Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[John Dewey]

Indeed, Joe. We’re 3 times RAGBRAI finishers and it has to be included in
all discussions of greatest cycling experiences ever. Just nothing like it.

So many delightfully crazy happy folks on every kind of bicycle
imaginable.  Party (or not) every night, jump off the bridge into a mucky
creek, maybe even meet the Pork Chop man (if he’s still hawking). And then
the guy who rides ‘bareback’. That is without seatpost—no seatpost means no
saddle of course 🤪 You can’t make this stuff up!

Mile after milefull of great entertainment.

Go for it.

Jock

On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 5:19 PM Joe Bernard  wrote:

> I'm not sure why we would question why someone would want to do a well
> known ride after seeing a film about it. She wants to do it because it's
> interesting to her.
>
> Joe Bernard
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:02:11 PM UTC-8 George Schick wrote:
>
>> Not sure why you'd want to go through the trouble to travel all the way
>> over to the Western end of Iowa for this ride particular ride given the
>> distance to get there, the logistics, accommodation issues and the sheer
>> mass of riders (some of whom seem to like to stop at every bar along a
>> portion of a daily route until they're so inebriated that they crash into
>> trees, etc., vehicles that have run over cyclists in sleeping bags, etc.)
>> just for the notoriety when you could enjoy a multiple number of great
>> rides right in your own backyard, so to speak.  Have you considered
>> https://lmb.org/events/ride-calendar/?
>>
>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:47:36 PM UTC-6 R. Alexis wrote:
>>
>>> Leah,
>>>
>>> I took the opportunity to ride the first day of RAGBRAI last summer. I
>>> live in eastern Nebraska. I happened to be off that weekend, heard it was
>>> starting that weekend and that it was the 50th anniversary of the ride. Had
>>> always thought of doing at least the first day, but never took the
>>> opportunity to look into it and would find out the morning of when local
>>> news would do reports on it. I took the opportunity. I enjoyed it, even if
>>> I tried to bite off too much in the process. I think if you are going to do
>>> the whole thing you best look at the dates and locations and figure out
>>> hotel/motel stays now. It is not a race, but definitely get conditioned for
>>> the heat, humidity and hills before hand. My plan was to ride to the second
>>> to last city location and double back in order to get in a century. I fell
>>> short of that and wished I would have just rode to the end city and called
>>> it a day. First day miles to the end city was 77. I estimated I did about
>>> 64 miles in my attempt to ride back to Sioux City. Sag truck ended up
>>> taking me to Storm Lake, IA where and I ended calling out a mayday to a
>>> friend to pick me up and get me back to Sioux City to my car.
>>>
>>> I rode my Rivendell Mountain because I felt it would be the most
>>> comfortable with it's Softride suspension stem and Thudbuster Uni-Pivot
>>> post. The next bike I was considering was the OX Brand Ti Cruiser 29er. Got
>>> some compliments on the Riv. Ran into some fellow RBW/iBOB members and
>>> chatted for a bit.
>>>
>>> The logistics can be much. Deciding if you want to park on the west Iowa
>>> and get shuttled back after or park in east Iowa and have your
>>> transportation handy once it is done. Ran into some folks at the first day
>>> stop. One gal had threw in the towel after the first 5 or so miles. She
>>> ended up hitching a ride to the final to retrieve her vehicle so her and
>>> the rest of her group could could use it for camping purposes the rest of
>>> the ride.
>>>
>>> Amtrak does run through the state out of Chicago going to California,
>>> The Omaha station will probably be the closest one the start location. One
>>> of the folks I chatted with said she had a friend that took Amtrak to Omaha
>>> and rode from Omaha to Sioux City to start the ride.
>>>
>>> Good luck with getting things figured out.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Reginald Alexis
>>>
>>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Who knows about Bike Film Festival?

 I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money
 well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard
 of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure
 out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And
 I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene
 AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even
 know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!

 There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a
 “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state
 after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike
 in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Oh wonderful! Is your wife a RivSister? If so, she’d be the first I’ve ever ridden with since we moved to Michigan. I’m staying in a hotel, but you guys feel free to get some coffee at my room if you like!Sent from my iPhoneOn Feb 13, 2024, at 1:56 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:That's great, Leah! I'm planning to camp. My wife will be riding for the first time and camping, too. I had a blast last year and fell in with a group that quickly became friends along the way. You and anyone else from this list would be most welcome to ride with us. Best,LeifOn Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 12:44:55 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I just might have to do it! Are you planning to camp or sleep in a hotel? Are you riding alone? If there was a group of us Riv Riders that wanted to ride together I think it would be great. LeahOn Feb 13, 2024, at 1:17 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Leah, Marc, Pam, et. al.,I'm loving the thought that I might just see a pack of Rivish Lone Wolf(s) on Le Tour De Shore this June. Registration is now open--with about 6 early-registration priced tickets left as of this morning, Tuesday, Feb 13.https://www.bikereg.com/letourdeshorePlease DM if you need any help with logistics or planning on the Chicago side of the ride. Best,Leif On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 9:50:40 AM UTC-6 Marc Irwin wrote:Amtrak has been working hard the past ten years to make affordable bike transport available and on all it's trains.MarcOn Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:22:07 AM UTC-5 brok...@gmail.com wrote:It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in major metropolitan areas. On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it now.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:Leah,      The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.MarcOn Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given t

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leif Eckstrom]

That's great, Leah! 
I'm planning to camp. My wife will be riding for the first time and 
camping, too. 
I had a blast last year and fell in with a group that quickly became 
friends along the way. You and anyone else from this list would be most 
welcome to ride with us. 
Best,
Leif
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 12:44:55 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Leif, I just might have to do it! Are you planning to camp or sleep in a 
> hotel? Are you riding alone? If there was a group of us Riv Riders that 
> wanted to ride together I think it would be great. Leah
>
> On Feb 13, 2024, at 1:17 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Leah, Marc, Pam, et. al.,
> I'm loving the thought that I might just see a pack of Rivish Lone Wolf(s) 
> on Le Tour De Shore this June. 
> Registration is now open--with about 6 early-registration priced tickets 
> left as of this morning, Tuesday, Feb 13.
> https://www.bikereg.com/letourdeshore
> Please DM if you need any help with logistics or planning on the Chicago 
> side of the ride. 
> Best,
> Leif 
>
> On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 9:50:40 AM UTC-6 Marc Irwin wrote:
>
>> Amtrak has been working hard the past ten years to make affordable bike 
>> transport available and on all it's trains.
>>
>> Marc
>>
>> On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:22:07 AM UTC-5 brok...@gmail.com 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace 
>>> multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that 
>>> could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in 
>>> major metropolitan areas. 
>>>
>>> On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm 
>>> Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on 
>>> Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, 
>>> and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other 
>>> dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a 
>>> bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.
>>>
>>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:
>>>
>>> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
>>> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
>>> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
>>> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
>>> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>>>
>>> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>>> Ding! wrote:
>>>
 Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
 The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see 
 it now.
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:

 Leah, 

  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
 several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
 overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
 return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.

 Marc

 On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the 
> only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  
> wrote:
>
> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>
>
> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 
> miles 
> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from 
> chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the 
> logistical headaches. 
> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
> friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
> moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
> should you like. 
>
> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>
> Best, 
> Leif in Chicago
>
> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
> Ding! wrote:
>
>> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
>> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
>> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>>
>> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great 
>> thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
>> Leah
>>
>>

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Leif, I just might have to do it! Are you planning to camp or sleep in a hotel? Are you riding alone? If there was a group of us Riv Riders that wanted to ride together I think it would be great. LeahOn Feb 13, 2024, at 1:17 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Leah, Marc, Pam, et. al.,I'm loving the thought that I might just see a pack of Rivish Lone Wolf(s) on Le Tour De Shore this June. Registration is now open--with about 6 early-registration priced tickets left as of this morning, Tuesday, Feb 13.https://www.bikereg.com/letourdeshorePlease DM if you need any help with logistics or planning on the Chicago side of the ride. Best,Leif On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 9:50:40 AM UTC-6 Marc Irwin wrote:Amtrak has been working hard the past ten years to make affordable bike transport available and on all it's trains.MarcOn Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:22:07 AM UTC-5 brok...@gmail.com wrote:It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in major metropolitan areas. On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it now.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:Leah,      The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.MarcOn Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leif Eckstrom]

Leah, Marc, Pam, et. al.,
I'm loving the thought that I might just see a pack of Rivish Lone Wolf(s) 
on Le Tour De Shore this June. 
Registration is now open--with about 6 early-registration priced tickets 
left as of this morning, Tuesday, Feb 13.
https://www.bikereg.com/letourdeshore
Please DM if you need any help with logistics or planning on the Chicago 
side of the ride. 
Best,
Leif 

On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 9:50:40 AM UTC-6 Marc Irwin wrote:

> Amtrak has been working hard the past ten years to make affordable bike 
> transport available and on all it's trains.
>
> Marc
>
> On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:22:07 AM UTC-5 brok...@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace 
>> multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that 
>> could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in 
>> major metropolitan areas. 
>>
>> On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm 
>> Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on 
>> Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, 
>> and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other 
>> dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a 
>> bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
>> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
>> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
>> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
>> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>>
>> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see 
>>> it now.
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>>
>>> Leah, 
>>>
>>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>>
>>> Marc
>>>
>>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>>> Ding! wrote:
>>>
 Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the 
 only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:

 Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 


 There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
 Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
 all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
 riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
 are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
 There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
 Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
 headaches. 
 I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
 friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
 moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
 should you like. 

