TRANS IOWA VERSION # 7, APRIL 23-24,2011 part two

Thank you Guitar Ted for such a great event!!!!

Thank you David Pals for a great Trans Iowa Version 7!!!

Tim Ek upon arrival

Sean Maillen

John Gorilla

Tim Ek and Charlie Farrow

Charlie Farrow after arrival


Troy Krause

Jeremy Kershaw and Ari

Trans Iowa V7 winner Dennis Grelk

Jay and Ari hanging out on B-roads in Iowa

Jay and Giggles hanging out.

So after missing the first checkpoint we gathered a small group and had a great ride back to Grinnell. We rode roughly 30+ miles completing the day with about 90 miles. We hit the hotel and then took a much needed long shower. Chichard ordered some pizzas while we got into Giggles' Crv and did some sightseeing out in the country. Iowa is truly beautiful and we geeked out on taking a bunch of great photographs. We came back for the pizza and drinks and then hit the bed and slept like logs. We awoke to the idea of getting to the finish line to catch some of the finishers.
We were suprised to see how late Dennis Grelk, T.I. V. 7 finisher came in. The course was very demanding and there would be no such thing as a sub 24. No way.
We hung around the park and got a chance to talk to old friends and also meet our new comrade Kershaw from the DBD group in Duluth. It was a glorious morning and I was so pumped and so excited. I controlled my emotions as to not blow it and induce another one of my famous asthma attacks.
And then............... over a little riser we saw a rider. I called out rider up! Much to my desbelief and utter amazement it was good friend Dennis Grelk. He was winning the Trans Iowa and there was nobody even remotely close to him! I was so excited and so proud of his achievement. He arrived and we all congratulated him and stood around him at least 10 feet away. He was a strange alien that had just conquered the beast. He needed all the oxygen available. He dismounted his horse but his body remained in mounted position. The saliva around his mouth had turned into a dark tar and he struggled to remove it. His bike was light, and awesome. His wool clothing had functioned perfect, his lights had not failed him. He had hit it on the head and accomplished the Big One!
After Dennis we awaited for the other riders. Tim Ek, Charlie Farrow, Troy Krause, Sean Maillen, John Gorilla. They were all tired, they were all lost for words. I snapped picture after picture and was so happy to have shared those moments. I forgot about all my misfortunes and was thankful to be there.
We said our goodbyes and headed back for lunch and to pack up and leave. Jay left with Chichard in the Wheelfast truck and Giggles and I took the crv. We had intense conversations on I-80 and were so happy to have met up and ridden Trans Iowa together. We have friends, riding partners and great memories. Thanks again to Guitar Ted and David Pals. We know how tired you are and what you went through. I really hope to have the chance to participate in a future Trans Iowa and that these great men will decide to offer this gift to us.
Thanks to the city of Grinnell, the chamber of commerce, the volunteers, Bikes to you. To all the riders and everyone associated with this event. It was a true pleasure.

Best,

Ari
Slender Fungus Cycling Association.