross was held on Halloween and this brought out a few costumes and the dreaded rider in nothing but a Speedo. I’m not sure how his perineum held up for 45 minutes of ‘cross racing. I just hope he used lots of chamois cream. The course was less muddy than last year, but just as fun. It’s set mostly in the woods with some barriers over a scenic creek bridge. It’s a good course for me as it has a couple of long uphill sections that I can grind up.

I had my best hole shot of the year and found myself leading on the first lap of the race. I had never been off the front before and wasn’t quite sure what to do. I thought maybe something had gone awry behind me. I decided to just keep hammering and soon 4 of us were off the front together. We were gone with nobody in sight behind. I settled into third and was battling it out with a kid from Bike World when I felt my front tire get squishy. I debated on whether or not it was flat and actually got off and checked it. Indeed, it was going flat. I was able to limp around to the wheel pit where I had actually placed a spare set of tires. I don’t always do that, but luckily that day I did. I was able to do a quick tire change and only lost two spots. The rider from Bike World ahead of me had a mechanical himself and I was able to wind up 4^th.

After all was said and done I ended up in first place for the season in the CICS CX 4. I never won a race, but I did all of the races and never finished out of the top ten. I had two 2^nd places and one 3^rd. They had a little awards ceremony after the race and I must say it was cool to get called up with great riders like Brian and Kim Eppen and Kevin McConnell to name a few.

After my results in the CICS I categorized up to the 3’s and decided to race with the masters at the Iowa Cyclocross Championships held in Altoona on November 13. Dave and I planned to go together but he was felled by a bad case of bronchitis and I soldiered on alone. It rained the two days before the race and on race day it was 36 degrees and wet. Perfect weather for a ‘cross race.

I had gotten second on the Altoona course earlier so I knew it was a good course for me, but I wasn’t sure how I would fare against the masters. For my group they started the masters, juniors and single speed together with money going to the top five overall and medals to the top three in each group. My pre-race goal was to not get lapped by Brian Eppen on his single speed. The course was highlighted by a couple of long uphill sections, some technical turns, and a tricky off camber section before a barrier and run up. This last section claimed a few victims throughout the day.

Based on my category and order of registration I started in the middle of the field which turned out to be 47 racers. On the hole shot and after the first long hill I was able to get myself into pretty good position not too far behind the leaders of Lane Anderson, Brian Eppen, Kevin McConnell and Jerome Rewerts. I was never in touch with them, but could see them up until the last 2 or 3 laps.

I soon got into a battle with a rider from Melon City and another from Bikes to You. I was able to get around the Melon City rider on one of the technical sections as my tubular tires at a lower pressure of 27 psi gave me incredible grip. I could feel him behind me the rest of the race, but he wouldn’t catch me. I passed the Bikes to You rider with 2 laps to go and then he just sat in on me. I was able to get a gap after I heard him hit a barrier behind me, but I lost all of it when I hit the next barrier. I wasn’t afraid to sprint it out with him and I rode on the right so I could see him when he made his move. Unfortunately, he had a little more left and pipped me at the line.

The big boys really pushed it on the last few laps, but I could hear when they finished over the PA system and I was about a half a lap down. So, I was pleased I accomplished my goal of not getting lapped. I actually ended up 10^th overall. However, in my category and as an annual licensed rider I was able to bring home a bronze medal for The Spin. I’d like to say, “thanks,” to Seth and Evan at Wayne’s for keeping my bike ready for the demands of ‘cross racing. The bike takes a beating over the course of the season and they were able to keep me racing.

That wraps up the racing season for me. There is still racing left at Jingle Cross over Thanksgiving, but I am going to sit that one out this year. It’s a great event and I encourage anyone to race it or go and watch. You will be treated to Iowa’s only UCI sanctioned race and literally some of the best ‘cross racers in the country.

Another North Iowa Note: The First Couple of North Iowa Cyclocross Ben and Katie Fistler are having a great season as well. Ben races for Bikeiowa.com and worked his way up to a category 3. Katie races for the Punk Rock Racing Team and is racing with the big girls. She has been solid all year and rode a strong race at the state championships to get 3^rd and bring home another medal to Mason City. The Fistlers are a fixture at all of the ‘cross races across Iowa. Look for them in their 1979 Boogie Nights Van complete with orange shag.

2010-2011 SMETICS Indoor Cycling

2010-10-27T12:30:00.003-06:00

IMG_3304
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

Starting Tuesday November 2, 2010
HyVee East Location

Weekly Classes:

Tuesday/Thursday: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Holidays Schedule: We always try to add additional classes for the Holidays.

NITC Fees: Everyone will be required to sign-up or renew their membership for the North Iowa Touring Club for 2010. All current NITC memberships expire Dec 31, 2010: Single $15 and Family $20

PREPAID NISPIN CARDS:
There will be at least 60 sessions offered this year (Not counting the extra Holiday sessions normally added).

Full Season Pass = $100: A Great Value - Trainer not included

* New Family Season Pass: $50 for each additional person in the household.

Punch Card without Trainer = 10 sessions for $30
10 Punch Card with Trainer = 10 sessions for $40
Juniors (under 18 years old) = Free for NITC Members

Trainer rentals = $1.00 per session
Rear wheel skewers = $10.00

Peterson takes top spot at Oakley 'Night Cap' Cross

2010-10-21T08:26:00.007-06:00

In his debut cyclocross race of the year Evan Peterson took an impressive 1st place win with his newly upgraded status to CX 3. Would sure love to see what damage Evan and Seth could go together in the CX 3 field! Go Ni SPIN! Don Maschka had another great showing and finished in 9th in a vary large field.

CX3

1   Evan Peterson        MASON CITY       IA North Iowa Spin
2   Steve Bullerman      Waterloo         IA
3   Geoff Perrill        IOWA CITY        IA Iowa City Cycling Club

CX4
1   Adam Preske          Ames             IA
2   Andrew Bach          ANKENY           IA Des Moines Cycle Club
3   William Fantner      West Des Moines  IA
9   Don Maschka          MASON CITY       IA North Iowa Spin

Congrats!

Complete Results: http://www.bikeiowa.com/Cross/

Mid-Season Cyclocross Report

2010-10-14T09:34:00.003-06:00

by Don Maschka

The 2010 cyclocross season is in full swing and we are now midway through a busy fall. There are plenty of opportunities to race across Iowa in the rapidly growing ‘cross scene. There are two different points series races available to racers. There is the Eastern Iowa Cyclocross Experiment and the Central Iowa Cyclocross Series sponsored by Scheels that one can choose from on any given weekend September and into November.

I have been racing in the Central Iowa Series as most of the races are in the Des Moines area. There are seven races in the Series and one needs to place in the top ten in a race to get points and race six races to qualify for the end of the season points standings.

The Scheels Series began Saturday, September 25 with Capitol Cross on a rainy, muddy day. In other words it was a perfect day for ‘cross. I had a few top ten finishes last year and was hoping to place among the leaders this year in the CX 4 category. The course was held in a park complete with a difficult run up, rolling hills, and lots of technical turns. With the turns and the mud it may have favored the mountain bikers a bit, but was a blast for all of us. The course and the day really captured the essence of ‘cross-grown adults riding their expensive bikes through the mud and acting like kids. Some of my family came out to watch and they could not believe so many of us gladly pay $25 for the opportunity to punish ourselves in these conditions. One particularly difficult off camber turn led to a number of spills, including me, but surprisingly we avoided “The Big One.” I was able to come in 5^th and nab a few points in the Series.

I had to do a quick turn around on the bike and gear to get ready for Sunday’s race back down in Des Moines. I am proud to say I went with North Iowa cycling legend Dave Delperdang on what would be his first ‘cross race. The day was a beautifully sunny fall day. The organizers had changed up the course a little bit, but it still had the muddiest sections. As we were racing first we had the worst of the conditions. The course was torn up from a full day of racing on Saturday, but not firmed up from the sun that the later riders would enjoy. I did not recover well, but was able to grind out a 7^th place finish.

Dave did great! He raced in the 45 plus group and promptly got 4^th place. The unofficial results had him 3^rd and we were able to make it out of town with his third place tee shirt before the results became official. What made his result even more impressive was the bike he competed on. We are talking 1960’s Lincoln Continental heavy with bald tires. This thing was such a boat I was looking for the Lusitania decal on his down tube. I don’t know what it is made out of, but I think it could be from the Bronze Age. One thing I do know, looking at the smile on his mud covered face after the race, this won’t be his last ‘cross race. I am also pleased to report that Dave has since acquired a Life Time Achievement Award from the North Iowa Spin in the form of a new ‘cross bike and there will be no stopping him now. I look forward to racing with him next year in the 45 plus category.

The following Saturday featured The Dirty Wooden Shoe race in Pella. Ben Fistler and I made the long trip down together. The weather was gorgeous and the course had a little bit of everything; technical turns, a section on an off camber hill that had to be run, a run up, sand and hills. I was feeling good and took advantage of a few mechanicals my rivals had and was able to get my first ever podium finish in a mass start race by taking second place. I just missed out on getting a cool wooden shoe trophy.

Sunday it was back to Altoona. This was a fast course with double barriers on a flat section, a run up and some rolling hills. The start was fast and furious up a paved hill, over some gravel to the first set of barriers. One guy bit it on the barriers and we had to scramble around him, then another guy ate it on a technical turn that caused some angst in the pack. Eventually mid way through the first lap things settled down and I was able to get myself to the front of the action. I was able to fight off a few competitors on a long up hill section and found myself in 2^nd chasing a college kid on a single speed who is a cat. 2 roadie. People were yelling at me to catch him as he only had one gear. I thought to myself, “The bike may only have one gear, but that kid has more gears than I do.” I couldn’t catch him, but was able to come away with another second place. All in all it was a good weekend of racing.

Next up is Friday night’s race at Mullet’s Bar in Des Moines. This is going to be held under the lights with a band playing on the infield. It should be another crazy night of ‘cross racing. I am also planning on going to Spooky Cross in Des Moines over the Halloween weekend. These two races are my favorite races of the year. They have big fields and challenging courses held on Living History Farms. There are also two races in Waverly/Cedar Falls October 25 and 26.

If you have thought about doing ‘cross go ahead and do it. It will be the most fun you have ever had racing your bike. It is physically demanding, but more laid back than road racing. Because the field eventually gets lapped nobody really can tell if you are getting killed or if you are still on the lead lap. It is very spectator friendly and your family can cheer you on throughout much of the course. Get on bikeiowa.org or bikeiowa.com/cross and pick out a race. Just do one race and you will be hooked.

Ironman Wisconsin 2010

2010-09-30T11:01:00.002-06:00

by Hunter Callanan

Photos

The road to Ironman Wisconsin 2010 actually started on September 14, 2009. That is the day that I took the plunge and signed up for my quest to become an Ironman. I can still remember the excitement I felt as I hit the “Register” button on active.com.

I got down to business with my training in January. I was planning to do Ironman Kansas 70.3 in early June, so I put all of my focus on that race. After Kansas, I refocused my sights on Ironman Wisconsin. The training increased in duration and mileage until I peaked out in mid-August with my highest mileage week (239 miles: 202 miles cycling, 36 miles running and 2 miles swimming).

In August, I made two trips over to Madison to familiarize myself with the course. The first trip, Carrie Berg and I went over for Troy Jacobson’s tri-camp. I had a great experience at my first tri-camp. We rode the course on Saturday and then ran (in the rain) one loop of the marathon course. I came home with many new tri-friends and also a lot more confidence about getting to the finish line on September 12^th. My second trip was on my own. I again rode 2 loops of the course, ran one loop of the marathon and also did an organized course swim.

Fast forward a few weeks to September 10th. Casey and I headed to Madison on Friday morning. We got to town around 11:00 a.m. and immediately started all of the activities that are required for Ironman athletes. I went straight to athlete check-in. Waited in 4 different lines: one for USAT check, one for waiver sign-off, one to get weighed and the last to get my packet/race numbers. The whole thing took around an hour. It was getting to be time for lunch. We headed to Brocach Irish Pub across from the Capitol building. After lunch we went to check into our hotel. Once we had gotten everything from the car into the hotel, we took off for State Street to meet up with my Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Steve.

Friday night Casey, Steve, Cheryl and I met up in our hotel bar with Carrie Berg and most of the people from tri camp (including Troy Jacobson himself!!) We all went to the athlete dinner at Monona Terrace together. Mike Reilly (voice of Ironman) was the MC of the event. It was long night and I was pooped. I cut out half way through the rules meeting and went straight to bed.

Saturday morning, Uncle Steve and I headed out in the rain for a short bike ride. We rode through the arboretum by the UW campus. It was a home football game, so we got to contend with some game-day traffic. After the ride (and after I had warmed back up) Casey and I walked around the farmers market and enjoyed cheese curds. I left Casey with Steve and Cheryl in the poster making tent and went to get my gear bags organized. After enough poster-making time, we all headed down to bike check in and racked up my race rocket. I dropped my T1 and T2 bags off and it was time to get some lunch and find a spot to watch the Iowa vs ISU game. We headed to the Great Dane and got a great spot with couches right in front of the big screen. My cousin Elle showed up right before kickoff and the Mason City cheering contingent showed up too. We watched the Cyclones get stomped on for a while, bummer, and then headed back to the hotel to get ready for an early dinner. Steve, Cheryl, Elle, Casey and I went to Fresco, the restaurant on the top of the Museum of Contemporary Art. We had a really great dinner. Then it was time for bed.

I had no problem trying to get to sleep and I had no problem staying asleep. The alarm went off at 4:15 a.m. Time to start eating and get some serious fluids down. I had 2 mini bagels and banana, along with Ironman Perform. I took a quick shower and got my tri kit on. Around 5:15 I took my special needs bags down to the corner, got body marked, and went to get my bike ready. I pumped up my tires and loaded my bike with nutrition and liquid for the day. My plan was to eat 100 calories every 25 minutes and sip on my areo bottle as much as possible. I taped 5 Hammer Gels on the top tube, and then put 3 mini-Clif Bars, 2 packs of shot blocks, 4 Endurolytes and 2 Fig Newtons in my bento box. I filled up my aero bottle with Ironman Perform and stuck a water bottle and another bottle of Perform on my bike. Then I headed back up to the room to sunscreen and hang out until it was time to get down to the water. Around 6:15 Casey and I headed to the beach. The rest of the Team Pinkalicious contingent came down a few minutes later and I had my last few laughs before getting in the water. As I was giving everyone hugs, I stated to tear up. The time had finally come and I was ready!

Time to race. Around 6:40 I got into the water. I swam out the buoy and looked back at Monona Terrace. It was an amazing sight with all of the spectators. After what seemed like forever, it was the pros time to start. Off they went. Then the area that I was in got a lot more crowded. I tried to stay towards the front of the pack. I was starting to get really cold, teeth chattering and all. Thankfully they called out 1 minute to start. That minute went by very quickly and all of the sudden the canon went off. From there on out it was it was like swimming with 2,500 people in the agitate cycle of the washing machine. I don’t think I ever took more than 6 strokes without running into someone or someone running into me. I was getting very annoyed with all of the contact, but continued to hold my line right next to the buoys. Finally I came upon the final turn towards shore. It was almost over, well at least that part.

