2008 Ironman bike ride in review

2008 Ironman Photo Gallery

Ironman 2008 Photos Joe Rudnicki

By Jon Ridge, Ride Director

Frosty the Ironman

We are blessed to host such a popular Minnesota bike ride in the Ironman. Every "last Sunday in April" we attract a large number of riders who just can't wait to get on their bikes and ride. The April 27, 2008 event was no different. True to the Ironman the weather was tough in 2008. In spite of sunshine and low winds the morning began at 28 degrees. With a high temp of 43 it became the second coldest Ironman in our 42 year history. Like true Minnesotans, riders enjoyed the day and came well prepared.

We appreciated the many great comments we received from riders on how we manage such a grand cycling event. We are also quick to point out that it takes nearly 300 volunteers to make everything work well. We start six months in advance of the ride to pull everything together. Our thanks to our volunteer staff, the schools and businesses that provide shelter for riders, the police and sheriff deputies that guide us and the eight communities that put up with more bikes than cars on the road for a Sunday in April.

In 2008, we staffed seven indoor rest stops with hot and cold beverages and food for thousands. Well signed, safe bike routes were patrolled by sag vans and school buses shuttled riders back to the start if they could not finish their planned route. The previous year-2007-provided us with 85 degrees and sunshine. A record 1100 riders started out on the 100 mile Ironman last year. Half that number tried it this year. It was a typical Ironman but like snowflakes they are never the same for the riders.

Here are a few statistics from the 2008 Ironman.

Also in 2008, we registered 427 youth riders who "road for free" when registered with a parent or guardian. Our team registrations were also popular with nearly 1,000 riders having signed up as a team.

A Salute to Lakeville

The year 2008 was also significant in Minnesota Ironman Ride history. We celebrated our 10th year hosting the ride in the city of Lakeville. It has been a marvelous partnership with their community and city leaders for this entire decade. We typically collaborate with police, school officials, public works, park and rec, chamber of commerce and the city council in planning every year's ride. Imagine after 50,000 riders, 3,000 volunteers and 10 years they still want us to come back.

The Ironman attracts riders from 12 states and several foreign countries. It also attracts riders from Lakeville, lots of them! Over 150 Lakeville residents signed up again in 2008 and many also ask to volunteer. Our sincere thanks to your community for its support of bicycling and the Minnesota Ironman. Thank you Lakeville.

Join us next year, for the 43rd Annual MN Ironman. We ride on SUNDAY, April 26th, 2009.

2008 Ironman Merchandise

IM Cap 2008If you would like to still purchase 2008 IM merchandise, or you did not make it to the 2008 Ironman, yet purchased merchandise during pre-registration, please contact us. We have some available merchandise for sale. See the Merchandise Page for selection.

  1. You may pick it up at our office during office hours (9am-2pm Mon-Thurs). Call ahead if you cannot make it during office hours. See address and directions below.
  2. You may send us a check for $3.00 (made out to HI-Minnesota) and we'll mail it to you. See address below...

Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride Office
622 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 (link to map)
Note: We are located above the Mississippi Market Food Co-op, 2nd floor, first office on the right.


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42 Years of Wind, Rain, Snow (And Some Sun!)

Sunshine Expected!Are you wondering what the weather is going to be like for this year's Ironman? So are we. If the past 41 years offer any indication, this year has a 34% chance of 70 degrees or warmer, a 66% chance of 0" percipitation, and only a 9% chance of it staying below 50 degrees all day long.

We had a chat with the unoffical weatherman of the Ironman, Doug Nelson, about past weather trends. Doug has kept a running log of the weather patterns on the last Sunday in April since the early 70s. You may be surpised by the numbers. Read More...

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