 More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763

 Best, 
 Leif in Chicago

 On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great 
> thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
> Leah
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>
> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
> they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely 
> be 
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
> setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
> site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck 
> and 
> if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, 
> but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it 
> together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after 

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Pam Bikes]

I've had good luck using Amtrak alot.  It takes a phone call to make sure.  
In NC we can take a bike b/t Charlotte and Raleigh w/a reservation and 
there is no cost to bring your bike.  You can get off any station in b/t 
and there are 4 round trip trains daily.  So I can do daytrips to each 
station (Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Greensboro, High Point, 
Burlington, Durham, Cary, Raleigh).  So it works but takes some planning.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:50:40 AM UTC-5 Marc Irwin wrote:

> Amtrak has been working hard the past ten years to make affordable bike 
> transport available and on all it's trains.
>
> Marc
>
> On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:22:07 AM UTC-5 brok...@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace 
>> multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that 
>> could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in 
>> major metropolitan areas. 
>>
>> On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm 
>> Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on 
>> Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, 
>> and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other 
>> dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a 
>> bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
>> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
>> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
>> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
>> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>>
>> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see 
>>> it now.
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>>
>>> Leah, 
>>>
>>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>>
>>> Marc
>>>
>>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>>> Ding! wrote:
>>>
 Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the 
 only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:

 Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 


 There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
 Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
 all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
 riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
 are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
 There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
 Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
 headaches. 
 I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
 friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
 moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
 should you like. 

 More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763

 Best, 
 Leif in Chicago

 On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great 
> thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
> Leah
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>
> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
> they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely 
> be 
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
> setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
> site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck 
> and 
> if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, 
> but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it 
> together with a cable loc

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Marc Irwin]

Amtrak has been working hard the past ten years to make affordable bike 
transport available and on all it's trains.

Marc

On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 8:22:07 AM UTC-5 brok...@gmail.com wrote:

> It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace 
> multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that 
> could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in 
> major metropolitan areas. 
>
> On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm Platy 
> (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on Amtrak; 
> the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, and you 
> can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other dumb rules 
> that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a bulletproof 
> plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.
>
> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>
> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it 
>> now.
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>
>> Leah, 
>>
>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>
>> Marc
>>
>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>> Ding! wrote:
>>
>>> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only 
>>> possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>>>
>>>
>>> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
>>> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
>>> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
>>> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
>>> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
>>> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
>>> Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
>>> headaches. 
>>> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
>>> friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
>>> moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
>>> should you like. 
>>>
>>> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>>>
>>> Best, 
>>> Leif in Chicago
>>>
>>> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
 about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
 difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 

 Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
 to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
 Leah

 On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:

 If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
 they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
 nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  


 I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
 setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
 site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and 
 if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, 
 but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it 
 together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a 
 few 
 days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into 
 my 
 panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed 
 with the luggage service side of the trip.  

 However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
 strangers every evening.  

 One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
 off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
 days.  

 The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd mak

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Marc Irwin]

All The trains running between Michigan and Chicago take bike 
reservations.  I've used them all many times.

Marc

On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:54:12 AM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:

> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>
> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it 
>> now.
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>
>> Leah, 
>>
>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>
>> Marc
>>
>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>> Ding! wrote:
>>
>>> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only 
>>> possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>>>
>>>
>>> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
>>> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
>>> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
>>> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
>>> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
>>> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
>>> Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
>>> headaches. 
>>> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
>>> friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
>>> moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
>>> should you like. 
>>>
>>> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>>>
>>> Best, 
>>> Leif in Chicago
>>>
>>> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
 about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
 difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 

 Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
 to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
 Leah

 On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:

 If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
 they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
 nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  


 I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
 setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
 site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and 
 if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, 
 but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it 
 together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a 
 few 
 days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into 
 my 
 panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed 
 with the luggage service side of the trip.  

 However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
 strangers every evening.  

 One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
 off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
 days.  

 The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure 
 you have a power bank available.  

 Good luck,
 Matt

 On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>
> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to 
> figure 
> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure 
> scene 
> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>
> There are a ton of l

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Corwin Zechar]

I used to ride 6 miles to MacArthur BART, put my bike in a locker I rented, 
and hop on a train. In San Francisco, I walked a mile to Caltrain, hopped 
on another train and get off at Hillsdale. Then I would get my beater bike 
out of another rented locker and ride 4 miles to my office in Redwood 
Shores.

I think the country is inching toward multi-modal transportation, but it 
may be a long time before we see anything significant.

Regards,

Corwin

On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 6:26:12 AM UTC-8 George Schick wrote:

> Amen, broke.  When I was still working in the city I used to ride the bike 
> the 2 miles or so the station, take the train downtown, and walk the 4 or 5 
> blocks to the office.  Why others would insist on driving the 25-30 miles 
> in bumper-to-bumper stop/go traffic and then pay big bucks for a monthly 
> parking garage fee was something I never understood.
>
> On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 7:22:07 AM UTC-6 brok...@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace 
>> multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that 
>> could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in 
>> major metropolitan areas. 
>>
>> On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm 
>> Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on 
>> Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, 
>> and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other 
>> dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a 
>> bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
>> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
>> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
>> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
>> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>>
>> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see 
>>> it now.
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>>
>>> Leah, 
>>>
>>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>>
>>> Marc
>>>
>>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>>> Ding! wrote:
>>>
 Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the 
 only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:

 Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 


 There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
 Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
 all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
 riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
 are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
 There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
 Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
 headaches. 
 I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
 friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
 moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
 should you like. 

 More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763

 Best, 
 Leif in Chicago

 On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great 
> thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
> Leah
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>
> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
> they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely 
> be 
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
> setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
> site quickly de

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[George Schick]

Amen, broke.  When I was still working in the city I used to ride the bike 
the 2 miles or so the station, take the train downtown, and walk the 4 or 5 
blocks to the office.  Why others would insist on driving the 25-30 miles 
in bumper-to-bumper stop/go traffic and then pay big bucks for a monthly 
parking garage fee was something I never understood.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 7:22:07 AM UTC-6 brok...@gmail.com wrote:

> It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace 
> multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that 
> could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in 
> major metropolitan areas. 
>
> On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm Platy 
> (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on Amtrak; 
> the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, and you 
> can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other dumb rules 
> that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a bulletproof 
> plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.
>
> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>
> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it 
>> now.
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>
>> Leah, 
>>
>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>
>> Marc
>>
>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>> Ding! wrote:
>>
>>> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only 
>>> possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>>>
>>>
>>> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
>>> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
>>> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
>>> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
>>> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
>>> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
>>> Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
>>> headaches. 
>>> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
>>> friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
>>> moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
>>> should you like. 
>>>
>>> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>>>
>>> Best, 
>>> Leif in Chicago
>>>
>>> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
 about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
 difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 

 Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
 to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
 Leah

 On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:

 If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
 they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
 nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  


 I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
 setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
 site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and 
 if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, 
 but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it 
 together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a 
 few 
 days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into 
 my 
 panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed 
 with the luggage service side of the trip.  

 However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
 strangers every evening.  

 One 

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Brian Turner]

It’s unfortunate that this country never has, and never will embrace multi-modal transportation. Just think of all the biking possibilities that could be available to so many more of us, and not just those who live in major metropolitan areas. On Jan 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Leah Peterson  wrote:Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it now.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:Leah,      The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.MarcOn Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Yes, you remember rightly, George. This was why I had to get a 50 cm Platy (still waiting for parts to be built) - so that I could put it on Amtrak; the 55 is just too long. And even then the 50 will be a tight fit, and you can only have so many bikes on the train, and there’s some other dumb rules that may or may not be enforced when we get there. It’s not a bulletproof plan. Marc does it with a Brompton.On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:54 AM, George Schick  wrote:I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it now.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:Leah,      The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.MarcOn Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike in their racks or will they have something 

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Pam, we can have my husband pick us up and bring us back to Kalamazoo. It’s only an hour and a half drive or something. Amtrak leaves out of Kzoo and you could take that home! We could make this work!!!On Jan 27, 2024, at 12:38 AM, Pam Bikes  wrote:Leah, if you do that ride, maybe I can come too.  Especially if I can figure out how to get home from there.  Maybe some Riv sisters could do it too.  I'm loving this conversation finding out about more rides.  On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:54:12 AM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it now.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:Leah,      The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.MarcOn Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state after you finish? And if you use these “charters

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[ascpgh]

My old housemate Steve, the younger of two brothers there, got into modern 
cycling with a bike I built him on a Bridgestone MB-3 frame. He's taken 
that way farther on and is a bike commuter to an office and customer 
setting (supporting the business through Sam's Club and Wal*Mart) requiring 
actual dress clothes, suit and tie.  His ever-expanding interest in 
bicycling has taken him from Fayetteville, AR to his family cabin at Spar 
City, CO outside Creede, CO for his 50th birthday. He is a repeat RAGBRAI 
participant and takes a number of his colleagues from his office and other 
locations of his company, including some from overseas.

His challenges to keep up the commuting includes leaving his company car at 
the office for off site meetings in the day and the once a week exchange by 
the cleaners at the office so he's not lugging that attire back and forth 
in a bag. His first RAGBRAI introduced him to the logistical challenges and 
the stress on each town that all of those riders and their needs put on 
them. Katrina happened and with FEMA foibles and subsequent actions of the 
military and various non-profits to render aid. I told him about some of 
the stuff I used in the military when I ran light maintenance companies 
that often co-located with other logistic elements in the field that 
allowed crew of equipment needing repairs to walk to a shower tent, at the 
anteroom hand over their dirty clothes, showering and receive their clothes 
clean and dry when clean and toweled off. The kitchen trailers served hot 
food and if repairs took longer we had tents with cots for some rest before 
heading back with their repaired items.