I got out of the water and ran to the first set of wetsuit strippers. Once I was out of my wetsuit I was on my way up the helix. There were so many spectators in the helix, I felt like I was running on air. In to T1 I went, grabbed my bag and went to the changing room. I didn’t have much to do except put on my helmet, sunglasses, biking gloves and arm warmers. The arm warmers were really hard to get on, even with the great help from the volunteer who was assisting me. I grabbed my shoes and made my way out of the building. I got to my bike and ran it out to the mount line. Down the helix and out onto John Nolen. As I was stuffing the first Clif Bar into my mouth one of the race photographers came into view. I thought, great, I get a few photos of me chewing my food like a cow. All the way out to Verona I tried to keep my speed in check. As Coach Troy said, “This is a warm up. You’ve got a long day ahead of you.” Even though it was 6 and a half hours, the bike seemed to go by quickly. It was very nice to have friends and family on Old Sauk Pass. It really made that hill seem not so bad. There was also great support and energy on the next climb. Through all the climbs, I shifted into my granny gear and spun up the hills. Another metaphor from camp, “Don’t burn your matches up the hills. You only have so many matches and you will need them for the run.” All of the volunteer support was great as well. I stopped in Cross Plains and while I was in the porta-john, the volunteer holding my bike topped off all of my water bottles with water. Talk about full service! I got to see friends in Verona, so that helped my mood too. Soon enough I was done with my second loop and heading back into Madison. Luckily I had a tail wind to help me along. The ride up the helix was fun. I exclaimed “wheeeeee” and I don’t think my fellow athletes were having as much fun as me because I got a few glares. When I got off my bike and gave it to the volunteer, I saw Wade Busch, who was volunteering. I got to talk to him while I was running into the building. I hadn’t seen a familiar face in over an hours so it a welcome site.

I got changed with the help of a volunteer. Put on my compression socks, shoes and visor and headed off. (Note: compression socks are very difficult to put on when you are already swollen and in a hurry.) I hit the porta-john and went through the sunscreeners. As I was leaving the transition I saw Casey and then my Mom and Cheryl. I got to hug my mom since it was the first time I had seen her that day when I wasn’t on my bike. My legs were pretty tight so I tried to loosen up for the first few miles. I stopped a few times to stretch out, which included plopping down in the grass by some spectators to stretch out my back. Somewhere around mile 5 my stomach started to get angry with me. There was a lot of sloshing going on in my stomach, so I figured I wasn’t digesting. I walked about ½ mile and then gave it another go. I ran down State Street and got to see all of my friends and family. I finally got to hug my dad and puppy Coastie. That really helped my spirits. Again around mile 8, I felt bad again and started to walk. I walked almost a whole mile until I came upon one of my fellow campers (and bad-ass triathlete) Steve Brandes. He was on his second loop (so around mile 22). He walked with me for a little bit and then encouraged me to run with him. It really meant a lot to me that Steve was encouraging me on when I knew he wasn’t feeling great either and had lofty goals of his own about his finishing time. After he scampered off, I was feeling much better and managed to run most of the way back to the capitol and to the turn around. When I was at the turn around I noticed the race clock was around 10:30, so I knew that I had 2:30 to complete another half marathon and break 13 hours. That gave me a lot of drive to keep going. I pulled my visor down on my head, looked at the ground and focused on the task at hand. I don’t remember much of that second loop other than seeing friends and family again around mile 19. At that point I started to tear up, I knew I only had around another hour and I would be an Ironman. Again, I focused, put my head down and ran. Other than my glance at the finishers clock on my first lap, I hadn’t looked at my stopwatch all day, so at the final aid station I took a peak at it. It said 12:55. I said out loud something to the effect of “you’ve got to be f-ing kidding”. I had 2 blocks to go and 5 minutes to get there. I was so excited. When I figured out the 13 hour goal, it was merely an educated guess. I don’t remember a lot about rounding the final turn and heading to the finish. I remember yelling to Casey that I was going to be under 13 hours. Then I remember being herded through the finishers medals, photos etc by my handlers. I was in much better shape than many of my fellow finishers, so my handlers left me before I got my photo taken. Then I went out to find my family and friends. I was so pumped up, I felt like I was on top of the world. It was great to have so many people to celebrate with. After my husband ceremoniously dumped champagne over my head, I decided that I needed get out of those stinky clothes. I went up to the hotel room, took a shower and got changed.

I came back down for a champagne toast and rehashed the day with everyone. Casey went and picked up my bike and transition bags. (Best husband award, yet again!) We then went back to the finish line to watch Amy and Eric Follmuth finish. It was fun to see all the other finishers. Some came in with plenty of energy to spare and while others barely crawled across the finish line. Since we didn’t know where Amy and Eric were in the marathon, Casey and I decided it was time to head to bed. Wouldn’t you know that they came across the finish line 2 minutes after we left. Oh well, it is the thought that counts!

I want to first and foremost thank my husband for putting up with all of my antics this year. He is truly the best husband and I couldn’t have done it without his support and encouragement. I would also like to thank the rest of my family and all of my friends, especially the Team Pinkalicious Support Crew, who supported me in my endeavor. You each played a huge part in helping me get across that finish line.

By the Numbers:

Training

3382 - miles biked in 2010

985 - miles run in 2010

76 - miles swum in 2010

7 - century rides in 2010

Race

12:58:56 - Overall Time

1:04:58 - Swim

8:54 - T1

6:37:38 - Bike

9:14 - T2

4:58:14 - Run

2011 Clothing Line

2010-09-22T15:06:00.010-06:00

Nordic Gear
Mechanics Shirt
(in Pink too)

Beat the price increase - Now Taking Orders!!!

2010-09-13T14:07:00.002-06:00

We expect Champ Systems, the manufacturer of our team clothing, to put a price increase in place effective October 1st.

Because of the expected price increase we have decided to place a Fall clothing order.

Orders with payment must be received by September 27th!

We know this is a quick turn-a-round. If you would like to place an order please complete the attached order form and mail to John Johnson at the address listed or drop off at Wayne’s with your payment. Please make checks payable to: N.I. Spin.

Only orders with completed forms and payments will be processed.

Please be aware of the following changes:
- One price per item. We've eliminated the two tier pricing.
- Socks will not be offered at this time. We were not happy with the quality or design.
- The Pink kits will be available but with a slight design change -The new kits will really be pink!
- The cycling caps have been redesigned as well. They are now simply all black with green logos on each side. No white on this version. It is a basic, classic design.

Thanks!

NISPIN/MC2 Order Form - Fall 2010

New Team Sponsors

2010-09-13T12:40:00.005-06:00

We have enjoyed great support from our existing sponsors and we are truly grateful to them for sticking with us the past five years:

Wayne's - Taco Tico - Polking and Polking, DDS. - NITC - Juhlin Enterprises
312 Goose Island Beer Company - Henkel Construction.

We would now like to introduce our two new team sponsors!

Great having you aboard and thank you for your generous support!

Pigman the Destroyer

2010-08-31T15:48:00.001-06:00

The 2010 Pigman Long Course Triathlon.

By John Johnson

The 2010 Pigman started off much better than the 2009 version as there was no rain, no wind and temps were in the high 60s. There was fog however which delayed the start approximately 45 minutes. Present from NI Spin along with me were Wade Busch and my daughter Madi.

My goal for the race was first and foremost to finish, second was to beat 6 hours.

I had a good swim and covered the 1.2 miles 38:40. A great time for me as I cut over 17 minutes from last year! Wade had a great swim at 34:40 and was already out of transition ahead of me. Madi was out of the water right behind me even though she stared almost 6 minutes after me! Youth! And that swim team thing.

By the time we were out of the water the temp had climbed into the 80’s. Thankfully the winds were still calm. The ride was hot and full of rolling hills. I had reminded Madi to drink a lot of fluids and was hoping she had listened. I made very good use of the water stations along the bike route and went through 5 water bottles on the 56 mile ride. During the bike segment the temp had climbed into the 90’s. On the way back from the turn-a-round I saw Madi and was afraid the heat was getting the best of her. Climbing the last hill to the park entrance I was feeling over heated and thought I might have to pull off the road to get sick. For the first time in a race I was debating whether I even wanted to attempt the run.

As I came into transition Wade was just getting ready to leave on the run so I decided to push on. I also realized that I had dropped time over last years bike segment – almost 10 minutes! All of a sudden I though that if I could suck it up I could be pushing 5:30 for the race. In my head I realized that if I simply ran 9:30 miles I would hit that mark. I thought ‘No problem’, my last training run of 15 miles I was at a 9:20 pace and heck, this was a race and two miles shorter!

At the ½ mile mark of the run I came up on a runner limping badly. When I came alongside I realized it was Wade and he was cramping. They had provided Hammer Endurolyte tablets in our race bag and Wade popped a few and kept moving to walk out the cramp. I pressed on – but not for long. The heat was oppressive, like running in a sauna and there is no shade on this course. I had difficulty making it to the first water station where I had ice water, HEED and ice which went in my cap and down the back of my jersey – anything to help bring down my core temperature. Heading out of the first station is a hill which killed me and forced me into the walk. I was pissed! Ever since last years race I had been running like I was training for a marathon. To be forced into walking was unthinkable and very discouraging. Then I noticed everyone else was doing the same and suffering just as much. This is also the point where thoughts of a 5:30 race went out the window and I was just hoping to finish.

My routine became ice water, HEED and ice in my hat and down my back at each aid station. There were aid stations each mile of the 13 mile run and there were only 4 segments that I was able to run the complete distance between stations. I saw several people simply give up and sit down in the shade of one of the vehicles at the aid stations.

At the turn-a-round I remembered Madi was on the course. I was praying that she had abandoned the race after the bike segment. When I hit the 10 mile mark I looked up and saw a pink suit coming my way. I slowed to talk with her and she did not look good. I told her it was okay to stop and asked her to turn around and come in with me. I simply got a shake of her head and she continued on.

At mile 11 the guy and gal from St. Paul whom I had been running with most of the race commented that their goal was to beat 6 hours. I had the same goal and we decided to push one another to the finish. At the aid station at mile 12 the guy grabbed a water but then ran to the side of the road and got sick. He waved at us to go on without him.

The last mile was actually kind of hazy. I don’t remember the last hill or turning the corner. All of a sudden I was crossing the finish line and being handed a cup of ice water. I looked at my watch and realized I beat my goal and finished with a time of 5:50:44! Then Joy was by my side and I heard Wade’s wife and sister ask if he was okay. I let them know he had been cramping but was right behind. Wade had been cramping on and off the entire run but somehow pushed through and finished in 6:11:03. I am still not sure how he finished.

It took me about 30 minutes to come out of my haze. Then I started to worry about Madi. Joy wanted me to get on my bike and go out on the course to make sure she was okay. I didn’t as I knew that would irritate her and I knew I could not physically do anything at that point. I also knew there were plenty of people on the course to help.

Finally, after 7:40 minutes she came walking around the corner but was holding the timing chip in her hand. At the mile 11 aid station she could not coherently answer questions so they pulled her off the course. It wasn’t until later that she got mad and thought she could have made it in. But I am truly thankful they pulled her off.

So, round two of the Pigman is in the history books. Although I beat my goal of 6:00 the Pig most definitely got the better of me. At the run turn-a-round I made the decision to abandon any plans to ever again do this race again or to every attempt a full Ironman and also to abandon my plans to run the Des Moines Marathon. I thought if I can’t run 13 miles why would I attempt 26? But it’s been over a week and I am rethinking my position. I know I can hit 5:30:00 and I need to beat this damn Pig! So……I will keep you posted.

An interesting side note. I started the race at approximately 8:15 am. During and after the race I estimate I consumed almost two gallons of fluids. There was not any output until after 8:00 that night. Did I mention that it was hot?

The Mt. Evans Hill Climb-I Did It

2010-08-02T15:29:00.002-06:00

By Don Maschka

The 45^th annual Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb was held July 24, 2010. The climb starts in Idaho Springs, Colorado and ends 27 miles later at the top of Mt. Evans. It serves as the National and Colorado state hill climb championships. I was there to compete and represent the North Iowa Spin. At the risk of seeming self indulgent I am going to write about my experiences with regards to training, race day, and post race reflections in great detail. I do this for a number of reasons. First, to spare my regular group ride buddies from having to hear me drone on and on about it. Second, in case anyone wants to do the climb they may be able to glean some helpful tips from this article, and lastly because I had entirely too much time to think about it on the long drive home across western Nebraska. For anyone who loves climbing on their bicycle I recommend you put this on your cycling “bucket list.”

According to the Forest Service’s “Guide to Mt. Evans” the Mt. Evans road is the highest paved road in North America. The climb starts at 7,540 feet and ends at 14,130 feet. Each 1,000 feet of elevation gain is equivalent to driving 600 miles north in terms of climate. Above 11,500 feet the land is treeless and one enters into alpine tundra. This is literally some of the harshest environment on earth. Of course, this sounded like the perfect challenge for a bike racer from the flat lands of North Iowa.

I began thinking about the climb in December of 2009. I knew training for such an event would be difficult in Iowa, but I resolved to do the best I could. I started with some base miles in January on the trainer and tried to get outside on the snowy, gravel roads at least once a week on my cyclocross bike.

I also decided I wanted to lose a little weight and began to slowly ease back on snacks and portion sizes at meal time. Power to weight ratio isn’t so important on the flat, windy roads of North Iowa. It can mean everything in the mountains particularly as the grade increases.

Registration for the race opened at 6:00 a.m. February 1, 2010. By 6:15 a.m. I was registered and got a free T-shirt for being one of the first 100 people to sign up (once I finished the race I put the shirt on and have only taken it off to shower since). I had wanted to do the Citizens category, but if you hold a racing license of any kind you are not eligible for this class. I therefore landed in the 35+ category 4. Not ideal for a 44 year old category 5 racer, but it was the closest I could come to what looked like a reasonable group based on the last year’s finishing times.

I was able to sneak away for a week in February to Fredericksburg, Texas and get in some great training in the Hill Country. This honed my early season form. It wasn’t at high altitude, but it gave me a boost in climbing over some pretty tough terrain.

In March I spent a week in Boulder, Colorado. In terms of the weather you never know if you are going to be able to ride in Boulder in the early spring, but I was able to get in 4 days of riding before it snowed 10 inches. It was here that I was able to get some objective feedback on how the training was going. Flagstaff Mountain is one of the classic Boulder climbs that is used as a real world training assessment. A good estimate of a person’s lactic acid threshold is the average power output one can maintain from the bottom of the climb to the Amphitheatre turn off. A typical lower category racer can do it in 18 minutes or less with the elite racers doing it closer to 13 minutes.

I had done this in July of 2009 at my peak form and averaged 274 watts and clocked a time of 17.20. My weight at the time was 158 lbs. This March I wasn’t close to my peak, but my weight was now 145 lbs. I hadn’t weighed that since my sophomore year in high school. Predictably for the time of year my power output was lower at 264 watts, but my time was faster at 17 minutes even. This drove home the importance of the power to weight ratio.

