It just happened...

I participated a little differently than originally expected at the Trans Iowa bike race this past weekend. Unseen forces just happened to keep my entry postcard from arriving so I decided to volunteer to support a checkpoint during the race. We ended up being stationed at the final checkpoint which was open from 9PM through 2AM Saturday/Sunday. It made for a long day.

We drove down Friday in order to attend the pre race meeting Fri evening. After checking into the Hotel, we hopped on our bikes and made the quick jaunt into town. Got all the update at the meeting, and stopped by a local bar for a few beers and some dinner. We just happened to get the last two pitchers of Fat Tire Ale that the bar just happened to have on tap after a delivery error.

After a couple hours sleep, we were up and riding back to town to watch the start. Both Ken and I had some mixed feelings about feeling good about not having to ride, and really wanting to start. We showed up about 3 minutes before they took off, which was very nice to not have to stand around for long in the pre sun chill. Another quick ride to the hotel to clean up and change and we were off to checkpoint 1 in Washington. We took some back roads because "all you see on interstate, is interstate." Driving the small highways of Iowa sure made for some wishful dreaming about being on bikes.

When all the racers were through checkpoint 1, we wandered our way up to Traer where our checkpoint would be. We tried to take up some time getting there, taking back roads and even stopping for some cheese curds along the way. But we still showed up around 11AM. There were a few hours to kill. So we rode around town checking out the city wide garage sales that were happening, stopped at the grocery store for lunch supplies and had a very nice picnic. We also ended up taking a nap, and heading out for a little gravel ride. I decided the common factor is that when in Iowa with Ken, gravel riding will happen. We took a small loop which allowed me to ride my first IA b road, and we just happened to end up riding a small section of the actual race course. A wonderful descent into town and across an old bridge. Perfect.

Our time "working" was really great. It did make me think twice about riding next year. I need to make some serious decisions before entering later this year. I want to make sure I make the right choice. Anyway, watching the difference in rider's attitudes and how they interacted with others was extremely interesting. Most of the time people were not too happy pulling into the station, but as they ate a little and spent a little time off the bike, attitudes almost always reversed. It was hard to watch how much hurt some where experiencing, but then to see the change happen, or just how determined people were to continue on, perseverance at it's best. A special congrats needs to go out to Paul. You are amazing.

After we sent the last rider on his way, we cleaned up and pushed for home. I was so tired I failed in my duties to keep up my end of the conversation to help the driver. I don't think I ever slept for long, but I certainly nodded off a number of times. Sorry Ken. We pulled up to the house about 6:45AM. I was fortunate to not have anything to do but recover. I definitely want to keep that in mind for next year.