Trans Iowa 8 some images.

Black Mountain Cycles ready for Action

 Giggles is passed out while the Lynskey waits anxiously

 Our first B road and of course it was sticky and messy

 These little rollers are the leg breakers.

Iowas is tremendously beautiful. Just look at this road.

The Cue sheets were awesome and had no trouble finding my way even when alone. 

Guitar Ted enjoying a ride on T.J.'s Pugsley. Our support was amazing and they had a blast. 

 Two men I deeply admire: Guitar Ted on my right side and Charlie Farrow on my Left.

 Matt Maxwell finished after 4 attempts. Congrats Matt!!

Our Wunderboy Cookie grabbing his head in disbelief. He and Jeremy Kershaw of the DBD finish together and create the hugest partnership in the northern Hemisphere. The Slender Fungus Cycling Association and the Death before Dishonor (DBD) group from Duluth Minnesota. 

We were so proud of them. 

Good job men!!!

My dear wife and I enjoying some fine stout from our friend Charlie Farrow. 

Trans Iowa, the Movie

The Slender Fungus is still excited in anticipation of the Trans Iowa Movie that is coming out towards the end of the year.
Here is the trailer.
Ari

300 Miles of Gravel Trailer from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

Trans Iowa is on my mind. Oh Boy!!!!!!!

Trusty BMC is ready for more adventure

As most of you endurance freaks have read or heard the Trans Iowa Version 8 has been announced. Affectionately known as V-8 and not to be mistaken with no juices or cars. This is V-8 that will turn your body inside out and make you numb for months. So we are now in the planning stages as to how to tackle this monster. We have gone to DK200, we have done long rides, we have done the Fruit Loop, and we think and we have nightmares. I have an enourmous passion for this race and just to be lined up for it gives me the chills. Iowa is like no other. She is beautiful, calm, remote, brutal and peaceful. The hills are relentless and make your bones hurt. The weather turns on a dime and makes your life miserable.
I have dreamt for many years to finish the race. I have thought about it and analyzed it for days on end. The Fruit Loop was and incredible ride and clocking 255 with all those hills, gravel and heat was truly an experiment in survival. I still have some numbness in my foot and my right hand. As I approached the 255 mark I became very excited to know that I still had another 70 miles in me to complete the 325 which is Trans Iowa. That ride proved to be a great measure of where we are.
This winter will be brutal as I will embrace the Pugsley and my snowshoes and tackle those tough days when it becomes near impossible to venture outside. There will be no excuses but hard work ahead. V-8 might be the last version and it might be my last chance. I will be checking on equipment such as new frames, wheels and components. My plan is to go uber-prepared.
Training rides will commence September 1st, 2011. In the past I have commenced in October but this year I am altering my plan. I will post training rides and if you wish to join you are welcome. A lot of the rides will take place at night, also during rain, snow, and cold.

thanks for reading,

Ari
Slender Fungus Cycling Association.