[RBW] What have I done?
Wow, Rusty... That's quite the event (so I'm told by a friend and his wife who rode it a few years ago). And contrary to popular belief, Iowa ain't totally flat. Good luck; I say go for it!!! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[RBW] What have I done?
Any list members riding RAGBRAI this year? They (RAGBRAI) have called my bluff, and informed me that I have gotten in via the lottery. Now, I'm hoping that my knees can keep me, and my Sam Hillborne, rolling! So far, I'm guardedly optimistic about this. NSAIDS, electrolytes, and pie will have to keep me going. Any advice, or warnings out there from previous riders? Rusty Click Pittsburgh, PA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[RBW] What have I done?
Take a jar of motrin and keep hydrated for your knees. Take the motrin before you ride -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
Bob, I rode the GAP/CO last summer. It was a wonderful trip. I am also happy to share any info or answer any questions. I think 7 days sounds like a fine pace. I live in the DC area and will be around when you arrive. I would be happy to meet up before you drive to Pittsburg. I will be away by the the time you return from Pittsburgh. Be in touch off list for contact info should you need anything upon your arrival in DC. All the best, Erl Houston -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
I have never done RAGBRAI, but when I have done large tours in the past, I have always gotten up at 4:30-5:00am so I could get a prime camping spot the next day, as you mention. If the camping spot is the local HS baseball field, you don't want to end up along the basepaths, or you'll be camping in dirt or gravel rather than grass. Of course, when you do tours in the mountains, the other incentive to get up super early is to get over the passes before the mountain thunderstorms in the afternoon. This doesn't apply to Iowa as much, although in any locale thunderstorms are most likely to form in the afternoon. On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 10:22 AM, Tim Gavin tim.ga...@littlevillagemag.com wrote: I'm riding the last 3 days with my girlfriend and her father. I'll be on my 650b Riv Road, my girlfriend on her Soma San Marcos, and her father on his 80s Raleigh that I rebuilt for him, Riv-style. We did the full week last year but are doing our own thing this year. We live near Hiawatha (Thursday night), so we're riding to Cedar Falls from here on Weds, riding back to Hiawatha with RAGBRAI on Thursday, riding partially off-route and partially off-pavement to Coralville on Friday, and riding with RAGBRAI to the end on Saturday. RAGBRAI is a ton of fun, normally uptight Iowans get totally loose. The local hosts give a bemused smile, shaking their heads but taking your money. It's a very good-natured ride. BUT: it has several challenges 1) the ride itself 2) the weather 3) the people 1) The ride is long. This year's days are pretty consistent, from 56 to 74 miles. There are hills (steep, short rollers). Ron has good advice, water and ibuprofen are helpful. Ride at your own pace. If you're slow, then get going early and ride the day with generous stops. RAGBRAI organizes official stopover towns throughout the route, and there are plenty of other opportunities to stop. Many vendors will rent farmyards along the route and set up professional operations each day. Favorites include: Farm Boys' burritos (hearty breakfast) Iowa Conservation team (free bananas, postcards, and water) Iowa Corn board (sweet corn paradise) Beekman's ice cream (made with 2-stroke ag engines) Mr. Pork Chop (substantial, fresh smoked chops) Iowa craft beer tent (usually in the last section of the day's route, thankfully) The vendors in the towns are often more conventional. I prefer to find local restaurants, but they're usually swamped by crowds. Local churches often have benefit suppers, offering spaghetti or similar. Those are the best spots for pie. I had a wonderful blackberry pie with lemon streusel on top last year that may currently hold the top prize. 2) Iowa summers can be brutal, with 90 degree days and 90 percent humidity. Sun screen is mandatory (and needs to be re-applied often), although you see a handful of lobsters after day 1. It can get very hot by noon, so that's another good reason to get some miles in early in the day. Bring mosquito repellent for when you stop. We get some pretty impressive thunderstorms in Iowa. We got caught in one last year, and the wind tore my girlfriend's dad's vinyl poncho right off his back while we were desperately riding to the next town. We huddled in the high school (it smelled like wet canines in there, yuck). I was soaked to the bone and shivering, and didn't fully recover until about an hour later with bright sunshine and a hot pork chop. You can bring rain gear if you want, but I don't because it just makes me sopping wet from sweat instead of wet from rain. But, a change of riding clothes in a dry bag would be a great idea for a day with a chance of storms. 3) RAGBRAI is a traveling circus. More than 20,000 riders (official numbers are difficult because many people ride without passes), support RVs and cars, vendors, etc. Even if you pull off the road to fertilize the cornfield (everyone does it. bring TP), you may find that someone else is using the facilities a couple rows over. You're always in a crowd on RAGBRAI. I find these crowds fun for a short while, and then they're just frustrating. It's imperative to my sanity that I get a break now and again. The RAGBRAI routing is thorough but pretty myopic; it stays on main roads to keep folks from getting lost. I prefer to get off the main route sometimes to explore, or to go to a restaurant without 500 bikers already in line. Your RAGBRAI pass entitles you to lots of support, including bag drag each day to the campsite in the next town. But that campsite is often the high school football field, or the local city park. Shared with 5,000 or more people. The showers are not free, and usually have very long lines. Cell phone charging is very rare (bring an extension cord with multiple sockets so you can share an outlet). The noise is ever-present as well. You'll get passed by folks playing really crappy music, really loudly,
