RAGBRAI 2010 first time

[slowandsurly]

Hi all,
I've only posted here a couple of times, but I wanted to say thanks for all the advice and knowledge you all share on this forum. I've been hanging around here about 2 years and have learned so much.
Just a few things I've gained from hanging out here:
Knowlege...
1. when purchasing a bike... ride as many as you can- I drove all over MD to find my perfect bike and I picked a Surly LHT. That was two years ago.
2. when purchasing a saddle... everybody is different- after doing ALOT of reading I followed the suggestions of some of you and purchased a brooks B17 from wallingford... against my LBS owners advice (I couldn't even ride 5 miles on the saddle he suggested)---- I LOVE MY BROOKS :) I never thought being on a bike could be so comfortable. For rides of less than 50 miles I don't even need bike shorts... Yay!
3. Artisan bread is SO easy to make...yum!
Inspiration...
1. to ride, even if you can't go far, even if you can't go fast, just ride.
2. to run, even if you can't go far, even if you can't go fast, just run. (I see many of you post in both forums)

So now I'm looking again for advice/suggestions, etc.
I first heard about RAGBRAI two years ago, someone mentioned it on this forum and I googled it... and thought it might be something I'd like to do, but probably never would. Well, it just so happens that I'm going :) with a friend.
It is the first time for both of us, we are using the Register truck for our baggage, and camping each night in a tent. I'm kind of nervous because this was sort of last minute and I haven't really trained like I should've for this ride, there are NO hills where I live. I know I should get into my granny gear and spin not grind, but I think I'm more nervous about going downhill, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I've been hanging around the RAGBRAI forums gaining lots of knowledge there, but wanted to see if there were any RAGBRAI veterans around here that might have some advice or words of wisdom.

This has also been a great excuse to get new riding gear. I've had 3 shipments from TE already!

Thanks again,
Carol

[kjay]

Hi — I'd like to bike RAGBRAI just to avail myself of the services of Shuttleguy! They make riding for a week a dream.

[Catrin]

Ooooh, this looks like FUN... hmmmm perhaps my 2011 summer vacation?

Slowandsurly have fun, and please give us a detailed report!

[Trek-chick]

I have never been but, plan to be there next year. I hear they say it is a series of 15-20 mile rides each day to the stops in the towns. Just think of it that way, and you will do fine. People there are amazingly helpful too so have fun and please report back on the forums about the experience:)

[Owlie]

Oh, I soo want to do it eventually. BF's dad does it every couple years. BF's talked about doing it. I think he wants to keep it a "no girls allowed" kind of thing, as he's never asked if I'd be interested or anything. That's fine. I didn't want to do it with him anyway. :P I'll find some nice TE-ers to go with. Hmph.


(Maybe I should rephrase that...)

[Catrin]

I'll find some nice TE-ers to go with. Hmph. (Maybe I should rephrase that...)

Trek Chick is planning on it, I think it would be a blast to do this, you want to go...perhaps between now and next summer we can put a TE group together? I guess they have a lottery for registration but groups are allowed to enter the lottery as a group... though it sounds like the odds of individuals and groups getting in the lottery are pretty good.

This is way early, just saying :)

[Bike Chick]

I did RAGBRAI 2 years ago. Muirenn is right--you will have plenty of hill experience by the end of the week;) Let's see, this is what I would suggest.

1. Leave early! Like before dawn. It's hot and the days are long. You can do RAGBRAI two ways: put quick miles in each day and enjoy more time at the destination town or take your time and experience each town along the way. It's up to you. There is a group of folks that leave late in the morning and are at the back of the pack. They were the partiers and if I had been 20 years younger, that looked like a good place to be;) It's a little crazy in the back.

2. Pack some chamois butter. By Wednesday you will need it but by Friday it will no longer be an issue:D

3. Have a bag on your bike to carry sunscreen, a rainjacket, camera, etc. If you have a LHT, this shouldn't be an issue.

4. Sunscreen!! You will need it.

5. Bring your camera!!! Each town and in between is a unique experience. You will see things on RAGBRAI you have never seen and most likely won't see again until the next time you do RAGBRAI.

6. Take money!!! I didn't ride across Iowa--I ate my way across Iowa. Every town and in between has food stands---pie, ice cream, smoothies, burritos---and it costs $$$. I spent about $40/day on food.

7. Pack light. You are the one that is going to drag your bag or tote off that truck each night to set up your tent and then back again each morning. Try to downsize things if you can. Put all your toiletries and shower supplies in one small bag you can grab and take with you. Something you can hang up is real handy. BTW, you may be taking group showers so leave your modesty at home and you may or may not get a hot shower:(

8. Take wipes. You will be using porta-potties and corn fields all week if you get my meaning.

9. EAT PIE! EAT A PORK CHOP! EAT A BREAKFAST BURRITO! EAT HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!

10. Have fun!!! Enjoy the experience. It's a long week but you will have a great time.

Search TE for other discussions on RAGBRAI. I know there are others. PM me if you have any questions.

[Trek-chick]

Trek Chick is planning on it, I think it would be a blast to do this, you want to go...perhaps between now and next summer we can put a TE group together? I guess they have a lottery for registration but groups are allowed to enter the lottery as a group... though it sounds like the odds of individuals and groups getting in the lottery are pretty good.