These ideas stuck with Steve and his company (P & G) who had long since 
been branding his annual group (a recognition to be included) with matching 
kit bedazzled with unmistakable company logo as useful advertising and then 
they rolled out the laundry trailer, a self-contained washer/dryer facility 
available to RAGRAI riders each night, following the horde (and their also 
branded Tide bus where they sleep and the chef feeds them). 

Do the ride and you'll see the trailer, their the bus as well as the team 
TIde.

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh

On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 4:52:06 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about 
> the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult 
> logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to 
> read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
> Leah
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>
> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they 
> haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
> luggage service side of the trip.  
>
> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
> strangers every evening.  
>
> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off 
> of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  
>
> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
> have a power bank available.  
>
> Good luck,
> Matt
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>>
>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene 
>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>
>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
>> oth

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Pam Bikes]

Leah, if you do that ride, maybe I can come too.  Especially if I can 
figure out how to get home from there.  Maybe some Riv sisters could do it 
too.  

I'm loving this conversation finding out about more rides.  

On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:54:12 AM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:

> I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
> discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
> trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
> etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
> this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?
>
> On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
>> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it 
>> now.
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>>
>> Leah, 
>>
>>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken 
>> several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the 
>> overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and 
>> return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>>
>> Marc
>>
>> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding 
>> Ding! wrote:
>>
>>> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only 
>>> possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>>>
>>>
>>> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
>>> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
>>> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
>>> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
>>> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
>>> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
>>> Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
>>> headaches. 
>>> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new 
>>> friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and 
>>> moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago 
>>> should you like. 
>>>
>>> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>>>
>>> Best, 
>>> Leif in Chicago
>>>
>>> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
 about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
 difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 

 Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
 to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
 Leah

 On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:

 If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
 they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
 nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  


 I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and 
 setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to 
 site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and 
 if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, 
 but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it 
 together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a 
 few 
 days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into 
 my 
 panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed 
 with the luggage service side of the trip.  

 However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
 strangers every evening.  

 One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
 off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
 days.  

 The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure 
 you have a power bank available.  

 Good luck,
 Matt

 On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>
> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to 
> figure 
> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure 
> scene 
> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not e

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[George Schick]

I hate to throw a wet blanket on this idea, but wasn't there some 
discussion on this forum a while back about taking bikes on Amtrak, which 
trains allow them and which ones don't, where and how they store the bikes, 
etc?  Not sure if that was ever resolved for this route. Has anyone done 
this before on this Amtrak Wolverine route?

On Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:42:00 AM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!
> The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it 
> now.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:
>
> Leah, 
>
>  The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several 
> times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  
> It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on 
> Amtrak from New Buffalo.
>
> Marc
>
> On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only 
>> possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>>
>> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>>
>>
>> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
>> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
>> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
>> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
>> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
>> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
>> Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
>> headaches. 
>> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. 
>> Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks 
>> to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. 
>>
>> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>>
>> Best, 
>> Leif in Chicago
>>
>> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
>>> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
>>> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>>>
>>> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
>>> to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
>>> Leah
>>>
>>> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>>>
>>> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
>>> they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
>>> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>>>
>>>
>>> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
>>> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
>>> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
>>> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
>>> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
>>> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
>>> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
>>> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
>>> luggage service side of the trip.  
>>>
>>> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
>>> strangers every evening.  
>>>
>>> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
>>> off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
>>> days.  
>>>
>>> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
>>> have a power bank available.  
>>>
>>> Good luck,
>>> Matt
>>>
>>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 

 I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
 well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
 of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
 out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
 I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure 
 scene 
 AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
 know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!

 There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
 “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
 after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
 in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
 fenders? Is there are charter that

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Marc! You want to do this with me, I’m sure!The Lone Wolf and The Platypus Rider Ride Across Two States. I can see it now.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 26, 2024, at 11:29 AM, Marc Irwin  wrote:Leah,      The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on Amtrak from New Buffalo.MarcOn Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the others?Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many riders moving through tiny host towns.I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Marc Irwin]

Leah, 
 The ride from Millenium Park sounds like the route I've taken several 
times to and from Chicago, using Indiana Dunes as one of the overnights.  
It would be a good ride, you could take Amtrak to Chicago and return on 
Amtrak from New Buffalo.

Marc

On Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:23:10 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only 
> possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:
>
> Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 
>
>
> There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium 
> Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles 
> all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly 
> riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels 
> are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
> There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
> Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
> headaches. 
> I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. 
> Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks 
> to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. 
>
> More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763
>
> Best, 
> Leif in Chicago
>
> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
>> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
>> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>>
>> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
>> to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
>> Leah
>>
>> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>>
>> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they 
>> haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
>> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>>
>>
>> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
>> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
>> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
>> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
>> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
>> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
>> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
>> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
>> luggage service side of the trip.  
>>
>> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
>> strangers every evening.  
>>
>> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
>> off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
>> days.  
>>
>> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
>> have a power bank available.  
>>
>> Good luck,
>> Matt
>>
>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>>>
>>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
>>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
>>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
>>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
>>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene 
>>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
>>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>>
>>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
>>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
>>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
>>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
>>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
>>> others?
>>>
>>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of 
>>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. 
>>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many 
>>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>>
>>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really 
>>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s 
>>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>>
>>> Leah
>>>
>> -- 
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the 
>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
>> To unsubscribe from th

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Leif, I could do this It’s Father’s day weekend, so that is the only possible snag. I’m going to try and make this ride! Thank you!!!Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 25, 2024, at 8:27 PM, Leif Eckstrom  wrote:Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical headaches. I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763Best, Leif in ChicagoOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the others?Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many riders moving through tiny host towns.I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leif Eckstrom]

Hey Leah, and midwestern riders, 

There’s a well-planned and well-executed ride from Chicago’s Millenium Park 
to New Buffalo, MI, spread out over 2 days, totalling about 100 miles all 
told. June 14-15 (Friday and Saturday).  Hundreds of friendly riders—most 
camp the first night at Indiana Dunes state park, but hotels are another 
option. Easy pace. Easy route. Food and sag support. 
There are a number of Ragbrai riders who attend this ride from chicago. 
Perhaps they could give you a taste of ragbrai without all the logistical 
headaches. 
I had a lot of fun last year on this ride and made plenty of new friends. 
Registration opens Sunday, February 11. There are busses and moving trucks 
to take you, your luggage, and your bike back to chicago should you like. 

More details here. https://www.bikereg.com/63763

Best, 
Leif in Chicago

On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about 
> the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult 
> logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to 
> read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
> Leah
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>
> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they 
> haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
> luggage service side of the trip.  
>
> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
> strangers every evening.  
>
> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off 
> of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  
>
> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
> have a power bank available.  
>
> Good luck,
> Matt
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>>
>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene 
>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>
>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
>> others?
>>
>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of 
>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. 
>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many 
>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>
>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really 
>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s 
>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>
>> Leah
>>
> -- 
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>  
> 
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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Frank Burkybile]

Hi Leah et al.,

I agree with Pam, the Mountains to Coast ride in NC is a great introduction 
and her advice tracks with my experience. A word of warning: you may become 
a convert but since we are members of this Riv group, it’s probably a safe 
assumption that people already know that you are bike crazy.

I grew up in southwest Iowa, in an occasional start town of RAGBRAI, so 
cross state rides were just natural things that people would do. I rode the 
CycleNC event last year and brought along a friend who already had a bike 
but wasn’t a “cyclist” nor aware that this is a thing that people do. 
Following the ride, he can’t stop talking about it and has been trying to 
convince the rest of our friend group to do the ride this year. 

The logistics of how to travel to a state with a bike, figure out where to 
park and how to get back there at the end may sound overwhelming but is 
very solvable. Especially if Pam will be there (hi Pam!).

I agree that RAGBRAI is kind of a lot. I have ridden BRAN which is very 
different and enjoyable but Nebraska can be hot in June and the terrain is 
only so interesting. I have heard that the UP Michigan ride is nice too but 
I can’t personally speak to that. The Mountains to Coast ride in NC is easy 
to recommend. 

