Fort Dodge Trisport Club

fortdodgetrisport.com is up and running, check it out!

2009-12-08T23:37:00.002-06:00

Please check out fortdodgetrisport.com. Too much to talk about on this site, so best to just go there.

2009 Iowa Games Road Race

2009-08-10T11:05:00.006-05:00

The Iowa games road race took place yesterday in Boone. It was a 26 mile race, couple Des Moines river crossings, which made for a couple good climbs. Myself (Ben Acree), Travis Jass and Keaton Williams made the trip down to have a go for Iowa gold. Turned out to be a better than expected day weather-wise. Not too hot like the previous day, but it was humid. We rolled out of Boone to head north on the course and we were treated to some brand new asphalt. Nice and smooth. The pace was not all that fast to start out with. There was a slight east wind, which made for a slight side wind, nothing too bad. The pace was around 19 mph to start out with. I moved up front to try to pick up the pace a little and was sucessfull only for a short while. Travis then came up and offered to stretch the pack out and then quickly brought the pace up to about 25. After about 8 miles, we headed toward the first Des Moines river crossing. The downhill is pretty steep on this one, I definately wanted to be up front on this to avoid be taking down at 45-50 mph. Topped out at 48.5 mph. Saw some other rider's bikes wobbling almost outta control. Well, with most downhills, gotta do the work and go up and this was no exception. A handful of junior riders from the Des Moines area were in the pack and quickly went to the front and really hammered the hill. Nice to see Keaton, who is a 16 year old FD senior high student and first time road racer, holding his own very well on the hill. Travis, as usual motored past me and up thru the field to goto the front of the pack. Myslef, I lost contact with the pack just at the top of the hill to find myslef in the tortuous predicament of being just out of reach of the pack and having to hammer it to stay with them, but not having enough strength to catch em. Fortuantely, hooked on with two other riders to work with and after several miles of chasing, caught back on. Several miles later, and with about 5 miles to go, rode next to Keaton for little while, offered the advice of trying to stay on Travis' wheel for the final hill. If he would be able to do this, he would fare very well. As the pack rolled along, the pace picked up a bit as the final miles rolled beneath us. As we approached the final Des Moines river crossing, moved down the hill quickly as a collective pack and then preceeded to start the final climb, which became a little hectic with riders moving up the hill very quickly and others seemingly rolling backwards. Travis again, put it in overdrive, motored on up the hill. Wasn't able to see Keaton on the last hill. The pack got really strung out by the top and pretty much stayed that way the final mile and half to the finish. Travis was in a separate smaller group of four chasing a lone rider up front. Travis was able to the beat out his fellow chasers to take second overall and iowa gold in the 30-39 age group. Just as we crossed the finish line, the wind really picked up and came at us sideways along with a torrential downpour. Below is pic of Travis collecting his gold bling to add to the nice collection he's already got going. Yes, that is the FD YMCA indoor tri shirt he's wearing. Reminder, Travis and his wife won the relay in last year's innagural event.

Keaton did very well for his first road race, ended up 5th in his age group, which consisted of already seasoned junior racers from Des Moines. Pic below is of Keaton waiting for final results of the junior category. He is the tall guy, right side wearing the red Fort Dodge Trisport shirt (available at Brown's Shoe Fit).

I ended up taking a silver in the 30-39 age group. Eric Knox had a prior comittment and could not make the race. Otherwise, I have no doubt he would have placed just before or after Travis making it a clean sweep of gold, silver and bronze for Fort Dodge in the our age category.

2009 Iowa Cup Standings

2009-07-28T22:02:00.004-05:00

Below are the current Iowa Cup Standings. There are 2 more races with Iowa Cup points up for grabs. The first is the Iowa State road race championship this Saturday Aug. 1st. Travis and Eric are sitting pretty with just a few points out of first. The second race worth double iowa cup points is the East Vilalge Criterium in Des Moines on Aug. 30. Scoring for points is as follows: 1st: 10 pts 2nd: 7 pts 3rd: 5 pts 4th: 4 pts 5th: 3 pts 6th: 2 pts

Rider /Team /Points
Mattias Perret 17
Steve Reynolds BikeWorld/All9Yards 17
Tim Putnam North Iowa Spin 17
Gavin Huseboe Central Iowa Cycling Club 15
Norbert Koenigsfeld Atlas EcoLips Cycling Team 15
Travis Jass MOB Racing 15
Jay Gorsh Atlas EcoLips Cycling Team 13
Andrew Buntz University of Iowa 12
Eric Knox MOB Racing 12
Chad Lambi Atlas EcoLips Cycling Team 11
Grant Headley University of Iowa 10
Michael Johnson Bike Tech Racing Club 10
Nate Kullbom 10
Richard Wince Rasmussen Death Squad 5000 10
Rick Noyes Iowa City Cycling Club 10
Todd Juhlin Powerade - Independent Fabrication 10
William Feiges Powerade - Independent Fabrication 10
Michael Hunter Bike Burlington 7
Tony Muse Rasmussen Death Squad 5000 5
Evan Peterson North Iowa Spin 4

Blues, BBQ and Bike Race - Clear Lake, IA

2009-07-19T23:38:00.004-05:00

Saturday, Eric, Ben and I (Travis Jass) competed in the criterium held in Clear Lake in conjunction with the BBQ & Blues festival. 21 lined up and the pace was high from the git go.