In April I decided I wanted to experience race day anxiety so I signed up for the Iowa City Road Race. This may very well have been my last road race. This was the race that was marred by at least 5 crashes including a flying deer that destroyed one of the racers. It looked like the scene in The Matrix where Neo battles Morpheus. I’m talking about slow motion helmet to helmet, personal foul collision between man and deer. Unbelievable. Tactically and physically I did well and finished 6^th.

Training in May through July was geared more towards efforts at or above lactate threshold aiming for a peak at the end of July. I assumed the hill climb would be more of a time trial type effort with fewer repeated high end attacks. This lactate threshold type of training isn’t ideal for the demands of a road race or a criterium, but I felt it would be best for what I was trying to achieve. I also began taking part in our local time trials and found this to be very helpful.

In order to fulfill a promise I had made to my son, Sam, I found myself lined up to do the local Bicycle, Blues and BBQ criterium in the middle of July. The field was deeper and stronger than the previous year. Physically I did well and was out in front for much of the race. Tactically I did poorly because I was out in front for much of the race. It is hard to get a good result when your primary goal is to not crash. No matter, July was the time to stay healthy and peak for the hill climb.

The Saturday before the hill climb my wife, Rebecca, and I drove out to Boulder. You really need several weeks to acclimate, but a week would have to be good enough. Sunday I went on an easy hike with Rebecca and started getting used to the altitude. Monday I went for my first ride and did another classic Boulder ride up Left Hand Canyon to Ward. This is a scenic climb up 16 miles and is my favorite ride. That night I had a little headache, but no major problems with the altitude.

Tuesday was an important day. I had made a date for Flagstaff. This is where I would see if all of my training had paid off. I was actually more concerned about my results here than I was with the criterium. I intentionally began the climb a bit slow. The initial pitch is pretty steep and it’s easy to go too hard and blow up. I was hoping to break my record of 17 minutes. When I got to the Amphitheatre I was thrilled to see my time was 15.55 with an average wattage of 285. This was by far the best I had ever done. At this point I knew physically all systems were go for Mt. Evans, but I had to hold it together mentally.

I finished up the day with a ride up Sunshine Canyon. This is a steeper climb that only takes 30 minutes or so. The harder pitch would be good training for the Mt. Evans climb. Even though the grades at the upper slopes of Mt. Evans are only 4-5% the altitude makes it feel like 10-14%.

Wednesday was a rest day. I lubed up my chain and checked over the bike. I found a cut in my back tire and this caused me great concern. I was freaked about a blow out during the climb. I rushed the bike over to Boulder Cycle Sport and was fortunate enough to meet a sympathetic employee there, named Sam, who ran tubular tires and had done The Mt. Evans Hill Climb (It seems everyone in Boulder has done the climb once). He looked over my tire and convinced me to go with the time honored advice of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and don’t make any changes close to race day.”

I was starting to really feel the stress as Thursday came. Fortunately, my friend Bob took me on a nice ride around Lyons and up Rabbit Mountain. We then met Rebecca and Bob’s partner, Jana, for lunch. They are Boulder natives and were so kind and hospitable. It was just what I needed at that time.

Friday was another rest day of sorts. No biking, but Rebecca and I drove the hour to Idaho Springs to scout the course from the car. This was overall very helpful, but incredibly stressful. Rebecca had been to the top of Mt. Evans before and understood better than I what it was I was proposing to do. As we drove up out of the tree line I began to realize what a hard place the upper slopes were. It is not fit for human life. Only the mountain goats thrive there. We got to the summit and took a few pictures, but didn’t stay long. The wind chill was 24 degrees and just walking could be difficult.

As I looked out from the summit I was reminded of a story someone had told me at Bob and Jana’s house earlier in the week. Their friend, Eric, had planned to do a difficult bicycle climb in Hawaii. Once he saw the mountain he quickly realized his gearing was wrong for the climb. He called the bicycle shop back in Boulder and asked them if there was anything he could change on the bike. The shop manager told him the only things he should change were his expectations.

Like Eric I now felt I needed to change my expectations. Looking at the times from last year I had initially set the goals of trying to break 3 hours and trying to be the fastest Iowan. In my dreams I would like to go 2.30 or be within an hour of the course record of 1.40. I felt that by breaking 3 hours I wouldn’t be last in my division. I was aware that there would be only a handful of Iowans in the race and this goal was mainly for fun. Now I was afraid of this climb and just wanted to finish.

It was a quiet ride down the mountain. My thoughts swirled as I tried to mentally figure out how to do this climb. I have been fortunate enough to do a few climbs in France over the years. The lower slopes of Mt. Evans reminded me of the Tourmalet and the upper slopes the Ventoux. Perhaps if I had the mind set of doing the Tourmalet and Ventoux in succession it would seem more of a reasonable task. The flaw here was both of those climbs peak out at about 6,000 feet. I would be starting at 7,500 on Saturday! What if I compared it to doing Left Hand Canyon twice? No, that didn’t work either. Some friends of mine in Iowa had done the climb in training before. I reasoned if they could do it surely I could as well.

It took an hour to drive down. Rebecca broke the silence first by asking what I thought. I simply said, “It’s doable.” By this time I had determined to break the climb up into thirds. The first part would be the start to the feed zone at Echo Lake where I could get more water and gel. The middle third would be from Echo Lake out of the tree line to Summit Lake where I would put on more clothes to stay warm. The last would be Summit Lake to the top. Each third had a defined end point with a tangible reward at the end whether it be nutrition, warmth, or the finish. By breaking it up into parts it seemed more possible rather than viewing the entire 27 miles at once.

We went back to Boulder and I started to organize my gear and pack things up. One beneficial thing about the day’s trip was I realized how cold it is at the top. I elected to wear more of my cold weather gear rather than send it to the top on the shuttle the race provides. Once the shuttle leaves the start area with your bag you can’t get to it until you finish.

That night I only got about 5 hours of sleep. I rarely sleep well before a big race. I woke up and decided to wear my Marco Pantani T-shirt to the race. Pantani is the last rider to win both the Tours of Italy and France in the same year. He did it fueled on a mix of performance enhancing drugs, but he was the greatest climber of our era. He died of a cocaine overdose alone in a Cuban hotel. Great climbers are often tragic figures. From the reclusive Charly Gaul, the original “Angel of the Mountains,” to Frederico Bahamontes who died by his own hand they all seem damaged somehow. The riding seems less about exercising the body and more about exorcising the soul. Are they riding away from something? Are they climbing toward something or are they just trying to be? On this day I needed to channel a little bit of the best of Marco.

Rebecca and I arrived in Idaho Springs by 7:30 a.m. This would give me plenty of time to drop off my bag for the shuttle by 8:40 a.m. and get to my start time of 9:35 a.m. It was cool to see some of the pros going off for their start. One of the Garmin boys rode past me on the way to the line. Like all pre-race areas the atmosphere was tense though. You could feel the anxiety throughout the whole town as riders lined up for the port-a-potties or whirred away on their trainers.

At 8:30 a.m. we were able to meet up with my sister Terri, her two daughters Erin and Meagan, and my niece Emily’s husband Trent. My sister’s family are marathoners and they could feel the familiar pre-race jitters in the air. Rebecca is very intuitive and absorbed it all in as well. By the end of the day they would be as wiped out emotionally as I was.

I can’t say how much it meant to me to have them all there. To take time out of their busy lives and put up with me before the race just to see me off at the start was huge. Knowing they were there helped so much.

At 8:40 a.m. it was time to leave and start to warm up. Trent could tell I was nervous. He put his hand on my shoulder, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “You can do this.” Terri’s husband Mark texted me “Your thighs are thunder and the wind is your trail.” Like a lot of things Mark says I didn’t understand it, but there was a kernel of truth somewhere in there. So, with a vote of confidence from Trent to steel my resolve and a race mantra from Mark I was off.

I skipped my usual hard 45 minute pre-race warm up and opted for a more relaxed pace just to get loose. I did not want to burn any matches at 7,500 feet. I figured we would have a little time at the start of the climb before the pace kicked in too high.

I got to the staging area in plenty of time to get a few last words of encouragement from the family and get into a good spot in the bunch. The field was 100 riders in the 35+ cat 4. This was my first aged race rather than a senior cat 5 and I could immediately tell by looking around the field. Most everyone’s lateral elbows and knees bore the scars of old road rash from battles long since lost rather than the fresh, weeping abrasions the younger guys have. There was also less fighting for a front position in the staging area. Of course there was one rider who showed up late and walked his bike to the front, but he was on a local team and I suppose he was due that.

The staging area is in the Clear Creek Middle school parking lot to keep riders off the road as the bottom half of the course is open to traffic. This was fine except right after the start the driveway goes down a short hill to the road. At the bottom of the driveway there was a foot wide dirt area we all had to get over as we were clipping into our pedals. I had to use a few cyclocross skills just to get on the road.

Once we got on the road the pace was pretty mellow for the first few miles. Everybody seemed content to warm it up a bit as we all knew what was in store for us. I was amazed at how quiet the peloton was. Nobody said a word. Again, the group maturity was readily apparent as riders pointed out hazards and held their lines well.

At mile 5 or so the pace picked up a bit and the group became less bunched and three wide. A mile later the pace increased again and the group split. I was pleased to see I was still hanging in what felt like the front half. I am not really sure how many were behind me. As we came to a left hand turn I knew the grade was going to kick up and another selection was coming. Sure enough at mile 7 everything lined out. I maybe could have gone with the front guys for awhile, but I knew in order to finish I had to ride at my own tempo pace of 230 watts and let them go.

For those of us who can’t ride at the front of the race there is always the race within the race. Little battles you have with guys around you. For me it started when someone behind me saw my North Iowa Spin kit and asked if I was from Iowa. He told me he was from Nebraska and said, “Go Flatlanders.” For the next 45 minutes we intermittently rode with or against each other.

His name was Jeff, from Sydney. Sydney is the home of Cabella’s and elevation 4,100 feet I soon learned. Jeff would occasionally accelerate and I would ride my tempo back up to him. I could not let another Flatlander beat me. Jeff told me he did this climb the weekend before and got sick at 13,000 feet. This seemed insane to me. It would be like running a marathon the week before your marathon. Jeff and I caught up to Skinny, Pony-tail guy and Left Knee Brace Guy. This was a pretty solid group to be in, but they eventually rode away from us.

45 minutes into the ride I had downed my Accelerade and tried to eat a PowerBar. By this time I really couldn’t eat anything solid and basically let it sit in my mouth until it dissolved. I was going to need to use gel for fuel from now on. I then drank my water as the feed zone was coming up.

The feed zone was 13 miles up at Echo Lake. A few dozen hearty spectators made it up and cheered us on with shouts and clanging cow bells. I made it there in 1 hour and 6 minutes and I knew I had it. I knew I was going to be able to do this climb. I understood as you climb your power output goes down, but I still felt good and could maybe even post a decent time. I grabbed two bottles of water and some more gel and turned right towards the Ranger Station and the middle third of my climb.

Once you get to the Ranger Station the road is closed to traffic. This provided me some comfort, but it is not long after that you begin to lose the protection of the trees. Somewhere around here I dropped Jeff and was left to wonder if he would make it past 13,000 feet. This deep into the effort my thoughts came to me in short phrases or pictures.

Burley White Capo Kit Guy. You could thrash me any day in a crit, but I knew today I would be catching you on this mountain. Team Evergreen Guy. Do you know you just got passed by somebody from Iowa? Next is Big Guy on The Yellow Bike. Wow, Echo Lake looks cool from up here. Dang, it is still a long way up. Do not look up again. Man, the leaders from the group that started behind me are flying past. Thighs of thunder, wind is my trail. Hey, here’s Knee Brace.

I sat in on Knee Brace for awhile and apologized for not coming around. He said he was at his limit so I took a few pulls and we worked well together for a few minutes. Just before Summit Lake there is a short, steep downhill. Like most people from Colorado Knee Brace could descend way better than me. He got a gap of a few hundred yards and I could never close it.

The pavement around Summit Lake is buckled and has a few potholes from the permafrost. So, I took it easy here and just worked my way through it. I was now into the final third of this challenge.

Big Guy on Yellow Bike is strong! I can’t catch him. Summit Lake my ass. There’s still five miles left to the summit. Switchbacks. I’ll being seeing switchbacks in my dreams. This has got to be the last one. No, there are still people way up there going back and forth across this mountain. Don’t look up, you fool. Is my power output only 130? Big Guy you are my hero. Oh, these must be people from the earlier categories I am passing. I can’t look that bad. That poor guy is walking his bike up. My computer says 27 miles. Why am I not there yet? Did that volunteer just say this is the last turn? Yes!!

My time was 2 hours 39 minutes and 32 seconds. My average power output was 186 watts. I had achieved my initial goal of breaking 3 hours and was near my dream goal of 2.30. I perhaps could have gone faster. I was wasted, but I wasn’t completely shattered at the end. I probably could have gone 2.35, maybe 2.30. The thing is on the flats if you go too deep into the red you may lose some time, but you can slow down and recover. On the climb if you go too deep and slow down for a few minutes you don’t recover. You are only a few minutes higher where there is less atmospheric pressure that you need to recover. So, I was absolutely satisfied.

After the finish line a volunteer directed me to where our bags were and second volunteer went and picked it up and handed it to me. Yet another volunteer came over and poured more water into my empty bottles. There was a great sense of satisfaction, but not much else. I was too tired and cold. My lips were still blue five hours later. I put on my warm clothes, drank some Endurox I had in my bag and got ready to go back down. Just before I left I bumped into Jeff. He made it past 13,000 feet and finished in 2.43.

There are shuttles that can drive you back down, but I was in this for the full pull. I rode up this mountain and I was going to ride back down it. On the way down I realized the pavement is full of cracks. Going up you roll over the cracks and don’t notice them. Coming down at 30-40 miles per hour each one jars your cold, sore body. As I alluded to earlier I am not the cleverest of descenders and I was impressed by the speed of the riders blasting past me. I saw a few other racers still grinding their way up the mountain. My heart went out to one rider who flatted on the way up a few miles from the summit.

The wind had really picked up and it was blowing me from side to side as it came into the mountain and then bounced back off the mountain. It was all I could do to keep my numb hands on my brakes. The wind and the cold got better once I got back into the safety of the tree line.

Back down at Echo Lake I was surprised by all of the people waiting to pick riders up. It is ok to do that, but we were encouraged to ride all the way down to Idaho Springs which is what I was going to do. I wasn’t going to relax until I was all the way back down. At this point the road surface was better and the wind that was now howling up the canyon helped to slow my descent.