Good luck!
-Frank 

On Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 10:21:31 PM UTC-5 Pam Bikes wrote:

> Leah, you could do any ride you want.  There are rides in every state 
> including NC.  Our cross the state ride is from the Mountains to the Coast 
> and will be 10/6-13.  I've done it 3 times.  Camping is the way to go b/c 
> there are not enough hotels and honestly they are motels since these are 
> small towns and not great.  I plan to do it this year so maybe you can come 
> ride it w/me.  The ride is smaller than RAGBRAI.  It's about 800-1000 
> riders and a few Rivs.  Logistics - fly into Charlotte then we can drop a 
> van at the end so when we're done, we drive back.  Cycle NC puts on the 
> ride and registration includes moving your tent, luggage on the truck, 
> shower trucks and campsites.  Lots of people do many of the state rides and 
> say the NC one is well organized.  I would agree.  The ride this year 
> starts in Spruce Pine and ends at Ocean Isle Beach.  Charlotte is only 
> about 2 hrs from Spruce Pine.  Come ride across NC w/me.
>
> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 8:37:23 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> George is right. I wonder if those wheelman will let a raspberry racing 
>> Platypus and its non-self-sufficient rider on any of their rides. Here’s to 
>> new adventures! 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jan 21, 2024, at 5:11 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> Not to worry, all is not lost.  There's this ride calendar of events in 
>> the Wolverine state: 
>> https://lmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RideCal_2023_v5_web.pdf
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
>>> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
>>> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>>>
>>> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
>>> to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
>>> Leah
>>>
>>> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>>>
>>> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where 
>>> they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
>>> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>>>
>>>
>>> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
>>> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
>>> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
>>> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
>>> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
>>> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
>>> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
>>> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
>>> luggage service side of the trip.  
>>>
>>> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
>>> strangers every evening.  
>>>
>>> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
>>> off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
>>> days.  
>>>
>>> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
>>> have a power bank available.  
>>>
>>> Good luck,
>>> Matt
>>>
>>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 

 I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
 well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
 of it but really kn

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Pam Bikes]

Leah, you could do any ride you want.  There are rides in every state 
including NC.  Our cross the state ride is from the Mountains to the Coast 
and will be 10/6-13.  I've done it 3 times.  Camping is the way to go b/c 
there are not enough hotels and honestly they are motels since these are 
small towns and not great.  I plan to do it this year so maybe you can come 
ride it w/me.  The ride is smaller than RAGBRAI.  It's about 800-1000 
riders and a few Rivs.  Logistics - fly into Charlotte then we can drop a 
van at the end so when we're done, we drive back.  Cycle NC puts on the 
ride and registration includes moving your tent, luggage on the truck, 
shower trucks and campsites.  Lots of people do many of the state rides and 
say the NC one is well organized.  I would agree.  The ride this year 
starts in Spruce Pine and ends at Ocean Isle Beach.  Charlotte is only 
about 2 hrs from Spruce Pine.  Come ride across NC w/me.

On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 8:37:23 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> George is right. I wonder if those wheelman will let a raspberry racing 
> Platypus and its non-self-sufficient rider on any of their rides. Here’s to 
> new adventures! 
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 5:11 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> Not to worry, all is not lost.  There's this ride calendar of events in 
> the Wolverine state: 
> https://lmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RideCal_2023_v5_web.pdf
>
>
>
> On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading 
>> about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and 
>> difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>>
>> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread 
>> to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
>> Leah
>>
>> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>>
>> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they 
>> haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
>> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>>
>>
>> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
>> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
>> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
>> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
>> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
>> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
>> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
>> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
>> luggage service side of the trip.  
>>
>> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
>> strangers every evening.  
>>
>> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me 
>> off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot 
>> days.  
>>
>> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
>> have a power bank available.  
>>
>> Good luck,
>> Matt
>>
>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>>>
>>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
>>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
>>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
>>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
>>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene 
>>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
>>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>>
>>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
>>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
>>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
>>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
>>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
>>> others?
>>>
>>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of 
>>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. 
>>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many 
>>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>>
>>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really 
>>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s 
>>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>>
>>> Leah
>>>
>> -- 
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>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

George is right. I wonder if those wheelman will let a raspberry racing Platypus and its non-self-sufficient rider on any of their rides. Here’s to new adventures! Sent from my iPhoneOn Jan 21, 2024, at 5:11 PM, George Schick  wrote:Not to worry, all is not lost.  There's this ride calendar of events in the Wolverine state: https://lmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RideCal_2023_v5_web.pdfOn Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the others?Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many riders moving through tiny host towns.I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[George Schick]

Not to worry, all is not lost.  There's this ride calendar of events in the 
Wolverine 
state: https://lmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RideCal_2023_v5_web.pdf


On Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3:52:06 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about 
> the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult 
> logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. 
>
> Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to 
> read in the dead of a Michigan winter.
> Leah
>
> On Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:
>
> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they 
> haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be 
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  
>
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting 
> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site 
> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I 
> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but 
> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together 
> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A 
> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers 
> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the 
> luggage service side of the trip.  
>
> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with 
> strangers every evening.  
>
> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off 
> of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  
>
> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you 
> have a power bank available.  
>
> Good luck,
> Matt
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>>
>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene 
>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>
>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
>> others?
>>
>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of 
>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. 
>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many 
>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>
>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really 
>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s 
>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>
>> Leah
>>
> -- 
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> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
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> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/816fHN9n71o/unsubscribe
> .
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>
>
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>  
> 
> .
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Leah Peterson]

Welp, I was so much more excited about this in theory. After reading about the various experiences of damaged luggage, sweltering temps and difficult logistics, I think I’ll find a different ride to do. Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences! It was a great thread to read in the dead of a Michigan winter.LeahOn Jan 21, 2024, at 12:03 PM, Matt Beecher  wrote:If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.  I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the luggage service side of the trip.  However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with strangers every evening.  One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.  The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you have a power bank available.  Good luck,MattOn Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Who knows about Bike Film Festival? I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the others?Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many riders moving through tiny host towns.I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Lyman Labry]

I rode RAGBRAI for the first time last year.  It was crazy and fun.
Pork Belly Ventures is a premier service for Ragbrai riders.  Check out
their website.
Lyman ATX

On Sun, Jan 21, 2024 at 11:03 AM Matt Beecher  wrote:

> If I were to do it again, I would pay for one of the services where they
> haul your stuff and set up your tent.  Getting a hotel will likely be
> nearly impossible, given the number of people attending.
>
> I did RAGBRAI a few years ago and tried bringing my own tent and setting
> it up at night.  The kids they use to haul luggage from site to site
> quickly destroyed my bag.  Basically, they pile them in the truck and if I
> had to guess, they saw my handles and yanked on it to pull it free, but
> tore the brand new heavy canvas bag instead.  I tried holding it together
> with a cable lock and tape, but had to give up on that after a few days.  A
> lot of items I didn't need were tossed, then the rest went into my panniers
> and I had to haul it myself.  Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the
> luggage service side of the trip.
>
> However, the ride itself was great, especially eating dinner with
> strangers every evening.
>
> One thing I was happy that I brought was my ultralight cot.  It got me off
> of the ground, which kept me dry on rainy evenings and cooler on hot days.
>
> The next trick is to find a way to charge your phone.  I'd make sure you
> have a power bank available.
>
> Good luck,
> Matt
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:33:07 PM UTC-6 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
> wrote:
>
>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival?
>>
>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money
>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard
>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure
>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And
>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene
>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even
>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>
>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a
>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state
>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike
>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with
>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the
>> others?
>>
>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of
>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on.
>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many
>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>
>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really
>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s
>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>
>> Leah
>>
> --
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> "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.
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> 
> .
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Brady Smith]

Here's my two cents: 

I did RAGBRAI last year with my parents, both of whom have done it more 
than a dozen times (I grew up in Cedar Rapids). 

My dad managed to snag hotels or rooms in family/friend homes reasonably 
close to each town, which made a real difference in the heat. I remember 
seeing "103" as I climbed the final hills into Iowa City. Coming from Utah, 
I'm no stranger to triple digits, but triple digits and humid really calls 
for care in hydration. 

My parents had planned on each riding half days and swapping the car 
halfway, though illness kept my dad from participating beyond day 1. Being 
much younger, I rode everything, and especially enjoyed the Iowa Craft Beer 
stops along the way. Great beer, excellent food, constant party atmosphere, 
and a lot of fun strangers to talk to. 

Not sure I'll do it again, mostly because I have other adventures on which 
to spend the few days away from home I am accorded each year. But I'm very 
glad I did it, especially since my dad's illness turned out to be cancer. 
He's doing quite well, as far as leukemia goes, and the doctor's say he has 
a very good chance of living long enough to die of something else. A 
RAGBRAI nostalgia tour turned out to be a perfect way to close one chapter 
of his life and open another. 

Happy riding, 

Brady in SLC



On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 3:04:08 PM UTC-7 R. Alexis wrote:

> BRAN(Bike Ride Across Nebraska) is still going as far as I know. As 
> apposed to RAGBRAI, it is a lot smaller. I think registration is limited to 
> 500 or so. Might be even smaller. Someone described RAGBRAI as a party 
> atmosphere that happens to have bikes involved. BRAN, from what I 
> understand is way less party atmosphere. 
>
> Friend thought of doing RAGBRAI and having husband roll with one of their 
> campers, but I reminded her and she saw all the stuff that didn't appeal to 
> her like crowds, heat, hills, other erratic riders. 
>
> Thanks,
>
> Reginald Alexis
>
> On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 8:35:58 AM UTC-6 mmille...@gmail.com 
> wrote:
>
>> I wonder if it will start close to Omaha this year since it was the 
>> northern route last year? 
>> A very good friend did it last summer. He got an RV, and his wife drove 
>> (and worked remote). He reserved a lot of RV spots that were NOT with the 
>> main group. Had a blast, but a couple of those days were pretty rough. I 
>> think last year was one of the toughest years.
>>
>> Is BRAN still happening? As a photojournalist in Omaha, I covered RAGBRAI 
>> a couple years, and also went out to BRAN once. I thought the BRAN folks 
>> were pretty hardcore.
>>
>> Matt in STL
>>
>> On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 12:21:49 AM UTC-6 John Dewey wrote:
>>
>>> I snapped a shot one RAGBRAI of a bank clock at 6 pm sharp. Still 106F. 
>>> Thank goodness for plenty of cold beer. 
>>>
>>> Jock
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 2:50 PM Sarah Carlson  
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Just watched the RAGBRAI documentary and can totally understand how you 
 could be called to join a community of riders who support each other 
 through an exciting challenge. It makes me want to go too except for 
 when I heard one of the guys commenting, "It's 105 degrees." That gave me 
 pause! 

