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PEDALS, PAIN, AND PERSEVERANCE Why I Torture Myself on 2 Wheels Every Spring
Spring is coming, and that means one thing — time to dust off my old mountain bike, brace myself for inevitable soreness, and take on my annual 100-mile biking challenge. Now, before you start picturing me as some Tour de France-level cyclist, let’s set the record straight. I’m not that guy. I don’t have a fancy road bike. I don’t own cycling shorts with aerodynamic seams ( though I do wear a pair with some extra padding, and trust me, I need it ). And I definitely don’t wake up at 5 a.m. every day to train. I’m just a guy with a 15-year-old bike from Dick’s Sporting Goods and a ridiculous yearly tradition that somehow keeps me coming back for more. It all started a few years ago after I had knee replacement surgery. Running was out, but I wasn’t ready to just sit around and let my fitness
Turns out, I could. Barely. And I have been subjecting myself to this insanity every year since. The way I approach it is simple. I start slow, easing into it with shorter rides in the spring — 10 miles here, 20 miles there. Then, I gradually build up to 30 or 40 miles per ride by late May or early June. And then one day, I just decide, “Alright, let’s do this.” No big send- off, no dramatic countdown — just me, my bike, and a whole lot of Gatorade. I start early, around 6 a.m., and break the ride into chunks. I stop every 25 miles to rehydrate, stretch, and remind myself why I ever thought this was a good idea. And let’s talk about the real battle here — not the hills, not the mileage, but the war between my body and my bike seat. By mile 83, my
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not just about fitness. It’s about proving to myself that I can still push my limits and won’t let excuses or discomfort hold me back. And yeah, I may walk funny for a week afterward, but it’s totally worth it. This year, I’m even considering upping the ante to 150 miles. I say “considering” because that’s a lot of extra time on a bike, and I’ll be honest — my backside is already filing a formal complaint just thinking about it. But who knows? Sometimes, the best challenges are the ones that sound the most ridiculous. So, if you need me this spring, I’ll be on my bike, rolling through cornfields, questioning my life choices, and loving every minute of it. –Darin Garman
slip away. So, I figured biking would be a good alternative. And it was … until I got bored. Riding a few miles here and there was fine, but where was the challenge? Where was the moment of sheer exhaustion followed by the euphoric realization that I survived something I probably shouldn’t have attempted? That’s when the idea hit me — why not push myself and see if I could ride 100 miles in a day?
backside feels like it’s been personally insulted by the universe, my shoulders are screaming from leaning over the handlebars, and grandpas 20 years older than me are zooming past me. But I keep going at my pace because, at that point, what choice do I have? Turn around and go home? Too late for that. And when I finally cross that imaginary finish line, exhausted and slightly delirious, I remember why I do this. It’s
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THE COLOSSEUM’S WILDEST SPECTACLE Rome’s Awesome Aquatic Battles
included seals and hippos. So, why did Romans go to such lengths? More than entertainment, naumachiae was a statement of imperial power. Such Roman spectacles entertained the masses while reinforcing the empire’s might. THE CHALLENGE OF ARENA BATTLES Of course, flooding the Colosseum was not easy. It’s believed the same aqueducts used to supply the city with water were also used to fill up the arena, and special flat-bottomed ships capable of navigating shallow waters made the events possible. The discovery of an ancient drainage system also provided new insights into how Roman engineers may have efficiently removed water from the arena to prepare it for other events. WHY IT’S MORE THAN JUST A WEIRD STORY The logistical challenges of flooding an arena to a depth sufficient for floating ships eventually led them to abandon the naumachiae after only a handful of events. Yet, these extravagant displays reveal much about Roman culture. They highlight the empire’s unmatched ability to combine practicality and imagination to create spectacles that continue to captivate and inspire us centuries later.
