I don't know if anyone will be reading this anymore, since Ragbrai is over. But I miss it.
I wish I was still out there with 15,000 riders, zooming through the bike traffic.
I wish I was still cruising into small towns with people lining the streets in their lawn chairs, waving and clapping and welcoming.
I wish I could still eat all the great food and have my slice of cherry pie every day.
I wish I could be selecting my campsite in the evenings and setting up my little home for the night.
I wish I could be laying on my cot, listening to the sounds of nature, reading a book, my eyelids closing in tandem with the setting sun.
I wish I could be watching the sunrise while my pedals continued their revolutions.
I wish I could recapture that feeling of my first glimpse of the Mississippi River at the crest of a hill, knowing my conquest was realized.
I wish I could still feel so special and even revered as I rolled into towns with my neon green wristband.
I'm not meaning to over-glorify this ride, but suffice it to say that I really enjoyed it.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
It's Over Already?
I FINISHED IT!! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!
This was incredible. Today was so much fun! I think I had a blood transfusion. Someone stole into my tent last night and transfused all of my blood for pure adrenaline.
A large number of people got up at the campground early today. I think everyone wanted to get it done. So therefore there were a lot of bikers out even when I left just before 6 o'clock. And it seemed that the pace of everyone's riding today was just a little bit faster. It's like we could all smell the Mississippi River (which actually sometimes stinks!), and we were straining to get there.
I stopped for breakfast at this Mama Ralphael's, which is a traveling breakfast buffet vendor. It is really good. But I heard two guys commenting on the riders going by. One of them said something about not having to save their energy for tomorrow. Well, that flipped a switch in my brain. I rode hard today. I was scaling hills in 6th gear, and even used my large sprocket a couple of times on downhills, one time getting up to 35 mph. I snagged a couple of pacelines, but there weren't many of those today. It was every man, woman and child for themselves. It was fabulous!
We rounded a turn with about 3 miles to go, and I saw the Le Claire water tower. Right there, as I was riding along, I kind of lost it. I've told someone that this ride was kind of like reconnecting with my 16 year old self, the age I was when I first dreamed of doing Ragbrai. A great deal of "life" has happened to me since then, good and bad, that I feel that I am nothing like I was at 16. And there are so many things along the way that made me lose connections to the my childhood. To fulfill this dream now at 43 kind of connects a cord from the teenage Craig to the middle aged Craig. So it was an emotional moment (and a good moment) for me to be finishing this ride.
There was a giant downhill down to the riverfront. But you had to lay on your brakes because they had you stop at the bottom. It was actually a little chaotic at the end. But I made to the "dip point," and put my front tire in the Mississippi River. I had someone take my picture. I'll have to get more pictures up on my facebook. I mistakenly plunged my left foot into the water, too. So my tire and my foot were baptized in the Ragbrai-ending waters.
It was pandemonium at the riverfront as more and more riders streamed in. I found my family and we managed, with the help of a golf cart, to get me, my bike and my 60 pound bag back to the van. Now I'm typing from my Mom's computer. She lives in Muscatine, Iowa, where I grew up. We'll leave here tomorrow for home again.
It has been a fantastic, unforgettable, incredible and many other superlative adjectives I can't come up with right now, ride!! I'll remember this for a very long time, and I don't think this will be the last time I do either Ragbrai or other rides, as long as God gives me strength.
This was incredible. Today was so much fun! I think I had a blood transfusion. Someone stole into my tent last night and transfused all of my blood for pure adrenaline.
A large number of people got up at the campground early today. I think everyone wanted to get it done. So therefore there were a lot of bikers out even when I left just before 6 o'clock. And it seemed that the pace of everyone's riding today was just a little bit faster. It's like we could all smell the Mississippi River (which actually sometimes stinks!), and we were straining to get there.
I stopped for breakfast at this Mama Ralphael's, which is a traveling breakfast buffet vendor. It is really good. But I heard two guys commenting on the riders going by. One of them said something about not having to save their energy for tomorrow. Well, that flipped a switch in my brain. I rode hard today. I was scaling hills in 6th gear, and even used my large sprocket a couple of times on downhills, one time getting up to 35 mph. I snagged a couple of pacelines, but there weren't many of those today. It was every man, woman and child for themselves. It was fabulous!
We rounded a turn with about 3 miles to go, and I saw the Le Claire water tower. Right there, as I was riding along, I kind of lost it. I've told someone that this ride was kind of like reconnecting with my 16 year old self, the age I was when I first dreamed of doing Ragbrai. A great deal of "life" has happened to me since then, good and bad, that I feel that I am nothing like I was at 16. And there are so many things along the way that made me lose connections to the my childhood. To fulfill this dream now at 43 kind of connects a cord from the teenage Craig to the middle aged Craig. So it was an emotional moment (and a good moment) for me to be finishing this ride.
There was a giant downhill down to the riverfront. But you had to lay on your brakes because they had you stop at the bottom. It was actually a little chaotic at the end. But I made to the "dip point," and put my front tire in the Mississippi River. I had someone take my picture. I'll have to get more pictures up on my facebook. I mistakenly plunged my left foot into the water, too. So my tire and my foot were baptized in the Ragbrai-ending waters.
It was pandemonium at the riverfront as more and more riders streamed in. I found my family and we managed, with the help of a golf cart, to get me, my bike and my 60 pound bag back to the van. Now I'm typing from my Mom's computer. She lives in Muscatine, Iowa, where I grew up. We'll leave here tomorrow for home again.
It has been a fantastic, unforgettable, incredible and many other superlative adjectives I can't come up with right now, ride!! I'll remember this for a very long time, and I don't think this will be the last time I do either Ragbrai or other rides, as long as God gives me strength.
Friday, July 25, 2008
One more day to go!
I have finished Day 6 from North Liberty to Tipton! Today was really a pretty nice ride. The weather was perfect, and there were not a huge amount of hills. I was fighting a negative attitude, but sometimes those come. My body is tired, but actually getting stronger as the days go by. I bought new gloves yesterday, and hands didn't hurt nearly so much. I think the gloves I had were made before newer ways of riding came about, so the padding was misplaced. These were made with a cyclist in mind.
I had several things I wanted to write about today, so I memorized some keywords to remember. Here they are: father/son, kybo and corn. Hey, what else are you gonna do while you are zooming past corn & soy bean fields?
First the father and son. These two were riding and went past me. The son was obviously fairly young, probably under 10. As they went by, we were beginning to climb a hill. I looked over and the father had his right hand out on his son's back as they went up. He kept it there all the way up the hill. I think he was both steadying and helping his son up. It was a sweet moment, and made me tear up when I think of God doing that for us.
A funny thing about the corn. There's a slogan that says, "What's done in the cornfield, stays in the cornfield." It's even on t-shirts. What they really mean is that people routinely use the corn fields as a restroom. The corn is tall and thick, so it's perfect. Also, remember this. If you are ever riding your bike through Iowa and the urge to go strikes you, go in a cornfield, and not the forest. You can get ticks in the forest, but you won't in the corn, because they treat it. I'm sure I just saved multitudes from losing their blood to hungry ticks!