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
Great info, and advice Tim. I hadn’t thought of the bug spray, thanks. I just into a group that has a support van, and they have been doing this for a long time. they carry the bags, etc., and try to get nearby camping at private residences, or private camp sites. I’ll check our accommodations when it gets close, and maybe join you in Hiawatha if we’re nearby, to say hello at least. If you see messages on the board for PMM (Pennsylvania Mountain Men), that’s us. I’ll be riding a green Sam with DTT’s. Hope to see you amongst the masses! Again, Thanks Rusty On Jun 11, 2015, at 11:22 AM, Tim Gavin tim.ga...@littlevillagemag.com wrote: I'm riding the last 3 days with my girlfriend and her father. I'll be on my 650b Riv Road, my girlfriend on her Soma San Marcos, and her father on his 80s Raleigh that I rebuilt for him, Riv-style. We did the full week last year but are doing our own thing this year. We live near Hiawatha (Thursday night), so we're riding to Cedar Falls from here on Weds, riding back to Hiawatha with RAGBRAI on Thursday, riding partially off-route and partially off-pavement to Coralville on Friday, and riding with RAGBRAI to the end on Saturday. RAGBRAI is a ton of fun, normally uptight Iowans get totally loose. The local hosts give a bemused smile, shaking their heads but taking your money. It's a very good-natured ride. BUT: it has several challenges 1) the ride itself 2) the weather 3) the people 1) The ride is long. This year's days are pretty consistent, from 56 to 74 miles. There are hills (steep, short rollers). Ron has good advice, water and ibuprofen are helpful. Ride at your own pace. If you're slow, then get going early and ride the day with generous stops. RAGBRAI organizes official stopover towns throughout the route, and there are plenty of other opportunities to stop. Many vendors will rent farmyards along the route and set up professional operations each day. Favorites include: Farm Boys' burritos (hearty breakfast) Iowa Conservation team (free bananas, postcards, and water) Iowa Corn board (sweet corn paradise) Beekman's ice cream (made with 2-stroke ag engines) Mr. Pork Chop (substantial, fresh smoked chops) Iowa craft beer tent (usually in the last section of the day's route, thankfully) The vendors in the towns are often more conventional. I prefer to find local restaurants, but they're usually swamped by crowds. Local churches often have benefit suppers, offering spaghetti or similar. Those are the best spots for pie. I had a wonderful blackberry pie with lemon streusel on top last year that may currently hold the top prize. 2) Iowa summers can be brutal, with 90 degree days and 90 percent humidity. Sun screen is mandatory (and needs to be re-applied often), although you see a handful of lobsters after day 1. It can get very hot by noon, so that's another good reason to get some miles in early in the day. Bring mosquito repellent for when you stop. We get some pretty impressive thunderstorms in Iowa. We got caught in one last year, and the wind tore my girlfriend's dad's vinyl poncho right off his back while we were desperately riding to the next town. We huddled in the high school (it smelled like wet canines in there, yuck). I was soaked to the bone and shivering, and didn't fully recover until about an hour later with bright sunshine and a hot pork chop. You can bring rain gear if you want, but I don't because it just makes me sopping wet from sweat instead of wet from rain. But, a change of riding clothes in a dry bag would be a great idea for a day with a chance of storms. 3) RAGBRAI is a traveling circus. More than 20,000 riders (official numbers are difficult because many people ride without passes), support RVs and cars, vendors, etc. Even if you pull off the road to fertilize the cornfield (everyone does it. bring TP), you may find that someone else is using the facilities a couple rows over. You're always in a crowd on RAGBRAI. I find these crowds fun for a short while, and then they're just frustrating. It's imperative to my sanity that I get a break now and again. The RAGBRAI routing is thorough but pretty myopic; it stays on main roads to keep folks from getting lost. I prefer to get off the main route sometimes to explore, or to go to a restaurant without 500 bikers already in line. Your RAGBRAI pass entitles you to lots of support, including bag drag each day to the campsite in the next town. But that campsite is often the high school football field, or the local city park. Shared with 5,000 or more people. The showers are not free, and usually have very long lines. Cell phone charging is very rare (bring an extension cord with multiple sockets so you can share an outlet). The noise is ever-present as well. You'll get passed by folks playing really crappy music,