We really had no strategy going in, just stay up front and out of trouble and trouble was to be had. About halfway through, on a righthander turning away from the lake, I was third wheel and behind me was the screeching of someone no longer upright. I knew it was going to be close to where Ben & Eric were and as I looked back it was a guy in blue on the pavement. Later, they said he went down right in front of them. Everyone heard it and the pace got wound up right away. A few laps go by, and again trouble struck. Right beside me, coming out of the left hand following the last incident, a U of I rider got his front wheel tangled up with an A9Y bike. Not sure exactly what happened to the U of I rider, but the A9Y guy drug his unpiloted bike quite a distance and couldn't shake it loose. He ended up pulling off to the outside curb to get untwisted. Not long after that it all seemed to start breaking up.

Tim Putnam from NI Spin and Rick Noyes from ICCC and I kamikaze'd a couple corners in a row together to find that we were away from everyone else. We worked well trying to stay away and with two laps to go we knew we had it, but wouldn't let off the gas. Turning into the wind on the final lap along the lake, Tim put in an acceleration that I couldn't immediately match. I caught back on after the last turn into the final incline finishing straight but at the bottom of the hill they started laying more power down and there wasn't much left for me but to watch them go. I was happy with 3rd, and a beer prime. Ben snuck in a prime as well getting some socks and finishing 8th. Eric rolled in 10th making it 3 top tens on the day for the MOB. More pictures from the criterium...

Travis Jass on the podium, Nice Job.

The follow motorbike for the pro race.

Results / Cat 4 Men (18.3 miles/ average speed 23.1mph)
1 Rick Noyes ICCC
2 Tim Putnam NI Spin
3 Travis Jass MOB Racing (Fort Dodge Trisport)
4 Evan Peterson NI Spin
5 Nicholas Campbell Bikes 2 You
6 Andy Johnson NI Spin
7 Gavin Huseboe Colorbiotics
8 Ben Acree MOB Racing (Fort Dodge Trisport)
9 Carl Buchanan Rasmussens
10 Eric Knox MOB Racing (Fort Dodge Trisport)
11 Richard Fliehr RVCC Brones
12 Mike Johnson Bike Tech
13 Lee Current Iowa Orthopedic
14 Daniel Davis DMOS / RDMB
15 Brent Hansen Colorbiotics
16 Todd Her…??? DMOS / RDMB
997 Steve Reynolds All 9 Yards
997 David Parrott ICCC
997 Andrew Bantz University of Iowa
997 Grant Headley University of Iowa
997 Jacob Kuperman University of Iowa

Sunday 42 mile road race

Sunday morning brought overcast skies and rain threatening on the radar, but a total of 28 Cat 4 riders dared to give it a go anyway. As the three MOBsters were getting loose, we talked a bit of strategy. We decided after Tim Putnam's win in Cedar Rapids the previous weekend and a strong showing in the crit, I would be his shadow all day long.

The neutral roll out start

Happy to say that we only got a few sprinkles out on the course, about 2/3 of the way through. A nice long neutral roll out got us going but it was on as soon as we hit the actual start. Right away Rassmusen (who was well represented) sent two off the front. They didn't get too far out and I found myself on the front of the pack. It was pretty early so I wasn't going to kill it to catch them right away. They might have gotten a maximum of 10 seconds when one, then two, then more came around me to catch them. I sat in towards the back, and watched another Rassmussen guy go. Again a gap formed and someone got nervous to go chase him down. This happened again and again. It never seemed to be the same one chasing them down. The boys in black did a fine job of bullying everyone around, and nobody would let them get out and dangle to beat themselves up BEFORE chasing them down. At one point I was in the middle of the pack, Ben was on front not chasing a Rassy guy hard, when the rider ahead of me hollered "what the hell, are the MOBster's working for Rassy's?". We just figured let them hurt themselves one by one, then go get them. I pulled alongside Tim, who I never did let out of my range, he said we were just past half way, and the rollers ahead would work for the pack getting the current Rassy fly away back. Around a turn, another Rassy guy went just before a hill with a left turn at the top. I had made my way back to the front and spun a pretty good effort starting about 3/4 the way up the hill and as I got around the turn, Tim pulled through and I looked back to see that He, I, and Rick from Saturday had a small gap and as I was back on the front again I pulled real hard to see what would happen. I fell back into line and Tim relayed we had a Rassy guy with us as well. After my next pull, Rassy guy wouldn't pull through, and he had no reason to do so, and that move was history. I dropped to the back of the pack and just hung out a bit and got some gel down. When everyone got situated after the final turn on beautiful new pavement I made my way to the front where Eric was dragging everyone into the wind. I thought I was feeling good, so I said we would get it going from there on in. I put in a pretty serious effort for what seemed like a long time but only maybe lasted 60-90 seconds or so. I pull over to let followers around and Eric leads the charge saying we had a few miles to go yet. I look back to see the whole group single file moving right along. I got in line 6 or 8 riders back and recovered well, and we passed a very animated traffic marshall letting us know we were down to 1 mile to go. I went inside to see that a Rassy guy was starting to go a bit, followed by someone in white, and then I got in third wheel. I sat behind them only a few seconds and put in everything I had left. I never looked down or back, just head down, full steam ahead. The finish line wasn't approaching quickly enough and I just sensed a mass from behind. As the back of the pack got around me the field sprint took off. I was cheering on Ben and Eric, but I was far enough back they probably couldn't hear me. At the end Eric was just nudged out of 3rd and Ben was 8 again. I eased on over the line second to last.

