I think we're "full"

Hi all...

1) Maybe I'm just naive, but I'm a bit shocked at how fast 50 slots have filled up. Thanks! We must have done something right last year.

2) If you showed up last year, with the weather as it was, to race and don't see you name on the list (haven't gotten a confirmation email from me either) don't fret. We are opening up additional slots for you. We will know who you are. Let's say.... have a card in the mail by Dec. 31st and your spot will still be there. Yes we'll be over 50, but they are our rules, so we can break them.

3) If you want to be put on a waiting list, let me know (via postcard). Invariably there will be quite a few people dropping out as spring rolls around so all isn't lost.

Again, a big thanks to those who have entered. This is still only the second year for this race so we're still getting comfortable with the logistics. In future years we may open the race up to more folks, but for now it is what it is. Thanks again and have a happy halloween!

Official '09 Rules Post

Ok... here are the formalities. I think we are all in accordance with the rules, but here they are (only one of which will probably be brought up again... and again... and again...)

1. Sponsors, organizers and any hangers on are not responsible for your safety. Each rider is considered to be on their own little private excursion. If you wipe out on loose gravel it is not our fault. You are responsible for you.

2. Outside support is only allowed at our Zumbro Falls checkpoint. There will be convenience stores available in Zumbro Falls and also at roughly mile 80.

3. You will receive the first 1/2 of the tulip notes upon registering the morning of the event. The second 1/2 of the tulip notes will be given to you upon reaching the checkpoint. There will be a time cut-off for the checkpoint, and believe me, it will be very attainable by all who can keep moving forward. The time will be determined at a later date.

4. You must attempt to follow the course at all times. If you need to go off course for help or food or something you must re-enter the course where you left it. I doubt anyone will be super familiar with the roads that we're going over, but please... no shortcuts.

5. Use your head. Yield to traffic. Pay attention to the road surface (which will possibly vary from concrete like hard gravel roads to snow covered sloppy muddy mess) and ride accordingly.

6. At all times you are making progress on the course you must wear an approved helmet.

7. Obey all state, county, city, village, township, borough, etc. laws, along with the Rules of the Road.

8. We are not responsible if you get lost or stranded. Have a way of contacting the outside world should something go not to plan.

9. Must have a blinking red rear light and a front headlight (can be one tiny white LED... it's amazing how much that helps you be seen even in the daylight).

I think that's it. Next post may be accompanied by pictures from a recon ride....

DATE CHANGE!!!

Ok all,

Sorry to do this, but I think most of you will be happy with this change...

Due to Easter falling on the 12th of April (three freaking weeks after last year), in the interests of keeping everyone's family happy... the new date will be April 18th (still on a Saturday).

This is still a full two weeks before Trans Iowa for those who are into that. The change has also happened soon enough so I hope people haven't booked rooms etc. Again, sorry to have to do this, we are generally actually pretty well organized, just forgot to check the major holidays.

On other news I just received 11 more postcards today. You should be receiving emails shortly confirming your entrance if you are in today's batch. Yikes.

Official '09 Race Roster

Ok... no real message other than a list of the people goofy enough to sign up for this wacky race...

Susannah K. - Open F
Margaret M. - Open F
Rebecca S. - Open F
Nicole W. - Open F

Justin B. - Open M
Pete B. - Open M
Bryan B. - Open M
Michael B. - Open M
Grant B. - Open M
Brent B. - Open M
Dan D. - Open M
Brian D. - Open M
Brandt E. - Open M - Defending Champ
Hurl E. - Open M
Charlie F. - Open M
Jeremy F. - Open M
Paul H. - Open M
Dan H. - Open M
Scott H. - Open M
Ross H. - Open M
Kevin J. - Open M
Shawn J. - Open M
Eddie K. - Open M
Scott K. - Open M
Marty L. - Open M
Troy L. - Open M
Porter M. - Open M
Chad M. - Open M
Ray N. - Open M
Jason N. - Open M
Neil O'C - Open M
Jim P. - Open M
Jay P. - Open M
David P. - Open M
Jason P. - Open M
Stephen R. - Open M
Death R. - Open M
JJ R. - Open M
Andrew R. - Open M
Pete R. - Open M
Larry S. - Open M
Lonie S. - Open M
Ron S. - Open M
Joshua S. - Open M
Bob S. - Open M
Jesse S. - Open M
Pete S. - Open M
Ryan T. - Open M

Nick O. - SS M
Heath W. - SS M
T.C. W. - SS M
Jeff Z. - SS M

Registratiön is öfficially ÖPEN for Ragnarök '09

Well kids, it's that time of year again to pick up/dust off/make your postcards. The Ragnarok 105 is back in business for another year. I'd say it will be bigger and better than last year, but honestly, I don't think it can be (ok, in theory the weather could be worse).

Some details:

When: April 18th, 2009. (edit... was April 11th, but that is Easter weekend)
Where: Starts and ends at Colville Park in Red Wing, MN.
What: The Ragnarok 105 is a mainly unsupported "race" that traverses the countryside east, west, and south of Red Wing in Goodhue and Wabasha counties. The length of the course is approximately 105 miles, and it will be almost a totally different course this year. There will be ONE location where you will be allowed to receive outside assistance from a support crew if you want. At least one other town to refuel (no outside crew support there though).

Quick rules:

1A. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF!
1. Must wear a helmet while on the course.
2. Must have front and rear lights (nothing fancy, just something blinking).
3. Must follow the rules of the road. If there is a stop sign, stop (officially I'm saying this...), if the speed limit is 55 mph, please don't exceed the speed limit.
4. You will get 1/2 of the course on tulip notes at the start. The other 1/2 will be given to you at the Zumbro Falls checkpoint.
5. There will be time cutoffs. More details later.

I'll be more detailed with the official rules as we go along (not too long into the future, just lazy tonight).

But, for now... here is what you really will want to know.

A) We are capping the field at 50 riders.
B) First come, first in... no lottery.
C) IF you are crazy enough to want to be in for the race, all you have to do is mail a postcard or card of some sort though the Postal Service to:

Isaac Giesen
134 Kingswood Drive #210
Red Wing, MN 55066

With the following information:

Your name
Your gender
Class (open or singlespeed)
Age
email

When I receive the postcard I will fire off a confirmation email.

I think that's it. Any questions? Post em up here or email me at i.giesen@charter.net .

Thanks for reading!

Fall ride is probably off (at least officially)

Sorry to all that were hoping to get in an official unofficial fall 'rok. The schedules are starting to look tighter and tighter and a pre-planned ride (at least for us) this fall isn't going to happen. If you wanted to get in a ride we can definitely point you in the right directions. I will try and post up the PDF files someplace (I suck at the internets) so if you wanted to retrace your steps of last spring you will be able to.

Check back in a few days and we'll kick off the '09 Ragnarok discussions! Yessir!