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
Rusty Good to hear that you found a team. That's definitely the better way to do it. The team will take care of you. I'd like to join a team, but all the ones I meet are drinking clubs with a riding problem. I'm sure we'll see each other on the ride. Although there are lots of different riders and bicycles, Rivs stand out. Let me know if you want to ride some gravel on Friday. On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 10:46 AM, Dale Click click...@gmail.com wrote: Great info, and advice Tim. I hadn’t thought of the bug spray, thanks. I just into a group that has a support van, and they have been doing this for a long time. they carry the bags, etc., and try to get nearby camping at private residences, or private camp sites. I’ll check our accommodations when it gets close, and maybe join you in Hiawatha if we’re nearby, to say hello at least. If you see messages on the board for PMM (Pennsylvania Mountain Men), that’s us. I’ll be riding a green Sam with DTT’s. Hope to see you amongst the masses! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
Have a great time! I've done it twice and actually hooked up with some list members the last time (2013). I hope to do it again next year but this year I've got other plans. As has been suggested some of the vendors along the way are great. Though I'll admit I've given up pie, if you haven't check out all the great pies along the way - you can find the best at the various churches that open up their doors along the way. I'm jealous (just a little - I'll be riding the GAP/CO this year). Aloha, Bob On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 4:14 AM, Rusty Click click...@gmail.com wrote: Any list members riding RAGBRAI this year? They (RAGBRAI) have called my bluff, and informed me that I have gotten in via the lottery. Now, I'm hoping that my knees can keep me, and my Sam Hillborne, rolling! So far, I'm guardedly optimistic about this. NSAIDS, electrolytes, and pie will have to keep me going. Any advice, or warnings out there from previous riders? Rusty Click Pittsburgh, PA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Robert Harrison Honolulu, HI rfharri...@gmail.com statrix.com Wu Name: Tha Eurythmic King of Nowhere -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
Hi Bob, You will enjoy the GAP/CO. My friends and I occasionally provide bike escort to tour groups (arranged through Bike-the-Gap). Mostly, for the transitional ride out of Pittsburgh, but sometimes full length or to Cumberland where we, the guides, turn around and ride back. Let me know if I can help with anything. I can steer you towards things to see here in Pittsburgh, or suggest things for along the route. If you are in town a day or two in advance of your departure, I can take you for a ride around town. If schedules work out(you didn't specify dates), at the very least I could ride a bit with you and your group to say Hi! You can also use me as a local emergency contact, if the need arises. Thanks, Rusty Click 724-554-1909 On Jun 11, 2015, at 12:14 PM, Robert F. Harrison rfharri...@gmail.com wrote: Have a great time! I've done it twice and actually hooked up with some list members the last time (2013). I hope to do it again next year but this year I've got other plans. As has been suggested some of the vendors along the way are great. Though I'll admit I've given up pie, if you haven't check out all the great pies along the way - you can find the best at the various churches that open up their doors along the way. I'm jealous (just a little - I'll be riding the GAP/CO this year). Aloha, Bob On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 4:14 AM, Rusty Click click...@gmail.com mailto:click...@gmail.com wrote: Any list members riding RAGBRAI this year? They (RAGBRAI) have called my bluff, and informed me that I have gotten in via the lottery. Now, I'm hoping that my knees can keep me, and my Sam Hillborne, rolling! So far, I'm guardedly optimistic about this. NSAIDS, electrolytes, and pie will have to keep me going. Any advice, or warnings out there from previous riders? Rusty Click Pittsburgh, PA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com mailto:rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com mailto:rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Robert Harrison Honolulu, HI rfharri...@gmail.com mailto:rfharri...@gmail.com statrix.com http://statrix.com/ Wu Name: Tha Eurythmic King of Nowhere -- You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/qD8hg78FQ84/unsubscribe https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/qD8hg78FQ84/unsubscribe. To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com mailto:rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com mailto:rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
