Share Your Photos: Record-Breaking Day for the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride

A news release from the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride:

A record-breaking day for the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride, 4,696 cyclists took part in the annual rite of passage in Washington County today.

Some arriving as early as 5 a.m. for the 7 a.m. start, enthusiasm and excitement ran rampant throughout the Washington County Fairgrounds as a record group of cyclists waited to kick off the Spring cycling season with what many are describing as the most beautiful weather in the 47 year history of the Minnesota Ironman.

In addition to the 3,680 pre-registered riders, a record-breaking 1,016 day-of registrants joined in the fun.

"In a year with expected great weather, the highest day-of registration typically tops out at about 500," Ride Director Jon Ridge said. "To have 1,016 additional cyclists show up and register today really speaks to the community's excitement about the move to Washington County and eagerness to get out and ride in this gorgeous weather!"

"The new routes and scenery were fantastic," adds Erik Saltvold, Owner of Erik's Bike Shop and Title Sponsor of the Minnesota Ironman.  "This is a great venue for the Minnesota Ironman, and I greatly look forward to next year."

Cyclists - and those being towed behind mom and dad - ranged in age from 2 to 84.

Truly an event for all, this year brought an especially high turnout for families.

"The beauty of cycling in this part of the Cities is that there are relatively flat areas that you can take your kids, as we saw today, and there are some really difficult challenges for trained athletes," Official Coach Bob McEnaney said. "With almost no time to train outdoors so far this year, I think today's Ironman brought the best out of many of us.  It was challenging, but fun.  And hey, this is the Minnesota Ironman after all!"