A funny thing about people. They come in all shapes and sizes. A testament to God's creativity. I hesitate to mention this, but it's funny. It was a day of big butt guy and little butt guy. Don't let little kids read this. "Butt" is not exactly acceptable language at our house. Little butt guy was simply that. He was normal sized from the crown of his head to his waist, then he looked like a little boy on down. Mind you, I'm not spending a lot of time dwelling on this. Big butt guy was funny. I saw him go by me, coasting down a hill. He was in tuck, in other words, he had his hands on the curved down portion of the handlebars, and was squatted down flat. But his hind quarters were wide, and he had them sticking up in the air. I would pass him going up the hills, and he would pass me going down. I laughed to myself everytime he went by. I heard him remark to someone on the upside, "oh, I just love coasting down the hills!" I think he was a big butt guy that thought he was a little butt guy. Okay, I've said the bad word enough.
Here's another new word:
Kybo or Caibo
No, it's not an obscure martial art. It actually refers to what I have always called a porta-potty. There was even a Team Kybo, with special jerseys that said, "Get in Line!" I asked one of them where the word came from, and he didn't know. I thought maybe it was a brand of potty, or else a combination of two words or something. Never found out. Maybe one of you can tell me.
I havea blister on my right index finger, and I couldn't for awhile understand why it was there. Then I realized that that is the point where I push the gear shift lever on my bike. I have changed gears so much that I have a blister that is quickly becoming a callous. Gee, that's gross!
I'm really tired of signs along the sides of the road. Some of them are cute, some of them informative, but some are just stupid. Oh, there I go with forbidden words again! Here was one series:
Always wear a helmet
I mean it
You like your head
Your brains are in it
Classic, eh? There is an art to sign making and placement. There were some signs that were so far apart that you would forget the message. There were others that seemed to be written with a fine point sharpie, so you could hardly make them out. The most effective followed an advertising standard; keep it simple.
Well, I should go. I'm a little light headed. I think I need some water. I've enjoyed eating just about anything I want this week, but I have to admit, I'm getting tired of roadstand food and wish I could have some home cookin'. Especially my wife's. She's a good cook.
Tomorrow is a short ride, only 53 miles. I should be tipping my tire in the Mississippi River before noon. I can't believe we are almost there! This has been a fantastic adventure! One you reading this should do it with me next year! You won't forget it, I promise. I'll miss it. I thought maybe I should just keep going across Illinois and home, but there wouldn't be anyone in the towns waiting for us and clapping and cheerleaders cheering and food stands begging you to buy something. It wouldn't be the same.
I had several things I wanted to write about today, so I memorized some keywords to remember. Here they are: father/son, kybo and corn. Hey, what else are you gonna do while you are zooming past corn & soy bean fields?
First the father and son. These two were riding and went past me. The son was obviously fairly young, probably under 10. As they went by, we were beginning to climb a hill. I looked over and the father had his right hand out on his son's back as they went up. He kept it there all the way up the hill. I think he was both steadying and helping his son up. It was a sweet moment, and made me tear up when I think of God doing that for us.
A funny thing about the corn. There's a slogan that says, "What's done in the cornfield, stays in the cornfield." It's even on t-shirts. What they really mean is that people routinely use the corn fields as a restroom. The corn is tall and thick, so it's perfect. Also, remember this. If you are ever riding your bike through Iowa and the urge to go strikes you, go in a cornfield, and not the forest. You can get ticks in the forest, but you won't in the corn, because they treat it. I'm sure I just saved multitudes from losing their blood to hungry ticks!
A funny thing about people. They come in all shapes and sizes. A testament to God's creativity. I hesitate to mention this, but it's funny. It was a day of big butt guy and little butt guy. Don't let little kids read this. "Butt" is not exactly acceptable language at our house. Little butt guy was simply that. He was normal sized from the crown of his head to his waist, then he looked like a little boy on down. Mind you, I'm not spending a lot of time dwelling on this. Big butt guy was funny. I saw him go by me, coasting down a hill. He was in tuck, in other words, he had his hands on the curved down portion of the handlebars, and was squatted down flat. But his hind quarters were wide, and he had them sticking up in the air. I would pass him going up the hills, and he would pass me going down. I laughed to myself everytime he went by. I heard him remark to someone on the upside, "oh, I just love coasting down the hills!" I think he was a big butt guy that thought he was a little butt guy. Okay, I've said the bad word enough.
Here's another new word:
Kybo or Caibo
No, it's not an obscure martial art. It actually refers to what I have always called a porta-potty. There was even a Team Kybo, with special jerseys that said, "Get in Line!" I asked one of them where the word came from, and he didn't know. I thought maybe it was a brand of potty, or else a combination of two words or something. Never found out. Maybe one of you can tell me.
I havea blister on my right index finger, and I couldn't for awhile understand why it was there. Then I realized that that is the point where I push the gear shift lever on my bike. I have changed gears so much that I have a blister that is quickly becoming a callous. Gee, that's gross!
I'm really tired of signs along the sides of the road. Some of them are cute, some of them informative, but some are just stupid. Oh, there I go with forbidden words again! Here was one series:
Always wear a helmet
I mean it
You like your head
Your brains are in it
Classic, eh? There is an art to sign making and placement. There were some signs that were so far apart that you would forget the message. There were others that seemed to be written with a fine point sharpie, so you could hardly make them out. The most effective followed an advertising standard; keep it simple.
Well, I should go. I'm a little light headed. I think I need some water. I've enjoyed eating just about anything I want this week, but I have to admit, I'm getting tired of roadstand food and wish I could have some home cookin'. Especially my wife's. She's a good cook.
Tomorrow is a short ride, only 53 miles. I should be tipping my tire in the Mississippi River before noon. I can't believe we are almost there! This has been a fantastic adventure! One you reading this should do it with me next year! You won't forget it, I promise. I'll miss it. I thought maybe I should just keep going across Illinois and home, but there wouldn't be anyone in the towns waiting for us and clapping and cheerleaders cheering and food stands begging you to buy something. It wouldn't be the same.
Day 6
Wow. I am on the next to last day! I wasn't able to find a computer to do internet on until this late! it's almost 8 o'clock and I haven't yet checked in. I'm experiencing withdrawal.
It is a very nice morning. It's overcast, not windy, and just a little cool. Perfect riding weather. And today is only 63 miles! Maybe I'll do it twice! Okay, you know I'm crazy, but sounded nuts even to me!
I have had cherry pie every day, and I just had an excellent piece here in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. I don't know why I say Iowa. Of course I'm in Iowa. Duh. Anyway, Exira and Mt. Vernon have had the best cherry pie so far. I saw some ladies yesterday that were wearing models of pie pieces on their heads. They were called Team Pie Hunter, and each one had a different pie type on their head. But noticeably absent was cherry! I asked them if they had one, and they said no, but they could send me an application (tongue in cheek) if I wanted to join.
My newfound energy has continued this morning. My body is adjusting to this. I'm going to have to ride to work on Monday just to keep it up.
Well, I don't have much to report this morning, I guess. Gotta get those pedals moving again.
It is a very nice morning. It's overcast, not windy, and just a little cool. Perfect riding weather. And today is only 63 miles! Maybe I'll do it twice! Okay, you know I'm crazy, but sounded nuts even to me!
I have had cherry pie every day, and I just had an excellent piece here in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. I don't know why I say Iowa. Of course I'm in Iowa. Duh. Anyway, Exira and Mt. Vernon have had the best cherry pie so far. I saw some ladies yesterday that were wearing models of pie pieces on their heads. They were called Team Pie Hunter, and each one had a different pie type on their head. But noticeably absent was cherry! I asked them if they had one, and they said no, but they could send me an application (tongue in cheek) if I wanted to join.
My newfound energy has continued this morning. My body is adjusting to this. I'm going to have to ride to work on Monday just to keep it up.