All in all, 6 finishes netted 5 top tens, nothing to complain about at all....Travis

Cat 4 Men Road Race Results (41.6 miles / average 23.7 mph)

1 Gavin Huseboe Colorbiotics

2 Andrew Bantz University of Iowa

3 Tony Muse Rasmussens

4 Eric Knox MOB Racing (Fort Dodge Trisport)

5 Grant Headley University of Iowa

6 Marcklin Schelburg HBA Racing

7 Mike Johnson Bike Tech

8 Ben Acree MOB Racing (Fort Dodge Trisport)

9 Rick Noyes ICCC

10 Dustin Mars Rasmussens

11 Carl Buchanan Rasmussens

12 Jason Alread Rasmussens

13 David Hammer DMOS / RDMB

14 Evan Peterson North Iowa Spin

15 Daniel Davis DMOS / RDMB

16 Chad Mason Rasmussens

17 Daniel Swenson HBA Racing

18 Tim Putnam North Iowa Spin

19 Richard Fliehr RVCC Brones

20 Lee Current Iowa Orthopedic

21 Ryan Wilcox DMOS / RDMB

22 Nicholas Campbell Bikes 2 You

23 Travis Jass MOB Racing (Fort Dodge Trisport)

24 Tony Nelson North Iowa Spin

996 Steve Reynolds All 9 Yards

996 Gregory Schultz Swiss American

999 Andy Johnson North Iowa Spin

999 Jacob Kuperman University of Iowa

Carson Jarrard at the USATF meet in Omaha.

2009-07-19T22:24:00.008-05:00

Craig Jarrard and his daughter Carson traveled to Omaha for the USATF track meet where Carson competed with girls her age and older from throughout the mid west. She did very well. Attached are a few pictures from the meet.

Iowa State Criterium Championship - Cedar Rapids

2009-07-07T11:28:00.044-05:00

The state criterium championship race was held Sunday July 5th in downtown Cedar Rapids. myself (Ben Acree), Eric Knox and Travis Jass made the trip over for the race. The weather was perfect, sunny and a little over 80 degrees. The course was a flat rectangle with wide corners that allowed for maintaining speed. The course also traversed four bridges over the river, which made it quite scenic. The race was 25 laps of a .7 mile loop. The category 4 race had a payout of $1600, paid out as much as the pro 1-2 category race. A total of 39 racers showed up for their chance at taking the title of Iowa Criterium Champion Title.

The race started out pretty quick. Soon as we were sent off, a prime of a case of beer was announced for the first lap. That got former MOBster Thaddeus Neil motivated to go for it. He was successful with his attempt and carried the case home. Well, enough words, here are some pictures.

Next few pictures are of Travis taking a flier with another rider. As you can see, he got a nice gap on the field.

If you look at the front of the pack in the background in the picture below, you can see Eric and myself trying to block the group a little to give Travis a better chance of staying away. He did not need to much help getting the inital gap, got there all on his own.

Final sprintCool down lap

Results
(Ended up completing 14.2 miles; average speed was 25.8 mph)

Johnston Iowa Green Days Criterium

2009-06-21T22:28:00.014-05:00

It was a good day for a bike race. The Green Days bike race was held near the Pioneer campus in Johnston. The course entailed a .7 mile loop on a closed parkway with a 180 degree turn at both ends. The whole Acree family traveled down for the race with both my sons participating in the kids race, which entailed the boys making one loop of the course. Des Moines Cycle Club Race team did a great job with offering the kids race.

Above, my boys have their game face on for their race.

All lined up at the start.

During the race, holding 4th place.

Very determined.

Everyone wins today.

Fun race considering the up/down the parkway type course. Couple crashes during the race and one tire blow out sounding like a shotgun going off.

Ended up placing 6th. Pleased with the result. Should have placed little higher, got little blocked in with half lap to go. Good motivation for next race. Eric and Travis would have taken 1st and 2nd on this one. I just missed the starbucks prime half way through the race, got third on it, missed it by a foot or so.