When I finally got back to my van I sent a text to my family that said, “I did it.” It was at this point the enormity of what I had just done hit me and I got teary eyed. I want to keep this in perspective. I understand I hadn’t just defeated cancer or even done anything as meaningful as volunteering at the animal shelter. I tend to think in one emotion at a time. When I’m happy, I’m happy. When I’m angry, I’m angry. When the emotion is there it’s there and when it’s gone it’s gone. However, at that moment a range of emotions washed over me. For anyone who’s finished their first marathon or their first 5K family/fun run you understand. I felt thankfulness to all of the volunteers who made sure we were safe on the route, gave us food and water, and said “Great ride” no matter what our time. I was appreciative of the crew at Wayne’s Ski and Cycle who got my bike ready and all of our team sponsors. I felt gratitude towards my wife and family for all their love and support. I felt relief that I was back down safe and warm. Mostly, I felt a great sense of accomplishment that I had actually done the Mt. Evans Hill Climb.

Over the next few hours phone calls and messages came in from family and friends asking how I did, if I was ok, and to tell me they were praying for me. To paraphrase Rick in Casablanca I know my problems don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world, but it’s nice to know so many people cared.

My wife asked why I wanted to do this climb. I succinctly said, “I don’t know.” Sadly, this is the answer she too often gets when she asks me to examine my emotions. As I was driving home somewhere near Ogallala I thought back to the darkest parts of the climb. It was at those moments I thought of my wife and my kids. I thought of my family. I thought about friends who couldn’t ride because they or their loved ones were battling health issues and then I thought of nothing. The climb had stripped away everything.

It is when we are in that place of nothingness we are closest to our family and friends and closest to who we are. It’s not really a moment or a feeling. It just is. It’s that place where the club hits the ball and you don’t even feel it. Where the ball leaves your hand and you know it’s in. When the ski carves that perfect turn. It’s the space a diver is in as she floats weightless over a pristine coral reef or where a hiker looks at the muted colors of the sunrise as they reflect off the Flatirons. It’s when you sleep in the “desert with a billion stars all around.” At this stage in my life and the way my brain is wired I know I can’t get there by yoga or meditation. I do know I can get there, sometimes, on my bike. That is why I climb.

Epilogue

The Pro 1,2 race was won by Garmin-Transitions rider Peter Stetina in a time of 1.50.20. Ned Overend and Phil Zajicek rounded out the podium. The winning time in my class was 2.09. I finished 40^th out of 83. I had the fastest time out of the two other Iowans in the entire race field of 1,200.

2010 BBBQ Cat 1 2 3

2010-07-15T09:27:00.002-06:00

2010 BBBQ Cat 1 2 3
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

A couple of thank yous and race results!

2010-07-12T15:34:00.011-06:00

A huge thank you to the following for the best weekend ever for the BBBQ Festival:
Nearly 150 Voluteers
226 Racers on Saturday and 159 Racers on Sunday: From 6 states!
The 1000+ Spectators that lined the Crit course
The Refs: Mark Guthart, Brett Briggs and Erin Hawley
Mother Nature for the Perfect Weather
Outstanding Blues bands! Best Ever!
Director of Road Rash: Cheryl Schurtz
3 Ambulance's and 1 Firetruck (everyone is doing fine)
5 County Sheriff Officers: Cerro Gordo and Hancock
1 Highway Patrol Officer
City of Clear Lake: Police Chief Peterson and his staff for setting signs and getting vehicle off the course, Mayor Crab, City Administrator Scott Flory and Coucilperson's Shane Cooney and Tony Nelson.
Towns of Ventura, Thornton and Sheffield
To all the bike haters for staying home

The Registration Team:
Mark Guthart, Heather Curtis, Kelly Putnam, Cheryl Schurtz, Jenni Hummel and Tatum Doughan

Race Committee:
Tim Putnam, Earl Hill ,Steve Schurtz, Dave Delperdang, Curt Sauve,Hunter Callanan,Todd Juhlin, Martin Borske

Team Sponsors: Wayne's, Taco Tico, Polking and Polking DDS, Henkel Construction, 312 Urban Ale Goose Island Brewery, Juhlin Enterprise, Mercy Clinic: EN&T and North Iowa Touring Club

Race Sponsors:

Bergland + Cram

Brakke Implement, Inc.

Dix Realty Group

Edwards-Brandt and Associates, Inc.

Larson Printing

North Iowa Eye Clinic PC

North Iowa Iowa Oral Surg

Willliams & Associates PLC

Woodharbor Doors & Cabinetry

MC Clinic ENT&A

Yunek Law Firm PLC

Lyla's Boutique
Cabin Coffee
HyVee

+ whomever I missed - We all Thank You!!!

..and my Mom!

2010 Bicycle, Blues and BBQ Race Results: Click Here

Chad Bishop Race Recap

Revised BBBQ Crit Course

2010-07-03T16:22:00.002-06:00

Two less Corners and a few less bumps! Last two finishing blocks are new wide smooth streets!

New finish line at City Park

Bigger and Better Cash Purse

60+ Race category

North Iowa Bike Underground Festivities Following the Crit 123 Race.

Race Registration

Revised Crit Course:

UPDATED: BBBQ Race Flier

2010-06-23T13:50:00.010-06:00

BBBQ Race Flier Updated June 23 Until we add a on-line option for 60+ category,
please mail your entry to:
Bicycle, Blues and BBQ Race
P.O. Box 332
Clear Lake, IA 50428

Maps Road Race:

42 Mile Road Race Course

82 Mile Road Race Course

Manhandling Afton!

2010-06-13T11:18:00.003-06:00

Afton is a mountain bikers course, a lot of technical climbing, technical downhills, switchbacks, with rocks an rocks strewn about everywhere. The course got hammered with rain, so there was plenty of mud to make it a bit more difficult. It demands your full attention, you cannot ride over your head. The course being soggy, like it was, is a blessing and a curse. The course is not always easy to make a pass. Bright sunshine filled day, light breeze to keep things cool. It was a mountain bikers dream!! I raced a geared bike, on the Sport class course, which is roughly half the trails, routed around some of the major climbs. We staged for start at 10:50am. I marked two jerseys (53x11 coffee, red & Deustchland, yellow) in the leader call up. I know I can race these guys. I line up in the back of the pack. The group starts, the lead group starts pulling away to the first bridge loop (rubber treaded) climb. That's where I wanted to be, with that group and pinned it to catch them passing one of the jerseys. Got to the first climb on the back of the bunch and slipped. This pretty much unhitched everyone behind me. We were routed up the next climb, Shady Lane, early, then into the switchbacks, where mud, rocks, roots, and loose soil were eating riders up.There's a climb that is 4 rock shelves, sandwiched between layers of earth, Pirate's Cove?? I get to the very top where there were three or four racers "camped out" right there in the technical section. I made the comment, "you guys need to move out of there." They were in a spot, that was no longer technical, but just kinda in the way. In my opinion if they were racing they should have been moving. I get to the last climb, "manhandler" where we were routed to just the upper third of the climb. My red jersey (53x11 coffee) passes me, (I never saw the Deustchland jersey till the finish). It's a fun, fast downhill to the start / finish. By fun, I mean not Lime Creek. I catch up with the Red jersey before the slalom near the East Chalet, quickly got stuck behind a slower racer. Catch Red again on the rubber tread bridge climb. Me and the red jersey swapped places up Shady Lane, through the switchbacks, till we came to a transition through the golf course to the Grand Canyon. We came up to a slower racer and knew I wasn't going to follow either of them into the Grand Canyon. Made a pass and didn't announce it. Red jersey passed at the same time, and started pushing me, with his whole body, elbow and shoulder, out into the golf course, past the course markers. Here we are, racing three wide for a corner that will eventually funnel down into single-track. The slow guy slowed, I slammed on my brakes, shot to the inside of the right hand switchback and we were now battling shoulder to shoulder, around the corner, which is not a good thing. He ended up taking the "alternate" route, where people had been overcooking the corner all day. I let him have the position. I got my position back and left him for good after we started the mountain crossing and into Pirate's Cove. Ran into a slower racer who bobbled on the steep part of Pirate's. This is where racer X passed me and ran over the downed racer's wheel to do it!! So now, I'm chasing racer X. We're flying down the mountain cross trail, mud and rocks flying up and around. He enters the manhandler and got about a hundred yards up and I had to pin it to catch him at the top. I was within six bike lengths, but never able to make a move before the downhill. Finish was pleasing. Fourth in age group 30-39. Seventeenth in overall Sport class. The posted results at the race said fifteenth. Internet results are final so I go with seventeenth. :D

Great Race!! Next, Mankato, Bluff rider's charge.

Campbell

Big Race Weekend

2010-06-07T08:49:00.010-06:00

Updated: June 13...
Hunter Callanan smashed the course at Ironman 70.3 Kansas on Sunday, June 6, in 5:25:37. That was nearly 16 minutes faster than her time in 2009. Although her swim time was about a minute slower, she cut time off T1, bike (2+ minutes), T2 (almost 3 minutes), and run (over 10 minutes!). Way to go, Hunter!

Here are Hunter's comments: "The swim started about 15 minutes late due to the EMT's showing up late. I was in the 11th wave to go. There was about 4 minutes of treading water and then we were off. The lake was calm and after the choppy Bluff Creek swim, I was thankful for that. I found a person from my wave and drafted off her for most of the way. Lost her going through traffic toward the end of the swim. Got out of the water and couldn't find my bike. I was close, but my counting skill were off a bit and so I spent about 45 seconds searching.

Finally found the bike and got going. I forgot how truely hilly that course was. It is constant rollers. I think the biggest strech of flat is about 1 mile. About half way through the bike someone had spilled oil all over the road. So we had to slow for about a 1/4 of a mile, dismount our bikes, run through the ditch and then remount on the other side. That pretty much killed everyone's average. As you are coming back into the park from the bike, you go alongside the run course for about 1/4 mile. There were so many people already on the run course, made me feel like I was late to the party.

Got through T2 and on to the run. The course goes through the campground twice, which really helps with support. Lots of cheering, music, cowbells, etc. The run doesn't have much if any shade and it was starting to get really warm. Luckily they have aid stations all over the place with great volunteers. At the end of the run is the Yellow Brick Road, complete with cheerleaders, Dorothy, the lion and all. As I crossed the finish line Chrissie Wellington was there to give me a hug and my finishers medal. My mind was a bit scrambled at that point, so I didn't really register that I had just gotten hugged and congratulated by CHRISSIE WELLINGTON!!! She is such a great role model. She came back after dominating the women's race to give all of us commoners our medals and congratulations!

Ironman Kansas 70.3 is a well organized race with great volunteer support in a great setting. I hope to go back again next year! "

Josh Damm of Forest City raced well, with a total time of 6:17:22. His swim time was 47:02, bike-3:05:41, and run 2:17:22, with excellent transition times. This was Josh's first time at Kansas.

I got up at about 4 am on race morning and headed to the event. I was staying with my aunt and uncle in Lawrence and my uncle Paul got me to T1 at about 5 am.

It was a beautiful morning with temps much cooler than the day before (80s compared to 90s for the high).

I saw Chrissie Wellington as she prepared for the swim and saw Chris Lieto and Andy Potts as transitioned from the swim to the bike (with Chrissie only trailing by a few minute). At 7:30 am I was off!

My swim wasn't as fast as I had hoped for but not having trained as much as I wanted to, I wanted to be sure to pace myself and enjoy the day.

I got elbowed in the face with 200m to go and had to do without my nose clip for the last few minutes (drove me crazy!).

T1 was fast for me as I couldn't wait to get on the bike.

The hilly bike ride was awesome. I managed to average over 18 mph on a hilly course (reasonably close to Hunter's pace!) and felt great about the bike.

T2 was also fast for me and I was excited to be running after 3 hours in the aero position (my back ached something fierce!).

The first seven miles of the run were at about 9:30 to 10:00 miles with short walks at each mile's water stations. The last six miles were tough and I had to play mind games to keep running and not walk....

"Only a few more miles until the finish...."
"Beer instead of water in a couple hours...."
"Wow, that girl ahead of me is hot. I better catch her so I can see the age number of her right calf muscle...."

After crossing paths with Hunter (she was on lap 2 and I was on lap 1 of the run), I ran into her again. Only thing that sucked was that I was running and she was sitting next to their motor home for the weekend and eating/drinking.

Luckily I only had a mile to go, the last mile was great. Felt really proud of my accomplishment and glad to finish in just over six hours (okay, 17 minute over but who's counting).

I still can't imagine doing a full Ironman but I'd like to do one before I turn 30 (I'm 26).

For now, I'm just proud to be Half Ironman-Half Mortal.

DAMM

John Johnson and Steve Schurtz represented North Iowa Spin at Pigman Sprint, Palo, IA, on Sunday. John had an excellent race, finishing in 1:21:19. He had a bike average of 20.9 mph and a run pace of 7:37. His transitions were so fast that Cheryl Schurtz was unable to get a photograph. He was 85th out of 640 finishers.

Steve's goal was to finish under 2 hours, which he accomplished. After his leg fracture and surgical repair 9 months ago, his Orthopedic surgeon told him that his racing days were over. Steve took to heart John's comment, "To finish is to win."

Also, several runners represented North Iowa Spin at Dam to Dam 20K on Saturday, June 5. Steve Younker was 73rd overall and 5th in M40 with a time of 1:20:19 and a pace of 6:28. Rusty Davenport ran in 1:48:01 at 8:41; Carrie Berg, 2:10:04 at 10:28; and Mary Davenport, 2:12:52 at 10:41. Several other local people ran the rainy race.

Congratulations to all cyclists, runners, and triathletes who represented North Iowa Spin well recently.

(photos will be added later - if you have photos from Kansas, Snake Alley, or Dam to Dam, please send them to me at sschurtz3@mchsi.com)

Snake Alley: Enter the Pain Cave!

2010-06-04T08:09:00.003-06:00

Lyell Hogg's debut at the Snake ended with an untimely snake bite.
Video Coverage:

Katie Fistler scores a podium finish at Snake Alley: Way to go Katie!
Video Coverage:

Bugs and Wind Can't Stop NI SPIN

2010-06-04T07:57:00.001-06:00

Tina Friday, John Johnson and Hunter Callanan represented NI SPIN well in rough conditions at the Bluff Creek Triathlon on May 23. The winds were unrelenting, as were the bugs at Don Williams Park.

Tina and John did the Sprint Tri. The bike was a nice tailwind out and a severe headwind back. Tina was 4th overall female and 1st in her age group in a time of 1:25:13. John was 3rd in his age group in 1:24:17.

Hunter did the Olympic Tri and thus got to enjoy the wonderful descent and ascent into the DSM River Valley, twice. She was 2nd in her age group in a time of 2:54:32.

We did spot NI SPIN'er Chad Gilbert before the race, and found out that he had a severe case of the cramps during the swim leg and his day was called short.

Hunter

Two Thumbs UP!

2010-05-24T14:42:00.011-06:00

Special thanks to The Hy-Vee West store in Mason City for promoting the Bicycle, Blues and BBQ Festival - July 9, 10 & 11.

Tim Flaherty and his team did an outstanding job of decoration the store, painting the windows, and wearing t-shirts to promote the full weekend of activities.

Once again Hy-Vee demonstrates they are a strong community supporter!

Please be sure to stop in to the Hy-Vee West store (or any Mason City Hy-Vee store for that matter) and buy all your Memorial weekend supplies and thank them for support this event!

