Stoke Coffee Roasters- In.

Local (Northfield) startup roaster Stoke Coffee is stepping up to add to the mix of this race.

http://www.stokecoffee.com/

Local brew and beans would make for a great Christmas stocking or camelback stuffer...

FYI- you may know or have been passed by Stoke Coffee owner and 'fast guy' Cody Larson. I still recall getting lapped by him at a cyclocross race. I haven't done a cx race since...


NOTE- 50+ people signed up for the race in the first week. Race is capped at 100 +/- people unless you are a previous participant or IOU.

Registration is OPEN

I have time on my hands allowing me to get organized. Thus, registration is now open.

Send email, wait for reply.

If your iffy, don't bother signing up, I don't have that much time to waste...

The fundraiser has not been finalized yet... But expect something for good again.

Go ride (for me).

Maybe one day Mother Nature will allow the route to go here...

March 26, 2016- Save the Date

Planning on version 4.0 for 3-26-16.

Plan on a similar drill, but bring your catchers mitt for a few curve balls.

NOTE- NOT TAKING REGISTRATION YET. Expect it sometime around first of year...Unless I get more organized, sign up will again be via email with confirmation.

The beginning and the end... {courtesy of TMB Photo}

'n iowa' Gravel Series- Finale

So, I had this idea to put a series together. 3 worthy gravel races in the sticks of north iowa. With conditions that are always questionable. At a time before the mountain bike trails are open and most normal bike races are even considered.

To be calculated, you must have ridden 2 of 3 races.

Dudes in spandex riding around in the country-

1	Schad	288
2	Carroll	246
3** 4	Sobota Wilson, D	240 199
5	Mailen	196
6	Sauber	183
7	Karnopp	179
8	Gaffke	176
9	Loosen	174
10	Johnsen!/ Cluse - 8	167
11	Stinson (Tommy?)	163
12	St Pierre	160
13	Carlton	151
14	Hout- SPH!	151
15	Roeser	151
16	Pramann	151
17	Kvittem	148
18	Shupe	142
19	Tweed	140
20	Carlson, V	139
21	Warrington, M- SPH!	138
22	Swanson, D	132
23	Swenson, B	128
24	Carlson, M	120
25	Giesen- SPH!	117
26	Warrington, L- SPH!	116
27	Hey	113
28	Raygor	110
29	Perez - 8	105
30	Nickles - 8	98
31	Bushendorf - 8	98
32	Hau	94
33** 34	Heide Lien	85 82
35	Karow - 8	73
36	Haberman -8	73
37	Peterson, D	69
38	Stuckman	67
39	Koppi-Kahn	39
40	Shepherd	31

** I messed up, missed Sobota, Heide, good work.

Ladies-

1	Hunter	199
2	Barr	197
3	Langum	196
4	Rambow	191
5	Larson, M	190
6	Sansome	100
7	Morgan	100
8	Rice	98
9	Vold	97
10	Jansen	97
11	Heely	96
12	Gruhn	95
13	Hines	94
14	Moebeck	93

I'll be carrying this box of stuff swag around until it's gone. If your on this list make sure you take something when you spot me...

Don't make me keep this stuff...

 NOTE- if I missed you in the tally, you can still take something from the box...

'n iowa' Gravel Series- Update

For those that know, those that want to know, and those looking for a target...

My math is good (I think), and it helps I'm not in first place...

The Dickie Scramble will decide it all... I bet Mr Wilson will still let you in...

All ties go to Ragnarok finish.

I've taken the liberty to award 100 points to each SPH'er in attendance that didn't race Ragnarök. Your all still in the medals and have a target for April 25th... ha.

Winners. Aren't we all? I have a box of leftover swag swap I'll be trying to get rid of...