Well, I don't have much to report this morning, I guess. Gotta get those pedals moving again.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 5, Part II
Today was a weather challenge day. It was a 76 mile trip, right into the wind most of the way. It also rained on us a few times, and it was only in the 70s. There were some rolling hills at the beginning which gave way to long fairly flat areas. I discovered that a good thing about multiple hills is that it changes the way you sit and grab the handlebars so you get some variety. When you do long sections of the same thing, you get sore in strategic places.
I saw some interesting things today and re-connected with someone I met yesterday. This was Becky and her friend Jeannie. Becky is from Evansville, Indiana, and she has a daughter the same age as mine who is doing Ragbrai, too. When you keep the same habits, like when you leave in the morning and about when you stop, you start to see the same people, which is amazing among 20,000 people. I pass a lot of the same people I've see before.
Something happened to me with about 12 miles left to go today. I had been speculating yesterday that if you did enough days in a row of high mileage that you body would adjust to a new norm. I think I hit that point today. Suddenly I had energy and was powering up hills, despite the weather. It was weird, but exhilirating. We'll see about tomorrow. No guarantees that this will continue, but the next two days are short mileage, 62 ad 53 respectively. Yeah, I know, that may seem like a lot, but we just finished 78 and 76 back to back days. I'll be heading to the Mississippi soon. Hopefully my brakes work, or I may be going for a swim!
I thought I was off to a bad start today. At about 5am I was taking the poles out of my tent, so that it collapsed to the ground, like it's supposed to. Just as it came down, it started pouring rain! I stood there and just thought, "How rude!" So my tent floor got wet, which I had to dry out tonight when I set it up again. As a consequence, I had to pack it wet and it got other things wet, too. Rain is just a hassle to deal with. At least I didn't have to deal with flat tires from tacks, like people did yesterday. Someone threw tacks on the road, and hundreds of people had flats. I had already been through the area when it happened. One advantage of being an early bird.
I'm gonna go find some food now. It seems like all I do is pedal and eat. OH! I forgot to report. I got a tattoo. Yeah, me! Ok, so it's temporary. Maybe I should let you all guess where it is? Nah, it's on my calf. I thought it was funny, so I did it. Amazing how serious the vendor takes his job. It's a temporary tattoo business. Oh well.
I saw some interesting things today and re-connected with someone I met yesterday. This was Becky and her friend Jeannie. Becky is from Evansville, Indiana, and she has a daughter the same age as mine who is doing Ragbrai, too. When you keep the same habits, like when you leave in the morning and about when you stop, you start to see the same people, which is amazing among 20,000 people. I pass a lot of the same people I've see before.
Something happened to me with about 12 miles left to go today. I had been speculating yesterday that if you did enough days in a row of high mileage that you body would adjust to a new norm. I think I hit that point today. Suddenly I had energy and was powering up hills, despite the weather. It was weird, but exhilirating. We'll see about tomorrow. No guarantees that this will continue, but the next two days are short mileage, 62 ad 53 respectively. Yeah, I know, that may seem like a lot, but we just finished 78 and 76 back to back days. I'll be heading to the Mississippi soon. Hopefully my brakes work, or I may be going for a swim!
I thought I was off to a bad start today. At about 5am I was taking the poles out of my tent, so that it collapsed to the ground, like it's supposed to. Just as it came down, it started pouring rain! I stood there and just thought, "How rude!" So my tent floor got wet, which I had to dry out tonight when I set it up again. As a consequence, I had to pack it wet and it got other things wet, too. Rain is just a hassle to deal with. At least I didn't have to deal with flat tires from tacks, like people did yesterday. Someone threw tacks on the road, and hundreds of people had flats. I had already been through the area when it happened. One advantage of being an early bird.
I'm gonna go find some food now. It seems like all I do is pedal and eat. OH! I forgot to report. I got a tattoo. Yeah, me! Ok, so it's temporary. Maybe I should let you all guess where it is? Nah, it's on my calf. I thought it was funny, so I did it. Amazing how serious the vendor takes his job. It's a temporary tattoo business. Oh well.
Day 5
Guess what? I am going on a bike ride today! Something new! Okay, so maybe I'm getting a little punchy. I slept well again last night, despite a rain shower. I was laughing to myself today, thinking that I'm going to have to move this cot into my bedroom at home to be able to sleep! But I have a hunch it won't be hard to re-adapt to a mattress.
Today's operating word is----drum roll----RAIN! It is extremely overcast and was spitting on me as I pulled up to the Internet trailer. Something new to contend with. But at least I won't get a sunburn. I think I wrote that I didn't get one yesterday, but my arms started turning red after an hour or so after the ride. And since I wear didn't pairs of shorts that are different lengths, I now have a gradient tan on my legs (ask a designer what a gradient is if you don't know). It'll be all the rage soon, I'm sure.
I almost got a temporary tattoo yesterday. What is happening to me!!?? I just might do it. I wonder if I could become a professional bike tourer (tourist? tourengineer?)?
Couple more new phrases. Well, the first one isn't too new.
MANDEX
This one came from me and my kids. To wear spandex is not the most attractive look in public, but it is the most comfortable method of riding. I objected to the term "spandex," because it sounded feminine to me. So I came up with "mandex," to be a man's spandex.
Clip-on/Slap-in/Hookup
This is a phrase that is used when you want to tag onto a paceline, which I think I explained yesterday.
SAG
This is the name of the vehicles that can come pick you up if you have become mentally deranged or your bike has a problem. I don't know what it stands for, if it is an acronym. Maybe because they sag behind the bikes. Or it could be referring to your body after riding 80 miles.
Okay, isolation. Last night I sat on some bleachers by a high school softball field and watched a bird on a fence. He was just a little guy, sitting all by himself. He would lift his head up and sing and sing. Then he would preen himself and look around. Then he'd sing again. He didn't seem to have a care and was quite content to use the noise that God gave him to the fullest. I sat and watched him for probably 15 or 20 minutes until he flew away. When was the last time you did that? Sat and watched something for that long that wasn't a computer screen, TV or movie screen. Hmmmmm...
Okay, back on the road. I'm in Chelsea, Iowa, in case you were wondering, and it is 7:17 a.m. It's a 76 mile day in the rain. Yahoo!
Today's operating word is----drum roll----RAIN! It is extremely overcast and was spitting on me as I pulled up to the Internet trailer. Something new to contend with. But at least I won't get a sunburn. I think I wrote that I didn't get one yesterday, but my arms started turning red after an hour or so after the ride. And since I wear didn't pairs of shorts that are different lengths, I now have a gradient tan on my legs (ask a designer what a gradient is if you don't know). It'll be all the rage soon, I'm sure.
I almost got a temporary tattoo yesterday. What is happening to me!!?? I just might do it. I wonder if I could become a professional bike tourer (tourist? tourengineer?)?
Couple more new phrases. Well, the first one isn't too new.
MANDEX
This one came from me and my kids. To wear spandex is not the most attractive look in public, but it is the most comfortable method of riding. I objected to the term "spandex," because it sounded feminine to me. So I came up with "mandex," to be a man's spandex.
Clip-on/Slap-in/Hookup
This is a phrase that is used when you want to tag onto a paceline, which I think I explained yesterday.
SAG
This is the name of the vehicles that can come pick you up if you have become mentally deranged or your bike has a problem. I don't know what it stands for, if it is an acronym. Maybe because they sag behind the bikes. Or it could be referring to your body after riding 80 miles.
