It was maybe 2003 when I first ventured to Lakeville, MN for the Ironman bike ride. To that date I had not ever ridden probably more than 15 miles, maybe 20. Ms. Sal and I signed up for the 30 mile route, the shortest option at the time. I rode my hybrid, she was on an I don't remember. I lost my chain climbing a hill. By the rest stop we were wet from sleet. The headwind on the final leg back to the high school was brutal.
I did not bother with the event again until last year. A team I formed. Half rode 100 miles, the rest the never-seeming-ending 60-something miles. Oh look I already wrote about that. Looks like last year I thought my first Ironman ride was 2004. Who knows. Details. Details.
2011 marks the 45th anniversary of the ride. I learned my pops did it in the 1980s when it was around the city lakes...if his memory is correct. Rather, i am sure he did a long ride around the lakes, but was it the MIBR? I don't have the energy to find out. Brownie points for anyone who does.
This year they added a timed Gran Fondo. I don't need to pay extra to know how slow I am this time of year. I'll stick with the ride thanks. Additionally, a 17-mile option was added. I am proud to day that I have now under my bike belt 3 of the 4 distances: 68, 30, 17. Yes, with finger tips numb from only getting the bike off the car, then the 30 mph winds and the little ice pellets in my face, I made first the first right turn for 17/30 routes and then the second for the 17 only. No shame. It was cold.
Alas I believe fate then dictates I ride the century route in 2012. To ensure this happens I am presently asking Santa Claus to bring me some proper winter biking gear: gloves, those booties for the shoes, long pants, maybe a handlebar mounting heater. In return I promise to get outside on the road on my bike at least once before arriving at the event. Heh, when trying to mount to ride to registration I had to try three times to get rolling. Who says you can't forget how to ride a bike?!
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