Photo: 32-mile road ride, 8:00 a.m., 32 degrees, Mt Vernon, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 2,800 yds (ytd 180,800 yds.)
Bike: 68 miles (ytd 4,386 mi.)
Run: 16 miles (ytd 1,031 mi.)

32 miles, 32 degrees, brrrific

AGGI v3 Recap

Thanks again to everyone this year who arrived, who rode, who got lost (ahem), who conquered, and, in Jared’s words, who sucked.

The weather was Xtreme(ly beautiful) and the course Epic(ally perfect). Both sunshine and dogs were in abundance. Three cheers to Jeff Goldblum’s Fancy Banana Hammock for taking this year’s title, leading the way from nearly beginning to end. Thirty lashes to Jeff Goldblum’s Fancy Banana Hammock for turning down the Hamm’s Beer (there’s now a 12 in my garage…first come, first drunk).

In the tightly contested women’s division, Jenny (Jenny, who can I turn to?) brought her A-game (and a serious tan) from Kona to dominate the field.

To those of you who couldn’t make it, I hope you had as much fun answering phone calls from your favorite political pundits as we did riding the American Gothic Gravel Invitational v3.

Until next year when we promise more gravel, more weather and an even freer entry…

Photo: Team-building, 2:00 p.m., 55 degrees, Dubuque, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 4,100 yds (ytd 174,100 yds.)
Bike: 72 miles (ytd 4,229 mi.)
Run: 22 miles (ytd 1,000 mi.)

Photo: 7-mile run, 5:00 a.m., 28 degrees, Marion, Iowa

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 4,100 yds (ytd 170,000 yds.)
Bike: 78 miles (ytd 4,157 mi.)
Run: 19 miles (ytd 978 mi.)

The best 50 minutes of your day...

Aaron James Draplin

from CreativeMornings/Portland.

The American Gothic Gravel Invitational™
Sunday, 21 October 2012, 12:00 pm – High Noon
A good-ol-timey, FREE-OF-CHARGE 60-mile bike race across the gravel roads of Linn County, Iowa. Yes, IOWA!

Everyone gets: A mouthful of dust, satisfaction, a nice view, camaraderie, the attached cue-sheet keepsake (makes a great re-gift just in time for the holidays), and grub at Zoey’s at 6 pm post-race (bring a few bucks if you're hungry and interested: http://zoeyspizza.com/ ). While I can’t guarantee romance, a flat tire or saddle-induced hemorrhoids, if the fates are with ya, you may leave with a story to tell (who said you can’t use ‘romance’ and ‘hemorrhoids’ in the same sentence?).

One person gets: The grand prize, IF:

1 He/she is indeed first,
2 He/she signs in when done with his/her finish time,
3 He/she also includes his/her email address and the phrase “I’m #1, you pathetic losers”.

This year’s grand prize includes the now-traditional 12-pack of Hamm’s (from the land of sky-blue waters), plus a Twin Six short-sleeve jersey of your choice (check ‘em out at TwinSix.com).

Rules: Sign the notebook before the start (just like last year). We roll out as a group at noon (just like last year). Once we hit gravel on the other side of Highway 13, the race is on. (You turds that jumped the gun in 2011 have each been given four demerits to be doled out when you least expect it.) Follow the cue sheets until you hit the finish. Once there, sign the notebook with your name and finish time (using the cheap Timex next to the notebook). No aid stations. No outside help. Don’t cheat. Ride safe. When you cross the highway(s), look and then look again. The roads are open and the farmers are working harder than you, yeah YOU. Stay outta their way. And don't, don't, don't litter.

Cue sheets: Attached. These are the only directions you’ll receive. No one is bringing extras… NO ONE. Print ‘em. Bring ‘em. Lose ‘em and you'd better find someone to ride with. If you bring a buddy, make a copy for him/her or make sure your pal doesn’t get lost.

Start/Finish: Indian Creek Elementary School parking lot (by the OLD football field), 2900 Indian Creek Road, Marion, IA.

Fine print: You’re receiving this because you’re one of a select group (okay, not select…just a friend of a friend of a friend…chances are, I don’t know you and we’ll never meet again). If you want to bring along a kindred spirit, great. In fact, I encourage it. If he/she is a jerk, you and only you will be held accountable in the court of public opinion, in which case I fear for you and your jerk friend.

Finer print: In the event of a tie, the 100-yd Grant Wood Dash of Death will be held at the adjacent track.

Finest print: YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN. There is no sag wagon (though I will again ride ceremonial DFL to chat it up with the slow-pokes). If you get a flat, fix it. If you break down, work some magic or start walking. No one is coming to save you (unless you have a very forgiving spouse, child, parent or domestic partner). You got into it, you get out of it. Offer a helping hand if someone needs it.

For more information: There is no more information. It’s all written above.

See you soon,

Photo: 3-mile run, 6:00 p.m., 100 degrees, Scottsdale, Arizona

Weekly activity log:
Swim: 1,000 yds (ytd 161,800 yds.)
Bike: 97 miles (ytd 4,079 mi.)
Run: 17 miles (ytd 959 mi.)

30 degrees for the morning run...100 degrees for the evening run...go figure.