Pig Man Sprint Triathlon

2009-06-15T20:55:00.008-05:00

Craig Jarrard competed in the Pig Man Sprint Triathlon in Palo, IA. He stated that the water was 67 degrees and he and his dad were the only two without a wet suit. Craig said that the water was 67 degrees and that the wind was fairly calm for the bike and and that he averaged around 21 mph. The run was pretty flat, all in the park and was out and back. He finished in 1:24:00 shaving 1 min off last year's time. He said his goal was to crack 1:20, which will keep him training. Great job Craig, way to sport the Tripsport gear.

Melon City Criterium

2009-05-26T00:17:00.011-05:00

This race was on Sunday May 25th in Muscatine Iowa. The course was located in beautiful Weed Park. Eric Knox and Travis Jass drove on over from Davenport and myself (Ben Acree) made the trek down from Fort Dodge. The category 4 race was 14 laps of a one mile circuit in the park, which had a very fast downhill with a speed bump at the bottom, yes a speed bump, followed by a nice little climb. There were about 58 to 60 riders to show up for this race. The first picture is of myself, off to the right a bit. Unfortunately, only made it 5 laps before the lungs quit on me. Live to race again.

The second picture is Travis taking a flier off the front on the sweeping downhill. Nice job Travis.

This third picture shows the speed bump we had to jump at 35 mph, can actually see the racer in yellow on the far left is airborne. Check out the mattresses against the post on the other side of the street.

The picture below shows Eric just about to take flight.

To the right, we have Travis actually either crashing into the mattress, taking a nap after two grueling days of racing or hamming it up for the camera.

And finally, we have Travis again with the envelope after finishing 9th. Nice job!! Eric finished in the main pack, which is quite the accomplishment considering the snake alley race was just 24 hours prior. It was a fun weekend, next race looks to be the Johnston Green Days Criterium. Thanks to Diane Jass for the attached pictures.

Snake Alley Criterium

2009-05-25T23:50:00.017-05:00

Well, over the Memorial day weekend in eastern Iowa there are a series of bike races, starting Friday and ending Monday. The most well know of the four races is the Snake Alley Criterium. Now for a little bit of history on the snake alley, wikipedia provides the following information "Snake Alley is a street located in Burlington, Iowa, once recognized by Ripley's Believe It or Not as the "Crookedest Alley in the World". Snake Alley consists of five half-curves and two quarter-curves over a distance of 275 feet (83.8 m), rising 58.3 ft (17.8 m), a 21% grade, from Washington Street to Columbia."

Racers from all over the midwest show up and try to win, or survive, this race. Two of Fort Dodge Trisport's own showed up on Saturday to charm the snake. Travis Jass and Eric Knox were brave enough to race this beast. In the top picture you can see the elevation gain on just the bottom part of this hill. Eric is centered in the top picture and again going up the hill on the cobbles. The pictures below show Travis having a go on the cobbles. I believe 58 started the race. 39 ended up finishing with Travis finishing 21st and Eric 33rd. Nice job guys.

check out the video, it will explain it all. You can actually see Travis and Eric in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYgAn3UK2c

http://207.177.88.12/bb/results.asp

Finchford Roubaix Road Race

2009-05-14T21:06:00.010-05:00

Well, the race was Saturday May 9th in Finchford Iowa, approximately 15 miles north of Waterloo. It was a windy and mostly overcast day, which made for cooler temps to race in. The usual suspects of Eric Knox, Travis Jass and myself (Ben Acree) made the 2 hour drive over for the race, thanks for driving me over Travis, needed that extra hour of sleep to be worth anything on the bike. Just 14 hours earlier I was in Las Vegas where it was 95 degrees. Back in Finchford, the race course was a 5 mile loop, which we did 7 laps of. There were 23 in the category 4 group. Really enjoyed the course, nice short loop, not too hilly, the wind certainly played a role in the race. Eric and Travis both took a couple of fliers during the race but the wind really wasn't going to let any individual really get away for too long. In short, the main group stayed together right up to the end. The last half of the lap finished into a very strong head wind, which seemed to have worsened as the race progressed. In the last 3/4 mile of the race and into the headwind, Travis went to the front and stretched the pack out, dropping some off the back. Travis mentioned that the wind and the finally incline to the finish line really spent him. Eric was able to tuck in behind Travis for a nice lead out to finish 4th and Travis rolling in to finish in 5th place. I came in few minutes back in 12th. Congrats on the top 10 finish Eric and Travis. Check out the pics and yes that is prize money in the envelopes. Eric and Travis are now able to retire comfortably with there winnings. I am sure there is more to come this summer. Click on the pictures to blow them up, better detail.

