Rider Comments #1 2009

Just thought I would let you know that I really liked the 65 mile route this year. A lot better than last years. Better road surfaces, better scenery. As last year, great road support and great rest stops. Last year was my first. This year my time was over 1-1/2 hrs shorter than last year so I must have done something right. I didn’t really mind the rain but the wind was a bear. It was relentless. Like one gal said. At one point she had to peddle while going downhill. When she stopped to coast she almost stopped. Thanks for a GREAT RIDE. Hope to see you again next year. - Dwyane; Apple Valley MN

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Even thought it was cold, I still had a blast yesterday. - Dan, Anoka, MN

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Just wanted to say thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers on yesterday's ride. The weather was pretty lousy, but as usual your volunteers were friendly, helpful and informative and the rest stops were just what was needed to get through the day. We'll be back next year, thanks again! Great job!!!!!!!!! - Dan

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Yes, i know the weather was horrible; But I have to complain about the new route (62 mile). It is into a much more densely populated area and there were several instances - from Jordan to New Prague in particular - that had quite a bit of traffic, and that's on roads without shoulders or with very narrow shoulders. Throw in gusting winds and rain - which is the worst case weather that you have to plan for - and i felt it was much riskier that the old route. Additionally, when it rains, at least half of the riders are in dark clothing because they do not have cycling specific raingear. So there was high traffic in low visibility with riders in dark clothing. I don't think it was a good choice. - Michael

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I used to be a regular on the ride back in the first part of the 90’s in Buffalo. I always appreciated the “let’s see what ya got” first ride of the year. For 5 years straight I did the 100. My last year, 1995, I was so out of shape and had so many nagging injuries, I decided no more.

But, as I approached my 52nd birthday, I decided with my weight down and injuries healed, it was time to test myself on the Ironman again. My wife, I think, didn’t believe I’d do it, but oh was she wrong. I trained the best I could in this cruddy Spring weather and showed up Sunday and set out at 7:15 with the intent of riding all 100.

It seemed I flew to the Jordan stop where I made a decision to go 65, not because of a lack of faith in myself, but in Mother Nature, (with a little prodding from the other riders at my table).

The 2nd leg to Lonsdale was a whole new adventure. Rain pelting my face, water logged shoes, lightning crashing down. I thought, what a great welcome back to the Ironman. All I could remember was those warm, pleasant rides in the 90’s!
Thankfully, the good folks at the Lonsdale American Legion had hot coffee and hot pasta. What a respite from the cold. I shook off what excess water I could, called my wife to meet me at LHS and hit the road again. I arrived at the finish at 11:40.
Thanks to everyone I met and to everyone who helped along the way. It was good to be back and I hope to be back next year! - Paul

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It was an amazing ride! Me and my 4 other ride 'mates' had a wonderful time, even though it was COLD! We thoroughly enjoyed the rain, felt like we were kids again. We will (at least Leo and I) definitely show up for Ironman 2010; who knows, we might even try the 60+ route! - Lin (& Leo) Loh