So It Begins…
by Tim Ek on November 10th, 2008
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Funny how a summer allows you to erase all memories of what you went through last winter. With the Trans Iowa looming I’ve decided it’s time to start getting serious again. So, on with the regime of alarm clocks going off at 4:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings, plodding down to the basement to a pile of prepared bike clothes as well as a fully supplied hydration pack. When I say “fully supplied†I’m not just talking about energy bars. We’re talking a small amount of cash (like change) for a phone call as cell phones DO NOT come on these rides as they only offer a “bail out†opportunity. Along with a few quarters and the obligatory sheet of news paper and matches in the event that a fire becomes necessary and believe me it’s been close a few times. In regard to clothing, you’ll find a windstopper rain jacket, mittens and extra hat. Over the years I’ve learned that extra gloves and hats are critical as the ones being used become heavy with sweat, a simple change of direction into the wind can be a game changer.
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As I met my friend near the bow of a Great Lakes freighter that is now a tourist trap at 5:00 a.m. I remarked “Great, the wind is off the lake today, gotta love thatâ€. You see in the winter months when the wind is coming from the East it means it’s been traveling over Lake Superior for hundreds of miles, picking up speed and dropping in temperature. We rolled out with very little commentary other than “you ready?â€, pedaling into the darkness up the North Shore all the while being careful not to mention anything about being cold, cause the current 10 degrees F don’t mean nuthin’. Plus, it’s an unwritten rule in the north to not discuss the cold; it will only bring shame to you. However, 4 hours into this venture one eventually cannot deny what’s happening to the feet. The winter Lakes (shoes) can only keep the cold out for so long, ultimately forcing one off the bike for a 10 minute jog. You see when your feet turn into blocks of unfeeling wood the only thing to do is attempt to get blood back to them, thus the jogging. Another thing worth mentioning here is the fact that everything is considerably slower in the winter. The miles you would cover on a summer day would most likely double that same time frame in the winter.
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The goal is always the search for endless amounts of gravel road. Gravel is what the Trans Iowa is made up of; it is what makes the T.I. the T.I. The logic being to survive the T.I. one must train on gravel. We call it…THE ROAD…of course referencing Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road.
In search of gravel - The Road
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The pain I went through at the end of those 80 miles as my feet returned to their human form is indescriba
ble. Up next, 120 miles of at least 80% gravel as we attempt to complete a loop across northern Wisconsin. Yes!!!
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Yeah so riding the mtb in 20 degree weather was my weekend highlight on the new rigid singlespeed. The winter brings more opportunities for fun cross training.
Cross training like avoiding freezing to death? You guys are a couple Pooler Bears, I would stay inside 24/7.