Okay, isolation. Last night I sat on some bleachers by a high school softball field and watched a bird on a fence. He was just a little guy, sitting all by himself. He would lift his head up and sing and sing. Then he would preen himself and look around. Then he'd sing again. He didn't seem to have a care and was quite content to use the noise that God gave him to the fullest. I sat and watched him for probably 15 or 20 minutes until he flew away. When was the last time you did that? Sat and watched something for that long that wasn't a computer screen, TV or movie screen. Hmmmmm...
Okay, back on the road. I'm in Chelsea, Iowa, in case you were wondering, and it is 7:17 a.m. It's a 76 mile day in the rain. Yahoo!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 4, Even more
I've had an entire afternoon and evening to reflect on things. I've learned some new words for my cycling vocabulary. See if you can tell what these words mean before my explanation.
RUMBLES
No, it's not my stomach after downing a bratwurst. It is actually the rumbles strips that they put on country roads so that when cars go over them, they are warned that a stop sign is coming. Maybe some of you city folk reading haven't heard of them. They are similar to a washboard with vertical grooves. They are particularly nasty to a bike. They threaten to shake your teeth out. Bikers call these out and you put your arm out and bob your hand up and down. Now you know.
G2
Some of you may know this one. I have become a conniseur of Gatorade-type drinks. My favorite is still fruit punch Powerade, but I've tried many. G2 is just a strain of Gatorade. I think of it as highly sweetened gatorade, made for those people, like me, that always thinks Gatorade is too sour. I also had berry Gatorade Rain.
VIRGIN
Okay, you may think you know what this means. But consider the context here. A few people had this written vertically on their calves. It simply means that this is their first Ragbrai. So, technically, I would be one.
I think they are shutting the computers down, so I have to go. I do want to write about solitude and my time this evening watching a bird sing. It was refreshing.
RUMBLES
No, it's not my stomach after downing a bratwurst. It is actually the rumbles strips that they put on country roads so that when cars go over them, they are warned that a stop sign is coming. Maybe some of you city folk reading haven't heard of them. They are similar to a washboard with vertical grooves. They are particularly nasty to a bike. They threaten to shake your teeth out. Bikers call these out and you put your arm out and bob your hand up and down. Now you know.
G2
Some of you may know this one. I have become a conniseur of Gatorade-type drinks. My favorite is still fruit punch Powerade, but I've tried many. G2 is just a strain of Gatorade. I think of it as highly sweetened gatorade, made for those people, like me, that always thinks Gatorade is too sour. I also had berry Gatorade Rain.
VIRGIN
Okay, you may think you know what this means. But consider the context here. A few people had this written vertically on their calves. It simply means that this is their first Ragbrai. So, technically, I would be one.
I think they are shutting the computers down, so I have to go. I do want to write about solitude and my time this evening watching a bird sing. It was refreshing.
Day 4 On the Other Side
I am in a place that seems to be called Tama-Toledo. I think it might be two towns, but used as one name. Whatever. Maybe it's like Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Anyway, today was a long ride. The temperature stayed pretty fair all day, but there was a steadily increasing headwind. My other Wheaton College bike tourist, Karen, told me that she would take killer hills any day to not have to deal with strong and/or headwinds. I heartily agree. But lucky for me, we had both today, headwinds AND hills. Then I got into this 2 town place, and it was as if someone stole all the little orange signs with arrows on them that we have been using to tell us where to go for 4 days now. I rode an extra 4 miles looking for the campground. I admit, I kind of lost my cool. There might be a few people along the way that if I could find them, I should ask forgiveness. :(
I neglected sun block today, because it seemed cool. But the sun was out all day. I must be developing leather skin, because I really didn't burn too much. Of course, I haven't seen my face.
Do you remember in the Bible way back in the Garden of Eden when Eve then Adam ate the fruit from the forbidden tree? I believe the tree was called the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. I thought of this today. When they ate, they realized what evil was. They gained a propensity to do what was wrong before God. But they also became aware of what was good to do.
Because there are so many people here, I can see trends. Despite that fact that we are all sinful and need redemption--just a plain fact--most people try to do what is good. The majority of people on this ride are kind and considerate. There are a few jerks here and there that care for nothing but themselves. But the ones trying to do good outweigh those idiots. Just kinda interesting.
Well, I was fortunate the Internet trailer was close to my tent. And, there's food close by, too. And, I bought a book yesterday, so I have something to read! I'm in the lap of luxury. I need to rest. Tomorrow could be just like today, throwing in a possible thunderstorm and more hills than today. Isn't that just lovely?
As a friend of mine would say, "It'll be great!" I hope so.
Anyway, today was a long ride. The temperature stayed pretty fair all day, but there was a steadily increasing headwind. My other Wheaton College bike tourist, Karen, told me that she would take killer hills any day to not have to deal with strong and/or headwinds. I heartily agree. But lucky for me, we had both today, headwinds AND hills. Then I got into this 2 town place, and it was as if someone stole all the little orange signs with arrows on them that we have been using to tell us where to go for 4 days now. I rode an extra 4 miles looking for the campground. I admit, I kind of lost my cool. There might be a few people along the way that if I could find them, I should ask forgiveness. :(
I neglected sun block today, because it seemed cool. But the sun was out all day. I must be developing leather skin, because I really didn't burn too much. Of course, I haven't seen my face.
Do you remember in the Bible way back in the Garden of Eden when Eve then Adam ate the fruit from the forbidden tree? I believe the tree was called the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. I thought of this today. When they ate, they realized what evil was. They gained a propensity to do what was wrong before God. But they also became aware of what was good to do.
Because there are so many people here, I can see trends. Despite that fact that we are all sinful and need redemption--just a plain fact--most people try to do what is good. The majority of people on this ride are kind and considerate. There are a few jerks here and there that care for nothing but themselves. But the ones trying to do good outweigh those idiots. Just kinda interesting.
Well, I was fortunate the Internet trailer was close to my tent. And, there's food close by, too. And, I bought a book yesterday, so I have something to read! I'm in the lap of luxury. I need to rest. Tomorrow could be just like today, throwing in a possible thunderstorm and more hills than today. Isn't that just lovely?
As a friend of mine would say, "It'll be great!" I hope so.
Day 4
I came across a couple of 8 foot long tables covered with laptops, outside! So I'm sitting here with a nice breeze gazing at the Albion, Iowa water tower just to my left, and some riders strolling by.
It was good to be in a hotel last night. I was in the whirlpool and even did some laundry (yes, I am a man, and I fold clothes). I felt positively civilized! We went out to eat at Fazzoli's (fast food Italian) with some friends from when we lived in Central Iowa. It was a nice evening.
I awoke, however, at 1:30 in the morning with a blazing headache, and fumbled around for my Motrin. I don't think I had drank enough water, plus my pillow was too soft. Don't you love hearing all of these little details of my life?
Today is a gorgeous weather day. The wind is from the East, so in our faces, and stronger today than it has been. But it is sunny and cool; you can't ask for much more.
I experienced something new and awesome today -- PACELINES! You really aren't supposed to do them on Ragbrai, or at least they discouraged. For the novitiates among you, a paceline is a single file line of bikes that match the pace of the first biker. They tend to go very fast because of the windsheer that takes place. I rode at the back of one for about 5 miles, likely averaging 18-20 mph. I found yet another reason to love cycling (like I need more)!
I am at the halfway point of today's ride, about 39 miles out of 78. I'll probably write some more this evening in Tama/Toledo.