All three Hy-Vee's have been sponsors of the event since inception of the BBBQ Festival.

Ride of Silence, Wednesday, May 19, 7:00PM

2010-05-13T15:59:00.001-06:00

DATE: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Central Park, downtown Mason City

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?
•To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
•To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
•To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 19, 2010, at 7:00 PM local time, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. The 2003 Ride of Silence at White Rock Lake in Dallas drew 1,000 cyclists through word of mouth and email communication over a period of only ten days. There was no registration and no fees. Local media reported the ride to be incredibly moving as these cyclists rode in silence, occasionally wiping away a tear or patting a friend on the back. In 2009, there were over 15,000 participants in nearly 300 locations across the globe.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

This will be the 5th year for the Ride of Silence in Mason City. It seems particularly important this year with the bicycle safety measures signed into effect by Governor Culver on May 3. These measures include a requirement for a safe passing distance when overtaking a bicycle and a prohibition to throwing objects at cyclists. The Ride in Mason City has full support of the Mason City Police Department and will be led by an officer on a bike. Rides are being held in 7 cities and towns in Iowa, in 49 states, and 21 other countries. Last year, nearly 15,000 people participated worldwide.

Please join us on Wednesday, May 19, at 7:00PM at Central Park for a slow, silent, 6-mile ride through the streets and parks of Mason City. All that is required is a bike and a helmet.

For more information, please contact Steven Schurtz at sschurtz3@mchsi.com or 641-430-1745. If you would like a Ride of Silence poster to print and display at your play of work, etc., please email me, and I will respond with a .pdf document.

www.rideofsilence.org

Breakfast, bike ride and more importantly a great cause!

2010-05-02T19:48:00.008-06:00

For those that may not be aware, Judy is currently being treated for liver cancer and this is her third time having to battle cancer. Please come out and support Judy and her family David and Geoff!

2010-05-02T19:45:00.001-06:00

Decorah Time Trials 2010

2010-04-28T07:08:00.008-06:00

After much debate and watching of various weather sites and channels, the group of Mason-Cityans not already camped out in Decorah decided to make the trip east to partake in the 20^th Anniversary running of the Decoarah Time Trials. Along for the ride were NI Spin members Seth Bell and Evan Peterson, along with Eric Follmuth, Ruben Weaver, and Don Dewalle. Aside from Seth, all of the just mentioned riders were enjoying their first ever mountain bike race. All of these first timers owe themselves a huge pat on the back for not only doing well, but for braving the 48 degree chilly wind, spotty rain and treacherous trail conditions. Also in attendance was NI Spin member Mike Campbell, and other Mason City mountain bikers Al Searle and Dave Neel, who had been camping in Decorah since Friday, scoping out and riding the trails before Sunday’s race.

This year’s Time Trials, always held rain or shine, offered a little under 11 miles of single track with about 3900 feet of total climbing. Due to the wet weather, the plentiful roots, logs, and off-camber sections of trail were greasy and difficult to keep sure-footed traction on. The climbs were steep, slick and brutal, requiring most riders to tackle them on foot. The gut-wrenching, make you wanna puke and go cry to your mommy climbing started about 400 meters into the race, with a long, long climb to the top of the bluff on greasy, root-laden trails… there were more foot prints than tire tracks on this stretch of course. In between the knee-popping climbs, there was amazing singletrack, with switchbacks, tight sections of trees, log piles, soft pine forest and rippin’ downhills. A cross-over area in the course mid race featured music, drunk people grilling and hollering, and a nice creek crossing on either end of a long climb and a technical decent. Even with the rain, the course was not shortened in length, and finished along a fast section of trail along the river, and veteran racers to this event appreciated the “classic” placement of the finish line this year.

At the end of the day, all of the boys from M.C. had a great time, with no bad crashes or mechanical problems, and everyone made it across the finish line.

Placing is as follows, with 87 overall finishers:

Seth Bell: 1^st place in age class, 6^th place overall.

Evan Peterson: 4^th place in age class, 24^th place overall.

Ruben Weaver: 2^nd place in age class, 36^th place overall.

Mike Campbell: 5^th place in age class, 38^th place overall.

Al Searle: 6^th place in age class, 58^th place overall.

Eric Follmuth: 6^th place in age class, 67^th place overall.

Dave Neel: 10^th place in age class, 79^th place overall.

Don Dewalle: 12th place in age class, 86th place overall

Great job to everyone that dug their tires into the dirt of Decorah; it was a great day, and it was awesome to see so many racers from here in Mason City there!

Seth

Hogg on Wheels Part 2

2010-04-27T20:07:00.007-06:00

The short follow-up to Hogg on Wheels about my first ever road race (or bike race of any kind for that matter)... so here goes.

Sharon Center, Iowa was a wee bit foggy and rainy last Saturday morning; kinda made me homesick for my homeland of Scotland! I registered, picked up my number, and spent the next half hour trying to figure out how the heck to pin that thing on my jersey. But once it was attached I felt like I was ready to do this thing!

After a brief warm up we (that is all my Cat 5 colleagues and I) lined up to listen to the race referee. Instructions were given to stay on the right side of the road, or maybe it was to keep your wheels right side down, maybe both, I don’t know, I was kind of nervous, don’t litter on the course, don’t throw your water bottles at spectators, and don’t scare the horse-drawn buggies! The referee; however, said nothing, I repeat, nothing about avoiding the wildlife! I’ll explain later.

The gun went off and the next hour or so is a bit of blur. This is no “group ride” as I have ever experienced it. There was no stopping at the STOP signs or 4 ways to let the others catch up and if you wanted a drink, or something to eat, you had better be able to do it at high speed, in between breaths. We snaked along doing speeds between 20-40 miles per hour. Yeah four-zero miles per hour! That is the fastest I have ever gone on a bike! I remember looking down at my bike computer and saw that speed, then looked at the rear wheel of the guy in front of me and just kept thinking.......”Just don’t brake buddy, pleeeease just don’t brake!!”

It wasn’t too long into the race when the first crash occurred. It was behind me and it didn’t sound good. It sounded like carbon fiber dominoes toppling one after the other with thuds at the end, as bodies hit the tarmac. I didn’t look back. I was too afraid of what I might see!

The next event was one of the freakiest things I have ever seen. We turned south for a short section, when all of sudden someone yells, “Deer!!!”. A brown blur catches my eye coming from the right. It leaps as if trying to clear the two riders at the front of the peloton and hits the second guy in line taking him off his bike, throwing him across the road. I couldn’t believe what I had just seen! I wish I had a brought my video camera because this would have gone viral on YouTube!

So, let me get this straight, not only do I have to contend with all of the other riders in the race, but now I have to dodge flying deer?!!!

Big Ben Fistler told me later that as he passed the dude who was taken out by the flying wildlife that the rider stated something along the lines of, “I was hit by a deer??? Are you f*&%ing kidding me??? A deer???”. Yeah I would have a hard time believing it too buddy if I hadn’t just seen it happen! (My poor wife meanwhile was at the start/finish line watching people and their mangled bikes being brought back by the truckload! She was trying to remember where my insurance card was!) Anyway... back to the race.

So far the race was a cross between a demolition derby and a safari. After the deer event, the peloton started to fall apart. I did my best to hang onto the wheel of Donny Maschka, but a third crash separated me from the lead group. This left me by myself for a while trying to do my best Cancellera time trial impersonation. I could see the lead group. They were only about 100 yards ahead of me but they might as well have been 100 miles ahead. Working by myself there was no way I was going to catch them, but as stragglers got dropped from the lead group I made it my mission to catch them.....especially the guy with the “flappy” shorts and cotton t-shirt! He was old school man! Not a shred of spandex on this kid.....he spat in the face of wind resistance! Had to admire him for that alone.

Finally, Big Ben and his group caught up to me. It was like being reunited with a long lost friend. I thought we had “lost” Ben to the first crash but here he was alive and well! There were about six of us now. The interesting thing was now we had another race within the race. Knowing that we weren’t catching the lead group, all of us still wanted to be the first of our group to cross the line. So the battle continued with “flappy” shorts boy in contention with us too!

Seeing the finish line in sight Big Ben started to rev his motor up and gave me the perfect, (yet unintentional), lead out, catapulting me to the line. Felt great to finish!

Although I haven’t seen official results I believe Ben and I finished in the top 20 out of a field of 60 or so riders. I was a bit bummed at first; maybe I had set my goals too high. But after having had some time to think and reflect on the race I realize I have a long way to go. This was only the first baby step. This time last year I would have been dropped from the main group in the first 2 miles. Now I feel like I can at least compete. Progress has and will continue to be made.

Others had tried to tell me that racing would be much a more intense physical effort than any other time I have ridden. I took it with a grain of salt. They were right!! This is the hardest I have ever worked on a bike in my life. But to cross the finish line and see what I was able to accomplish feels really good.

Results:Iowa City Road Race:
Women Cat 4
2. Katie Fistler - Punk Rock Cycling (pictured here)
Men Cat 5
6. Don Maschka - North Iowa Spin
18. Lyell Hogg - North Iowa Spin
19. Dale Blakestad - North Iowa Spin
22. Lyell Hogg - North Iowa Spin
24. Benjamin Fistler - BIKEIOWA.com Cycling
(results actually had Lyell finishing twice - now that's good!)

Now that my bike racing virginity cherry has been popped, as it were, I can’t wait to do it all over again! Obviously next time my head will be on a swivel for rabid deer! - Lyell

Masters 40+
10. Timothy Putnam - North Iowa Spin

Old Capital Crit:
Women Cat 4
8. Katie Fistler - Punk Rock Cycling

Men Cat 5:
26. Benjamin Fistler - BIKEIOWA.com Cycling

2010 BBBQ Race Flyer, Clear Lake, IA: July 10 and 11

2010-04-19T11:03:00.001-06:00

Clear Lake IA BBBQ Bike Race Flyer 2010

Happenings, Part II

2010-04-15T13:26:00.008-06:00

Swim Class information ---------

Are you considering a triathlon this summer? The adult "swim for fitness" class I teach on Saturday mornings at the YMCA would be a great tune-up for your swim leg. I will be sure to cover some open water technique provided to me by the American Swim Coaches Association.

We start Saturday the 17th at the YMCA. 8-9am

You can still sign-up Thursday or Friday this week.

Call Jacque at the YMCA 422-5995

$15 for members

$30 for non-members

Warm regards,

Mark Miller

For the Bikers ------------

There are three roads scheduled for resurfacing this summer and will make traveling north from Mason City a bit more difficult this summer , but they are much needed.

1. S56 North of B20 and into Plymouth. I was channeling Fabian Cancellara on this road last Saturday!

2. S28/N 8th St North of Clear Lake.

3. Correction: Eisenhower (Not Taft) from 12th Street to B20

Happenings...

2010-04-13T07:14:00.005-06:00

For the Runners:
Clear Lake: Earth Day North Iowa - Earth Day 5k & 10k
Bike Valet: Ride your bike and receive a very nice gift for doing so!
Pick up some trash along the way and don't forget about 'the trail pick up' on April 24th!
Race Organizer: Hunter Callanan

Also:

Saturday, May 29 8:00 a.m.

21st Annual Stu Nevermann Memorial Run

East Park

Race Organizer: Carrie Berg

For the Bikers:
Iowa Cup Series:
With the addition of Zealous Consulting and the support of the Cup’s race promoters, this year will, no doubt, be the biggest in the IA Cup’s 5 year history.

The Bike Race Schedule:
April 24: Iowa City Road Race
April 25: Old Capitol Criterium
May 16: State Fair Criterium pb Zealous Consulting
May 29: Snake Alley Criterium
May 30: Melon City Criterium
June 20: Rose Festival Road Race
June 26: Iowa State Criterium Championships
July 10: Clear Lake Criterium ($5,000 Purse)
July 11: Clear Lake Road Race ($3,000 Purse)
Aug 7: Iowa State Road Race Championships
Aug 21: Big Creek Road Race
Aug 22: East Village Criterium

2011: Lotoja Classic???

Hogg On Wheels

2010-04-13T06:35:00.005-06:00

230. That was the number of pounds I had managed to accumulate over 38 years on my 5 foot, 8 inch body. My motto used to be: “You only have so many heartbeats in life, so why use them up so quickly.” But you can only think this way for so long. Eventually it all comes home to roost.

A routine physical exam and blood work with my local physician showed a number of things occurring in my body, which had the potential to reduce my “number of heartbeats” forever. Elevated liver enzymes and cholesterol were a direct result of my slovenly lifestyle and poor eating habits. An abdominal ultrasound even showed fatty deposits in my liver due to my weight gain.

“Maybe”, I thought, “I should rethink that old worn out motto of mine, because it sure as hell isn’t going to help me live to a ripe old age.”

I knew that I hated to run, and I ain’t the world’s greatest swimmer. So what to do to melt away the fat? Pilates? Tae Bo perhaps?

One day in February 2009 I happened to stumble across a book called 'Heft on Wheels: A Field Guide to doing a 180'. A very catchy title, with an even catchier front page picture of a naked obese man, sitting in a racing position on his road bike. Roll upon roll of fat for all the world to see. Intrigued, I decided to read the book.

The author, Mike Magnusson, tells a very humorous autobiographical story of how he re-discovered a passion for cycling and bike racing. Upon embarking on his quest to become the next Lance Armstrong he was, funnily enough, 38 years old, weighed nearly 275 pounds and was dropped over and over again during the local bike club’s evening rides. A year later he weighed in at 175 pounds and had become one of the stronger riders and racers in the club.

It was an epiphany.

So to make a long story short, I was introduced to a guy named Russell. A mad genius of sorts who had all kinds of questions during my attempt to buy my first new bike. What do you want to do with the bike? Where do you plan to ride it? What is your personal riding style? What are your strengths and weaknesses as a rider? Do you want bar end shifters? Regular pedals or clipless? Are you a Shimano guy or a Campy guy? Huh???!!

Since then, I have found that when riding a bicycle it becomes part of you. An extension of your body; so you and the bicycle must fit. I get it now, but back then I didn’t. Why couldn’t I just buy a bike and get on with it. Alas I was just a grasshopper who had much to learn.

So, questions answered; bicycle fitting accomplished. My trusty new stead was ready to roll. A black, (& gold), Surly Crosscheck. A beautiful piece of machinery that helped me in shedding my first 30 pounds. But then another light bulb went off!

I live in Clear Lake, but work in Mason City. There is a nice bike path between those two towns. Maybe I could become one of those hippy bike commuters and save the world while burning fat not oil! Yet another way to shed pounds and be productive with my time on the bike. And so bicycle number two was purchased. Another Surly Crosscheck (this time in a dashing “dog-shit” brown color), front and rear fenders and a rack on the back to carry my wares.

Off I went almost every day; back and forth to work I’d go. Averaging nearly 200 to 250 miles per week between commuting and weekend rides. In fact I found myself thinking of excuses to go to the office on the weekends so I could ride my bike even more!