Guys in lacra riding roads-

1	Schad	190
2	Sauber	183
3	Carroll	157
4	Huot- SPH!	151
5	Roeser	151
6	Pramann	151
7	Carlson, V	139
8	Warrington, M- SPH!	138
9	Carlson, M	120
10	Giesen- SPH!	117
11	Warrington, L- SPH!	116
12	Johnsen!/ Cluse	111
13	Raygor	110
14	Bellew	100
15	Wilson, D	100
16	Swenson, B	100
17	Mailen	99
18	Skarpohl	99
19	Nickles	98
20	Bushendorf	98
21	Riley	98
22	Lalonde	97
23	Bauer	97
24	Elson	96
25	Welch	96
26	Schotz	95
27	Perna	95
28	Hau	94
29	Buchanan	94
30	Stukel	93
31	Minier	93
32	Hippen	91
33	Sobota	90
34	Hogland	90
35	Shupe	89
36	Kvittem	89
37	Abel	88
38	Sagel	88
39	Nygard	87
40	Perez	78
41	Haberman	73
42	Benton	71
43	Karow	70
44	Stuckman	67
45	Koppi-Kahn	39
46	Shepherd	31

Note- Summed for all that have completed both. Complete 1 race, only had time to tally up to 13 place. After the D Scramble I'll 'attempt' to sum all that have done 2 of 3 races.

Ladies-

1	Hunter	199
2	Langum	196
3	Larson, M	190
4	Sansome	100
5	Barr	98
6	Vold	97
7	Rambow	96
8	Gruhn	95
	{token pic} A reason why we ride gravel... Randomness.

Race Wrap Up/ MANY THANKS!

Again, THANK YOU RACERS, for your generosity and enjoying all things bike.

Rally at Harry's Cafe...

THANKS VOLUNTEERS (registration/ race non-officials): Anna, Angela, Stoener, Jimmmay, Eddy, Lisa, & Chopper. And much 'THANKS' to my race organizer partner/ wife Dawn she has a knack for this sort of stuff...

A special 'THANKS' to Jana Bell and the Bell family... You are an inspiration of courage.

THANKS TO HARRY'S CAFE: Harry and staff, much appreciated. This wouldn't be what it is without your support. The post race eats/ drinks/ social were excellent.

THANK YOU MILLTOWN CYCLES: Travis, Todd, & Volunteers. Your support makes this event unique and a great way to break up a gravel grind (death march too some) in questionable conditions.

THANK YOU TODD BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY & HOLLYWOOD (network skillz). People check out the pics, purchase at will...  Todd Bauer Photo Link

Hope your warmed up... 85 miles to go.

Note- results on last post are as official as this race is going to get...

Note 2- Ragnarok and Dickie Scramble officials agreed to make our 3 events a series. 100pts to winner,  down to 1pt for 100th place. Tie breaker is where you finished in the 'Queen Stage' of all things gravel (Ragnarok). Will use this site to tally score.

We need a name for this 3 race gravel deal? Suggestions?

or just call it the '3 Race Gravel Deal...' [ha]

Last- next year will do the LML loop backwards/ the real forward.

Good day for a kick in the pants/ Preliminary Results:

First- You cycling hacks raised $2155 for Jana Bell. THANK YOU. YOU EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW.

Second- If you got lost, why? [don't blame me]

Third- 103 starters at 8:15 AM, after a drive to N Iowa. Nice...

{UPDATED 3-29-15}
Third- [preliminary] Results:
Winner winner... Drew Wilson {time ~4:25}, 2. Skarpohl, 3. Riley [SPH], 4. Bauer [T6], 5. Welch, 6. Perna, 7. Buchanan, 8. Minier, 9. Schad, 10. Me/ but do I count?, 11. Hogland [where was CJ?], 12. Kvittem [no broken bones this time...], 13. Sagel [did you attack?], 14. Harrison, 15. Carrol, 16. Talerico 17. Carlson Van the Man, 18. Gaffke, 19. Rosane, 20. Pramann [T. A.N. Man], 21. Laux, 22. Dalal, 23. Roeser, 24. Hest, 25. Sandberg [only wanted 40mi but went for 85mi], 26. Kuster, 27. Schow, 28. Vanderwoude [thanks for the pulls], 29. Tweed, 30. Sobota, 31. Shupe, 32. Heide [thanks.], 33. Delaney, 34. Anderson C., 35. Hunter Melissa, Woman's Winner Winner, 36. Englund, 37. Carlson [Wilco], 38. Mansur, 39. Bush!, 40. Johnsen!!!, 41. Abel, 42. Raygor, 43. Vandelvelde [super star], 44. Schwantes, 45. Anderson B., 46. Hinkens [Young Jack!], 47. Rasmussen, 48. Nickles Rocket, 49. Sloma, 50. Huot {SPH}, 51. Benton {he's crazy Ladies...}, 52. Schneider [skinny master], 53. Lien, 54. Perez [Jose!!!], Swenson, 55. Carlton, 56. Nygard, 57. Former Ex President of Team Ricoh/ Farm Team Double Agent, 58. STH!. 59. Edens, 60. Stuckman, 61. Kjeer!!!, 62. Warrington [SPH!] 63. The Stairmaster/ Mr. Ed Karow, 64. Langum [2nd lady], 65. Scrappy Thompson [3rd lady], 66. Peterson D, 67. Peterson C, 68. Flanders, 69. Finch!. 70. Cousin Jay, 71. Velo. 72. Krizek, 73. Vold [4th lady/ first overall fatbike], 74. Raymond, 75. Kenney, 76. Peterson A [SPH!], 77. Chittineni, 78. Snyder, 79. Schuetz, 80. Larson Mara [ 5th lady], 81. Shepherd [Bob!], 82. Marx Machine., 83. Geisen [SPH!], 84. Warrington [SPH!], 85. Green Hornet., 86. KG, 87. Kroulik