It was good to be in a hotel last night. I was in the whirlpool and even did some laundry (yes, I am a man, and I fold clothes). I felt positively civilized! We went out to eat at Fazzoli's (fast food Italian) with some friends from when we lived in Central Iowa. It was a nice evening.
I awoke, however, at 1:30 in the morning with a blazing headache, and fumbled around for my Motrin. I don't think I had drank enough water, plus my pillow was too soft. Don't you love hearing all of these little details of my life?
Today is a gorgeous weather day. The wind is from the East, so in our faces, and stronger today than it has been. But it is sunny and cool; you can't ask for much more.
I experienced something new and awesome today -- PACELINES! You really aren't supposed to do them on Ragbrai, or at least they discouraged. For the novitiates among you, a paceline is a single file line of bikes that match the pace of the first biker. They tend to go very fast because of the windsheer that takes place. I rode at the back of one for about 5 miles, likely averaging 18-20 mph. I found yet another reason to love cycling (like I need more)!
I am at the halfway point of today's ride, about 39 miles out of 78. I'll probably write some more this evening in Tama/Toledo.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Pictures
I am working on uploading my pictures to an album on my facebook account. If you are my friend on there, you can see them. If you are not, you are out of luck (just kidding!!).
Day 3 - Breeze
Today was a breeze, both figuratively and literally. And God answered my prayer for sleep at last. I slept quite well after the monstrous day of climbing. I think that I'm finally figuring out how to arrange my limbs on this cot I'm sleeping on so that I can actually sleep.
I had a very relaxing evening, and I have to say that I have NEVER been more thankful for a hot shower! Where I pitched my tent was in the front lawn of a high school, and they had their shower facilities open. So that combined with a great night's sleep got this morning off well.
Typical of me, I woke up at 4:50 a.m., and my alarm was set to 5. That always happens. But I'm getting good at this routine. I had my tent and bag packed up and on the semi truck trailer and was pedaling away by 5:36 a.m. It's still dark then. I had thought of bringing my light, but didn't think I'd need it.
This morning was gorgeous! It was crisp and cool, not a cloud in the sky, and I got to watch the sunrise over the sodden corn fields. By the way, today was the first evidence I saw of the incredible rains Iowa has had. There were a lot of lakes in the fields. I'm sure that the farmers have lost a lot of crop. But the weather was nearly perfect. There was a headwind, but it was light and not a big deal.
We had probably the longest and possibly the steepest hill so far today, but it was really the only serious hill. We rode down into the Des Moines River valley, coasting at 36 mph, and then began to climb out of the valley (when you go down, you nearly always go up). The river, though still high, was beautiful.
Today was really a breeze. And it was the "old home" trip. Many of the places I went through today I knew from living in Iowa from 2000 to 2006. I stopped in Ogden, where my kids would go for music contests. I stopped in Boone, where we did some things with Awana and a coworker lived. Then I ended up in Ames at Iowa State University, where I worked during those 6 years. I stopped in and saw some of my old coworkers for a short visit.
The 58 mile trip today ended with me sailing into Ames at 10 a.m.! And really I had no aches and pains from yesterday's Six Flags imitation. So I called Sharon and she came down from Story City, where they've been staying, to pick me up. Right now I'm using the computer at the hotel where they've been. I'll be stepping into the whirlpool, which is just feet away, after I finish this entry. Jealous? It's going to feel great! I may even do some laundry! Ah, the things that we take for granted!
This really has been a fantastic experience for me. Maybe some of you would not consider riding nearly 500 miles on a bike and camping out every night your idea of fun. But I have tapped into an adventurer inside of me that is finding contentment. Who knows what might be next? Oh, I shouldn't say that, my wife is keeping up with my blog! She's probably rolling her eyes right now!
This computer has a USB port, so I might get some pictures on here later. No promises (as if there are hundreds of people refreshing their screens, waiting on me--yeah right). Tomorrow is a 77 mile ride, so back to some serious mileage. But the hills have abated, at least until the end of the week and the approach of the Mississippi valley.
By all means, no matter what you've heard, IOWA IS NOT FLAT!! Oh yeah, I said that already, didn't I?
I had a very relaxing evening, and I have to say that I have NEVER been more thankful for a hot shower! Where I pitched my tent was in the front lawn of a high school, and they had their shower facilities open. So that combined with a great night's sleep got this morning off well.
Typical of me, I woke up at 4:50 a.m., and my alarm was set to 5. That always happens. But I'm getting good at this routine. I had my tent and bag packed up and on the semi truck trailer and was pedaling away by 5:36 a.m. It's still dark then. I had thought of bringing my light, but didn't think I'd need it.
This morning was gorgeous! It was crisp and cool, not a cloud in the sky, and I got to watch the sunrise over the sodden corn fields. By the way, today was the first evidence I saw of the incredible rains Iowa has had. There were a lot of lakes in the fields. I'm sure that the farmers have lost a lot of crop. But the weather was nearly perfect. There was a headwind, but it was light and not a big deal.
We had probably the longest and possibly the steepest hill so far today, but it was really the only serious hill. We rode down into the Des Moines River valley, coasting at 36 mph, and then began to climb out of the valley (when you go down, you nearly always go up). The river, though still high, was beautiful.
Today was really a breeze. And it was the "old home" trip. Many of the places I went through today I knew from living in Iowa from 2000 to 2006. I stopped in Ogden, where my kids would go for music contests. I stopped in Boone, where we did some things with Awana and a coworker lived. Then I ended up in Ames at Iowa State University, where I worked during those 6 years. I stopped in and saw some of my old coworkers for a short visit.
The 58 mile trip today ended with me sailing into Ames at 10 a.m.! And really I had no aches and pains from yesterday's Six Flags imitation. So I called Sharon and she came down from Story City, where they've been staying, to pick me up. Right now I'm using the computer at the hotel where they've been. I'll be stepping into the whirlpool, which is just feet away, after I finish this entry. Jealous? It's going to feel great! I may even do some laundry! Ah, the things that we take for granted!
This really has been a fantastic experience for me. Maybe some of you would not consider riding nearly 500 miles on a bike and camping out every night your idea of fun. But I have tapped into an adventurer inside of me that is finding contentment. Who knows what might be next? Oh, I shouldn't say that, my wife is keeping up with my blog! She's probably rolling her eyes right now!
This computer has a USB port, so I might get some pictures on here later. No promises (as if there are hundreds of people refreshing their screens, waiting on me--yeah right). Tomorrow is a 77 mile ride, so back to some serious mileage. But the hills have abated, at least until the end of the week and the approach of the Mississippi valley.
By all means, no matter what you've heard, IOWA IS NOT FLAT!! Oh yeah, I said that already, didn't I?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Day 2, Part II
Okay, so they weren't kidding! Today was the longest day, and certainly the toughest yet, though it's only day 2. Total we climbed (clumb?) over 5,200 feet, nearly a mile. Tomorrow's ride to Ames is just over 1,000, much better. And the mileage tomorrow is a paltry 56, compared to today's 83. Course now I've made 3 trips into the downtown area of Jefferson, so I'm over 91 for the day.
I mentioned yesterday my "method" of hill climbing that was working well. Well, it probably saved me today, and I did it repeatedly. On the downhills, I would tuck and coast, sometimes up to 36 mph, then immediately start climbing. I kept going from 6th gear for downhill to 1st gear for climbing. My poor little 23 year old derailleur (it's the thing that changes gears for you) really got a workout!