So I got to thinking... Other than the fact that I was quickly losing weight and starting to feel fitter as every week passed, what else did I like about riding a bicycle? For some it might be the feeling of freedom that being on your bike gives you; for others it’s a way to get out and enjoy the local scenery. For me, it was speed. I liked going fast. As fast as my weak little legs and crappy cardiovascular system could take me. If I saw someone on a bike ahead of me I was like a donkey with a carrot on the end of a stick. (I’d like to say I was a greyhound chasing a rabbit, but there aren’t too many 200+ pound greyhounds out there!) I may never catch them, but it gave me a goal to aim at.

Something that had been dormant for a long time had awoken within me. Competitiveness. The desire to be the fastest. To be first. To crush my opponents into the ground. (Even if they were 60 year old ladies riding a bike with a basket on the front!) I thought those days had ended in high school and college, but apparently it still existed in me, squished under all that fat. It was resurfacing as the fat faded.

So my next question for Russell was, “How can I go faster?”

In general terms he proceeded to let me know that you could own and ride the world’s lightest road bike, but if you didn’t have the “engine” to make it run you would be wasting your money.

Away I went again starting on another round of my education into the world of cycling. VO2 Max, heart rate and power training zones, power to weight ratios, weight training, nutrition, proper recovery and sleep routines, and on and on and on.

With all of this information I continued to work hard at losing the pounds, but also worked in ways to develop the “engine” I needed to deserve a proper road bike.

When I finally got a “real” road bike, it was a completely different experience. Stiff frame, clean lines, squirrely underneath you as you accelerate away. A carbon fiber and titanium work of art that weighs next to nothing. Just sitting on it makes me feel fast.

I’m now down to 160 pounds. My power to weight ratio improved from 2.4 to 4.3 watts per kg, and my average power output during a 10 minute time trial has increased from 230 watts to 305 watts. Those are not exactly Fabian Cancellara numbers, but a decent start I hope! More than anything though I feel like I am in the best shape of my life - thanks to my bike!

So where were we? Oh yeah. Weight loss. Check. Cardiovascular fitness in development. Check. Road bike. Check. Desire to race other things that move. Check.

So where and when to start my bike racing career as a lowly Cat 5 racer?

My buddy, and business partner, Dr. Todd “The Ironman Cometh” Juhlin told me I should sign up for the Iowa City Road Race. “It’s a great course and what the heck you might as well do the criterium too!” he suggests.

So sign up I did. April 24th, 2010 is D-Day. The day to put my pedals where my mouth is so to speak. But first I had to check out the course I had signed up to crucify myself on. So last weekend my wife and I made a trip down to the big metropolis that is Sharon Center, Iowa.

Beautiful countryside down there. Beautiful rolling hills. Lots and lots of steep.........rolling..........hills! *Gulp* A 13 mile course of rolling hills with the obligatory fresh 15 to 20 mile per hour westerly wind. *Double Gulp*! Isn’t Iowa supposed to be a “flat” state??? I mean if you haven’t noticed, North Central Iowa doesn’t have too many rolling hills. So few are good hills around here that the best of the bunch even has it’s own name; Breathless.

So I clambered upon the road bike and set off to test my legs, and get a feel for the course. It really is a very pretty region of Iowa, but I have the distinct feeling that my legs and lungs will be experiencing too much pain come April 24rd to enjoy the scenery as we pass it. Although I obviously wasn’t riding at a race pace, I felt great as I made my way around the 13 mile circuit.

I have to say I’m excited, anxious, and nervous. I have no idea how well I’ll do, but I’m ready to rumble! (Maybe after the first lap I’ll feel differently, but hopefully not!)

“Just don’t crash and break something, (especially not my bike), and just don’t be last!”, is my new motto. Way better than my old motto don’t you think?

Wish me luck! Now I gotta go out to Breathless and punish myself some more....

Lyell

Spring Fling Race Series - Lawrence, KS

2010-04-04T10:15:00.005-06:00

261
Originally uploaded by LanterneRougeici

Kelly and I traveled to K.C. for Easter weekend, and I decided to jump into the Spring Fling Race held at Clinton Lake, as I just happened to have my trusty Trek Madone all loaded up and ready to go. The weather was much better than the 8-10 inches of snow that showed up there two weeks ago, when I was looking to get some spring miles in around the Lawrence area.

I have not pulled the trigger to upgrade yet and lined up with 19 other Cat 4 racers. I know I'll get a bunch of grief about this sooner than later, but I have only 300 miles on the road so far and just would like to get a few races under my belt.

The race went very smoothly, and I meet some great guys. The race was as clean as you can get - smooth lines and no crashes or even close calls. With two primes, I was looking for a group to try to roll off the front, but this never materialized. With about 4-5 laps to go, two guys went off front, one guy (I'll call him the pony tail dude) was his 5th-6th attempt off the front, and this time joining him was a Junior from SKC Racing Team. The peloton seemed content to let them go with none of the teams interested in pulling them back.

With three laps to go, the teams started to animate things, and one of the two top points leaders from Bicycle Shack Racing in the series made a very strong move. I knew I had to go. With the legs feeling a bit tired, I was just not able to close the gap as quickly as I would have liked; we still had 2.5 laps to go. I whistled and got his attention, and we were soon working together. The pony tail dude did not have the legs to make it to the finish line, and we passed him in the final back stretch. The junior was having a great ride, and he held on for a nice win. The points leader took second, and I came in third.

It was a great day to sneak away for a race, and I was glad I did. What a great group with whom to race!

Tim

'The Trail'

2010-03-31T08:52:00.003-06:00

We need your help to pick up ‘The Trail’

Mason City – Clear Lake Bike Trail Clean Up:
When: Saturday, April 24 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

It coincides with Mason City's Earth day. We'll meet as at the shelter on the bike path. I'll provide the bags. Volunteers just need to fill their bags and leave them alongside the road for pick-up by the city. Festivities for those interested start downtown@ 11 am.

Thank you,
Barry

2010-03-15T12:35:00.002-06:00

Cycling kits, Tri kits and Running kits are available in either Green or Pink.

Cycling kits have a variety of options to choose from. Please see the order form for more details

Please have orders in by March 26 and prepayment would be appreciated.We will be receiving this order by the end of May (approx 8 week turnaround)

See Order Form for details: Pricing, placing orders and options available.
Order forms are available at the NISPIN Indoor Cycling classes and upper right corner of this blog.

Tri kits and running kits are very similar and a pink version is available

The Birkie 2010

2010-03-09T12:38:00.001-06:00

evan at finish
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

American Birkebeiner Ski Results 2010
by Lisa Yunek

Abundant snow and groomed local trails set the stage for five Mason City competitors to record personal finish times in the 2010 American Birkebeiner 50k Cross Country Ski Race. Before the race the Mason City group was preparing. "This is an unpredictable race. The goal is to finish," said skier Robert Polking. Evan Peterson agreed. "I hope everyone finishes and is safe." He was referring to the arduous nature of the many steep hills, turns, and trees on the trail. Not only is it a marathon course but one of the most difficult in terms of endurance needed simply to finish.

It was a record breaking Birkie event. The sun shone brightly, the trail was in great condition and records were set. Italian Fabio Santus broke the previous Birkie record with a winning time of 1:56:58.6. Record numbers of skiers participated in the many events (over 10,000). Citizens of 20 different countries and 47 US states were represented.

The contingent from Mason City followed suit. Dwight Beavers placed 2nd out of 15 for skiers aged 70 - 74. Robert Polking and Joel Yunek broke through their previous three hour barriers and finished with 2:51 and 2:48 respectively. First time racers Todd Juhlin (3:03) and Evan Peterson (2:50) completed their races with times sure to place them in top seeded waves for next year.

Competing in the 23k Kortelopet event was Jordan Angel, currently at ISU and Gunther Langhart, formerly of Mason City both first-time Kortie skiers finished in the top 30 percent of nearly 2500 skiers.

About the Birkie: Celebrating its 37th year, the American Birkebeiner (1-800-USA-BRKE; www.birkie.com), February 25-27, 2010, is the largest and most prestigious cross country ski marathon in North America. Spanning more than 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is part of the Worldloppet series of 15 international races, and part of the lives of citizen skiers from around the world. Sponsors of Birkie include Subaru, Becker Law, Marshfield Clinic-Hayward Center, Johnson Bank, Swiss Miss, Salomon, Hammer Energy, Sawyer County Record and other businesses throughout the region and country. Find out more at http://www.birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.

Bicycle Safety Bill

2010-02-18T10:38:00.006-06:00

A guest editorial in the Des Moines Register on Feb. 15 questioning the Bicycle Safety Bill currently being considered in the Iowa House:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20102150307

My response on behalf of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to be published by the Register:

"In a recent Iowa View entitled "Legislation isn’t the answer for bike safety," Will Rogers of the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association made several valid points that deserve affirmation, and he asked several questions and made statements that deserve response and clarification.

Mr. Rogers asks how the bicycle safety bill currently under consideration in the Iowa House would make it safer for bicycles to be on the road, while he states that the law wouldn’t be enforced. The proposal requires bicyclists to obey traffic signs & signals, requires a minimum 5' passing distance, and makes it illegal to intentionally buzz or throw items at people on bicycles. For an answer to his question, ask the woman near LeMars who was hit with a full beer can, knocked unconscious, and left for dead on the road. Ask Leesa Shoemaker, who was riding to work at the Polk County Jail, who was struck from behind, fractured her leg in two places, and endured a year's worth of surgeries and rehab. Each of them would tell how this bill would have made them safer.

These proposed changes would become part of the Iowa Code, as well as the Driver’s Manual and driver’s education curricula. They would provide uniformity in law enforcement across the state. It’s been shown over the past several years that the enforcement and prosecution of traffic laws are not uniform. Ken Sherman was hit in Des Moines last year, clearly having the right-of-way. No traffic ticket was issued. Randy Van Zee was killed in 2008, and the driver was given a $35 traffic ticket. The County Attorney felt the law was not clear enough to prosecute with the same penalties as vehicular crashes. But a similar crash that killed Mark Anderson near Spencer last year was clear enough to bring the same charges as a vehicular crash.

A 5-foot minimum passing distance is specified in the bill being considered. In a 2001 Iowa Supreme Court case, Vasconz v. Mills, a teacher riding a bicycle was struck from behind by a person driving a truck.† The Iowa Supreme Court said the person riding the bicycle was operating lawfully.† It was the driver of the truck who had a choice to pass safely or follow until it is safe to do so.† This law defines that safe distance. People may still drive dangerously with or without a 5' passing distance, but many people will think twice when the law clearly states the action is dangerous and that there will be a penalty if the law is violated.

Rogers also states that the majority of cyclists on our roads are there for leisure or exercise. For many Iowans, commuting by bike is their only option. The Des Moines Bicycle Collective spends about 40 percent of its staff time helping Des Moines residents who rely on a bicycle as their only form of transportation. Most rely on their bicycle for economic reasons; they simply can't afford a car. In the brutal month of December, there were more than 900 uses of the bike racks on DART buses in the Des Moines area. By combining bikes and transit buses, many residents get to precious jobs and reduce their commuting costs. Unfortunately, the multi-use paths that Mr. Rogers references do not lead to many places of employment. In addition, most people would have to use streets and roads to access the bike trails.

Iowans, including commuters, recreational riders, and children riding to school and for play, need and deserve the provisions of the Bicycle Safety Bill."

Mora Vasaloppet

2010-02-16T11:07:00.006-06:00

Polking 2:59
Yunek 2:59
Beavers 3:36

Complete Race Results

City of the Lakes Loppet

2010-02-09T09:45:00.004-06:00

Results: time ovrall/div/sexpl
Evan Petersen 1:49 190/38/81
Robert Polking 1:55 282/15/70
Dwight Beavers 2:16 584/2/508

North Iowa Nordic Update

2010-02-09T09:15:00.001-06:00

Andy O. and Jay F. were out for hours today trying to pack this latest snowfall. The snow was dryer than one may think…light and fluffy. Andy got stuck 4 times on the opening loop and was left to un-hitch the groomer and just drive the snowmobile over it to initially pack what had fallen.

Jay then took over and had to do the same thing. WE NEED OUR ROLLER! A ROLLER would have saved us hours today. It is ordered…just not here. Next year…for now were getting by due to dedicated efforts of many folks. THANK YOU!

Jay was able to make a grooming pass on all loops then as well.

Evan P. plans to attempt to groom again in the AM Tues before the winds pick up. Then it will be time to wait…let the wind blow its heart out…and regroom. I am sure we’ll have some drifting to then manage on Wednesday.

I know many of you have yet to groom yet have offered to. Maybe Wed might work to get another 1 or 2 of our “feet wet” so to speak. The fact is that most of the grooming as of late has been done in the later evening hours (between 8:30 and midnight) when the temps are falling and the trails are not in use. This allows the trail to set up to. Early AM grooming is appropriate if temps allow…but ideally should be done early enough to allow the trail to set up for 2-3 hours. This requires finishing the groom by say 5-6:00 AM…and many of us are sleeping then in order to get out the door to work.

I have received many nice compliments this year from skiers on the trails. If you all receive such comments we need to have those folks forward those comments to the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board. Remember, right now we just have a one year contract to groom. I foresee us being granted the permission to groom again next year…and plan to have this OK’d by the board early in 2010 so we can plan some fundraising, etc. for North Iowa Nordic (NIN).

Lastly, we have also been grooming Pilot Knob on Fri or Sat PM’s in hopes of skiing the next AM early before snowmobiles show up. We have been laying down a classic track there and have had many encounters with local skiers that LOVE IT! Deb Coates, park ranger, at the Knob has been very open and easy to work with. She has really enjoyed our efforts and reports that many people have been very pleased with our efforts there too. She also skis. This weekend we put in (counting loading time, travel time, grooming time) approx 6 ½ hours of time at the Knob…HOWEVER, each day the groom was ruined in 10 minutes by a pack of snowmobiles. This happens each week. It makes rejuvenating and leveling the trail there a much more time consuming process. If I were a recreational skier and not training for a race…I would no longer waste my time grooming the Knob. BUT WE WANT TO…SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO SKI.

NEXT YEAR OUR GOAL IS TO TRY AND GET THE MAIN ROAD PILOT KNOB DESIGNATED AS A DEDICATED SKI TRAIL ONLY. NO SNOWMOBILES. Based on the trails system there the snowmobiles could still access the park trails and avoid the road. I am currently gathering info from other State Park trail systems that have designated ski trails. If you know of any skiers, snowshoers, hikers, etc in the Forest City area let us know…we’d like to contact them to start to gain some momentum locally to get this done. I was even told by one of the locals that a lady who has been skiing the Knob for years reported to their City Council of our efforts and the great skiing.

Anyone may forward this to whomever they wish. I would like to get it out to NI Spin, NI Touring Club, “River City Racers” etc membership too.

That’s all for now everyone.

Thanks,

Todd Juhlin

2010-02-06T16:51:00.003-06:00

North Iowa Spin contributed $500 to the Greater Iowa/South Dakota Chapter of JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We did this to thank Tracy Kading, manager of HyVee East, for allowing us to use the space for our indoor cycling classes. When you see Tracy, thank him personally.