2009 Boston Marathon Summary

2009-04-29T08:43:00.007-05:00

Contributed by Keith Kolacia..
I have been honored this past April 20th to have run in the world's most prominent distance running event, the 113th running of the Boston Marathon. After weeks, months, and even years, I participated in my second running of 26 miles 385 yards from rural Hopkinton, Massachusetts to downtown Boston. The course is known world-wide as one of the more challenging marathon routes because of the amount of declines and inclines, and the four hills of Newton which include the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" at mile 20.

This years race featured over 26,000 registered runners and over 22,000 finishers. The temperature was an ideal 48-50 degrees with a head wind. The course was lined with over a quarter million spectators which include the famous women of Welsley College, and their deafening screams and "kiss me" signs. The encouraging throngs at Heartbreak Hill, the often joyful and slightly intoxicated Boston Red Sox Fans at Mile 25 and the deafening throng on Boylston Street, where you eye the finish line, and the noise will make you forget about the blisters on your feet, or the cramps in your calves. The Boston Marathon is known as the "Holy Grail" for thousands of distance runners, and this year's event did not disappoint.

Having run the course for the second time was a big advantage for me, the trick to Boston, is to run as even of a split, first half, second half, as your can. The first eight miles are all on a decline, if you start to fast, your quads will feel like they have been through the meat grinder come Newton and the hills. I used this strategy and held back on the first three miles, increased my pace on the next three and settled in on a consistent pace over the next eight miles as I approached Newton. My legs felt fresh as I started up the first couple of hills but by the last two, my leg were fatiguing, but I was able to keep my pace up and at the top of Heartbreak, I was able coast for a half mile until I regained some stamina in my legs. The next four miles (20-24) were getting more and more difficult as the course was taking its toll on me. As I looked up I saw a banner on the course that read "O.K. LEGS, THIS IS WHERE THE BRAIN TAKES OVER". This banner was strategically placed by the Adidas Company, because that was exactly where all of my training had brought me, this was the point where you cross the discomfort level, and your brain begins to will your legs and feet to turn-over. At mile 25, my feet were numb but that just meant I didn't have to bother with them any more, at before mile 26, I made my final turn onto Boylston street and the sight of the finish line was all I needed to give whatever kick I had left in my body. I crossed the finish line in 3 hours 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Considering some of the setbacks I had in my training, I was extremely happy with that time, it qualifies me to run next year's Boston Marathon.

As for next year...we'll see, I am signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon on October 4th, currently I am scheduled for a Plica resection in June, so I have that to look forward to.

Keith Kolacia

Check back soon for pictures from Keith's Boston run, and yes, he is wearing Fort Dodge Tri Sports gear.

Tuesday Group Ride Summary

2009-04-28T22:55:00.003-05:00

Nice night for a hard ride. About 62 degrees, steady stiff wind from the ESE. Met up at sr. high parking lot. Eric, Travis, Ron, Paul, a resident doc Paul invited and myself. Paul had to stay close to town with being on call so he and the other doc head out on their own. We headed South, down through Coalville, took a right at the bottom of the hill scrubbing any speed from the down hill to tackle the first hill into Otho. Nice scenic hill, still goes up of course, but if your going to go up, might as well have some nice scenery. Held a 15-17 mph up the first half of the hill, to have Eric attack at the bottom of the steepest part to take the KOM, Travis 2nd and myself trailing in 3rd. Did not go below 11.2 with heart rate topping out at 201 (for me). Then headed thru Otho, on to Dolliver into steady East wind. Down into Dolliver and then up the South Dolliver hill with Travis carving out a small gap and holding it for the duration of the hill with Eric 2nd and myself not far behind. Heading on down to Lehigh, thru town up the third hill, steady 11 mph avg. with Eric taking KOM honors, Travis not far behind then myself. After a brief recovery, pace picked up heading North with an average of about 25 mph thru to the sprint for the Iowa State troopers building with Eric taking honor and Travis nearly catching him and myself trailing in behind. Kept the speed up near 25mph for the remainder of the road back to town, dodged a recliner in the road at the curve near the gypsum mill, got to remember it is junk day on the south east side of town. The avg. speed of 20 mph for the ride to the railroad tracks at S. 32nd St. and S. 15th Ave. Nice ride..