The Roman Colosseum is famous for its gladiator combat, but did you know it was once flooded with water for full-scale naval battles? While this might sound like Hollywood fiction, it actually took place and is one of the more epic tales from Roman history. Known as naumachiae , a Greek term that translates to “naval combat,” these battles were a feat of ancient engineering and showcased Rome’s appetite for over-the-top entertainment. For a society captivated by lions and gladiators, transforming the iconic Colosseum into an aquatic battlefield was the ultimate flex — a bizarre yet undeniably brilliant display of Roman ingenuity and excess. THE SPECTACLE OF NAUMACHIAE Imagine thousands of spectators cheering as tiny warships clashed in a flooded arena. Dating back to the third century B.C., these mock sea battles weren’t small staged skirmishes; they were elaborate naval reenactments complete
with ships, soldiers, and condemned criminals and prisoners of war forced to play the role of combatants. In some cases, these spectacles recreated historical battles or mythological scenes. One naumachiae held by Nero in 57 A.D. even
OUR FAMILY SAYS GOODBYE TO COACH
We Lost Our Beloved Shetland Sheepdog
If you have ever had the unfortunate task of putting your dog down, you know it’s extremely hard. In past issues, I have talked about our two dogs, Bosworth and Coach. Both are Shetland sheepdogs and great dogs that have been terrific for our family. We have a great connection with our “guys.” However, a few months ago, Coach started having issues. One of his eyes began to get cloudy and off-color. We took him to a vet and then a specialist vet for surgery on his eye. After spending a lot of time and money on eye surgery, we thought we were in the clear with Coach. Then, a couple of months after the surgery, we started noticing one of his nostrils filling up with some kind of crud that was blocking the airway in the nostril. We took Coach to the vet again, and during the exam, the vet found a huge tumor around Coach’s stomach. The vet felt it was all related, and the outlook for Coach was not good. We took Coach home and gave him some pain meds that the vet gave us. Coach seemed to be doing much better for a couple of weeks,
pulling through and handling things great. Then, suddenly, Coach stopped eating and was having trouble getting up or standing from a sitting position. We knew it was time. We talked to the vet and scheduled the day for Coach to be put down. Another very hard thing to do — time the death of your dog. The day before Coach was to be put down, we had a little dinner party for Coach. My kids came over and said their last goodbyes to Coach, even the grandkids. Coach was still not eating much but ate some steak and all the ice cream we gave him. That night, Coach slept with Gina and me in our bed, and the next morning, we dragged ourselves to the vet with Coach debating the entire time if this was something that we REALLY needed to do. We agreed, sadly, that it was time. I have talked before in my newsletters about how I think dogs KNOW they are going to the vet, and this morning was no exception. Gina held him in her lap as we drove silently to the vet. I will stop here, knowing that you obviously know what came next. We stayed during the procedure and even
for a while afterward, talking to Coach and telling him what a great dog he was.
Our family will miss Coach, and so will his brother Bosworth. We all have great memories of a terrific dog that loved his family.
–Darin
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SOLUTION
Iowa’s mountain biking scene has it all, from fast-flowing singletrack to rugged, advanced-level descents that challenge even the most seasoned riders. Whether you’re weaving through pine forests, climbing steep switchbacks, or flying down rolling trails, these scenic routes promise adventure, adrenaline, and breathtaking views at every turn. SUGAR BOTTOM TRAILS, SOLON Shred some serious dirt at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, a 14-mile maze of twisting singletrack trails that weaves through dense woodlands, peaceful pine groves, and open meadows. This trail system serves up a mix of smooth flow and gnarly technical sections that keep rookies and seasoned riders on their toes. The one-way loop layout makes it easy to find your groove, and with numbered routes, clear difficulty markers, and a backbone gravel road for easy navigation, adventure is guaranteed! SYCAMORE TRAILS, JOHNSTON If you love speed and smooth rides, Sycamore Trails is calling your name! Winding along the west side of the Des Moines River, this 10-mile playground is perfect for riders of all skill levels. Flow through the tight ribbons of the West Trail, conquer the rolling dips of the Pump Trail, or weave through towering trees on the High Life Trail. Just be aware that these trails are shared with walkers and runners, so ride smart! CENTER TRAILS, DES MOINES Tucked into the heart of Des Moines, the Center Trails system is packed with thrills, spills, and enough twists and turns to keep your adrenaline pumping. Kick things off at Ashworth Pool, roll onto the Bill Riley Trail, then dive into miles of professionally built singletrack. The aptly named Rollercoaster Trail delivers steep climbs, free-ride bridges, and fast descents, while the leg- burning Hillside Trail serves up some of the area’s toughest climbs. DECORAH HUMAN POWERED TRAILS, DECORAH With over 20 miles of singletrack crisscrossing Decorah’s rugged 600-acre park system, these trails offer everything from beginner-friendly loops to heart-pounding technical descents. Rocky Road Trail in Van Peenan Park will put your legs to the test with steep climbs, while the Pines and Prairie Trails provide gentle loops perfect for new riders. For a challenge, tackle the rocky terrain of Ice Cave Park and Dunning’s Spring Park, where tight turns and limestone bluffs keep things interesting.
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Darin and Isaiah Garman: Heartland’s Most Trusted Multi-Family Investment & Property Management Advisors HEARTLAND INVESTMENT COMPANIES
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1350 Boyson Rd. A1 Hiawatha, IA 52233 DarinGarman.com 319-540-9070
Page 1 Darin (Reluctantly) Springs Into His Annual 100-Mile Cycling Challenge Page 2 Naval Combat Inside the Roman Colosseum? Losing Our Dog Page 3 Ride the Best Trails in Iowa and Amp Up Your Mountain Biking Game Apartment Investment Success Page 4 Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME DISCOVER THE ENDLESS BEACHES AND VIBRANT CULTURE OF ANTIGUA
Can you imagine escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua. Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay’s silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach’s surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981.
more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea. Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries-old artisan craft of forming tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archaeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum. Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England. Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archaeological sites and
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‘Made In The USA’ Investing
10 Years To $1 Billion How You Could Own Over $1 Billion In Iowa Multi-Family Real Estate
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Is There Any Information I Can Get Prior To The Webinar?: Yes! You can preview our property holdings catalog by calling our offices anytime at 800-471-0856 and requesting that it be sent to you. There is no obligation. Are There Any Qualifications? Yes. All investors will need to be accredited investors as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, however, you do not have to be accredited to obtain the information.
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