Pepsi Challenge 48K Freestyle

2010-01-25T10:47:00.002-06:00

Results: Age Group/Overall
Evan Petersen 17/63 2:47
Joel Yunek 6/78 2:56
Robert Polking 7/79 2:56
Todd Juhlin 8/84 3:08
Dwight Beavers 1/99 3:32

http://www.skinnyski.com/racing/

Story and Photos to come...

Running Clinic

2010-01-06T13:15:00.008-06:00

When: January 21, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM

Presented by:
Mercy Medical Center
Physical Therapy Department

Information on:
• Basic Strengthening Exercises
• Stretching Exercises
• Running Shoe Selection
• Video Running Analysis: Utilizing Cheslea Creek’s new Sports Analysis Software
• Training Tips

If interested contact Mike Arnold at:
641-422-7498 or arnoldmr@mercyhealth.com

Santa's Helpers!

2009-12-23T08:43:00.003-06:00

Santa's Helpers!
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

We had a great turnout for this years Yule Ride to collect gifts for our adopted family and to enjoy a few GI beers with good friends. The generosity for our Adopted family was overwhelming. We raised enough money to purchase our 10 year old boy a very nice Trek MTB from Wayne's, a Super fast Flexible Flyer Sled, a bunch of presents and nearly $500 in gift cards! What a great feeling knowing this family will have a very Merry Christmas!

Thank you, One and All!

Meet our newest recruit!

SMETICS YULE RIDE & ADOPT A FAMILY

2009-12-17T13:40:00.005-06:00

YULE RIDE 2008
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

Please join us at the SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class for our SECOND annual Yule Ride to collect gifts for a family in North Iowa. The Yule ride will take place on Tuesday, December 22nd and will be a free ride for everyone who attends. Please wear any and all Christmas clothing you can find. Bring your gifts or donation, and we will wrap and prepare the items for delivery.

Class time: 6:00PM. Hunter will be leading, starting at that time, but come whenever you can. We have a lot of extra trainers; just bring your bike. Class is free for everyone.

Social: 7:00 pm. North Iowa Spin and MC2 will supply all the beverages and snacks for an enjoyable post-ride Christmas celebration. Join us just for the social if you'd like.

Location: SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class is located in the old HyVee East DrugTown, the same as two years ago. Enter through the old Allstate location. The door is marked with NISPIN and MC2 signage

We'd like to see anyone and everyone join us (NITC, NI SPIN, MC2, NIBU and the Clear Lake spinners) on Tuesday night.

The family is being adopted through the Crisis Intervention Center. The family would be grateful for anything you have to offer. Ann from the Crisis Intervention Center said, “The family would appreciate anything. She cried when I told her why I was calling.”

Boy, age 10: Size 10/12 in shirts, size 10R in pants, size 5-6 in shoes. He is in need of shirts, socks, pjs and boots. He likes books, drawing, hot wheels, lego’s and toy knights and horses. He'd like a sled.

Mom: Size M in shirts, size 10/12 in pants, size 6 in shoes. She could use anything for clothing. She is in need of bed pillows and some twin and full-size blankets. She likes books (Christian, self-help), Christian music, and candles (any scent). A few people last year donated gift certificate and that was very kind!

Please bring gift wrap and essentials for wrapping or you may pre-wrap the gifts.

See you on Tuesday, 12/22, at 6:00, 6:30, or 7:00PM. We'll have fun and celebrate the joy of giving!

XC Ski North Iowa!!! AWESOME!

2009-12-13T22:08:00.004-06:00

Trails at Pilot Knob
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

Hey everyone!

UPDATE: Lime Creek is now groomed - think snow!

We took the sled and groomer to Pilot Knob (map) on Saturday in hopes of being able to pack some trail to last for a good long time given the recent snowfall. Worked for about 4 hours I’d say. The long and short of it….WE HAVE AN AWESOME MACHINE!

It was a great experience with regard to getting our feet wet with the snowmobile and groomer. And frankly I think we groomed a much harder trail than Limey. There were some wind blown near bare areas on the road that we shoveled to create a lane. There were also some VERY drifted areas too. It is amazing how the groomer can create a pretty good level surface with repeated runs over the surface.

The road in the Knob is groomed. Some skied it this AM and reported back that the trail was “the best I’ve ever seen it.” We hope to continue to be able to get to the Knob as well…with some more snow…and grooming this trail could last all winter. We also found that if we can pack it down the effect of recreational snowmobile “damage” to the skate trail is much less.

If you are skiing over there encourage the local folks to let the Park Ranger know how much they are enjoying this “new” grooming that is being done.

Have fun ya’ll,

Todd Juhlin

Cyclocrossing Nirvana

2009-12-09T13:23:00.001-06:00

Field Reporter: Don Maschka

The Carousel Volkswagon Jingle Cross Rock Cycloscross Races were held in Iowa City November 27, 28, and 29th. I went down to watch the pros and partake in the festivities on Saturday and give it a go myself on Sunday. It is a UCI sanctioned cyclcocross event and is the highlight of the Iowa 'cross season. It certainly lived up to it's advanced billing.

I arrived at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in plenty of time to get some good photos and scout out the course the pros would be riding. The atmosphere was charged by amplified music and racaus fans. The Specialized Team was set up near the start/finish line as was the Planet Bikes Team. The recent rains made for a muddy course, but the day's mild weather attracted big crowds as did the opportunity to see National Champion Todd Wells and cycling legend Ned Overend compete in a stellar elite field.

I made my way over to a muddy descent and was treated by the sight of a male fan at the edge of the course with a dollar bill in his butt crack. The dollar could be had by any rider skilled enough to make the descent and brave enough to pluck the bill from the aforementioned crack. Eventually the dollar was indeed taken, but at great psychological cost to the rider.

Next, began the ascent up the infamous Mt. Krumpit. It is here that dreams of cyclocross glory go to die by unprepared 'crossers. This is no ordinary run up. It is 100 yards of pure torture. The difficulty lies in the severity of the grade and the horribly muddy conditions of the ground. If one wants to win Jingle Cross Rock he or she must come to grips with Mt. Krumpit. The spector of Death literally looms above the riders as they try to take the hill.

For the fans the summit is cyclocrossing nirvana. At the top are hundreds of cow bell clanging, 'cross fanatics. Scott Sumpter and his crew were good enough to bring up a keg of Fat Tire beer for all to enjoy. Everywhere along the course the riders were offered a friendly beer hand up and for the lucky few a kindly summer sausage hand up. As the race wore on desperate riders hungry for carbs and protein took from the offerings to the roar of the crowd.

It was here I was able to meet up with the first couple of North Iowa Cyclocross Ben and Katie Fistler. Katie and Ben raced on Friday and Saturday with great results. Katie went up to Cat. 3 and promptly got 6th place. North Iowa Spin recruit, Ben "The Reverend" Fistler had his best result of the season on Friday with an outstanding 17th place in a deep CX 4 field. We were able to enjoy the race from here together as we watched Wells and Overend power up and through Mt. Krumpit. The Grinch proved he is indeed a mean one as he scared little kids and the riders alike. I made my way back down the mountain in time to watch Wells throw his hands up in victory as he crossed the finish line.

On Sunday I lined up in the 5th row in the staging area for the CX 4 race. I would estimate another 20 riders were behind me bringing the total numbers of starters to 70 or so. Only 53 of us would finish. I was warned by Ben that the starter was very vague and to be alert. In spite of this I was caught fiddling around with my watch as the starter casually said. "Ok you can go." I promptly got slammed out of the hole shot and had to make up a lot of ground on a few straightaways before the first barriers.

After the barriers there was a nasty little run up followed by on off camber, muddy section. This caused a bit of angst in the field with back wheels spinning out all over the place, but I was able to get through it and make up a bit more ground on another straight section before we entered the Whoville Whorl. The Grinch's Lair featured a sand pit that I was only able to make it through cleanly once in our five laps. The first two laps riders crashed in front of me and the fourth lap I went down taking the rider behind me as his pedal got caught in my back wheel. I was able to get through it all, but lost more time.

We were spared the most difficult run up the riders had to do on Saturday, but the course was still very muddy. The combination of mud then onto pea gravel destroyed dozens of derailleurs. It was technically the worst race of the season for me, but the most fun I've ever had racing a bike. In the end I was able to stay on the lead lap and finish a respectable 13th.

I stuck around to watch the single speed race and was shocked to see Iowa City powerhouse Brian Eppen riding in nothing but a Speedo in the 39 degree weather. In spite of the vasoconstrictive effects of the cold on muscle and other body parts Eppen won the race by over a minute. Another group of guys in Speedos and girls in bikinis followed, but did not have quite the same motors as Eppen. Two of the girls actually completed the race in their bikinis on a tandem!

I have to say a big "thanks" to all of the sponsors and organizers of this great event. For all of the North Iowa Spin racers I would highly recommend going if you get the chance. Mark your calenders for next year.

Now Taking Orders

2009-12-01T14:50:00.004-06:00

Cycling kits, Tri kits and Running kits are available in either Green or Pink.

Cycling kits have a variety of options to choose from. Please see the order form for more details

Nordic Orders Due by Dec 10

All other Orders Due By DECEMBER 21, 2009

State Cross Champion!

2009-11-17T09:21:00.002-06:00

Congrats to Katie Fistler for winning the Gold at last weekend Cyclecross Championships.
This now makes three state championship medals for North Iowa cyclists. Katie was picked up by the Punk Rock Cycling Team based in Des Moines. NISPIN wishes her the best with the cool cats of PRC!

Women 4
1.Katie Fistler GOLD
2.Wendy Berg SILVER
3.Cindy Dubois BRONZE
4.Kristen Burgess
5.Kathleen Porter
6.Susan Cook
7.Michelle Pohlmeyer
8.Nancy Leysens
9.Karmen Woebler
10.Wendi Herrick

Central Iowa Cyclocross Series

2009-11-11T21:32:00.004-06:00

By Don Mascka

The North Iowa Spin was well represented in the Central Iowa Cyclocross Series held this fall. The Series consists of 8 races held across central Iowa with points being awarded for overall Series standings. To be eligible for end of the season awards a rider must have participated in at least 6 of the 8 races. Evan Peterson and Don Maschka flew the flag for The Spin in the CX 4 category.

Evan Peterson of the North Iowa Spin came away with 40 points on the strength of a dominating performance in the final race of the Series by winning day 2 of Spooky Cross at Living History Farms. Peterson literally rode away from the field and was out of site a quarter of the way into the first lap. The field never saw him again. Evan used raw speed, superior bike handling skills, and daring descending skills to win the race by 1 minute and 40 seconds. It was an impressive display in his first race of the season and only his second ever cyclocross race. Don Maschka finished a solid 9th to give The Spin two riders in the top ten.

Maschka had a workman-like effort with 3 top ten finishes over 4 races to garner 27 points in the standings. In his cyclocross debut he finished a respectable 13 out of 39 in day 2 of Capital Cross. Don was able to get his first points of the season fighting through the mud and cow pies at Marshalltown's Cattle Cross with a 6th place finish. Maschka's best day came on a hard fought 6th out of 48 at day 1 of Spooky Cross. The course was littered with two separate mud pits, a creek crossing and a very difficult run up.

A special thanks to Scheel's and all of the sponsors for the Series. Each race was unique with great organization, volunteers, and beer drinking, cow bell clanging fans.

Other North Iowa Notes: Katie Fistler from Mason City was able to win the overall Series title for the Woman's CX 4. This certainly got some attention and Katie was able to get picked up by the elite Punk Rock Cycling Club. Ben Fistler was a presence throughout the cyclocross season. While not as lucrative as Alberto Contador's rumored contract with Astana, Ben is considering an off-season contract from the North Iowa Spin for next year among other offers.

'SMETICS' Indoor Cycling

2009-10-15T10:08:00.005-06:00

Tracy Kading, HyVee East, has generously offered the use of basically our old space from the 2007-2008 indoor season. The entry will be a bit different (through the old Allstate office), and there will be restrooms and changing facilities. Our goal is to start on Tuesday, Nov. 3. More information will be coming out in the next couple of weeks, but the format will be similar to other years.

Thank Tracy when you see him. This is very good news, as we were coming to a dead end on other spots for indoor cycling.

A membership form for the NITC, NISPIN and MC2 is attached. Please fill out prior to coming to the SMETICS Indoor Cycling Class.

2009-2010 SMETICS Indoor Cycling

Weekly Classes:

Tuesday/Thursday: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Holidays Schedule TBD

NITC Fees: Everyone will be required to sign-up or renew their membership for the North Iowa Touring Club for 2010. All current NITC memberships expire Dec 31, 2009: Single $15 and Family $20

PREPAID NISPIN CARDS:

There will be at least 60 sessions offered this year (Not counting the extra Holiday sessions normally added). There is a chance that construction will begin on this building and new location will be announced.

Full Season Pass = $100: A Great Value - Trainer not included

10 Punch Card without Trainer = 10 sessions for $30

10 Punch Card with Trainer = 10 sessions for $60

Juniors (under 18 years old) = Free for NISPIN Members

Trial passes = $5.00 per session. Bikes must be removed nightly for trial passes

Trainer rentals = $3.00 per session

Rear wheel skewers = $10.00

All Proceeds from NISPIN/MC2 Will Help to Benefit Others in Our Sport and Community

Tour de Fall Colors / Newman Marathon

2009-10-15T06:49:00.000-06:00

Contrary to common sense, the Tour de Fall Colors will take place this Saturday as planned. It may be ice biking at its best, so dress warmly.

On another note, the 11th annual Newman Marathon is scheduled for October 25, 2009. Last year there was some interest in riding the course the day before. Connie has a mtn bike ride scheduled for 2 p.m. on October 24, 2009. I will be riding the Marathon course starting at 10 a.m. October 24, leaving from the parking area east of the Music Man Square. It should take about 2 hours. Anyone wishing to join me is certainly welcome. Bring the bike you will ride on Sunday.

Earl W. Hill
641-843-4491 (O)
641-843-4374 (H)

2009 Cheq Fat Tire - DONE!

2009-09-22T07:29:00.007-06:00

2009 Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival
September 19, 2009
Hayward to Telemark Lodge

by Stuart Schurtz

There’s really only one way to describe the 2009 Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival: PRs all around. Thanks to the course being in great shape, absolutely perfect weather, and some healthy competitive juices between the North Iowa Spin members, previous personal records were smoked.

The 3-mile roll out towards Rosie’s Field was a bit slower in 2009 than previous years, but with over 1700 riders packed together, it still made for interesting maneuvering. The course rides along sections of the Birkie trail, which is grassy and filled with rollers, hard packed gravel fire roads, smooth single track, several rocky descents, and the infamous Fire Tower climb around mile 30. It’s certainly not an easy ride even in the best of conditions.

The race took off once we hit Rosie’s field and the start of the Birkie trail. Todd Juhlin, as usual, went fast. He had a prime 2nd row starting position thanks to his 4:30 AM bike placement in the starting chute. We were lined up about 1,000 riders back and we thought we got there early. Juhlin kept pace the entire race and finished with an impressive 2:29. Dave Delperdang, Tim Putnam, Eric Rust, Steve Younker, and Martin Izakovic got off on a quick pace as well. Luckily, I didn’t break my chain right off the start, so I wasn’t DFL leaving Rosie’s like I was in 2008.