Two 3's facing each other equal?

Per Jim, the 'incomplete's':
Halstrom, Hollywood, Norrie {you finished right?}, MotoYoung, Meulebroeck, ? Pete, Andert, Middelstaedt, Mr Witt, Mr Larson, Anikin, Mclagan, Brager, Bailey {thanks for fessing up}

Not accounted for (still out there?): Pease, Ventecher, Zimmerman

So what am I missing?

Send me a signal within 20 hours or it is in cement.

Ready or not... It's on.

Reminder tomorrow the ship sets sail at 8AM.

What do you mean?

Last minute FAQ's-

• Registration 6:30-8AM. 
• Check in at Milltown, to refuel (bacon, donuts, water, helping hand) and get second set of tulips
• Milltown suggested swinging in through the back door/ alley to check in.
• The roads are good.
• The bootleg trails are out. [sad face]
• BUT you wont get cheated.
• Suggested donation to Jana's cause is $20+.
• 3 climbs to nowhere
• The blue fence on Farmer Trail isn't fence at all... 8
• Race donation $5-10.
• Swag Swap- bring it to donate before we leave, pick up what you like at the finish.
• We have 122 people committed to set sail in the morning...
• All late registrants... You know what you need to do... 

After the race, stick around Harry's for some social and great eats/ drinks. 

Last Minute Race Details

The ship will set sail as close to 8AM as possible. I repeat the ship sets sail as close to 8AM as possible.

Other details:

• Park in the Walmart overflow lot
• Register inside Harry's Cafe (starts at 6:30AM until 8AM)
• Swag Swap- Bring your new in box or 'slightly' used bike parts to trade or donate. NO JUNK or worn out bike parts/ crap you would just throw out.
• Fundraiser- We are raising awareness and funds to contribute to the fight against cancer and Jana's story.
• Tulips- You will get a sheet at the start to get to Milltown, and a sheet at Milltown to get back to Harry's.
• Conditions- Expect 85 miles, 6,000' of climbing. I may have to reroute some good stuff if the snow doesn't melt/ dry out by Friday. I'll post something Friday night on conditions.
• 3 Climbs to Nowhere/ Knowhere. 1 on out leg, 2 on return leg. What is that? Show up to find out.
• Check in at Milltown, enjoy some bacon off the grill, donuts, and Milltown hospitality. 
• Donations- This race costs me $5-10 per person, donations of that amount appreciated, any more than that should go to Jana, a beer at Harry's, or a tube from Milltown.
• After the race don't bail too quickly. Enjoy the scratch kitchen at Harry's, superb. 

Expect another crooked finish...

NOTE- any last minute requests to enter the race have one hard condition/ if you want to race you are required to attack off the front.

Jana's Story

[more than just a bike race]

On August 18th, 2012 Jana found out that she had an aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.

After 27 months of treatment, rounds and rounds of chemo and radiation, a mastectomy, LVA bypass microscopic surgery, another surgery to remove a mass and reconstructive surgery, lab errors and burns from treatment, the cancer has now spread. She has cancer in her breasts, bones, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes, neck, arm, and 3 large tumors by her heart. Jana, the young mother of a beautiful 10 year old daughter, is terminal.