I made it into the campground, which is on the grounds of a high school, at about 1:30pm, dead tired. There were times in the last 15 miles or so that I wondered if I could make it. But then I got in, lugged my 60 pound bag to a nice shady spot under a tree, and pushed my tired body to get my tent set up. The high school had their lockeroom shower facility open for $4, but it was WELL worth it. A shower and shave later, I felt rejuvenated, like maybe I can actually keep going!
I wouldn't say this was the hardest ride I've done (today's, that is), but it's close. My century ride June 15 was probably the hardest. I'm tired but pleased.
I keep reflecting on the tent villages that spring up all over the place. Even residents' yards are full of tents. Even though many of these people may not be there, it makes me think a little of what heaven could be like someday. There's a comraderie because of our common interest that you seldom get. It's maybe just a glimpse of what sort of community we'll get when we leave this place.
I thought I'd get pictures up, but these little laptops in the Iowa Telecom truck won't allow it. Tomorrow I ride into Ames, where I worked at Iowa State Univ for 6 years before going to Wheaton College. It'll be fun for it to be so familiar. I'm going to stop at the place I worked and visit a couple ofpeople that are still there. Then, I don't have to camp! My family has been staying just North of Ames, where we lived, and they are coming down to "rescue" me from my survivor existence, at least for an evening. I'll look forward to a real bed, a pool, and some familiar people (the fam). I'd like to convince one or more of my children to do this with me someday. They aren't as fanatical about biking as me. Who is? Well, there's about 20,000 other fanatics out here this week.
I haven't really talked to too many people. I've reverted to my normal keep-to-myself personality in new situations. I'd like to get out of that, but that is what recharges my mental batteries, and it's hard to get out of it.
I wasgoing to comment on two cities Iwent (darn space bar!) through today. One was Exira, and it was a very pleasant stop. I was there at about 7:30, and wanted a chicken sandwich. My eating habits are so skewed! I eat anything at all times of day. Anyway, they kept kidding me abouthaving to wait on the chicken. It reminded of the atmosphere I grew up in, in Muscatine, Iowa. Good natured teasing. But it was a very nicetown. Oh, I hadsome cherry pie! It was wonderful.
Then later I came into Coon Rapids, at the end of the rollercoaster hills. I didn't enjoy this one as much. As we drove in, they draped beads on us, New Orleans-style. They had a loudspeaker that was blaring music. There was a hippie-style tie die booth that made me laugh (and I almost bought something), and there was an Elvis impersonator singing his heart out. It was like they couldn't decide on a theme, so they threw in a little of everything. On top of being turned off by the glitz, I think I ate a half-done bratworst. I didn't get sick, but it didn't like me much, either.
The Ragbrai pass through towns sort of compete with each other, each one trying to blitz you with what they are like. They each have a little newspaper devoted to their town, and they all want you to come live there. It's a big problem in Iowa that kids grow up, even go to college in Iowa, then move away to raise families. They are desparate for people to settle here. No worries, though, Idon't think I'll be going back. I like Illinois.
Okay, I'd better go. I'm hoping to connectwith a guy I knew in Ames that also worked (and works) at ISU. I called him after I finished, and he was riding (it's not recommended to talk on cells while riding). I haven't heard from himyet. It would be nice to have someone here that I know. I love the riding and the adventure, but it would be good to have someone to share it with.
I'll be back tomorrow!
I mentioned yesterday my "method" of hill climbing that was working well. Well, it probably saved me today, and I did it repeatedly. On the downhills, I would tuck and coast, sometimes up to 36 mph, then immediately start climbing. I kept going from 6th gear for downhill to 1st gear for climbing. My poor little 23 year old derailleur (it's the thing that changes gears for you) really got a workout!
I made it into the campground, which is on the grounds of a high school, at about 1:30pm, dead tired. There were times in the last 15 miles or so that I wondered if I could make it. But then I got in, lugged my 60 pound bag to a nice shady spot under a tree, and pushed my tired body to get my tent set up. The high school had their lockeroom shower facility open for $4, but it was WELL worth it. A shower and shave later, I felt rejuvenated, like maybe I can actually keep going!
I wouldn't say this was the hardest ride I've done (today's, that is), but it's close. My century ride June 15 was probably the hardest. I'm tired but pleased.
I keep reflecting on the tent villages that spring up all over the place. Even residents' yards are full of tents. Even though many of these people may not be there, it makes me think a little of what heaven could be like someday. There's a comraderie because of our common interest that you seldom get. It's maybe just a glimpse of what sort of community we'll get when we leave this place.
I thought I'd get pictures up, but these little laptops in the Iowa Telecom truck won't allow it. Tomorrow I ride into Ames, where I worked at Iowa State Univ for 6 years before going to Wheaton College. It'll be fun for it to be so familiar. I'm going to stop at the place I worked and visit a couple ofpeople that are still there. Then, I don't have to camp! My family has been staying just North of Ames, where we lived, and they are coming down to "rescue" me from my survivor existence, at least for an evening. I'll look forward to a real bed, a pool, and some familiar people (the fam). I'd like to convince one or more of my children to do this with me someday. They aren't as fanatical about biking as me. Who is? Well, there's about 20,000 other fanatics out here this week.
I haven't really talked to too many people. I've reverted to my normal keep-to-myself personality in new situations. I'd like to get out of that, but that is what recharges my mental batteries, and it's hard to get out of it.
I wasgoing to comment on two cities Iwent (darn space bar!) through today. One was Exira, and it was a very pleasant stop. I was there at about 7:30, and wanted a chicken sandwich. My eating habits are so skewed! I eat anything at all times of day. Anyway, they kept kidding me abouthaving to wait on the chicken. It reminded of the atmosphere I grew up in, in Muscatine, Iowa. Good natured teasing. But it was a very nicetown. Oh, I hadsome cherry pie! It was wonderful.
Then later I came into Coon Rapids, at the end of the rollercoaster hills. I didn't enjoy this one as much. As we drove in, they draped beads on us, New Orleans-style. They had a loudspeaker that was blaring music. There was a hippie-style tie die booth that made me laugh (and I almost bought something), and there was an Elvis impersonator singing his heart out. It was like they couldn't decide on a theme, so they threw in a little of everything. On top of being turned off by the glitz, I think I ate a half-done bratworst. I didn't get sick, but it didn't like me much, either.
The Ragbrai pass through towns sort of compete with each other, each one trying to blitz you with what they are like. They each have a little newspaper devoted to their town, and they all want you to come live there. It's a big problem in Iowa that kids grow up, even go to college in Iowa, then move away to raise families. They are desparate for people to settle here. No worries, though, Idon't think I'll be going back. I like Illinois.
Okay, I'd better go. I'm hoping to connectwith a guy I knew in Ames that also worked (and works) at ISU. I called him after I finished, and he was riding (it's not recommended to talk on cells while riding). I haven't heard from himyet. It would be nice to have someone here that I know. I love the riding and the adventure, but it would be good to have someone to share it with.
I'll be back tomorrow!
Day 2
Before some of my coworkers have even arrived to work, I have been on the road riding for 3 hours. Day 2 began much earlier than I would have liked. At about 2am, I heard a recorded female voice blast through the camp area. There was a storm approaching with lightning, rain and heavy winds. We were being directed to go to a shelter.
Not knowing what to grab, I ended up trooping down the road with many other sleepy and worried people, carrying my pillow! You'd think maybe I would have grabbed my money, my phone, but no, I needed my pillow. We went into one of those big metal (yeah, metal) half dome buildings that are common to Iowa. Most people stood, but I sat down and leaned on my pillow. I hadn't been sleeping well, but I almost slept better in a room full of mumbling people than I had in my tent.