 On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 3:33:07 PM UTC-8 Bicycle Belle Ding 
 Ding! wrote:

> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>
> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to 
> figure 
> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure 
> scene 
> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>
> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
> others?
>
> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort 
> of dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so 
> on. This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are 
> so 
> many riders moving through tiny host towns.
>
> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it 
> really is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… 
> Also, 
> it’s Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits 
> different.
>
> Leah
>
 -- 

>>> You received

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[R. Alexis]

BRAN(Bike Ride Across Nebraska) is still going as far as I know. As apposed 
to RAGBRAI, it is a lot smaller. I think registration is limited to 500 or 
so. Might be even smaller. Someone described RAGBRAI as a party atmosphere 
that happens to have bikes involved. BRAN, from what I understand is way 
less party atmosphere. 

Friend thought of doing RAGBRAI and having husband roll with one of their 
campers, but I reminded her and she saw all the stuff that didn't appeal to 
her like crowds, heat, hills, other erratic riders. 

Thanks,

Reginald Alexis

On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 8:35:58 AM UTC-6 mmille...@gmail.com 
wrote:

> I wonder if it will start close to Omaha this year since it was the 
> northern route last year? 
> A very good friend did it last summer. He got an RV, and his wife drove 
> (and worked remote). He reserved a lot of RV spots that were NOT with the 
> main group. Had a blast, but a couple of those days were pretty rough. I 
> think last year was one of the toughest years.
>
> Is BRAN still happening? As a photojournalist in Omaha, I covered RAGBRAI 
> a couple years, and also went out to BRAN once. I thought the BRAN folks 
> were pretty hardcore.
>
> Matt in STL
>
> On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 12:21:49 AM UTC-6 John Dewey wrote:
>
>> I snapped a shot one RAGBRAI of a bank clock at 6 pm sharp. Still 106F. 
>> Thank goodness for plenty of cold beer. 
>>
>> Jock
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 2:50 PM Sarah Carlson  
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Just watched the RAGBRAI documentary and can totally understand how you 
>>> could be called to join a community of riders who support each other 
>>> through an exciting challenge. It makes me want to go too except for 
>>> when I heard one of the guys commenting, "It's 105 degrees." That gave me 
>>> pause! 
>>>
>>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 3:33:07 PM UTC-8 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 

 I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
 well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
 of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
 out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
 I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure 
 scene 
 AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
 know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!

 There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
 “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
 after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
 in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
 fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
 others?

 Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort 
 of dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so 
 on. This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so 
 many riders moving through tiny host towns.

 I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it 
 really is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… 
 Also, 
 it’s Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.

 Leah

>>> -- 
>>>
>> 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.
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>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/f81dc795-bdba-4c2e-9bd7-fab0e51cbe40n%40googlegroups.com
>>>  
>>> 
>>> .
>>>
>>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[matt miller]

I wonder if it will start close to Omaha this year since it was the 
northern route last year? 
A very good friend did it last summer. He got an RV, and his wife drove 
(and worked remote). He reserved a lot of RV spots that were NOT with the 
main group. Had a blast, but a couple of those days were pretty rough. I 
think last year was one of the toughest years.

Is BRAN still happening? As a photojournalist in Omaha, I covered RAGBRAI a 
couple years, and also went out to BRAN once. I thought the BRAN folks were 
pretty hardcore.

Matt in STL

On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 12:21:49 AM UTC-6 John Dewey wrote:

> I snapped a shot one RAGBRAI of a bank clock at 6 pm sharp. Still 106F. 
> Thank goodness for plenty of cold beer. 
>
> Jock
>
> On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 2:50 PM Sarah Carlson  
> wrote:
>
>> Just watched the RAGBRAI documentary and can totally understand how you 
>> could be called to join a community of riders who support each other 
>> through an exciting challenge. It makes me want to go too except for 
>> when I heard one of the guys commenting, "It's 105 degrees." That gave me 
>> pause! 
>>
>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 3:33:07 PM UTC-8 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival? 
>>>
>>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money 
>>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard 
>>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure 
>>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And 
>>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene 
>>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even 
>>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>>
>>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a 
>>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state 
>>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike 
>>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with 
>>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the 
>>> others?
>>>
>>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of 
>>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on. 
>>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many 
>>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>>
>>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really 
>>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s 
>>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>>
>>> Leah
>>>
>> -- 
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>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[John Dewey]

I snapped a shot one RAGBRAI of a bank clock at 6 pm sharp. Still 106F.
Thank goodness for plenty of cold beer.

Jock

On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 2:50 PM Sarah Carlson 
wrote:

> Just watched the RAGBRAI documentary and can totally understand how you
> could be called to join a community of riders who support each other
> through an exciting challenge. It makes me want to go too except for
> when I heard one of the guys commenting, "It's 105 degrees." That gave me
> pause!
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 3:33:07 PM UTC-8 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
> wrote:
>
>> Who knows about Bike Film Festival?
>>
>> I paid for the pass to watch this year’s videos and it was money
>> well-spent. I got to the RAGBRAI documentary last night. Wow. I had heard
>> of it but really knew nothing about it and now I would just love to figure
>> out how to ride it this year. It just looks like such an experience. And
>> I’ve had very few experiences, because I’m late to the bike adventure scene
>> AND I’ve been raising kids! But now they are teenagers and might not even
>> know that I’m gone so maybe I should ride this epic ride!
>>
>> There are a ton of logistics I don’t understand. I think you need a
>> “charter” to haul your stuff, yes? And to bring you back across the state
>> after you finish? And if you use these “charters” do they trash your bike
>> in their racks or will they have something that can handle a a mixte with
>> fenders? Is there are charter that is more friendly to Riv bikes than the
>> others?
>>
>> Also, no camping. I’m really hoping to end up in a hotel or some sort of
>> dwelling. I don’t have any tents, don’t know how to pitch tents and so on.
>> This may be the thing I can’t plan my way out of, because there are so many
>> riders moving through tiny host towns.
>>
>> I’ll look up more info tonight after I get my chores done! But it really
>> is so exciting to imagine riding my bike across a whole state… Also, it’s
>> Real Winter here in Michigan, so maybe that’s why this hits different.
>>
>> Leah
>>
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> 
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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Rusty Click]

Forgot to mention Leah,  way better than the RAGBRAI documentary are the 
videos posted by Ryan Van Duzer.  He captures what its really like on the 
ride...the people, the towns, the entertainment, etc.   Look for him on 
you-toob

Sláinte,
Rusty Click
Pgh, PA


On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 3:57:43 PM UTC-5 Rusty Click wrote:

> Be careful Leah,  RAGBRAI was on my bucket list and I finally rode it in 
> 2015 at age 58.  It was supposed to be a "one and done" for me, but I've 
> now crossed Iowa every year since except 2020 (which I rode virtually) and 
> even convinced my daughter to join me in '21.  She rode again with me last 
> year for the 50th anniversary ride so I think she liked the vibe!  That 
> being said, last year was the most difficult for me due to the wind, heat, 
> humidity and the hills.  Usually expected some of the above but all day, 
> every day was tough.  I am going to skip this year and spend my money 
> riding the Katy Trail across MO with my daughter Katy who will be 30.   I 
> can not pass up that kind of time spent riding with her...now, if I can 
> only get my son to join in before I can't do it anymore!
>
> I have ridden my Sam Hillborne(60) most years, and my Waterford 
> Atlantis(62) the others.  I had the good fortune to meet Julian on his 
> Atlantis too!  Others have had good advice about the charters and I 
> personally think the tent service some offer is worth every penny.   
> Brancel and Pork Belly Ventures have great camp setups, but my favorite 
> years were the ones where I joined a team supported by their own 
> vans/busses that coordinated with volunteers in each town that would put us 
> up at their houses.  We had to set up our own tents but usually had the use 
> of showers and water.  Most even supplied dinner and cocktails in the 
> evening.
>
> About riding from Omaha to the start...the route changes every year so the 
> start town is usually quite a ways (by bike) from the Omaha Arpt.   I drive 
> from Pittsburgh PA to the end town and park the car, then I board a shuttle 
> to take me to the start town and ride back to the car.
>
> On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 7:43:33 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Yeah, George, you are pretty crotchety but I’m used to you now. At least 
>> you sent me a good link. I know about that group but have not joined them 
>> because one of their tenets is self-reliability. It is “paramount” they 
>> say. I am hardly that.
>>
>> The experiences here are very interesting to read. I think I’m in good 
>> physical shape to do the ride but the heat and humidity mentioned here make 
>> me less excited to try it. That kind of weather wears on a rider after one 
>> day, let alone seven. Steven mentioned lifting, which I do, daily, so ✅ . I 
>> think I could get the hang of camping if I had to (I’d have to). Logistics 
>> remain problematic. I like the idea of riding from Omaha to the start but 
>> it is over one hundred miles and I wouldn’t really want to do that alone… 
>> I’ll look up the Pork Belly charter, too. Thanks, everyone!
>>
>> I’ll keep reading about it.
>>
>> It is really fun to read the experiences of past attendees, so keep those 
>> coming and send some photos, if you would! Because, meanwhile in Michigan: 
>> [image: image0.jpeg][image: image1.jpeg]
>>
>> On Jan 15, 2024, at 8:31 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> Joe - I get your point. I rode in a couple of Hotter'n Hell rides in 
>> North Texas back in '95 and '96 just "for the hell of it" so to speak.  But 
>> that was when I was living in the DFW area at the time so it was less than 
>> a 100 mile drive to Wichita Falls.  I'm older and more crusty now some 30 
>> years later and look back at these kinds of things through a different 
>> lens. So I shut my mouth for now. To each his own. Best regards Ralph.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 7:19:12 PM UTC-6 Joe Bernard wrote:
>>
>>> I'm not sure why we would question why someone would want to do a well 
>>> known ride after seeing a film about it. She wants to do it because it's 
>>> interesting to her. 
>>>
>>> Joe Bernard 
>>>
>>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:02:11 PM UTC-8 George Schick wrote:
>>>
 Not sure why you'd want to go through the trouble to travel all the way 
 over to the Western end of Iowa for this ride particular ride given the 
 distance to get there, the logistics, accommodation issues and the sheer 
 mass of riders (some of whom seem to like to stop at every bar along a 
 portion of a daily route until they're so inebriated that they crash into 
 trees, etc., vehicles that have run over cyclists in sleeping bags, etc.) 
 just for the notoriety when you could enjoy a multiple number of great 
 rides right in your own backyard, so to speak.  Have you considered 
 https://lmb.org/events/ride-calendar/?