Iowa City Road Race

2009-04-26T18:27:00.005-05:00

Contributed by Travis Jass...
The conditions just weren't conducive of good racing Saturday. I don't remember ever really getting rained on, however it had moved through earlier in the morning making the horse manure covered roads really slick. When the whistle blew at 9:05, we were kinda caught in the back chatting it up with old friends we hadn't seen in a while. The pack stayed together pretty well all throughout the first lap that included a short section where the right lane of the very narrow road was covered in mud. We witnessed one rider make an amazing save when he hit the mud unexpectedly. His bike went every which direction before recovering and getting right back in the mix. I tried moving up on the right side a few times and as I would get up there, it seemed as if there would be either and acceleration or the pack merged over and squeezed me back a bit. Just past the start/finish into the second lap, a few of us kinda faded a bit and a small gap formed. I ended up chasing hard only to watch them get further and further away. I had no help at first until a DMOS rider fell out the back and was chasing as well. We worked well together through several rotations, then as I was ending my turn on front, he wasn't there anymore. I continued chasing hard solo again when a Bike Tech rider drifted back. Same thing worked well together and seemed like we were making a dent in the gap until he dropped off my wheel. Ended up the last hour of an 1:50 min race averaged just shy of threshold power and heart rate +/-5 bpm. A few more riders here and there popped out the back and threw in the towel and I just treated them as if they were minute men, and motivated myself with the promise of a better finishing position with each one. After Tuesday's hammerfest and seeing Eric in great shape I felt bad for not being able to be there at the end to help lead him out. Bottom line is I need to get more comfortable in close quarters and even more comfortable in wet conditions. Thanks again for the leg treatment as well. They felt good and fresh going in and they gave me everything I asked of them on the day with never a flinch of cramping up....Travis

Tuesday Group Ride Summary

2009-04-21T22:42:00.004-05:00

Well, the second Tuesday night ride is in the books. Wow, the wind was ridiculous, very stiff from the Northwest. Left from senior high parking lot, nice group of 5. The usual suspects of Travis, Eric and myself. Paul Dayton was along for the ride as was Ron Jacobson, nice to see Paul back and Ron out tonight too. Headed out again out on Badger blacktop, 15-16 mph into the wind, nice way to warm up, I guess. Turning East toward Vincent gave a break but not without a bar gripping side wind. Got a nice little pace line going, quickly ramped it up to 25-26 mph, pretty much held it all the way to Vincent blacktop were the party ended with a turn to the North and into the brutal headwind. Grinded along toward Vincent ending with a short sprint at Vincent with Travis (I think) taking it. Continued on and then heading West toward Badger where the wind was not so bad, still bad though. Able to keep it to about 17 mph. Approaching Badger, Travis provided an impressive ramp up to 25, held it for an impressive distance considering the wind, with Eric taking sprint honors to the Vincent sign. Continued on and finally got to head South on National Ave. where things quickly jumped to 27-31 mph. Motored along nicely with some lactic acid building in the legs, headed up and down the hill near Kennedy park with ERic making a nice strong jump in the big ring, really looking strong. Headed past the apple orchard, along river road (N. 7th St.) finishing with the grind up Loomis hill and Eric taking KOM honors with an 19.7 average speed for the ride to top of Loomis. Will give averages for this ride to this point, average speed goes down a bit once get in to town and cool down. Think Eric and Travis are certainly ready for the races this weekend in Iowa City. Keep checking back for results and pictures of the Iowa City races.

2009-04-16T08:27:00.001-05:00

The Boston marathon is this Monday, April 20th. Fort Dodge resident and FD Trisport member Keith Kolacia will be running his second Boston. Check out www.bostonmarathon.org or click on the link to the right on Monday to follow Keith's progress during the marathon. Keith's bib number is 3604. Follow the instructions on the Bostonmarathon website using Keith's bib number to track Keith. Stay tuned for pictures from Boston. Good luck Keith.

2009-04-16T08:24:00.003-05:00

DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 18

THE COURSE
3 Mile Mud Run
This unique trail running race is sure to be fun and challenging for all participants and spectators. Racers of all abilities will have a great time throughout the course, with mud, a few obstacles and the Mucky Mud Pit! The course will feature a 3 mile trek with several obstacles to pass through. At the end of the race, participants will venture through the Mucky Mud Pit to the finish. Bring towels and extra clothes as make-shift showers will be provided.

DEADLINE

Online Registration Deadline
($22 Entry Fee**)
Register from April 12 to April 16 (ONLINE ONLY)

Race Day Registration
$25** on-site at participant check-in

**Entry includes a Mud Run T-shirt, post race refreshments and an ISF Mud Run gift.

SITE
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
4051 Dean Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317

TIME
Check-in: begins at 8:00 am
Race Starts:
9:00 am - 3 Mile Run
10:30 am - 1 Mile Fun Run

COMPETITION INFORMATION
3 Mile Divisions
Separate male and female divisions will be offered in the following age groups: 12 & Under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 & Over.

1 MILE FUN RUN
This shortened course will include a fun 1 mile run through several mud pits and a few obstacles before racers venture in the Mucky Mud Pit. This event will start at 10:30 am following the 3 mile Mud Run. All participants will receive a finisher medal and a T-shirt.