Jana's daughters name is Gracie.

Cancer Sucks.

Contribute what you are able...

Enjoy riding/ racing a bike.

Race Roster

Roster closed but still waiting on a few usual suspects...

The List-
Aguirre, Anderson B, Anderson C, Andert, Anikin, Bailey, Baker, Bauer, Bell ?, Benton (Crazy), Buchanan, Bushendorf, Carlson W, Carlson V, Carlton, Carrol, Chittineni, Delaney, Jack., Edens, Endres, Englund, Evans, Finch! (fatbike Champ), Flanders, Gaffke, Giddings, Giesen, KG, Haan, Habs, Halstrom, Harris, Heide, Heisler, Henderson, Hest, Hinkens, Hoglund, Hunter, Hout, Johnson J, Johnsen!, Stairmaster, Kenney, Kjeer, Koppi-Kohn, Kroulik, Kvittem, Langum, Larson FD, Larson M, Larson M, Laux, Lien, Lindberg, Mansfield, Mansur, Marx Machine, Mattner, Mclagan, Menti, Meulebroeck, Minier, #1?, Nickles, Norrie, Oney, Pease, Perez, Perna, Petersen A, Petersen C, Peterson D, Peterson J, Pramann, Rasmussen, Raygor, Riley, Roeser, Rosane, Ross, Schad, Schneider, Schow, Schuetz, Schwantes, Schweim, Shepherd, Shupe, Skarpohl, Sloma, Snyder, Sobota, Stanke, le Goat, Stuckman, Swenson, Talerico, Tan, Thompson, Tinucci, Tri, Tweed, JVHorn, Venteicher, Warrington L, Warrington M, Red Squrel, Welch, Wilson D (former Champ), Wilson S, Winston, Witt (representing current Champ), MotoYoung (former fatbike champ), Ziemer

Get to this spot you can stop and have a picnic.

The Gauntlet that leads to spot above.

Go ride-

Note- there is no more fatbike class. fatbike hype never took off like we thought it would...

March is here/ Keyser Soze

So are you prepared for what Mother Nature is going to bring on the 28th?

Down to the final 10 roster spots unless you are a usual suspect...

The first 2 editions, conditions couldn't have been better.

Year 1-

Year 2-

Couple more frequently asked questions-

• What is the fundraiser? This year we are attempting to raise awareness about how much cancer sucks and raise funds for a beautiful young lady with LCR connections. We all have ties to cancer, contribute what you are able...
• How long/ route? A tad longer/ 85miles. Expect CCW direction again/ 3 climbs going knowhere...
• Harry's Cafe? The best scratch kitchen this side of north iowa.
• Where to park? Again, use the overflow lot at Walmart adjacent to Harry's.
• Race donation? The way I run this it costs me $5-10 per racer. Donations appreciated but I wont go broke.
• Race will start as close to 8AM as possible. 8 is always the number.
• Still waiting on a few usual suspects to send me their email proclaiming 'in'.
• Go wreck your bikes in the slop for practice. Take them into Milltown, Behind Bars, or Hollywood for some pre-race love only to hit repeat.

STILL SEEKING RACE DAY PHOTOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE THE GAME.

somebody share this on the Facebooks...

Update/ FAQ's/ Seeking Race Day Photographer

The roster is half full. Send email with your intent to show and partake.

The most asked question's...

Route changes?

Climb to know/ nowhere?

What is the fundraiser?

Answer- Yes. Don't rely on bootleg GPS routes.

Answer- Yes. Plan on climbing some gravel and at the top retreating. The best is when you catch your LCR guys skipping it and cursing my name.

Answer- Fundraiser is yet to be finalized, but cancer sucks big time and this one is a tough pill. So if you have an extra special hatred for cancer and are looking to do good, here is a shot.


REQUEST- If you don't want to race/ ride but enjoy taking photos of others in suffering, we are seeking a Photographer to take over where Chris Gibbs/ C5 Photography left off... Your gas will be comp'd. Get ahold of me if interested.

Couple teasers from last year-

 

 

 

 

 

Ding Ding...

Registration is alive...

Crooked finish you say??? 

NOTE- go to the web/ non-phone version for registration details. Facebooks likes and comments don't count.