Trains Iowa

Only a few months ago Brian and I attempted Trans Iowa v.5 and since the moment that we called it quits we started talking about how we were going to train and finish Trans Iowa V. 6. We've slowly begun the conversation as to what we want to do each month to get there and so far here is what we've come up with...

_A century a month (dirty or clean) starting August.

Remember, Brian and I are normal guys, simple shop rats for the time being and training for us typically just means getting out on the bike and riding and riding a lot. I am debating investing in a training program come November that will give me direction in the fall.

So far here are a few rides I'm debating doing, hopefully this list will grow longer in the next month:

September 26th - Heck of the North
OR
September 27th - Apple Cider Century

October 3rd - Grand Rapids 60 mile Ride for Refugees

Brian and I are hoping to meet up a few times and go for a few day or days rides if our schedules work out, which may be a bit trickier since Brian and his wife have a baby on the way! All I know is it's good to have the ball rolling.

Hope everyone had a great 4th!

TransIowa Twitter Feed

Well, might as well, If you notice on the left side bar I've uploaded my twitter feed. This will post all of my updates from now until Sunday/Monday. I've gotten it set up so hopefully I'll be able to update on in transit as Bottke and I attempt to ride Trans Iowa.

Most of my posts up until then will simply consist of prep thoughts and pictures in these final days. I'm hitting the ultra freak out mode as much of my friends have seen so I probably won't be posting much here besides via Twitter just for the sake of attempting to keep my head on my shoulders.

Gearing up to get down.

So it begins... The countdown as been going for some time but as they say... it just got real. With that I'm starting the process of what I need and don't need. To begin with I'll be starting with just the suggested listed off of the Trans Iowa site. Here is what I'll tentatively be taking with me, I've linked up if you really want to see specifically I'll be running:

• Small rucksack / hydration pack CHECK.
  
• Lightweight waterproof / windproof top CHECK
  
• Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped CHECK
  
• 2 litres of water either in a bladder or water bottles NEED TO GET and CHECK
  
• Food – for example energy bars, gels or chocolate WILL GET
  
• A good pump CHECK
• Tyre levers CHECK
  
• 2 spare inner tubes CHECK
  
• Puncture repair kit CHECK
  
• Chain splitter, Allen key set, Spoke wrench NEED TO GET
  
• First aid kit and survival blanket NEED TO GET
  
• Mobile phone / money for pay-phone CHECK
  
• Butt butter....ahhhhh smooooth! NEED TO GET
  
• Good chain lube. Don't under-estimate Iowa's harsh conditions in the Spring. CHECK
  
• Cash, debit card, credit card. Use these items to get items on the road to complete the route. CHECK
  
• Handle bar map case NEED TO GET
• a cycling computer CHECK
  

Of course as I get all of this in the next month I'll be carrying it with me and seeing what I can do to lower the weight. Any ideas or thoughts on different things I should or shouldn't take I'm always willing to hear.