FOR MORE EVENT INFORMATION AND

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

2009-04-15T23:22:00.001-05:00

Doug Smith's Bike Accident

From Tim McCoy

To my cycling friends, friends and family,

Today started out like most Saturdays as the spring finally begins to dawn in Alaska, uh Iowa. We left Rasmussen's Bike Shop at 7am headed toward Winterset. I have cycled on this road twenty to thirty times. There was a group of eight of us who turned around in Winterset. It was a glorious day and an awesome ride. We were making our way back to Des Moines when from behind us a horn started to blow. It got louder and louder and then you could feel something large very close to the group, way to close for anyone's safety. Then, in a split second tragedy struck our group. I was at the front of the group and close to the white line on the right. Our friend Doug Smith was right next to me on my left. We were riding at about twenty miles per hour. The next thing I knew is I felt pressure against the left side of my body and bike. In my mind I said I am going to crash. The next moment I heard screaming as the truck raced past us. The force pushed me to the side of the road but I was still standing and ok. I looked back and there was our friend Doug in the middle of the road. The girls continued to scream now with anger at the truck that literally ran over our friend and kept going. The emotions at moments like this are legion. I started to cry. I started to curse, filled with anger but oddly enough not at the man who did this but at the fact Doug was in the road possibly dying and I was helpless to do a damn thing about it. I prayed dear God please do not let Doug die. I felt grateful, riding out of Winterset I was in Doug's position in the pace line. This could just as easily have been me. I was stunned. i could not believe this was actually happening.

What happened over the next few hours was amazing. Neighbors came out of their homes to assist Doug. Mark, one of our riders whom I do not know very well got on his stomach in the middle of the road and held Doug's hand and felt his pulse. At first he was unconscious, then he awoke not knowing what had just happened to him. I do not know if I could have done what Mark did. It was such a simple act and yet so profoundly powerful at the moment. Doug's beautiful carbon fibre bike lay in three pieces. I stared at it for a few seconds or minutes. I turned and walked up the road away from Doug's body. I then noticed two trucks barreling toward us. Of course they would, they had no idea. I waved my arms to stop them and told them what had happened. One young man described a truck he had passed and asked me if this was the truck. i said yes. The man turned around and caught up to the truck. The man who ran over Doug did come back to the scene probably a half hour later. The delay was good because the anger toward him was huge. I hugged Maria and Keely as they cried. I could not cry at this moment. The Ambulances came. The attendants worked efficiently to stabilize Doug. He was alive! The Ambulance left and there we were, seven people who had our own wounds to deal with.

Trauma needs meaning and significance given to it in order to heal. This made no sense. It had no meaning I could think of. The actions of the farmer, senseless. Surely he did not do this on purpose. Cyclists on the road are incredibly vulnerable. All of us who ride know it. We all have our stories. As I searched for meaning Keely's dad Rick pulled up. John Reed pulled up. Barb Standish pulled up. Spontaneous hugging began taking place everywhere. We were all alive, crying, smiling, hugging, expressing our gratitude for each other and the various roles everyone played to deal with this tragedy. In the midst of our busy lives it came to me. People, relationships, love that is what matters, that is what gave this meaning. A senseless farmer and our friend Doug taught me that this morning.

Everyone went to the hospital immediately except me. I was quiet and on the verge of tears on the way home. Sitting next to Barb reminded me of how short life is and how quickly it can be taken away. I went home and showered. I ate. Then, I sort of woke up and knew I needed to be with my friends. I was scared that one of our friends would not be alive when I arrived. Barb and I walked into the emergency family waiting area to find Doug's family, his wife, his daughter, his dad, his mom, Rick, Keely, Heather, John and the hospital chaplain. "Doug is going to be all right". He has a fractured skull, a broken pelvis, a torn urethra but he will recover. In spite of his injuries I cannot tell you how good it was to know he was alive and would recover! Sally, Doug's wife thanked us all and said if it were not for us Doug might be dead. I hold back the tears as I write this right now. You know, I might be dead if it were not for
all of you. I needed to write this to you all for me. From the bottom of my heart thank you for whatever role you play in my life.

I am so grateful to be alive and to know such wonderful people like you. For those of you who pray please pray for Doug and his family.

Tim

Tim McCoy

Tuesday Group Ride Summary

2009-04-15T14:31:00.004-05:00

Well, first group ride is in the books, nice weather for it yesterday (Tuesday 4/14). Able to ride with shorts and jersey only, nice change. Nice to see Paul. Five riders met up at senior high, headed out to Vincent blacktop via 25th Ave. N., little bit of a northeasterly wind. Had a nice wind up of speed, steady 18-20 mph culminating in a 3 man sprint to the Vincent town sign with Travis providing the lead out and Eric Knox taking the sprint. After a little recovery and turn toward the West toward Badger with a bit of a tailwind, speed held nicely at 25-26 mph with Travis stuck again with a nice 27 mph lead out and again Eric taking the sprint for the Badger town sign. I had my computer maxed a 36.8 mph at the sprint. Held a steady 24 mph until turning west toward the apple orchard, then slowed a bit into the wind. Rode on through to river road, tried to take a nice pull for Travis and Eric to go at it up Loomis Hill, was able to hold 24 mph to the bottom of the hill with Travis and Eric grinding it out for KOM honors. Think Eric took it at the top, did not look like by too much, hard to say when still half way down the hill grinding it out. Nice ride to get some the legs and lungs moving. Thanks for the ride guys. See you next week, same time and place. Ended up with 36 miles, comfortable hour 50 minutes.

