Ironmania

Bags are checked in, bikes are racked, prayers are said, now it's just a good night's sleep then

2.4, 112, and 26.2.

But what would an Ironman be without drama?

I exhausted my drama today.

I almost never flat-bike arrived with the stem poking through the tube. Change the tire. I stopped timing myself when the clock passed 20 minutes. I always forget how to do it until I've done it. No matter, tire changed and practice ride complete. I expect a full tube when I arrive in the morning.

Practice ride. Ugg. I have only crashed my bike once, and that was on my trainer in the basement. I always wondered what it would feel like. Be careful what you ask for.

Allow for a little IM narration:

I met up with Robostu, Bolder, and Iron Jenny to take a ride and drop our gear transition bags. As we rode down the busy little tourist road I balanced my bags slung on my shoulder,rolling rolling...

"hmm, I think I forgot to reclamp my rear brake when I changed the tire" check brake, yep, not tight.

"I'll have to fix that when we stop. We are rolling slow, so the front brake should suffice."

"I really shouldn't sling my bag on my shoulder like that. It might roll down my arm and bump my tire, I need to adjust that..."

No sooner had the thought left my little brain, than my bag slid down my shoulder, caught in my wheel and

see Trimama.

Seee Trimama fly.

See Trimama really happy that the car following her was paying attention and pulled the side to keep Trimama from being hit by the cars behind him.

See Trimama sit dazed for a minute, wondering what in the heck just happened.

See Trimama see stars.

By the time I stood back up, Iron Jenny and Stu had circled back.

Robo Stu, (one of the nicest guys I've ever met) offered to take my bags the remainder of the ride. We rode down to the Transition area with me checking my parts, rolling my neck and opening my jaw.

Everything is working. I have a nice round bruise on my chin when I hit the aero bar, my shoulder is stiff and my knee has a welt, but like they say, what doesn't kill you makes you an ironman.

Funnyy thing, no more nerves.

It took a jolt to the head, but now we're right as rain.

So much to say, but it's bed time. Ideal weather tomorrow, especially for us Minnesotoans for whom 45 in the am is cause for shorts.

The Tribe is here, t-shirted and ready to cheer.

Thanks to all for the well wishes, it's time to become an Ironman.

Taconite Boy will be updating for all throughout the day- hopefully might even post a few pics.

Trimama out!