I've said it before, and will publicly say it again: This is list is the best collection of people on the internet that I know of! On Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 10:44:56 AM UTC-7, Rusty Click wrote: Hi Bob, You will enjoy the GAP/CO. My friends and I occasionally provide bike escort to tour groups (arranged through Bike-the-Gap). Mostly, for the transitional ride out of Pittsburgh, but sometimes full length or to Cumberland where we, the guides, turn around and ride back. Let me know if I can help with anything. I can steer you towards things to see here in Pittsburgh, or suggest things for along the route. If you are in town a day or two in advance of your departure, I can take you for a ride around town. If schedules work out(you didn't specify dates), at the very least I could ride a bit with you and your group to say Hi! You can also use me as a local emergency contact, if the need arises. Thanks, Rusty Click 724-554-1909 On Jun 11, 2015, at 12:14 PM, Robert F. Harrison rfhar...@gmail.com javascript: wrote: Have a great time! I've done it twice and actually hooked up with some list members the last time (2013). I hope to do it again next year but this year I've got other plans. As has been suggested some of the vendors along the way are great. Though I'll admit I've given up pie, if you haven't check out all the great pies along the way - you can find the best at the various churches that open up their doors along the way. I'm jealous (just a little - I'll be riding the GAP/CO this year). Aloha, Bob On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 4:14 AM, Rusty Click clic...@gmail.com javascript: wrote: Any list members riding RAGBRAI this year? They (RAGBRAI) have called my bluff, and informed me that I have gotten in via the lottery. Now, I'm hoping that my knees can keep me, and my Sam Hillborne, rolling! So far, I'm guardedly optimistic about this. NSAIDS, electrolytes, and pie will have to keep me going. Any advice, or warnings out there from previous riders? Rusty Click Pittsburgh, PA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com javascript:. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com javascript:. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Robert Harrison Honolulu, HI rfhar...@gmail.com javascript: statrix.com Wu Name: Tha Eurythmic King of Nowhere -- You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/qD8hg78FQ84/unsubscribe . To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com javascript:. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com javascript:. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
Wow! Thanks so much Dale. Unfortunately we won't be in Pittsburgh long at all (though there may be time for coffee or something). I'll be arriving in Pittsburgh sometime on Saturday July 11th after driving up from DC with my riding buddy. We'll be leaving for the ride the next morning (he has limited time). I can't say when we'll get to Pittsburgh exactly, but I'm hoping for late afternoon so we can get in a quick ride around town. I'll send details off-list and perhaps we can meet and I'd love to hear your take on the GAP/CO and what not to miss. We're taking our time doing it over seven days so we should have plenty of time for stops, photos. We aren't camping and already have our reservations so we more or less know where we'll be every afternoon, but since it's over 7 days we've got lots of time each day (even at our slow pace). I agree with David (cyclotourist), the best collection of people on the internet that I know of! I'll send contact information off list! Aloha, Bob On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 7:44 AM, Dale Click click...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Bob, You will enjoy the GAP/CO. My friends and I occasionally provide bike escort to tour groups (arranged through Bike-the-Gap). Mostly, for the transitional ride out of Pittsburgh, but sometimes full length or to Cumberland where we, the guides, turn around and ride back. Let me know if I can help with anything. I can steer you towards things to see here in Pittsburgh, or suggest things for along the route. If you are in town a day or two in advance of your departure, I can take you for a ride around town. If schedules work out(you didn't specify dates), at the very least I could ride a bit with you and your group to say Hi! You can also use me as a local emergency contact, if the need arises. Thanks, Rusty Click 724-554-1909 On Jun 11, 2015, at 12:14 PM, Robert F. Harrison rfharri...@gmail.com wrote: Have a great time! I've done it twice and actually hooked up with some list members the last time (2013). I hope to do it again next year but this year I've got other plans. As has been suggested some of the vendors along the way are great. Though I'll admit I've given up pie, if you haven't check out all the great pies along the way - you can find the best at the various churches that open up their doors along the way. I'm jealous (just a little - I'll be riding the GAP/CO this year). Aloha, Bob On Thu, Jun 11, 2015 at 4:14 AM, Rusty Click click...@gmail.com wrote: Any list members riding RAGBRAI this year? They (RAGBRAI) have called my bluff, and informed me that I have gotten in via the lottery. Now, I'm hoping that my knees can keep me, and my Sam Hillborne, rolling! So far, I'm guardedly optimistic about this. NSAIDS, electrolytes, and pie will have to keep me going. Any advice, or warnings out there from previous riders? Rusty Click Pittsburgh, PA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Robert Harrison Honolulu, HI rfharri...@gmail.com statrix.com Wu Name: Tha Eurythmic King of Nowhere -- You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/qD8hg78FQ84/unsubscribe . To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Robert Harrison Honolulu, HI rfharri...@gmail.com statrix.com Wu Name: Tha Eurythmic King of Nowhere -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit
Re: [RBW] What have I done?
