PROFILE - APRIL 2006

Posted Mar 31, 2006
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Trans-Iowa V.2 The "other" ride across Iowa. Only this is a 330+ mile non-stop, self-supported, solo Mountain Bike Race along the gravel roads of rural Iowa. Oh...The race must also be completed in under 35 hours!

BIKEIOWA is proud to present the forth profile for 2006. Each profile will consist of same fifteen base questions and answers with a gallery of pictures. This month's profile features the Trans-Iowa V.2 presented by Cateye and ELETE. The Trans-Iowa is a 330+ mile non-stop, self-supported, solo Mountain Bike Race along the gravel roads of rural Iowa. Thanks to Jeff Kerkove, the Race creator, organizer and promoter for providing the profile information and pictures.

Home Turf
The race is based out of Europa Cycle and Ski in Cedar Falls. Jeff Kerkove and Mark Stevenson who run the event, both work as mechanics for the shop and live in Waterloo
The Scoop
Trans-Iowa is designed to be a challenge for all abilities in the sport of cycling. The idea came from another event of its kind. Back in the day some riders in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, with the support of Europa Cycle and Ski would ride across Iowa on county blacktop roads in 24 hours. We tried to get this challenge up and running again, but decided to put a new twist on it. With the growing emergence of endurance mountain bike racing we decided to follow the same idea of crossing the state…but rather on gravel….self supported…self navigated…and low key underground. We posted the idea on some online forums and where over taken by the requests to run the event. So in 2005 we ran Trans-Iowa. We let 50 people register, but only 9 finished because of the harsh conditions. For this year we are back with Trans-Iowa Version 2. This year we allowed 70 people to register, and the race filled in under 4 hours! Stay tuned, this year is going to be good!
Who's Who
The race is directed by Jeff Kerkove and Mark Stevenson. We could NOT put this on if it were not for the help of the following people…
- Rich Gosen of Oneota River Cycles in Decorah
- Ward Budweg of Decorah Bicycles in Decorah
- Algona Chamber of Commerce
- Hawarden Chamber of Commerce
- And the industry sponsors
Recent News
To get the latest scoop on what riders are doing to prepare for the event, check out this link; http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=151900
Did You Know?
In the first running of Trans-Iowa out of the 9 total finishers, 4 were riding single speeds
Our History
Heck, it’s only our 2nd year. There is no history yet. Keep your eyes peeled though.
Mission Statement
The mission statement for Trans-Iowa V.2 is…”Is your head on straight?”
What's Hot?
Raw cookie dough Smooth gravel Tail winds Low entry fees Free racer housing Tons ‘o swag 29er mountain bikes
What's Not?
25 mph head winds Cold temps Rain and soft gravel Farm dogs Bonking CX and road bikes Bloody chamois Cold nipples
Favorite Iowa Event?
Favorite Quotes
There really isn’t one favorite quote, but this description from racer Steve Goetzelman of Iowa City gives people an idea what this event is like. “…After some time we arrived in Osage and were happy to find a Kwik Star open. It was 1:30 am, the temp was 35 F and we were almost to the 200 mile mark. I was a wreck. I was cold, I could not eat, my throat was raw and I felt like I was going to puke. I even had the trash can picked out that I would yak in if it came to that. Jim was doing a bit better but we were both pretty worked. Todd was doing great. He had some coffee and food and left long before us, assuring us that we would catch him. Jim and I got some food and such and proceeded to camp out on some big bags of dog and cat food. This was definitely the low point of the race for me. I was cooked. I wanted to call my girlfriend Cody but I was afraid I would start crying if I talked to her. I wanted to eat but I was afraid I would puke if I did. I wanted to finish this race but I knew that if I did not get some food in me I would collapse in a ditch somewhere between here and Cresco. Not pleasant thoughts!...” Read the entire story here… http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/bikeiowa/message/3236
What's Next?
Sponsors
- Cateye
- ELETE
- Tifosi Optics
- Therm-a-rest
- Badger Cycles
- Cannondale Bicycles
- RIDE424.com
- The Pizza Ranch
- Europa Cycle and Ski
- Decorah Bicycles
- Quality Bicycle Products
- E-Caps and Hammer Nutrition
- Surly
- Velo Saddles
- Thomson
- Park Tools
Accepting new members?
Nope - registration is FULL!
Dues/Benefits
$30 to race IF you were one of the 'lucky ones' to get registered.
Contact Information
Jeff Kerkove kerkovej@hotmail.com
Website
www.transiowa.blogspot.com
Pictures
Check out the various pictures form last year's inaguaral event.