Gonzo journo: Getting ready for Powderhorn 24 on June 22

I’m in the community room at the bustling Franklin Library waiting for a computer to open on June 14.  This post is a teaser for my upcoming gonzo journalism adventure in the Powderhorn 24 about which I’ll be writing next weekend (June 22nd – 23rd).

True to Minnesota form, the locals are abuzz about the weather today: baseball-sized hail according to their gestures.  The weather next weekend sounds much more promising: highs in the 70s and 0% chance of rain.  I’d prefer to keep myself and the equipment dry, especially in what is sure to be an Epic Bike Ride.

The Powderhorn 24 is a 24-hour bike race in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis.  I’ll be riding in it, if not racing, and doing some bona fide Gonzo Journalism.  I’ll probably pull over during the writing.  I’ll send my updates to Editor Mary Turck via email, YouTube, or whatever other method becomes available over the 24-hour stretch.  It is expected that my writing will devolve in length, quality, and coherence as the night and morning chug along.

The race has solo categories in male and female, and team categories in male, female, and co-ed.  Helmets are required, and lights from dusk to dawn. There are checkpoints on the race course where you must check in order to get an official lap.  There will be bonus checkpoints with challenges at different times during the race to get bonus laps.  The course is approximately five miles.

I’m in the solo category as Team Jonsey.  Riding solo, my journalism won’t get in the way of a teammate’s racing, and their racing won’t get in the way of my journalism.

I am very excited to be a part of this and to share my experience with you.  Look to the Twin Cities Daily Planet next weekend for real-time updates.

Powderhorn is the largest park in the neighborhood covering 68 acres of land including 12 acres of water, and features a recreation center and several athletic fields.

The park boundaries continue along 10th-15th Avenues and from halfway into the 3100 block to 35th St.

Powderhorn Park is host to several important events each year, including the annual 4th of July Celebration, May Day Festival and the Powderhorn Arts Festival. 

 

3100 15th Avenue S.

Minneapolis, MN

Phone: 

612-370-4960

http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=244

• Outdoor/Recreation/Sports