|
Patrick Irwin from Sewanee, TN wins the 2001 Iditasport Extreme on a Surly singlespeed!! 350 miles of racing across the frozen Alaskan outback. After thawing out in the hot tub for a couple of days, Patrick agreed to do a tag-team interview with Single Speeds Anonymous and Dragon Tongue Singlespeeds.
SSA: How do you feel?
PI: Like I just spent a week pushing and riding my SS over Alaskan tundra and mountain ranges ...
SSA: Okay, but how do you REALLY feel?
PI: Like I can win it again ...
DT: Who or what is your inspiration for racing SS?
PI: Simplicity and that feeling that comes with it ...
SSA: Do you think you could have done better on a geared bike?
PI: No ... and I would have worried more about the bike.
DT: What was the strangest thing you saw or imagined during the race?
PI: Oddly enough I felt right at home, which is why I'm moving back to Alaska in a few weeks. I mean, it's -25F, I'm alone pushing my SS in the dark over Rainy Pass toward the ever remote Rohn cabin, while the Northern Lights danced overhead. I was in my element ... One guy from Britain saw the Pope who offered him a chocolate biscuit, and another kept seeing CamelBack bladders wrapped in Christmas lights on the trail. He must have been thirsty!
DT: Got any good Stamstead stories?
PI: The man has it down to a science, but can still eat some of the nastiest shit I've ever seen. Sardines and Gummy Bears come to mind ...
SSA: Could you tell us a little bit about your bike setup?
PI: Stock Surly, Race Face, XT V-brakes, SRAM carbon levers, Salsa riser, Oury grips, very nice Wellgo Mag platforms, Spot hubs/Tioga rims/WTB 2.4 rubber, Ti post/WTB steel saddle, Headland post rack/seat collar, 2 frame bags, bar bag, sleep bag on rear rack, lots of bungee cords!
DT: Tights or Sno-bib?
PI: Loose fitting Bellweather windfront tights with baggy cycle shorts under and knee warmers, good to -50F.
SSA: Do you do much riding in the winter?
PI: All winter, but that ain't sayin' much in TN.
DT: What kind of training did you do to prepare for the temperatures?
PI: Pray
SSA: Are you surly?
PI: Not if I got laid ...
DT: Did your Surly 1x1 bike mess with the other racers minds?
PI: I think they now realize that it's for real, but I'm sure they blew me off in the beginning. They seemed to be surprised when they got to the overnight campout to see me drinking a beer and 1 hr ahead of them already.
DT: After your Iditasport Extreme experience, who would win in an ice derby ... you or Hurl?
PI: Hurl is God ... Hurl is God ... Hurl is God ...
SSA: Do you make good moonshine?
PI: The best I've had ...
DT: What's your secret for racing SS on a pro level?
PI: A don't give a shit attitude is mandatory, and stay on the bike.
SSA: Any good advice for fellow singlespeeders who want to get into endurance racing?
PI: Notify your next of kin ...
SSA: What sort of freak is Patrick Irwin?
PI: A well educated bike racer who prefers to keep it simple and fun.
DT: In the eyes of many singlespeeders, you've been elevated to demi-god status ... what's next?
PI: God status! Or maybe I'll settle for winning the race to Nome next year. Look for a summer version this year.
|