 On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:47:36 PM UTC-6 R. Alexis wrote:

> Leah,
>
> I took the opportunity to 

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Patrick Moore]

Ah, thank you; yes I think I recall seeing the photo back then.

I liked the combination of  sus sp (it was a CODA) and the Softride, circa
1990; very plush, like being suspended on bungies; really took the edge of
washboard-type bumps. But the then-just-appeared CODA would creak and allow
the saddle to move laterally in a small arc, so I returned it. I daresay
that the added travel and better movement control of a Thudbuster would
have made the ride even more cushy.

On Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 4:17 AM R. Alexis  wrote:

> i think this is the link to my post a few years ago with pic.
>
> https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/T4c-yWGj4is/m/2kQoh5iFAgAJ
>
> Or search Rolling on a Rivendell Mountain.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Reginald Alexis
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 8:56:30 PM UTC-6 Patrick Moore wrote:
>
>> Sorry, sorry, *Reginald,* not Alexis. Again, sorry, I just dealt with a
>> particularly opaque resume.
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 7:54 PM Patrick Moore  wrote:
>>
>>> A minor thread interruption: Alexis, forgive me if you've posted it
>>> before, but I'd love to see your Mountain with Softride and Thudbuster.
>>> Decades ago, I set up a Performance ti mtb with early Cannondale (I think)
>>> sliding suspension seatpost and Softride and I recall how well they
>>> insulated one from washboard-type bumps. I found the Softride more
>>> effective than my then top-o'-line Manitou Mach 5 with little rubber
>>> bumpers.
>>>
>>> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 5:47 PM R. Alexis  wrote:
>>>
 ... I rode my Rivendell Mountain because I felt it would be the most
 comfortable with it's Softride suspension stem and Thudbuster Uni-Pivot
 post.

>>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Patrick Moore
>> Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
>>
>> ---
>>
>> Executive resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, letters, and other writing
>> services
>>
>>
>> ---
>>
>> *When thou didst not, savage, k**now thine own meaning,*
>>
>> *But wouldst gabble like a** thing most brutish,*
>>
>> *I endowed thy purposes w**ith words that made them known.*
>>
> --
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> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
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> email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
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> 
> .
>


-- 

Patrick Moore
Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
---

Executive resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, letters, and other writing
services

---

*When thou didst not, savage, k**now thine own meaning,*

*But wouldst gabble like a** thing most brutish,*

*I endowed thy purposes w**ith words that made them known.*

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Rusty Click]

Be careful Leah,  RAGBRAI was on my bucket list and I finally rode it in 
2015 at age 58.  It was supposed to be a "one and done" for me, but I've 
now crossed Iowa every year since except 2020 (which I rode virtually) and 
even convinced my daughter to join me in '21.  She rode again with me last 
year for the 50th anniversary ride so I think she liked the vibe!  That 
being said, last year was the most difficult for me due to the wind, heat, 
humidity and the hills.  Usually expected some of the above but all day, 
every day was tough.  I am going to skip this year and spend my money 
riding the Katy Trail across MO with my daughter Katy who will be 30.   I 
can not pass up that kind of time spent riding with her...now, if I can 
only get my son to join in before I can't do it anymore!

I have ridden my Sam Hillborne(60) most years, and my Waterford 
Atlantis(62) the others.  I had the good fortune to meet Julian on his 
Atlantis too!  Others have had good advice about the charters and I 
personally think the tent service some offer is worth every penny.   
Brancel and Pork Belly Ventures have great camp setups, but my favorite 
years were the ones where I joined a team supported by their own 
vans/busses that coordinated with volunteers in each town that would put us 
up at their houses.  We had to set up our own tents but usually had the use 
of showers and water.  Most even supplied dinner and cocktails in the 
evening.

About riding from Omaha to the start...the route changes every year so the 
start town is usually quite a ways (by bike) from the Omaha Arpt.   I drive 
from Pittsburgh PA to the end town and park the car, then I board a shuttle 
to take me to the start town and ride back to the car.

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 7:43:33 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Yeah, George, you are pretty crotchety but I’m used to you now. At least 
> you sent me a good link. I know about that group but have not joined them 
> because one of their tenets is self-reliability. It is “paramount” they 
> say. I am hardly that.
>
> The experiences here are very interesting to read. I think I’m in good 
> physical shape to do the ride but the heat and humidity mentioned here make 
> me less excited to try it. That kind of weather wears on a rider after one 
> day, let alone seven. Steven mentioned lifting, which I do, daily, so ✅ . I 
> think I could get the hang of camping if I had to (I’d have to). Logistics 
> remain problematic. I like the idea of riding from Omaha to the start but 
> it is over one hundred miles and I wouldn’t really want to do that alone… 
> I’ll look up the Pork Belly charter, too. Thanks, everyone!
>
> I’ll keep reading about it.
>
> It is really fun to read the experiences of past attendees, so keep those 
> coming and send some photos, if you would! Because, meanwhile in Michigan: 
> [image: image0.jpeg][image: image1.jpeg]
>
> On Jan 15, 2024, at 8:31 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> Joe - I get your point. I rode in a couple of Hotter'n Hell rides in 
> North Texas back in '95 and '96 just "for the hell of it" so to speak.  But 
> that was when I was living in the DFW area at the time so it was less than 
> a 100 mile drive to Wichita Falls.  I'm older and more crusty now some 30 
> years later and look back at these kinds of things through a different 
> lens. So I shut my mouth for now. To each his own. Best regards Ralph.
>
>
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 7:19:12 PM UTC-6 Joe Bernard wrote:
>
>> I'm not sure why we would question why someone would want to do a well 
>> known ride after seeing a film about it. She wants to do it because it's 
>> interesting to her. 
>>
>> Joe Bernard 
>>
>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:02:11 PM UTC-8 George Schick wrote:
>>
>>> Not sure why you'd want to go through the trouble to travel all the way 
>>> over to the Western end of Iowa for this ride particular ride given the 
>>> distance to get there, the logistics, accommodation issues and the sheer 
>>> mass of riders (some of whom seem to like to stop at every bar along a 
>>> portion of a daily route until they're so inebriated that they crash into 
>>> trees, etc., vehicles that have run over cyclists in sleeping bags, etc.) 
>>> just for the notoriety when you could enjoy a multiple number of great 
>>> rides right in your own backyard, so to speak.  Have you considered 
>>> https://lmb.org/events/ride-calendar/?
>>>
>>> On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:47:36 PM UTC-6 R. Alexis wrote:
>>>
 Leah,

 I took the opportunity to ride the first day of RAGBRAI last summer. I 
 live in eastern Nebraska. I happened to be off that weekend, heard it was 
 starting that weekend and that it was the 50th anniversary of the ride. 
 Had 
 always thought of doing at least the first day, but never took the 
 opportunity to look into it and would find out the morning of when local 
 news would do reports on it. I took the opportunity. I enjoyed it, even if 

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[R. Alexis]

i think this is the link to my post a few years ago with pic. 

https://groups.google.com/g/rbw-owners-bunch/c/T4c-yWGj4is/m/2kQoh5iFAgAJ

Or search Rolling on a Rivendell Mountain.

Thanks.

Reginald Alexis

On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 8:56:30 PM UTC-6 Patrick Moore wrote:

> Sorry, sorry, *Reginald,* not Alexis. Again, sorry, I just dealt with a 
> particularly opaque resume.
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 7:54 PM Patrick Moore  wrote:
>
>> A minor thread interruption: Alexis, forgive me if you've posted it 
>> before, but I'd love to see your Mountain with Softride and Thudbuster. 
>> Decades ago, I set up a Performance ti mtb with early Cannondale (I think) 
>> sliding suspension seatpost and Softride and I recall how well they 
>> insulated one from washboard-type bumps. I found the Softride more 
>> effective than my then top-o'-line Manitou Mach 5 with little rubber 
>> bumpers.
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 5:47 PM R. Alexis  wrote:
>>
>>> ... I rode my Rivendell Mountain because I felt it would be the most 
>>> comfortable with it's Softride suspension stem and Thudbuster Uni-Pivot 
>>> post. 
>>>
>>
>
> -- 
>
> Patrick Moore
> Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
>
> ---
>
> Executive resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, letters, and other writing 
> services
>
>
> ---
>
> *When thou didst not, savage, k**now thine own meaning,*
>
> *But wouldst gabble like a** thing most brutish,*
>
> *I endowed thy purposes w**ith words that made them known.*
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[R. Alexis]

Hello Patrick,

You are good on the name. 

I posted a pic of my Rivendell Mountain a bit ago. Probably 2022 after 
doing Corporate Cycling Challenge in August. I think I posted both on RBW 
Owner Bunch and IBOB lists. Can probably see it with a search. 