Martin was ripping through the course until he blew his first flat with 4 miles left. After fixing it, he rode again until it blew up again. Like the competitor he is, he said, “Screw it, I’m going to run the last 4 miles just to make it interesting!” His race is now officially called the 36/4. He still finished with a time of 3:07, but not enough to beat Eric Rust. Eric calls bragging rights for the next year, since it’s only the finish that matters, right Martin?

A special congratulation’s goes to Dwight Beavers who posted a huge time at 3:12! He still puts people who are 30 years younger than he is to shame. Nice work! Robert Polking and Trumper both posted personal bests on the course. As Barry put it, his best time on his new knee. Mike Hummel took apart the Short and Fat race.

Delper-dog and Younk both posted their first sub three hour times!

The team had a great post race recap under the 312 tent at Telemark and then finished it with a round of NY Strips, plenty of wine and celebratory cigars at Camp Twennipaw outside of Minong, WI
Thanks to Joe Creedon, Maplewood, MN, who provided Sherpa support, and to Dave Fredrick who let us take his pontoon out for a Friday afternoon NI Spin ‘Strategy Meeting’ on Lake Nancy and gave us a great cabin to stay in. A special thanks goes to Goose Island’s 312 for providing extra fuel for the NI Spin Team. The only thing missing was my dad, Steve Schurtz, who was putting in some extra recovery time with his broken leg.

Now bring on the Snow and be ready for 2010.

Results:
Overall - Division - Age Group - Gender - Finish Time
Juhlin, Todd 207 182 30 200 02:29:49.1
Putnam, Tim 438 382 49 415 02:42:35.3
Delperdang, David 581 502 15 550 02:49:18.1
Younker, Steve 781 666 151 734 02:59:15.7
Rust, Eric 943 799 64 881 03:07:32.8
Izakovic, Martin 949 804 177 886 03:07:44.9
Beavers, Dwight 1050 889 1 977 03:12:49.8
Schurtz, Stuart 1095 924 67 1015 03:15:42.9
Polking, Robert 1222 1030 46 1129 03:23:04.6
Trump, Barry 1451 1229 31 1330 03:42:45.2

Chunks of Metal: Iowa Gravel Road Championships

2009-09-15T09:06:00.006-06:00

by Dave Delperdang

Tim and I headed over to New Hartford for the Iowa Gravel Road Championships. This was my first gravel road race and my sixth race for the year. This would be only the second race this year that I didn’t start with arm warmers on. For those of you that know me, I define cool as anything under 70 degrees.

Racing on a tank of a bike (a mid-priced hybrid frame and a hodge-podge of old parts, Bio-pace chain ring, friction shifter, etc.), I still felt good about a chance at medaling. The Masters 50+ was part of wave that included Cat 4 and 40+ riders. Tim was only one of two people on MTBs, and several were racing their road bikes straight up. So Tim and I got to start together. We had the hope of being able to help one another at some point. The first long grade up was very fast, and I saw all the 50+ riders get dropped. Tim was holding about 5^th wheel. I lost a little ground to the lead group by the top of hill (tank of a bike) but easily caught back the group on the way down. I felt comfortable on the flats - too bad there wasn’t much of that. Finishing the first lap, I couldn’t see anyone behind us. On the second time up the long climb, I lost the lead group and couldn’t chase them back this time. Tim was just OTB of the lead group of 4 (3 Cat 2s and a Cat 4). A Cat 4 rider and I started working together until about 2 ½ miles into the second lap when I flatted. I forgot to put my flat kit in my back pocket like I always do. It was lying in the back of Tim’s van. Thinking that my race was over, I started to walk back to the finish line. I walked for about a mile when “Blue Colnago” stopped and gave me his tube and mini pump. I quickly got the tube changed and started riding with John Adamson and two Cat 5 riders racing for first and second. They finished after four laps; I still had two to go. In the next two laps I caught and passed a few riders, and on the last time up the long grade to the finish line I was able to ride down and pass two more riders.

I finished fourth in the 50+, but to my surprise, I won the Bronze for the Iowa Gravel Road Championship. There must have been someone from out of state. Tim raced solo after the second lap, finishing 5^th over all and 2^nd Place Cat 4, but he won the Gold as the Cat 4 winner was from Minnesota. When I got home and was about to throw out the inner tube, I found a big chunk of metal sticking out of it. Darn that flat, as NISPIN could have had two Golds for the day.

While we missed the camaraderie of doing the Tour of the Rocks, it was a great day! Also a big thank you to Blue Colnago with Bike Tech who gave me his tube and pump. I was able to keep riding on such a beautiful day.

Now on to Chequamegon and hopefully a few PRs!

My Golden, Scout, did not win this medal.

2009-09-14T20:04:00.001-06:00

Tim did, for 1st Place, Cat 4, in the Iowa State Gravel Championships on Saturday, 9/12. I'm sure he'll post a race report.

Garmin announces Tom Zirbel for 2010 -

2009-09-01T13:51:00.003-06:00

Garmin announces new signings for 2010 - VeloNews

The 2nd Step...

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East Village Crit

2009-09-01T13:38:00.009-06:00

The final crit race and Iowa Cup series event was held this past Sunday in the East Village of Des Moines, with the finish line located on top of the hill in front of the steps of the Capital building. Dave Delperdang, newly upgraded Cat 4 racer John Johnson, and I were all trying to determine what level of pain we were about to inflict upon ourselves. Standing at the finish, you looked back down a pretty long and step hill. Those that competed in the first Hy-Vee tri will understand this. The only difference was that we were about to ride up the hill just short of 30 times.

After we arrived at the race, the clouds rolled in, and the temperatures stayed on the cooler side. I did not take to heart any of John's recently learned lessons of always being prepared and did not bring any addition layers or gloves. I was thinking it was going to be "one of those days". With any crit race, it is very wise to wear a pair of gloves just in case you go down; you do not want your hands to be totally shredded. After I asked around, Pete Basso loaned me his nicely greased up gloves from the Cat 3 race that were two sizes too big, but I was grateful. Thanks, Pete!
The five corner race started out fast, like all the Cat 4 races have this year, and after the first corner was the downhill. One strong rider from Bike Tech blew or broke something on the manhole, and someone said a rider missed the second corner and went through the barricades. I had problems clicking in and went from the front row to the back of the peloton before the first corner. I knew this was not good and worked hard for the next two laps getting back into the top ten.

The pace slowed down after the first few times up, and I think everyone knew with this being a 45 minute race that we had plenty of time. A few flyers went off the front, and the group was able to pull everything back in less than two laps. I bombed the downhill a few times and had a nice gap (safe gap as well) going into the first uphill. All the times I was in the back on the downhill, I had to scrub speed . After first 8 laps, my legs were feeling pretty good, and I knew I had a chance for a top 5 placing.

About half way through the race, I saw John on the side of the hill working on his chain. John was staying just off the back and then dropped his chain twice. With his recent upgrade, John was hoping to be on the same lap as the finishers, and I know he would have if it weren’t for the ‘double shift’ chain drop. (Ask Evan, or don’t.)

With one lap to go, I was not in proper position to take advantage of my downhill speed and cornering capability. Had I gotten to the hill ahead of the main group, I may have gained a few positions – lesson learned. John finished 26th in his first Cat 4 crit. Dave was 18th in a very strong field of riders. I placed 6th, which gave me 3rd place in the Iowa Cup Series, Cat 4 Men. This had been a great group of Cat 4s with whom to race, and I know several will be upgrading to Cat 3 next year and hoping for more of the same next year!

More Photos

Was Curious if anyone got their cars or bikes washed at the car wash over at the Blazing Saddle? Would love to hear about how that went?

An overview of cyclo-cross

2009-08-28T17:51:00.004-06:00

Having watched Jingle Cross Rock last November in Iowa City as my first cyclo-cross spectator event, I found this very helpful.

Click this link.

MapMyRide.com - Greater North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa

2009-08-26T07:09:00.002-06:00

Share your favorite blacktop and gravel routes, we want to know where you've been!

MapMyRide.com - Greater North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa

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My Big Pig Tale

2009-08-20T14:59:00.002-06:00

By John Johnson

Brief recap –this was my first half Ironman distance tri and I was brutalized, but finished in 6.06:16, just missing my goal of a sub-six hour effort.

Long version, or lessons and impressions……..

Timed perfectly at the start of the race a storm front came through Palo. Temp was in the low 60’s, wind at 25+ mph and heavy rain. Prior to the start they announced the water temp was 76 – wetsuit legal. Hmmm, my wetsuit is at home! Surely the water temp in late August will be above the legal limit I thought! Lesson #1 – come prepared for every type of weather – bring the wetsuit Johnny!!

Entering the water we swam perpendicular to the wind which was coming from our right on the first leg. Hmmm, I can really only breath on my right. Tough to inhale water and it tastes terrible! Lesson #2 – practice bilateral breathing! After the first leg and a hard right turn I finally got into a rhythm and was comfortable, but slow, the rest of the swim. Considering I had never swam a mile I was thrilled with my new personal best distance.

Into a washed out T-1 to find my shoes, socks, everything full of water and a heavy rain still falling. I had made a last minute decision to use a different pair of shorts for the race, the ones without a chamois but more comfortable for the run. But I was looking forward to the ride – my best event. I had even stolen Madi’s HED wheels – I have no shame. The ride was brutal – continued high wind and heavy rain. I thought of Dave Delperdan and laughed out loud as I was wishing I had arm warmers, and leg warmers for that matter, and I knew Dave would have been prepared. See lesson #1.

During the ride I was able to make up some time from my swim. I was cold, I was wet and 56 miles without a chamois was not as bad as I thought it might be but I won’t do it again. Lesson #3 – don’t be modest with the Body Glide! Put it everywhere and put on a lot!

I entered T-2 to find, you got it, wet running shoes, wet cap and my stuff blown all over. Where is my bottle of energy drink for the run?!?!? Everything had blown all over! Lesson #4 – if windy keep your stuff in your bag dummy! Oh well, I knew they had food at the water stops. After a quick stop at the Porta-john I was on my way.

Legs felt good, really good. I was surprised. I hit mile 1 way too fast and had to remind myself it was a long run and to slow down and keep my heart rate under control. I ran past the first water stop. Lesson #5 – drink whenever you get the chance!

I made it to the halfway point and started back. I was under my time plan and knew I would beat 6 hours. Mile 7 and the first twinge of knee pain. Mile 8 – now a LOT of knee pain. Heart rate is climbing and I am slowing down. Mile 9 and it was getting hard to run. Mile 10 water stop must have been moved! Why would they move a water stop in the middle of the race? Based upon my time I should be there! That makes no sense! Hmmm – see Lesson #5. I finally reach the mile 10 water stop and feel like I have been drinking….a lot of alcohol. I’m having a hard time running in a straight line. I start thinking about my water intake during the ride and run and realize I am way, way below my planned intake of 20 – 24 ounces an hour. The cool weather fooled me into not thinking about drinking. I grab one water for my head and two to drink, and I drink them all as I walk away. I start shuffling towards mile 11. Yes, I said shuffling! It was the most I could manage at that point as this is where the long up hill section starts. At mile 11 I repeat with extra water and a Hammer gel and start shuffling home. More water at mile 12 and I can see the finish area. I suddenly realize I am not going to beat 6 hours but can’t believe I ran / shuffled that dang slow. Lesson #6 – “Run Forest, run!” You can’t do too much run training for an event like this and I need to do more, much more.

The final mile was made easier by numerous yelling spectators and many cowbells. I realized I was going to finish and that was my real goal. I managed a moderate run to the finish and was rewarded by Team Johnson yelling for Dad.

Will I do another half Ironman? You bet! I still have to beat 6 hours and if I pay attention to what I learned in this race I can accomplish that goal.

Keep racing!

www.usacycling.org -- Zirbel grabs NRC lead

2009-08-06T07:39:00.003-06:00

www.usacycling.org -- Zirbel grabs NRC lead

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Iowa Games Gold and Iowa Road Race Championships!

2009-08-02T09:08:00.003-06:00

Iowa Games:
Congrats to Dale and Connie!

TIME TRIAL,CITIZENS 50-59 M
DALE BLAKESTAD, ST. ANSGAR 1 30:23.000

TIME TRIAL,CITIZENS 60-69 F
CONNIE FRENCH, FOREST CITY 1 42:05.000

Earl Hill placed 5th in his age group.

Iowa Road Race Championships:

Was a fast tough first 48 miles (24mph) on rolling terrain (we'd call 'em hills here) and then came to a 15 mph crawl for the finishing sprint mainly due to a strong head wind. The teams with numbers were not wanting to organize at the front and with Dave and I boxed in at the middle of the pack and could not advance. Great race and both were disappointed with the results. Tim had his front wheel clipped and broke a spoke and after changing wheel was able to rejoin the peloton. Nice win by Tony Muse who was riding strong at the front all day!

Men 4
------------ ---
1. Tony Muse, Rasmussen (West Des Moines, IA) - Gold
2. Nate Kulborn, Unattached (Iowa City, IA) - Silver
3. Brad Bach, DMOS/RDMB (Ankeny, IA) - Bronze
4. Jay Gorsch, Atlas EcoLips (North Liberty, IA)
5. Gary Johnson, Unattached (Moline, IL)
6. Chad Lambi, Atlas EcoLips (North Liberty, IA)
7. Sergey Motorny, Unattached (Des Moines, IA)
8. Eric Knox, MOB Racing (Fort Dodge, IA)
9. Travis Jass, MOB Racing (Fort Dodge, IA)
10. Macklin Scheldrup, HBA Racing (Robins, IA)
11. Michael Mann, Harpers Cycling (Muscatine, IA)
12. Brandon Fenster, Team Kaos (Omaha, NE)
13. Kevin Tempel, BikeTech Racing (Waterloo, IA)
14. Chad Mason, Rasmussen (Des Moines, IA)
15. Tim Putnam, North Iowa Spin (Mason City, IA)
16. David Hammer, DMOS/RDMB (Urbandale, IA)
17. David Delperding, North Iowa Spin (Clear Lake, IA)
18. Nicholas Campbell, Bikes To You/World of Bikes (West Liberty, IA)
19. Herb Hollwager, Bike World/All9Yards. com (Des Moines, IA)
20. Jeff Abel, DICE (Bettendorf, IA)
Field - 39

What a Great Weekend!

2009-07-12T17:02:00.001-06:00

DSC_0227
Originally uploaded by NorthIowaSPIN

So many people to thank:
Sponsors (look right!)
BBBQ Planning Committee
Music and Food Organizers! GREAT Music BTW!
ALL VOLUNTEERS!
Spouses!
Sheffield Volunteers!!! Thanks Kathy, Larry and CSU!
Mark Guthart and Erin Hawley - Best USA Cycling Ref's around!
City of Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County,
Hancock County and Franklin County!
The Weather!

... And all the Bike Racers!!!

Thanks for coming and we'll see you all next year!