Well, the 2008 edition of the Ironman Bike Ride is history. It was a day for an Ironman – temperatures were in the mid-20’s at the start of the day and there was a light wind coming out of the west-southwest. But it wasn’t raining or snowing and the winds from Saturday had died down, making it a chilly but otherwise nice day for a bike ride.
The organization reports that approximately 4,000 riders made it to Lakeville for this year’s 42nd annual event. This Metrocyclist was in amongst the chilly throng that headed out from Lakeville North High School. First reactions were that it was awful cold for the clothing options I had selected and that the wind, though advertised as “light,” was more of a headwind than I really cared for. Nonetheless, off I went on my annual trek over hill and dale, through Lonsdale, Northfield and back to the school.
The 28 mile route to Lonsdale seems to change every year. That may be a function of the Ironman organizers or my poor memory. Either way it makes for a delightful series of discoveries on each year’s ride – “ooo, look at that curve,” or “whee! what a cool downhill.” One spot that I think I remember, that hadn’t changed, however, was the big uphill around mile 19. Most riders that I chatted with were of the opinion that it was a tough climb. There is a nice little downhill coming to that climb, but just at that point I had the extreme misfortune of riding behind someone who wanted to slow down as she approached the base of the hill – most likely to be able to fully take in the ‘up’ that we were about to encounter. I was not wanting to take in the scenery quite as much, but couldn’t pull around her because of the car traffic. Bummer. I was thankful for the compact crankset and lower gearing I had equipped myself with (well, actually, it’s on the bike).
The road to Lonsdale also had a unique participant this year. About a mile outside of town I saw in the distance what looked like a basset hound running along side the road. As I got closer I realized it was an old beagle, so fat that its legs looked short. The dog was chugging along the road, tongue lolling, with what looked like a smile on its lips. Not appearing to be with any rider, the little guy kept running and watching all the riders pass by. It made for a comical sight.
The rest stop was crowded as usual. Lonsdale is where the 100 mile and 62 mile rides link. As usual the food and beverage were welcome, as was the opportunity to stretch the legs and just get off the saddle. It was still chilly enough that the hot coffee was a welcome treat – though I have to say it really doesn’t taste like coffee – more like a poor caricature of coffee. I’m not complaining, but maybe the organizers could approach a coffee vendor with some good dark roast. Just a thought.
After a nice break at the Lonsdale rest stop I was just about to remount the bike when what should arrive? The Beagle! Many of us recognized the fellow traveler and, I imagine, the little guy was amply rewarded for his effort with bits of muffins and candy bars – not that he needed anything. I only hope that he was in familiar enough territory that he could find his way home after this road trip. Did anyone see him in Northfield?
The Lonsdale – Northfield stretch was nice enough. What wind there was came out of the west and gave us a nice little push toward our next stop. It wasn’t even that there was so much of a tailwind, but it was nice to not have to ride into it.
I do have a bone to pick with our Governor Pawlenty. The cuts to LGA (local government assistance) were taken out on my rear end for a good several miles of that route. The road surface was so bad that the ride organizers put up warning signs, both at the High School and at the beginning of that stretch toward Northfield. I would hope that someday the Guv and his minions would be made to ride that bit of county road a few times. Maybe then he would keep his little red pen in his pocket protector and that road could be resurfaced. Heck, I’d be satisfied if only some of the larger potholes could be filled.
Other than riding that rough road, though, that stretch of the ride was uneventful. I chatted with a fellow who was riding his 32nd consecutive Ironman – kudos to that guy! As this was the 42nd annual ride, he missed only the first ten. Very impressive. Northfield came along after only 18 miles. Hot pasta is such a nice touch.
The last 16 miles were smooth,but at about 8 miles to go I was pretty pooped. I think a combination of too little physical preparation (again!!??) and too little food and drink en route left me close to a bonk. Midway up a long climb I had taken a drink from my water bottle and, when I went to put it back in the cage, I hit it with my knee (a lack of coordination due to the fatigue). It went flying out of my hand and onto the shoulder. I stopped and walked back to retrieve it. As I stood there, leaning against my bike taking a long drink, the sag wagon approached. What temptation!? All I would have to do is wave the van down and sag back – it was only eight miles – I’d done most of the ride, hadn’t I? Instead, I gave a thumbs up and, in an instant, was delivered from my test.
Surviving that moment of spiritual crisis seemed to energize me (or maybe it was that I actually rested for a couple of minutes and drank half a bottle of water). Whatever. I picked up the pace a bit and finished the ride feeling tired, but content. I don’t have nearly a streak like 32 Ironman Bike Rides, but this one made ten out of the last eleven.
On the 30-mile route, my daughter, a first time rider, and a friend reported that the route was good, the road surface ridable and the companionship welcome. We three stopped at Babe’s in Lakeville for a post-ride beer and some food, looking forward to next year’s ride on Sunday, April 26, 2009! Mark your calendars now.
Here’s hoping you had a good ride and that we’ll all be around to enjoy next year’s adventure. Be sure to go to the Forum and add your experiences.
