G88 Results

When you throw something together at the last minute, make it free and low-key, but add in the opportunity to help someone in need, you just really don't know what will happen.

We put G88 (an 88K gravel ride/race) together as a result of the Mullet Classic MTB race being postponed due to a tornado in Indianola and gave the opportunity for people donate some cash to Gayla Tighe who suffered a spinal cord injury during the tornado.

42 people showed up with their bikes and checkbooks on a cool August morning. All said and done, $691 was raised to help Gayla with her recovery efforts. Word is that she's shuffling up to 30 feet with the aid of her walker - good news - but she's got a long road. We are glad to help in some small way.

The race, through hilly Madison County, started with a couple miles of neutrality, but once we crossed Jordan Creek Parkway, the fireworks began, as did the first of the endless hills. By Booneville things had broken up into a large group in front, followed by several small groups and individuals.

Things got interesting when the front group, or most of them, took the wrong turn off 105th, while Rick Blackford, having GPS'd the whole route,went the right way.

Realizing their mistake, most of the front group rode the course backwards, while some just turned it into a ride. Meeting up at mile 15, the race took on a new look as the two 'races' came together. As this was just a fun, impromptu race/ride - we all said 'whatever!' and let it unfold again.

Blackford stayed ahead, but somehow met up with a small group left over from the front pack. They rode on to the finish line together with Blackford taking the win.

The top three women, Lisa Vetterlein, Katie Fistler and Dee Mable, ended up in a group of eight that was content to complete the ride together. In the end, the hills broke the group up, leaving Mable and Vetterlein to duke out the hilly final mile, Mable pulling away over the top of the biggest hill, holding on for the win.

Thanks to everyone who came out to ride and help Gayla with her mounting medical bills. We'll look forward to doing it again at the State Gravel Road Championships on October 9 at Honey Creek Resort. www.tworiverstouringco.com for details.

1. Rick Blackford 3:15
2. Kris Kunze 3:15*
3. John Newell 3:15* (first mountain biker)
4. Andy Bach 3:15*
5. Steve Robinson 3:19*
6. Jerome Rewerts 3:19*
7. Chris Maharry 3:35*
8. Rob Versteegh 3:35*
9. Chad Vandelune 3:38*
10. TJ Davis 3:38
11. Dee Mable 3:39 (First female)
12. Perry Leysens 3:39
13. Lisa Vetterlein 3:39* (First female mountain biker)
14. Dave Mable 3:40
15. Katie Fistler 3:43
16. Ben Fistler 3:43
17. Ryan VanHouweling 3:49
18. Jeremy Sievers 3:49
19. Matt McCutchen 3:52 (First Single Speed)
20. Steve Wiseman 4:07
21. Brad Kruse 4:18
22. Scotty Sumpter 4:18
23. Kyle Sedor 4:20 (2nd Single Speed)
24. Taylor Webb 4:20
25. Courtney Hilton 4:43
26. Dan Bach 4:44
27. Nancy Leysens 4:45
28. Nick Larsen 4:46 (3rd Single Speed)
29. Lacey Douglas 4:46
30. Nick Woolly 5:15
31. Sherry Robinson

A couple of notes on results. First, the time is approximate, but relatively correct between riders and secondly, the * denotes riders who went backwards, but covered the same distance. We(those who rode) are all good with it.

Thanks to all who joined us and thanks to these fine folks for supporting the prizing:
Ride EZ Chamois Cream and Sunscreen
Momentum Fall Cycling Festival (State Gravel Championships)
Mullet Classic MTB Race
East Village Criterium
Capital City Cross


Peace - Dave
Dave Mable, Editor
Iowa Momentum Endurance Sports Magazine
www.iowamomentum.com