I thought Iowa was flat but from looking at the course elevation profile on their website it looks like some tough climbs but are they really that steep in person or do they look worse on the profile than they really are?
I have the choice of 2 Zipp 404’s or would you recommend I bring my disk?
I can’t help you much on the course but since it sounds like you’ve never been to Iowa. Here is all you need to know about the state:
I thought Iowa was flat but from looking at the course elevation profile on their website it looks like some tough climbs but are they really that steep in person or do they look worse on the profile than they really are?
I have the choice of 2 Zipp 404’s or would you recommend I bring my disk?
I would probably do the disc. Yes, actually for sure. The bike as far as I remember is very flat, just kinda out and back mostly on this road out to some fields/farmland if I remember right. On the run, that’s where there are a few hills. I thought that would be completely flat, but nope. Unless windy, bring the disc.
I live is Des Moines and can assure you any race in Iowa is full on 808 (or 1080) front and a rear disc. The bike has a few hills but most of it is flat to gradual grade change. The “fuller hill” is a beast on the run and about a mile into it. FWIW i’d doubt it’ll be wetsuit legal this year. we’ve had a warm spring thus far and the water isn’t that deep so it warms quickly. HyVee puts on a first class race. If you’ve never done it, you are in for a treat. I’ve also done LifeTime in MSP—HyVee absolutely blows it away. The ITU race later in the day is pretty sweet as well. Good luck!
Good to know, I’m coming to Des Moines next week for this. Hopefully the hill won’t be too killer.
Always use your disc…
That said yes use your disc for this course. I’m probably on that stupid thing more than anyone on here since its the only ride from my house. If you are a decent biker you really shouldn’t have to get out of aero for the whole course.
They just filled all the big potholes last week so there is nothing too dangerous its just bumpy.