Photos: 3,000 Race in Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride

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Despite the threat of rain, most riders agreed: Conditions were ideal for this year's 46th Annual Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride and Minnesota Gran Fondo.

More than 3,000 participants took off from  by 9 a.m. Sunday, and Jon Ridge, the executive director of Hostelling International, which organizes the ride, said the mood among this year's riders was excellent.

"It's shaping out to be a great event," he said.

Part race, part bike adventure, the Minnesota Ironman explores some of 's neighbors to the south by way of five different courses, including 17, 30, 50, 68 and 100 mile routes.

"It's for racers and it's for the family," Ridge said.

The event attracts riders from across the state and even the nation.

Marsha Hicks, 33, rode the 50-mile course. Coming from Missouri, Hicks said she and her husband have been to Minnesota four times, all for the Ironman.

"We have a group of friends who love to ride and we all come up for it each year," she said. "It's a beautiful ride."

Some participants and top finishers from Apple Valley, by place, including name, age and finish time:

100-mile race

• 13th place—Alain Crosfield, 47, 5:06:26
• 28th place—Steve Lee, 53, 5:24:07

50-mile race

• 39th place—Scott Roschi, 42, 3:10:20
• 77th place—Robert Mattson, 60, 3:38:41
• 88th place—Carrie Lueck, 33, 3:52:22
• 89th place—Nathan Lueck, 34, 3:52:23

Click here to see this year's full results.

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