In a few minutes, the rain dumped on us. The building amplified it so it sounded like hail. I had visions of my tent flying through the air like on the Wizard of Oz. Maybe it'd end up in Kansas! But after about 20 minutes, the rain completely stopped and we got the all clear. I didn't discover until light later that one of my tent's corner stakes came out of the ground. If it had persisted, my tent couldhave been a hanglider like I envisioned. But besides having to pack a wet tent this morning, I was fine.
Today is the longest ride. Thus, my break at 8:30 in the morning. We've already climbed about 20 huge hills. I knew this, but if you thought Iowa was flat, you were dead wrong. Lots and lots of hills. Twenty-eight miles of so far. They assured me here in Exira, Iowa that there are only about 30 miles (ack!) of hills left, then it flattens out.
I'll write more later at the end of the ride. I may work on getting some pictures in tonight.
I'm thankful to God for His protection. I prayed to be able to sleep well, and he answered the more pressing need, shelter from the storm. Somtimes life is like that, you know. God gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. There you go, sermonette for the morning!
Not knowing what to grab, I ended up trooping down the road with many other sleepy and worried people, carrying my pillow! You'd think maybe I would have grabbed my money, my phone, but no, I needed my pillow. We went into one of those big metal (yeah, metal) half dome buildings that are common to Iowa. Most people stood, but I sat down and leaned on my pillow. I hadn't been sleeping well, but I almost slept better in a room full of mumbling people than I had in my tent.
In a few minutes, the rain dumped on us. The building amplified it so it sounded like hail. I had visions of my tent flying through the air like on the Wizard of Oz. Maybe it'd end up in Kansas! But after about 20 minutes, the rain completely stopped and we got the all clear. I didn't discover until light later that one of my tent's corner stakes came out of the ground. If it had persisted, my tent couldhave been a hanglider like I envisioned. But besides having to pack a wet tent this morning, I was fine.
Today is the longest ride. Thus, my break at 8:30 in the morning. We've already climbed about 20 huge hills. I knew this, but if you thought Iowa was flat, you were dead wrong. Lots and lots of hills. Twenty-eight miles of so far. They assured me here in Exira, Iowa that there are only about 30 miles (ack!) of hills left, then it flattens out.
I'll write more later at the end of the ride. I may work on getting some pictures in tonight.
I'm thankful to God for His protection. I prayed to be able to sleep well, and he answered the more pressing need, shelter from the storm. Somtimes life is like that, you know. God gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. There you go, sermonette for the morning!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Day One
I really wondered how it was going to go. I was very anxious to just get going, enough so that I didn't sleep very well the night before. However, I into Harlan at about 11:00 a.m.!! It was admittedly a "shorter" ride today, only 57 miles. Tomorrow will be the real challenge as it will be about 83.
I could not believe the feeling as I pulled out of Missouri Valley at about 6:45. I joined up with the main vein of riders and was absorbed into it like a raindrop in a river. Everyone was yelling out "bike up" or "on your left." They were really cordial, but that politeness would fade as the day went on.
I kept going through towns where they were serving heavy, greasy foods at like 9 in the morning! I was not ready to eat that kindof stuff then. I munched on my peanuts and stuff and kept going. Before I had left for the ride, I had read of a new way to climb hills that really benefitted me today. Downshift real low, scoot back on the seat and pedal with the center of your foot. Oh, and put your hands in the middle. I scooted right by all these people that were standingin the seat to power their way up the hills. It was great! Well, not for them.
I saw all manner of bikes. This ride can certainly teach you about diversity! I saw recumbent bikes galore, and even a part-recumbent, part-regular road bike, connected together! And I saw a 5 person tandem. Five people on one bike! That was cool.
I didn't really talk to anyone. I saw one guy from Colorado Springs and told him Iused to live there. Forgive me if I miss spaces in my typing. I'm on a laptop in an Iowa Telecom van, and the space bar is tiny.
I saw two crashes today and heard two ambulances. One young girl turned sharp left to get off the road and a guy t-boned her. The other was right next to me. I saw it coming. A guy passed another way too close, and clipped him. Theclippee lost balance for just a moment and he went down on his left shoulder. He layed on the ground forquite some time. I didn't stay because it was just behind me and a bunch of people instantly stopped.
That's one thing about this ride. Everyone, for the most part, is very nice and helpful. It is almost like they can't help but be like the small town Iowans while they are here, even though I saw a ton of people from all over theUnited States. That's kind of nice to see. It's a contrast from the Chicago suburbs, I'm sorry to say.
I pitched my tent after sorting through about 5000 bags, 80% of which were the same color as mine, black. That actually went well. I was worried about getting the tent up but it was good. Mine is one among a village of tents. I'm on a fairground and it is filled with tents, RVs and popups. I bet it is larger than the town in Iowa I used to live in, Roland (pop. 1364).
It was quite hot and humid, but there was cloud cover today, for which I thanked my God. It even sprinkled a couple of times, which was welcome. Before the ride started, they had said it was going to be 90s and humid all week. Fluids become extremely important, and about $1 for a small bottle. Prices are a little high for what you get, but some of them give you discounts.
You feel a little like royalty since there are so many services for riders. This little green wristband I have has real power around here!
I think I'm going to go to a church service, actually, tonight at the fairgrounds. The church also serves a spaghetti dinner which will be good. Then I'll put plugs in my ears and go to bed early. I'm feeling good and ready for another day of riding. I took some pictures today, but I probably won't get them up on here yet. Maybe later.
Thanks for reading. Things are going well, and I'm having the time of my life! God is good and His creation is beautiful.
I could not believe the feeling as I pulled out of Missouri Valley at about 6:45. I joined up with the main vein of riders and was absorbed into it like a raindrop in a river. Everyone was yelling out "bike up" or "on your left." They were really cordial, but that politeness would fade as the day went on.
I kept going through towns where they were serving heavy, greasy foods at like 9 in the morning! I was not ready to eat that kindof stuff then. I munched on my peanuts and stuff and kept going. Before I had left for the ride, I had read of a new way to climb hills that really benefitted me today. Downshift real low, scoot back on the seat and pedal with the center of your foot. Oh, and put your hands in the middle. I scooted right by all these people that were standingin the seat to power their way up the hills. It was great! Well, not for them.
I saw all manner of bikes. This ride can certainly teach you about diversity! I saw recumbent bikes galore, and even a part-recumbent, part-regular road bike, connected together! And I saw a 5 person tandem. Five people on one bike! That was cool.
I didn't really talk to anyone. I saw one guy from Colorado Springs and told him Iused to live there. Forgive me if I miss spaces in my typing. I'm on a laptop in an Iowa Telecom van, and the space bar is tiny.
I saw two crashes today and heard two ambulances. One young girl turned sharp left to get off the road and a guy t-boned her. The other was right next to me. I saw it coming. A guy passed another way too close, and clipped him. Theclippee lost balance for just a moment and he went down on his left shoulder. He layed on the ground forquite some time. I didn't stay because it was just behind me and a bunch of people instantly stopped.
That's one thing about this ride. Everyone, for the most part, is very nice and helpful. It is almost like they can't help but be like the small town Iowans while they are here, even though I saw a ton of people from all over theUnited States. That's kind of nice to see. It's a contrast from the Chicago suburbs, I'm sorry to say.