The Thudbuster Uni-Pivot works well. Been wanting to possibly change out 
for a Cane Creek Thudbuster ST, but they the new 4G redesign is not 
tripping my trigger. Would prefer the 3G version. The eeSilk+ seems to be a 
good alternate option. The other issue is the black anodizing. I would 
prefer a silver or the dark smoke silver that the limited edition eeSilk 
initial offer stem came in. My post still works, but just thinking ahead 
and the parallel movement is an improvement over the initial uni-pivot 
design.  

Like I mentioned before, At the time I ordered this I also was a bit 
enamored with the Softride Beam bikes that were out there. The titanium one 
Bob Roll raced on, the Ritchey, Breezer, Otis Guy. Going with the Softride 
stem and Thudbuster suspension post on the Riv Mountain satisfied my desire 
to go with a beam bike. Makes for a comfortable riding set up. For a ride 
like RAGBRAI, it sat at the top of my list of bikes to use. 

Thanks,

Reginald Alexis

On Monday, January 15, 2024 at 8:56:30 PM UTC-6 Patrick Moore wrote:

> Sorry, sorry, *Reginald,* not Alexis. Again, sorry, I just dealt with a 
> particularly opaque resume.
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 7:54 PM Patrick Moore  wrote:
>
>> A minor thread interruption: Alexis, forgive me if you've posted it 
>> before, but I'd love to see your Mountain with Softride and Thudbuster. 
>> Decades ago, I set up a Performance ti mtb with early Cannondale (I think) 
>> sliding suspension seatpost and Softride and I recall how well they 
>> insulated one from washboard-type bumps. I found the Softride more 
>> effective than my then top-o'-line Manitou Mach 5 with little rubber 
>> bumpers.
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 5:47 PM R. Alexis  wrote:
>>
>>> ... I rode my Rivendell Mountain because I felt it would be the most 
>>> comfortable with it's Softride suspension stem and Thudbuster Uni-Pivot 
>>> post. 
>>>
>>
>
> -- 
>
> Patrick Moore
> Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum
>
> ---
>
> Executive resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, letters, and other writing 
> services
>
>
> ---
>
> *When thou didst not, savage, k**now thine own meaning,*
>
> *But wouldst gabble like a** thing most brutish,*
>
> *I endowed thy purposes w**ith words that made them known.*
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Patrick Moore]

Sorry, sorry, *Reginald,* not Alexis. Again, sorry, I just dealt with a
particularly opaque resume.

On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 7:54 PM Patrick Moore  wrote:

> A minor thread interruption: Alexis, forgive me if you've posted it
> before, but I'd love to see your Mountain with Softride and Thudbuster.
> Decades ago, I set up a Performance ti mtb with early Cannondale (I think)
> sliding suspension seatpost and Softride and I recall how well they
> insulated one from washboard-type bumps. I found the Softride more
> effective than my then top-o'-line Manitou Mach 5 with little rubber
> bumpers.
>
> On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 5:47 PM R. Alexis  wrote:
>
>> ... I rode my Rivendell Mountain because I felt it would be the most
>> comfortable with it's Softride suspension stem and Thudbuster Uni-Pivot
>> post.
>>
>

-- 

Patrick Moore
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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI?

[Patrick Moore]

A minor thread interruption: Alexis, forgive me if you've posted it before,
but I'd love to see your Mountain with Softride and Thudbuster. Decades
ago, I set up a Performance ti mtb with early Cannondale (I think) sliding
suspension seatpost and Softride and I recall how well they insulated one
from washboard-type bumps. I found the Softride more effective than my then
top-o'-line Manitou Mach 5 with little rubber bumpers.

On Mon, Jan 15, 2024 at 5:47 PM R. Alexis  wrote:

> ... I rode my Rivendell Mountain because I felt it would be the most
> comfortable with it's Softride suspension stem and Thudbuster Uni-Pivot
> post.
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI 2023 50th Anniversary Ride

[Cody Marvin]

Hey Reginald, that was me on the Sam, with Dan on the Trek and Andy on the
Bridgestone T500. It was great meeting you, that Riv Mountain is truly
awesome. It was hot and hilly out there, 64 miles was plenty.

Cody
Chicago

On Wed, Aug 30, 2023 at 3:28 PM Brady Smith  wrote:

> I did the whole thing on my greysilver Roadini, which I brought off this
> listserv a year or two ago. I somehow missed the group you encountered, but
> I did see a couple with a Homer and a Hillborne, a lovely double-top tube
> Hillborne, a silver, flat bar Appaloosa, another woman on a very shiny
> Hillborne, and an Atlantis. It was a hot week, but a great ride all around.
>
> Brady in SLC
>
> On Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 2:01:30 PM UTC-6 R. Alexis wrote:
>
>> RBW List Members,
>>
>> I had a chance to ride the first day of RAGBRAI late last month. Things
>> aligned that I had that weekend off and then discovered the first day of
>> RAGBRAI was that Sunday and that it was the 50th anniversary of the ride.
>> Found out that late Friday and thought about it. After thinking of doing a
>> possible century that Saturday and not doing it I decided to jump in and do
>> the first day of RAGBRAI that Sunday and also do a century by turning
>> around at the second to last stop and going back. By my calculations doing
>> so would have put me at the century mark. First day was 71 miles to the end
>> city.
>>
>> I was on the Rivendell Mountain. Met some list RBW/iBOB members along the
>> way. Names escape me. There was three of them, I think all from the Chicago
>> area. One riding a 650B converted Trek stating he had just gotten an
>> Appaloosa earlier in the week, another on a Sam Hillborne and the other on
>> a Bridgestone RB-T or T 1000.
>>
>> I fell short of my goal. In doubling back I calculated I got to 64 miles.
>> Should have just rode to the end and hitched a ride back. Still enjoyed
>> doing the ride. If I do it again will definitely be more prepared.
>>
>> Reginald Alexis
>>
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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI 18

[Dale Click]

Andy, I saw them almost every day!  Seemed to be a large team by the looks of 
their support vehicle.

Rusty Click
Pittsburgh

> On Jul 31, 2018, at 6:31 AM, ascpgh  wrote:
> 
> Any RAGBRAI riders see the Tide-kitted riders? 
> 
> My long time friend and cyclist Steve works for P&G and organizes their 
> participation. None are Riv owners, but Steve commutes by bike and has been 
> an advocate ever since I built him a bike on a Bridgestone MB-4 frame in 1989.
> 
> They were photographed and tagged by NPR personality Scott Horsley along the 
> way.
> 
> Andy Cheatham
> Pittsburgh
> 
> On Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 2:43:33 PM UTC-4, Julian Westerhout wrote:
> Rusty, 
> 
> It was good to ride RAGBRAI on my 64cm Atlantis, to meet you and your 
> Hillborne, and to see a few other Rivs as well -- spotted a green Roadeo, a 
> lovely blue Betty Foy, a sage HHH, another Atlantis, a blue Clementine, and 
> an orange Cheviot (also spotted a Grant-designed MB-2 and an RB-1). Did not 
> manage to spot Jacquie Phelan and Charlie Cunningham on their HHH, although I 
> understand they were there. 
> 
> A fair number of nice steel bikes among the waves of carbon. Lots of Surly 
> LHTs, Cross Checks, and similar Salsas, some lovely customs, a Fuso, a 
> refurbished 1983 68 cm Specialized Sequoia, a Rohloff equipped redone 1977 
> Trek TX, among others... 
> 
> There were also a number of young riders on good 1970s-80s steel bikes (mid 
> line Treks, Miytas, Fujis, etc) that probably came out of parents or 
> grandparents garages or basements -- made a point of complimenting them. 
> 
> Great RAGBRAI experience for me -- very different than my usual unsupported 
> tours with my wife, a bit crazy, but lots of fun. 
> 
> Julian Westerhout
> Bloomington, IL 
> 
> On Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:07:38 AM UTC-5, Rusty Click wrote:
> We’re on our way out now from PGH, PA. 
> I’m riding a double TT S Hillborne. Will look for your Riv! 
> 
> Rusty Click 
> 
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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI 2015

[Tim Gavin]

Sounds like you had some classic RAGBRAI experiences, including bus
trouble!  Many teams fit out clapped out retired school buses, and some are
better at plumbing up the keg refrigerators than they are at bus
maintenance.  Priorities!

Seriously, though, a good team to support you seems like the best way to do
RAGBRAI.  Unfortunately, all the teams I meet are more like drinking clubs
with a cycling problem (training their livers in the off-season), or
church-lady teetotaler groups.  I'd like a team of capable riders that
appreciate good beer, good coffee, good riding, and good sleep.

Hopefully we'll cross paths in a future year!

