For Maple Grove’s Jonathan Griebel, cycling is a fun way to stay in shape and
enjoy the great outdoors. But don’t be fooled—although this humble grandfather
calls himself a “recreational cyclist,” his bike resume is pretty impressive.
Griebel is getting ready for his 19th year of riding in the Minnesota Ironman
Bicycle Ride, the state’s oldest and longest-running organized bike ride. “It’s
a personal challenge to ride 100 miles in the spring,” he says. “I love the
challenge—the harder the better!”

This year’s 48th annual Minnesota Ironman (which isn’t related to the
similarly-named Ironman triathlon) will be held in and around Stillwater amid
the rolling hills of the St. Croix River valley. Those hills and the
unpredictable spring weather are all part of the fun,” Griebel says. “When
you’re riding a bicycle in April, it snows, it rains—anything. But [training]
keeps you going in the spring. It’s a way to get outside.” Griebel rides as
often as he can, sometimes commuting by bike to his job as a food scientist at
General Mills. “[Training] depends on the weather,” he says. “During the winter,
I do cross-country skiing … It just comes down to putting in the miles.” And if
he doesn’t put in the miles? Well, that 100-mile ride can feel a whole lot
longer. “One year, by mile 72 I was dragging. A lady came up alongside me and
asked, ‘You’re not going to quit, are you?’ I said, ‘I guess not!’ But that was
probably the longest leg [of the ride] ever.”

The Minnesota Ironman is open to riders of all ages and skill levels. It’s
not a race, say event organizers, just a way to challenge yourself and enjoy the
scenery. Cyclists can choose from a 15-, 30-, 60- or 100-mile course, or combine
a couple of courses into a custom loop. “I always try to do the 100-mile ride,”
says Griebel, who participates in a few other “century” (100-mile) rides each
year. “But sometimes things get in the way. One year, I had to quit early
because my grandson was being baptized!” he says with a laugh. Now that’s
devotion—and Griebel estimates that he’s failed to finish only that one year in
his almost-20-year run.

Cycling is truly a lifelong love for Griebel. “I remember the first time I
rode a bike,” he says with a smile. “It was a big, blue, 26-inch ladies’ bike. I
had three older sisters!” Griebel taught himself how to ride, with plenty of
bruises and scrapes along the way. “I’ve had a passion for it all my life. It’s
a really nice way to stay in shape—as part of my job [designing new foods for
General Mills], I have to eat a lot, so biking is a good way to burn calories,”
he laughs.

Last year’s Ironman was extra-special for Griebel, as he shared his passion
for the ride with his grandson Ricky Soto, 14. “He’s pretty motivated,” Griebel
says. Soto is a baseball and football player, and Griebel recommended cycling as
a great way to build stamina. “Ricky said, ‘I want to do the Ironman with you.’”
The duo trained together and had a blast hitting the trail. “It’s very cool,”
says Griebel. “I’m pretty proud of him for making so many miles last year.” This
year, Griebel’s younger grandson Johnny Soto, 11, is joining the team—and the
Ironman will be a true family affair. //

Jonathan Griebel and his grandson, Ricky Soto.

Saddle Up

Still craving more trail time after the Ironman? Here are a few of our

favorite area bike rides this season.

Still craving more trail time after the Ironman? Here are a few of our favorite area bike rides this season.

Bike MS: This popular ride is organized by the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, and cyclists’ pledges go toward supporting MS care
and research. Choose a 22- or 52-mile course around the Twin Cities. May 10;
ends at Century College, Mahtomedi; 800.582.5296; nationalmssociety.org

Red Ribbon Ride: Go the distance to support nine Minnesota
AIDS organizations with this four-day ride through some gorgeous countryside.
Overnight stops included! July 17–20; starts at Mall of America, Bloomington;
redribbonride.org

Maple Grove Rides: Maple Grove Cycling organizes weekly
rides all spring and summer long. Join friends and neighbors for a Relaxed Ride,
a Fitness Ride, a Mountain Bike Ride and more. April–September; Maple Grove
Cycling; maplegrovecycling.com

&
Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride
April 27
Washington Country Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N., Stillwater
ironmanbikeride.org