Iowa Bike Banquet This Weekend!

Y’all are not ready for this suit!

I am on a plane to Detroit. I’m going to see my friend and I’m really excited. We’re both too busy to actually hang out much, but we can co-work for a few days while I acclimate to an american time zone and finish prepping for my keynote at the Iowa Bike Banquet this weekend.

I am not excited about the weather. And I’ve been complaining to whoever will listen. I guess this means it’s your turn to hear my woes. WHY DOES THE FORECAST SHOW NEGATIVE TEMPERATURES IN FAHRENHEIT? How do people live this way? I’ve packed all the temporary heating packs I could reasonable fit including hot hands, hot feet, and hot back. I know hot hands is a brand, and they’re probably just called foot and back warmers, but i think “hot back” sounds hilarious so that’s what i’m gonna call it!

I’ve been overheating all day because i’m dressed for my destination. I’m still not sure it’ll be enough, but we shall see. I’ve backed both of my merino wool sets. They remind me of long john’s. The waffle-y textured white long underwear that kept every 80s baby warm. I mean, i wasn’t there, but i bet they were using long john’s long before the 80s even. Do they still make them? After a quick google, it appears fruit of the loom is still holding folks down with the waffle pants. Lovely.

Detroit will be the bigger challenge because I’ll actually go outside sometimes, but my plan for Des Moines is to take the airport shuttle to the hotel, and stay indoors by using the tunnel that connects to the convention center. -18 degrees with a real feel of -28 means Ayesha is an indoor cat until further notice.

Beyond the weather, I’m really looking forward to the events this weekend. I’ve only been to Iowa twice before when I started the Ride Across Wisconsin in Dubuque. Interesting little place. So really I’ve never REALLY been to Iowa. I’m looking forward to meeting people and sharing my journey. It’s always fun to remenisce a bit while writing my speeches. I often forget I had some really good times along the way. And of course, I also found myself in quite a few predicaments.

If you’ll be at the Expo or the Banquet, please come and say hi! If you read this blog regularly, you know I’m not the most outwardly social human, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy when someone else starts the conversation! They’re still selling tickets through Friday, so it’s not too late to put on your long john’s and join the festivities!

In unrelated news, Will and I are planning a group ride to Terrassa (just outside of Barcelona) mid-february. We’re riding for tasty treats at a friend’s cafe! More info on that soon!

Bike Racing News Updates none of y’all asked for?

Derek Gee no longer owes 30 million Euros, so that’s lovely for him. The world tour season has kicked off for both the women and the men at the Tour down under in Australia. The women’s stage race is done (no spoilers from me), but the Men just got started and race through Sunday. The next big women’s race is the Cadel Evans Road Race on January 31st.

Okie, send warm thoughts please. I REALLY need them.