The CIRREM Ride

I think it was Jed one of the CIRREM course creators who said come enjoy some great rolling hills in rustic Iowa. I'm paraphrasing here, but the hills were slightly more than rolling, Iowa is certainly rustic, oh yeah did I mention the freaking cold. 25 brave souls began the ride 12 soggy hardened Popsicles finished. Luckily I was a finisher. I even back halved the damn thing. I actually felt better at 4 hours than I did at 1 hour.

The race itself, the first annual I gather, was run spectacularly. The checkpoint for water and snacks was right where they said it would be. (I blew past nonstop) Consumed 12 Endurolytes, two 24oz bottles Gatorade with 2:1 protein powder mix, 2 gels, 100 oz plain water. All carried on board Sherpa Dave. The course directions were exact and handed out 5 minutes prior to the start. I was very nervous at the beginning of the race as my closest ride if I got lost or broke down was 2 1/2 hours away in Omaha. No technicals thank you. The bumps (hills) were more than I expected, but were perhaps my favorite part of the race. Some of the fixies and single speeders were very sorry, as I saw quite a few dab and push. For the longest time in the saddle and most altitude gained I am happy to say I never touched the ground.