The MN Hosteller

Ironman biker 2006. Photo Joe Rudnicki

42 Years of Wind, Rain, snow (and
some Sun!)

By Maggie Blehert

Almost everyone knows that the Minnesota Ironman® Bike Ride got its name because of how early it falls each year, the lack of training it affords most riders and the probability of inclement weather. So it might surprise you to hear how many of its 41 years the temperature actually hit 70 degrees or higher in the Twin Cities. The answer? Fourteen!

We recently chatted with unofficial weather record-keeper of the Ironman, Doug Nelson. Nelson was the Minnesota AYH newsletter editor from 1979-1993, and has edited the TCBC newsletter ever since. As such, it's critical that he informs past, present and future riders about historical weather data.

If you find it difficult to believe that the Ironman has actually enjoyed so many days in the 70s, look no further than last year. In a nearly perfect Chamber of Commerce day, it hit 85 degrees at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, which is the weather station from which Nelson tracks the statistics each year, for consistency's sake.

Of course, it's the wind, rain and snow of previous years that jumps to most riders' minds. And for good reason. We have had our share of memorable rides.

Ironman participants during the beautiful 2007 ride. Photo Joe Rudnicki.

The coldest morning on the books came in 1990, when the thermometer plunged to 28 degrees. It has snowed or flurried a few years, most notably in 1984, when the ride started and finished at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. According to Nelson's records, it started raining in mid-afternoon, but then turned to snow in late afternoon. Eight inches of snow had fallen by that night. Fortunately, there was a recovery room in the building at the finish, which helped out a lot of weary riders in need of a warm up.

It has stayed below 50 degrees all day for four years' worth of rides. In 2006, it rained until mid-afternoon.

Ironman organizers also point out that sag vehicles are constantly cruising the route. Should a rider need assistance due to weather or any other factor at any point during a ride, the volunteer support team will respond and carry them safely back to ride headquarters in Lakeville.

So does the Ironman get a bad rap because of the weather? Nelson says it may be a matter of selective memory: "If you look at the stats, we haven't had many bad years. It just seems that way," he noted.

On the Fence about Registering? Consider this.

In this age of 24/7 activity, it has become more tempting for some riders to wait until the morning of the ride and let weather conditions dictate their decision on whether to show up. But that can be misleading. "You can never judge Ironman conditions by what you see in your backyard," cautioned Nelson. One of the most blatant examples of this took place in 2002. It snowed in many parts of the metro the night before the Ironman. It spooked many riders out of riding. Those who showed up in Lakeville were pleasantly surprised that despite chilly weather, it wasn't snowing there. In fact, according to Nelson, the roads were a little wet that Sunday morning, but even they dried out later in the day.

Nelson himself may be the best case study in weather's impact on riders. He's done the ride every year since 1979. He's completed the 60 mile route all but two of those years, when he opted for the 30 mile version. "I've always done at least 30. Yeah, it might be raining, or yeah, it might be snowing, but even if it's like that, you can still do 30," said Nelson.

Spoken like a true Ironman.

> Go to Top of Page

Newsletter Menu : Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5