2009-04-13T23:32:00.002-05:00

Tuesday evening moderately fast ride, 5:30 pm, meeting at senior high parking lot. Last year, ride typically went to Vincent, Badger, came back along West side of Kennedy park (apple orchard rd.) to river road and up Loomis hill. Ride is about 38 miles finishing in an hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours. We typically sprint for the Badger town sign coming into town from the East. Looking to make this a pretty standard time and ride with the first one scheduled for Tuesday April 14th. Ask Ben Acree, Travis Jass or Eric Knox for more information.

2009-03-25T21:20:00.002-05:00

Nice job Eric and Travis on the results in the first race of the year. The race was located southeast of Sioux City, thanks for driving Travis. There were approximately 76 racers in the "B" category, racing two hilly laps for a total of 48 miles. Eric and Travis' results rewarded them for the many hours on the indoor rollers over the winter months. Little clarification for those interested or who may be confused in the future if they see us in team MOB cycling gear. Eric, Travis and myself are currently members of the MOB racing team, 2nd year for Eric and Travis, first for me. Attachment to a USA cycling race team is the best way to go for participation in USA cycling federation sanctioned cycling races. The MOB race team just so happens to be the team that we are attached to right now. Hope Fort Dodge Tri Sport can eventually become a USA cycling team in the near future. For this to happen, the team has to put on a race. Again, this is something that will hopefully happen in the future. Well, looks like the next race the trio will be participating in will be the Iowa city road race on April 25th and/or the Old Capital Criterium on April 26th. So, have about 6 weeks to continue training. Hope to provide pictures (and good results) for these races. Keep checking back for possible organized training rides.

Ben

2009-03-25T21:15:00.001-05:00

Twin Bing Classic

Contributed by Travis Jass

Just checking in with a quick race report from the Twin Bing Classic on Saturday. Ben Acree, Eric Knox, and myself made the journey to Climbing Hill (kinda intimidating namesake) where we opened the 09 outdoor race season.

We rolled off the start line and in about 1/2 mile my chain dropped on a little to big ring shift. Not a good way to open the season. I tacked onto the back pretty quickly and basically sucked wheel for the first half of the first lap. A few riders popped out the back here and there and I could see ahead that Eric was on the front.

I worked up in the pack to Ben and not long after reaching him he cramped and advised me to go on ahead. I prowled around the back of the main field into the second lap before totally bombin it on one of the downhills all the way up to the front with Eric. He said he was feeling ok (even though it looked to me as if he had been doing the lion's share of the work) so I wound the pace up hoping he could just sit in long enough to recover to be able to make a move at the end.

We turned into the wind southbound about 4 miles north of town and the pace just fell flat on it's face. What was left of the main group stuck together until we turned to go thru town one last time en route to the uphill finish. A handful of riders spun it up and there was little I could do but watch them ride away.

I gave it everything I had left but got around only one rider on the finishing hill. Ended up 6th, Eric 8th, full results here. We're really happy with a couple top tens this early in the season. I remember the last two years opening two weeks later at Altoona, and never having this good of result or feeling as good afterwards as I did this weekend. Maybe all the mundane hours on Kreitlers this winter really worked. Only time will tell later on this season, gonna be a fun summer.....Travis

2009-03-02T22:03:00.000-06:00

More pictures to come.. Keep checking back.

2009-03-02T10:03:00.005-06:00

Hey folks, as mentioned in the previous post, we are starting a trisport club here in Fort Dodge. More information and specifics coming soon, please keep checking back. The idea is for a club to support athletes participating in cycling and/or swimming and/or running or athletes that do all three sports. No exclusions. We will be creating member gear to wear for cycling, running and swimming. Information on upcoming organized training and races will be provided on this site as well as results and pictures of events held. As an organization, we hope to host events in Fort Dodge and support youth participating in these different sports. This is going to be great, very excited about this club. Please don't hesitate to leave any comments on this or on the Y-Tri.

Thanks,
Ben

2009-03-01T23:05:00.001-06:00

The picture of the shirt will be posted soon, learning my way around this blog thing.

Ben Acree

2009-03-01T22:26:00.001-06:00

Well, the innagural Fort Dodge Y Indoor Triathlon has come and gone. I had a great time planning and participating in it. A big thanks to Craig Jarrard, Dave Pearson, Monica Shelly, Andrea Syferd and Diane Happel. You all did an outstanding job!! Thanks to all the volunteers. Could not have pulled it off without you. Had one volunteer for every two athletes, not bad. Thanks to all of our sponsors, see the picture of the very nice shirt you recieved for either participating or volunteering. Looking forward to next year where we hope to have twice as many athletes. Keep on training. More pictures will be posted soon. Look forward to the announcement of the Fort Dodge Trisport Club, coming soon!!

Ben Acree