Death Ride '08
Published by Guitar Ted on Saturday at 10:15 AM.
6/29/08: All right, I decided to pull the plug on the first route and went with this idea instead. It is a combination of GTDRI V1 and Trans Iowa V3 courses in Tama, Black Hawk, and Benton County. The course will be approximately 101.2 miles and I'm basing it out of La Porte City, Iowa. Campers will have to go over to Hickory Hills, which is the nearest campground not roached by the recent flooding. It is a great place to camp though. Nice facilities and mountain biking trails there too if you stay over.
The course will pass through Garwin and then Traer on the way back, and that is it for towns. it is a pretty remote, rural ride, so come prepared. I don't have sag support! This is a "no rider left behind" sort of gig, so don't worry about that. It is going to be pretty much non stop hills from the start to near the end. (Maybe the last 15 miles is somewhat tame. )
I hope to do a recon ride and bring some pictures back next weekend. (The weekend of the 4th.) Stay tuned.........
Got any ideas? Comments? Rants? Hit me up at g.ted.productions@gmail.com
Event Details
Published by Guitar Ted on Friday at 6:00 AM.
Start/Finish: West Union or Strawberry Point, Iowa (to be determined)
Event Time: Sun rise to sun set
Distance:Approximately 115 miles
Cost: FREE
Course: Gravel Roads
Pass Through Towns: West Union, Strawberry Point, Wadena, Elkport, Garber, Elkader, Elgin.
Why: Because I like to go on long gravel rides. Maybe you do too? If so, consider yourself invited.
Where: County gravel roads and maybe a "B" level maintenance road or two. A specific route will be posted after I verify the existence of the roads. Some pavement will be experienced through pass through towns.
How: Self navigated by a provided route map. The map details will be posted later. NO COURSE MARKINGS of any kind will be put up by me. That's waaay too much work, and besides, all the roads are marked at intersections with "street signs", so your ride can find you if you bail out, get injured, are attacked by pigs, etc...... You will be self supporting. There are no aid stations....well, not in the traditional"race" sort of way. Convenience stores will have to do! No one will pick you up if you are in trouble that is related to this event since, well....I'll be riding it! There is nobody else! Fend for yourself or........... (It is called "Death Ride" after all!) Get the picture? That said, I'd recommend bringing your cell phone. (Maybe lights too, see the "Latest News" for more)
When and for How Long?: July 19th, 2008. Sun up to sun down. If ya wanna ride longer, that's entirely up to you. The event's "time stamp" will be at the afore mentioned times.
It's not a race?: Nope! But that doesn't mean you can't "race it". Ride whatcha brung, go as fast as you want to. The point for me is to experience the terrain, the suffering, and the camaraderie of riding with any like-minded folk that show up. If no one does, well that's okay. I'll still be out there! I won't be keeping any results, so don't expect any! I'll keep a roster of who started and who finished. That's it. I'm going rain or shine. Be prepared to do the same if you come.
Thank You's: I want to thank all of you that have expressed interest in this little ride. Also to Jeff Kerkove, of Kerkove Media for all of his expertise on this site.
Keep checking back.