Lisa Koll exits ISU as NCAA national champion
Iowa State Senior, Lisa Koll, from Ft. Dodge, caps off a stellar collegiate career with not one, but two victories at the NCAA National Championship meet in Eugene Ore., June 9-12. She opened with a 10,000 meter victory nearly a minute ahead (32:49.45) of Iowa State sophomore Betsy Saina (33:13.13). Koll was focused until the final lap when, encouraged by her coach to enjoy the moment, she looked over her shoulder and saw an ISU jersey following in second. Knowing Iowa State had a 1-2 finish ahead, she ran the last lap with a smile from ear to ear.
Koll closed out her collegiate running career 24 hours later by winning the 5,000 meter run. The bittersweet victory in 15:23 was the 11th fastest ever run by a collegiate runner. Koll, while sad to leave Iowa State, is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Next up for Koll is the USAT&F National
Championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines June 23-27.
First Annual Mullet Classic Fat Tire Festival this August
Expanding on the three year old Lake Aquabi Mountain Bike Race, Jed Gammell and Rob Versteegh announce the first annual Mullet Classic Fat Tire Festival to be held the same weekend. Lake Aquabi State Park will host the two-day festival that begins with a mountain bike skills clinic on Saturday evening, open for anyone wanting to improve their skills on a mountain bike.
Sunday is race day and includes the IMBCS categories for beginner, sport and expert racers vying for the season long Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series points. In addition, a 40-mile open category endurance cross country race will be held for both individuals and relays teams. Gammell promises that the beginner-friendly course will be both fun and fast. Tune in to bikeiowa.com for details as the fat-tired weekend approaches.
Racing opportunities for triathletes
Registration is currently open for a couple of great events for kids and adults alike.
While disappointed, the kids unable to participate in the Hy-Vee Triathlon have a second opportunity for a big-time race in Des Moines as the Flatland Kids’ Triathlon makes its debut on July 10 at Gray’s Lake. Offering races for kids age 6 through 17, there will be a race for every level. Registration is open for participants, and volunteers are needed for this day-long celebration of triathlon. Register at www.flatlandkidstri.com
For those wanting to complete an Olympic distance triathlon, Big Creek Triathlon is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, just north of Polk City. A long tradition of racing makes this race a special one, and the early August weather makes a rain-out unlikely. Known for its fast course, many athletes will set a personal record at Big Creek. The Big Creek Triathlon is a part of the season-long Flatland Multisport Race Series. Held on Sunday, Aug. 8, registration is currently open and can be found at www.flatlandseries.com.
Ichi Bike Opens In Beaverdale
Ichi — Japanese for “number one” — opened its doors on May 8. Owner Dan Koenig, a Des Moines Area tattoo artist, has a passion for vintage bikes and enjoys breathing new life into old steeds. He prefers old Schwinn balloon tire cruisers, because of their graceful lines and solid construction. After finding tired, old bikes, Koenig will strip them to the frame and powder-coat in vibrant colors. He then rebuilds them into townies, muscle bikes and choppers, complete with gorilla hanger handlebars and banana seats. Hopping on one for a spin around the block, you just cant help but smile! Click on www.ichibike.com for photos of some of his recent renovations.