I pitched my tent after sorting through about 5000 bags, 80% of which were the same color as mine, black. That actually went well. I was worried about getting the tent up but it was good. Mine is one among a village of tents. I'm on a fairground and it is filled with tents, RVs and popups. I bet it is larger than the town in Iowa I used to live in, Roland (pop. 1364).
It was quite hot and humid, but there was cloud cover today, for which I thanked my God. It even sprinkled a couple of times, which was welcome. Before the ride started, they had said it was going to be 90s and humid all week. Fluids become extremely important, and about $1 for a small bottle. Prices are a little high for what you get, but some of them give you discounts.
You feel a little like royalty since there are so many services for riders. This little green wristband I have has real power around here!
I think I'm going to go to a church service, actually, tonight at the fairgrounds. The church also serves a spaghetti dinner which will be good. Then I'll put plugs in my ears and go to bed early. I'm feeling good and ready for another day of riding. I took some pictures today, but I probably won't get them up on here yet. Maybe later.
Thanks for reading. Things are going well, and I'm having the time of my life! God is good and His creation is beautiful.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
4 days, 16 hours, 51 minutes, and 40 seconds left
I began to think today, with 4 days to go, that much of my training and the executing of this event has direct spiritual allusions. I came across this verse today:
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
It reminds me that I need to have as strict a training in my relationship to God as I have been doing with my bicycle, which will not last. I've also "beat my body" in a literal sense getting ready to ride 471 miles in 7 days. But I could do more with my spiritual body.
As to practicalities, I am physically ready for the ride. I've been having some dull headaches the last few days which make me worry about catching a summer cold. But I think they may also be telling me that I need to taper down my workouts. I've been working quite hard, going over 200 miles a week. I'm trying to go to bed earlier than normal this week.
I have put together most of my supplies and equipment that I'll be taking along. Inevitably there'll be some key item that I won't take along that will prove crucial, and certainly several things that I think right now I can't do without that I'll never touch. Fortunately there are targets/wal-marts along the way in the larger towns.
If you happen to be following my blog, I may not write again until after the ride begins on Sunday. I'm very excited and can't wait to begin!
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
- 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
It reminds me that I need to have as strict a training in my relationship to God as I have been doing with my bicycle, which will not last. I've also "beat my body" in a literal sense getting ready to ride 471 miles in 7 days. But I could do more with my spiritual body.
As to practicalities, I am physically ready for the ride. I've been having some dull headaches the last few days which make me worry about catching a summer cold. But I think they may also be telling me that I need to taper down my workouts. I've been working quite hard, going over 200 miles a week. I'm trying to go to bed earlier than normal this week.
I have put together most of my supplies and equipment that I'll be taking along. Inevitably there'll be some key item that I won't take along that will prove crucial, and certainly several things that I think right now I can't do without that I'll never touch. Fortunately there are targets/wal-marts along the way in the larger towns.
If you happen to be following my blog, I may not write again until after the ride begins on Sunday. I'm very excited and can't wait to begin!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
11 days, 22 hours, 18 minutes, and 49 seconds
I wish the ride was tomorrow. Or today! I feel like I have been waiting forever, but at the same time can't believe that it is only 11 days away!
I'm making all kinds of preparations. I have practiced putting up my tent alone so that I will be able to do it the 6 or so times on that week. I have a "take-along" checklist of all the things I want to take with me, and I've started a pile. And I'm feeling the weight of all the training I've been doing.
Today is my 43rd time to ride into work. From home, my work is 18 miles away. So just to ride to work and home gives me a 36 mile day. I have had a goal for two years now of riding my bike to work all 5 work days in a row. The most I've been able to do is 4 up to this point. I pushed to come in this morning since there are thunderstorms expected. The same was true yesterday but they didn't really pan out. It would be cool to meet this goal before Ragbrai comes. That will, of course, have me on the bike 7 days in a row.
There is a moment I can't wait to experience at the beginning of the Ragbrai ride. I saw it when I ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in Chicago in March. The race starts and you look ahead of you and see a sea of bobbing heads. Ragbrai allows 8,500 people to register, but I've heard there are as many as 10,000 out there riding. The moment I'm referring to will be as I start the revolutions of my pedals and look out and see the multitude of people doing the same as I.
It makes me think of the book of Hebrews in the Bible, and particularly one verse:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1
That is what I will be thinking of as I ride away from the Missouri River. It will be symbolic of the support and encouragement we can have in our spiritual walk.
I'm making all kinds of preparations. I have practiced putting up my tent alone so that I will be able to do it the 6 or so times on that week. I have a "take-along" checklist of all the things I want to take with me, and I've started a pile. And I'm feeling the weight of all the training I've been doing.
Today is my 43rd time to ride into work. From home, my work is 18 miles away. So just to ride to work and home gives me a 36 mile day. I have had a goal for two years now of riding my bike to work all 5 work days in a row. The most I've been able to do is 4 up to this point. I pushed to come in this morning since there are thunderstorms expected. The same was true yesterday but they didn't really pan out. It would be cool to meet this goal before Ragbrai comes. That will, of course, have me on the bike 7 days in a row.
There is a moment I can't wait to experience at the beginning of the Ragbrai ride. I saw it when I ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in Chicago in March. The race starts and you look ahead of you and see a sea of bobbing heads. Ragbrai allows 8,500 people to register, but I've heard there are as many as 10,000 out there riding. The moment I'm referring to will be as I start the revolutions of my pedals and look out and see the multitude of people doing the same as I.
It makes me think of the book of Hebrews in the Bible, and particularly one verse:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1
That is what I will be thinking of as I ride away from the Missouri River. It will be symbolic of the support and encouragement we can have in our spiritual walk.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Welcome
I'm setting up this blog to chronicle the fulfillment of a dream of mine many years in the making, that is, the riding of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI (pronounced rag-br-eye). The ride goes for seven days and 471 miles. I believe the shortest days' route is 53 miles, and the longest is 83.
When I was 16, my best friend (whose name is also Craig) and I started riding our bikes all the time with the goal of riding in Ragbrai. As with a lot of things that young peoples' zeal purports, it didn't come about. But the dream of riding from the Missouri to the Mississippi River across my home state never left me. It simmered down to a tiny ember, but it didn't go out.
In the last two years I have lost a great deal of weight and found myself back in the land of the Illinois Prairie Path. I'm finally ready to seriously do this Ragbrai thing. I rode 3,312 miles last year, and I just passed 2,000 this week for 2008.
I intend to chronicle my journey here, and I actually wish I had started sooner. It is July 1, and Ragbrai begins on July 20. If you care to know, you can come back to this blog where hopefully I will post updates, even on ride days, camped out in small Iowa town libraries, tapping away on their computers.
When I was 16, my best friend (whose name is also Craig) and I started riding our bikes all the time with the goal of riding in Ragbrai. As with a lot of things that young peoples' zeal purports, it didn't come about. But the dream of riding from the Missouri to the Mississippi River across my home state never left me. It simmered down to a tiny ember, but it didn't go out.
In the last two years I have lost a great deal of weight and found myself back in the land of the Illinois Prairie Path. I'm finally ready to seriously do this Ragbrai thing. I rode 3,312 miles last year, and I just passed 2,000 this week for 2008.
I intend to chronicle my journey here, and I actually wish I had started sooner. It is July 1, and Ragbrai begins on July 20. If you care to know, you can come back to this blog where hopefully I will post updates, even on ride days, camped out in small Iowa town libraries, tapping away on their computers.
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