Tim

On Mon, Aug 3, 2015 at 5:51 PM, Robert F. Harrison 
wrote:

> Thanks for the great report Rusty. It sounds like a blast. Having done the
> ride myself a couple of times I can really picture all the good times you
> had!
>
> Aloha,
>
> Bob
>
> On Mon, Aug 3, 2015 at 10:54 AM, Rusty Click  wrote:
>
>> In lieu of a day to day trip report, here are some recollections about
>> this years RAGBRAI.
>>
>> Our Pennsylvania Mountain Men, a group of 10, consisted of eight riders,
>> the mini bus owner, and his girlfriend who drove 'the beast' like a road
>> warrior.  They became hitched while on this years RAGBRAI.
>>
>> We departed Pittsburgh a little later than planned but glad to be on the
>> way.  These veteran RAGBRAI-ers where joined by three newbies, and we three
>> were glad of the opportunity.  About 60 miles short of our planned
>> overnight on the Illinois side of the river from Davenport, the mini bus
>> blew 2 tires, and limped into the next town, which was luckily only about 2
>> miles up the road.  The adventure has begun.  Hotel rooms were found and
>> divided up amongst the riders, while everyone wondered about repairs the
>> next day.  In the morning, with tires found and a shop located to mount
>> them, we headed offfor about 5 miles.  That was when the battery tray
>> decided to drop and drag along the road.  We had MacGyver on board though,
>> and he pulled from his pack some gum and tape, along with some ratchet
>> straps, to secure everything back in its 'kinda-sorta' space, and we headed
>> off once again for our host families addresses in far off Sioux City.  We
>> arrived just before sunset and quickly set up tents and put together our
>> bikes for the morning.  We arrived a bit late to enjoy the pre-ride
>> festivities that the Des Moines Register sponsored, including the music and
>> vendors, but we were feasted by the host families (3) which found room for
>> about 70 riders.  We took the opportunity to decompress from the trip out,
>> and enjoyed the ribs, pulled pork, pasta salads, and the 'pop' of a few
>> cans of brew before heading off for the tents.
>>
>> The weeks riding started at a little after 6 am the next day.  We would
>> stagger out of camp between 6 and 6:30 all week long, so as to beat the
>> heat, and set up for the next night.  Some would ride early and fast, some
>> would start early and find breakfast, some would "Just Ride" and do
>> whatever, all day long.  Guess where I fit in.
>>
>> We enjoyed wonderful hosts throughout the week.  Private residences,
>> church lawns, and town parks were filled with tents and riders going about
>> the housework required for the day.  Tent set-up, showers, cleaning riding
>> gear for those of us without kits for every day, and re-hydration filled
>> the afternoons til we either headed off to check out the overnight towns
>> entertainment, or melted into camp chairs and eventually into tents to
>> start all over again.  For me, it was 'Introduction to RAGBRAI' 101, and I
>> admit to being little overwhelmed, but WOW, it was awesome!  I never tired
>> of seeing both lanes full of bikes for as far as i could see.
>>
>> The days riding took us through a few, well spaced 'Pass Through' towns
>> who put out the welcome mat with church breakfasts(or dinners), locals
>> pointing the way to water/food/beer/entertainment, and shade.  Along the
>> route, in between towns,  homeowners, farmers, and sometimes an Amish
>> family would set up tents selling, at very reasonable rates(or even free),
>> water/gatorade and food.  Wait, that doesn't quite tell the tale.  So here
>> is a partial list of just some of the things I stopped for:  Organic yogurt
>> and granola, cappuccino made in a field by a wonderful local roaster, sweet
>> corn on the cob, Iowa Craft Beer, pork chops, pie and ice cream made by
>> either the local church ladies or the Amish, beer, various 'food on a
>> stick' including steak, chicken, corn, alligator(yep), BACON, and more
>> beer, burritos, pancakes, hard cider, and brats wrapped in BACON.  And
>> pie.  And Ice Cream.  Did I mention the local beer?
>>
>> Throughout the week, my S. Hillborne rode without incident.  No flats or
>> mechanicals.  The weeks riding totaled a little over 510 miles.  That
>> included the 470-ish official miles, plus optional miles off route to a
>> church lunch, o

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI 2015

[Robert F. Harrison]

Thanks for the great report Rusty. It sounds like a blast. Having done the
ride myself a couple of times I can really picture all the good times you
had!

Aloha,

Bob

On Mon, Aug 3, 2015 at 10:54 AM, Rusty Click  wrote:

> In lieu of a day to day trip report, here are some recollections about
> this years RAGBRAI.
>
> Our Pennsylvania Mountain Men, a group of 10, consisted of eight riders,
> the mini bus owner, and his girlfriend who drove 'the beast' like a road
> warrior.  They became hitched while on this years RAGBRAI.
>
> We departed Pittsburgh a little later than planned but glad to be on the
> way.  These veteran RAGBRAI-ers where joined by three newbies, and we three
> were glad of the opportunity.  About 60 miles short of our planned
> overnight on the Illinois side of the river from Davenport, the mini bus
> blew 2 tires, and limped into the next town, which was luckily only about 2
> miles up the road.  The adventure has begun.  Hotel rooms were found and
> divided up amongst the riders, while everyone wondered about repairs the
> next day.  In the morning, with tires found and a shop located to mount
> them, we headed offfor about 5 miles.  That was when the battery tray
> decided to drop and drag along the road.  We had MacGyver on board though,
> and he pulled from his pack some gum and tape, along with some ratchet
> straps, to secure everything back in its 'kinda-sorta' space, and we headed
> off once again for our host families addresses in far off Sioux City.  We
> arrived just before sunset and quickly set up tents and put together our
> bikes for the morning.  We arrived a bit late to enjoy the pre-ride
> festivities that the Des Moines Register sponsored, including the music and
> vendors, but we were feasted by the host families (3) which found room for
> about 70 riders.  We took the opportunity to decompress from the trip out,
> and enjoyed the ribs, pulled pork, pasta salads, and the 'pop' of a few
> cans of brew before heading off for the tents.
>
> The weeks riding started at a little after 6 am the next day.  We would
> stagger out of camp between 6 and 6:30 all week long, so as to beat the
> heat, and set up for the next night.  Some would ride early and fast, some
> would start early and find breakfast, some would "Just Ride" and do
> whatever, all day long.  Guess where I fit in.
>
> We enjoyed wonderful hosts throughout the week.  Private residences,
> church lawns, and town parks were filled with tents and riders going about
> the housework required for the day.  Tent set-up, showers, cleaning riding
> gear for those of us without kits for every day, and re-hydration filled
> the afternoons til we either headed off to check out the overnight towns
> entertainment, or melted into camp chairs and eventually into tents to
> start all over again.  For me, it was 'Introduction to RAGBRAI' 101, and I
> admit to being little overwhelmed, but WOW, it was awesome!  I never tired
> of seeing both lanes full of bikes for as far as i could see.
>
> The days riding took us through a few, well spaced 'Pass Through' towns
> who put out the welcome mat with church breakfasts(or dinners), locals
> pointing the way to water/food/beer/entertainment, and shade.  Along the
> route, in between towns,  homeowners, farmers, and sometimes an Amish
> family would set up tents selling, at very reasonable rates(or even free),
> water/gatorade and food.  Wait, that doesn't quite tell the tale.  So here
> is a partial list of just some of the things I stopped for:  Organic yogurt
> and granola, cappuccino made in a field by a wonderful local roaster, sweet
> corn on the cob, Iowa Craft Beer, pork chops, pie and ice cream made by
> either the local church ladies or the Amish, beer, various 'food on a
> stick' including steak, chicken, corn, alligator(yep), BACON, and more
> beer, burritos, pancakes, hard cider, and brats wrapped in BACON.  And
> pie.  And Ice Cream.  Did I mention the local beer?
>
> Throughout the week, my S. Hillborne rode without incident.  No flats or
> mechanicals.  The weeks riding totaled a little over 510 miles.  That
> included the 470-ish official miles, plus optional miles off route to a
> church lunch, or riding to the host family locations which were within 5
> miles or so of the route and the overnight town.  Sometimes, we rode to a
> local HS to use their showers.  All these extra miles were referred to as,
> "RAGBRAI Miles".
>
> Reluctantly, hot and tired, and after the mandatory tire dip, we loaded
> the bus in Davenport and turned ourselves over to Chrystal's road warrior
> ways.   We headed east for home.  Oh yeah, about 12 miles short of our exit
> to Pittsburgh, and about 40 short of being home, the bus bellowed its final
> breath and stranded us on the PA Turnpike.  Some of us called spouses at
> 4AM, (I waited till 5 ) to come and help get bikes and bags - and us - back
> to our start point.  And I would do it all again.  Even the bus breakdowns
> were all par

Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI

[Anne Paulson]

How does your Ram do loaded? I bought my son a big Ram (offered on
this list!) and I wonder if I should have gotten him a stouter bike,
given that he tends to abuse his steeds.

On Sun, Jul 28, 2013 at 5:00 PM, Linkbeak  wrote:
> Great!  My friend and I left the ride on day 4 and continued on our personal 
> RAGBRAI, dipping wheels in Dubuque yesterday.  We are now headed to Chicago.  
> It is amazing, everywhere we've met people along our ride they ask us if 
> we've come from RAGBRAI.  It was a fun time, you just need the right attitude 
> to ride with 10,000 others.  I enjoyed chatting with all the Riv riders.
>
> Since leaving the route we've ridden our Rams loaded on some really bad 
> roads, but the bikes continue to serve us well.  And it's fun to ride a bike 
> that's just plain nice to look at as well.
>
> Joyce
>
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-- Anne Paulson

It isn't a contest. Enjoy the ride.

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Re: [RBW] Re: RAGBRAI

[Tim Gavin]

Good to meet you, Tony.  I also saw an orange Ram, an orange Atlantis, a
green Redwood, and a steel blue Long Low.  I thought I'd see more Atlantii,
but maybe that ultra touring crowd was ahead of me all day.  I was dawdling
a bit with my gf and her dad, who was riding a crappy Trek hybrid.


On Sun, Jul 28, 2013 at 7:00 PM, Linkbeak  wrote:

> Great!  My friend and I left the ride on day 4 and continued on our
> personal RAGBRAI, dipping wheels in Dubuque yesterday.  We are now headed
> to Chicago.  It is amazing, everywhere we've met people along our ride they
> ask us if we've come from RAGBRAI.  It was a fun time, you just need the
> right attitude to ride with 10,000 others.  I enjoyed chatting with all the
> Riv riders.
>
> Since leaving the route we've ridden our Rams loaded on some really bad
> roads, but the bikes continue to serve us well.  And it's fun to ride a
> bike that's just plain nice to look at as well.
>
> Joyce
>
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>
>

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