I'm riding the last 3 days with my girlfriend and her father. I'll be on my 650b Riv Road, my girlfriend on her Soma San Marcos, and her father on his 80s Raleigh that I rebuilt for him, Riv-style. We did the full week last year but are doing our own thing this year. We live near Hiawatha (Thursday night), so we're riding to Cedar Falls from here on Weds, riding back to Hiawatha with RAGBRAI on Thursday, riding partially off-route and partially off-pavement to Coralville on Friday, and riding with RAGBRAI to the end on Saturday. RAGBRAI is a ton of fun, normally uptight Iowans get totally loose. The local hosts give a bemused smile, shaking their heads but taking your money. It's a very good-natured ride. BUT: it has several challenges 1) the ride itself 2) the weather 3) the people 1) The ride is long. This year's days are pretty consistent, from 56 to 74 miles. There are hills (steep, short rollers). Ron has good advice, water and ibuprofen are helpful. Ride at your own pace. If you're slow, then get going early and ride the day with generous stops. RAGBRAI organizes official stopover towns throughout the route, and there are plenty of other opportunities to stop. Many vendors will rent farmyards along the route and set up professional operations each day. Favorites include: Farm Boys' burritos (hearty breakfast) Iowa Conservation team (free bananas, postcards, and water) Iowa Corn board (sweet corn paradise) Beekman's ice cream (made with 2-stroke ag engines) Mr. Pork Chop (substantial, fresh smoked chops) Iowa craft beer tent (usually in the last section of the day's route, thankfully) The vendors in the towns are often more conventional. I prefer to find local restaurants, but they're usually swamped by crowds. Local churches often have benefit suppers, offering spaghetti or similar. Those are the best spots for pie. I had a wonderful blackberry pie with lemon streusel on top last year that may currently hold the top prize. 2) Iowa summers can be brutal, with 90 degree days and 90 percent humidity. Sun screen is mandatory (and needs to be re-applied often), although you see a handful of lobsters after day 1. It can get very hot by noon, so that's another good reason to get some miles in early in the day. Bring mosquito repellent for when you stop. We get some pretty impressive thunderstorms in Iowa. We got caught in one last year, and the wind tore my girlfriend's dad's vinyl poncho right off his back while we were desperately riding to the next town. We huddled in the high school (it smelled like wet canines in there, yuck). I was soaked to the bone and shivering, and didn't fully recover until about an hour later with bright sunshine and a hot pork chop. You can bring rain gear if you want, but I don't because it just makes me sopping wet from sweat instead of wet from rain. But, a change of riding clothes in a dry bag would be a great idea for a day with a chance of storms. 3) RAGBRAI is a traveling circus. More than 20,000 riders (official numbers are difficult because many people ride without passes), support RVs and cars, vendors, etc. Even if you pull off the road to fertilize the cornfield (everyone does it. bring TP), you may find that someone else is using the facilities a couple rows over. You're always in a crowd on RAGBRAI. I find these crowds fun for a short while, and then they're just frustrating. It's imperative to my sanity that I get a break now and again. The RAGBRAI routing is thorough but pretty myopic; it stays on main roads to keep folks from getting lost. I prefer to get off the main route sometimes to explore, or to go to a restaurant without 500 bikers already in line. Your RAGBRAI pass entitles you to lots of support, including bag drag each day to the campsite in the next town. But that campsite is often the high school football field, or the local city park. Shared with 5,000 or more people. The showers are not free, and usually have very long lines. Cell phone charging is very rare (bring an extension cord with multiple sockets so you can share an outlet). The noise is ever-present as well. You'll get passed by folks playing really crappy music, really loudly, through really crappy speakers. The towns are in party mode, so crap country is blaring everywhere. Even where you try to sleep, you may be able to hear the big concert form the campsite. I recommend earplugs. Some folks get up very early, in order to get to the next town first and grab the best camping spots. You'll see these folks under the one tree in the field, napping at 3 pm in a hammock. But they get up at 5 to accomplish this scheme. Although these facilities are livable (we did it every night but one last year), you'll feel better on the ride if you find better places to sleep, with more shade, less noise, and better shower access. Use the RAGBRAI website to look for willing hosts in the towns, maybe place craigslist ads, and ask around on web forums.