This is way early, just saying :)


I think that is a great idea....I'm turning 40 in Jan. so, I have to do it for my 40th year on this planet. That is my reasoning behind why I need to do it in 2011. I think it would be a fitting "oh no!!! I just turned 40:eek:...let's ride a bike across Iowa" kind of thing. Doing it with a group ot TE'ers would be awesome!!!!

[Catrin]

I think that is a great idea....I'm turning 40 in Jan. so, I have to do it for my 40th year on this planet. That is my reasoning behind why I need to do it in 2011. I think it would be a fitting "oh no!!! I just turned 40:eek:...let's ride a bike across Iowa" kind of thing. Doing it with a group ot TE'ers would be awesome!!!!

I think it is a great thing to do during my 51st year. I also have some personal history in Nebraska and Iowa from the dark ages so that increases the attraction. There is certainly time to plan for this, and I am looking forward to the report from this year :D

[MomOnBike]

All good advice so far, but I'll repeat.

Talk to people. Admire all the neat bikes. Sunscreen. Stop and enjoy the small towns along the way - those towns work hard for this, they need a reward. Stop at roadside watermelon stands. Sunscreen. Lip balm. Take pictures. If you can find the shower set-ups take advantage of them - it's money well spent. Don't forget your tire irons/pump. :rolleyes: Sunscreen. Have fun.

[northstar]

Hey! I'll be there for Tuesday, Algona to Clear Lake. Wish I could ride the whole thing, but family obligations, blah blah blah! I'll be in a red Smartwool Jersey, white helmet! See you there!

[Owlie]

I need to arrange this some time in the next four years or so. One of my friends and former roommates is doing his MD/PhD at Iowa. His lab apparently participates in one leg. It would be great to see him again...and tease him. :D

[slowandsurly]

Wow. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I'm definitely trying to keep in mind that this is a ride and not a race. I really want to enjoy each of the towns along the way. I can't wait to see all the people and their bikes and set ups:D I can't wait to meet the locals who come out and support the ride. I can't wait for the PIE!
I've packed my duffle 3 times so far. Constantly removing/adding... but now that I have all my "necessary" odds and ends rounded up in one place, I'm going to pack what I need and try to remove half of that! At least that's what they say to do. We'll see what happens. I've got everything stowed away in ziplocs, and all my different tubes of goo for sun protection, butt protection etc.
I purchased a small battery operated tent fan suggested by many of the veterans on the RAGBRAI forum. I've got my jerseys, shorts, shoes. I've got garbage bags for my rain gear, since I spent all my money on jerseys and shorts :) I think I'm set!
Working out the logistics has been somewhat comical. I'm already thinking about how we might do that differently... I'm already thinking about next year:D
I will definitely post when I get back. Thanks again for your suggestions and sharing in my excitement!

[slowandsurly]

Oh Northstar... what will you be riding? I'll be on my Surly LHT, light blue... not sure what I'll be wearing yet, but I will have on regular ol yellow keens, no special pedals on my bike, probably a purple or pink sleeveless jersey. I will keep a lookout and say hey if I thinks it's you. Hope you have a great ride.

[Atlas]

Wow, I just looked at the map of this year and it looks really great for first timers, as far as hills and such. That area is really flat compared to lots of other routes. Have fun and eat lots of pie, sweet corn, and other church lady food. The small towns really go out of their way to welcome riders, it's the biggest economic splurge for them sometimes.

I still remember staying on my aunt and uncle's farm in NE Iowa when RAGBRAI went through. I sat in a pine tree and watched them all go by and set up water and lemonade in the yard for anyone who stopped.

[Atlas]

Where in NE IA Atlas? I'm from Waverly!

More towards the Decorah area - Ossian, Calmar, etc. But I have been through Waverly many times.

[Ann G]

I live in Algona, one of the overnight stops. I've known about RAGBRAI from the very first one in 1973, and always thought, well, someday. I hosted some friends for the 2002 RAGBRAI when I lived in Emmetsburg, and was inspired by it. That next year I did a lot of riding, lost some weight (some of which I put back :mad:), and now I've ridden the last 7 RAGBRAI's. I was 52 the first time I did it, and I'm 59 now. You'll do fine. The route is the 6th easiest in terms of climb and distance, so this is a good route for first-timers. A typical RAGBRAI day is 75 miles (mostly shorter than that this year), but it's not like doing a 75 mile bike ride. It's really a series of 12-15 mile rides between food and entertainment. It's a great way to see Iowa. You're doing a tour, but timing it in a way that the biggest event of the whole year for that town is happening just when you arrive. Most Iowans enjoy welcoming you to their town. They will sit in their front yards in lawn chairs and shout out welcomes and encouragement, and ask where you're from. Kids will hold out the hands to high-five you as you ride by. If it's hot, a lot of homeowners will turn on their sprinklers and aim them in the street to cool off riders as they go by. Kids will stand in their yard with super soakers and volunteer to shoot you. Most towns have either DJ's or musicians performing, and you can sit and take a break while having a grilled chicken sandwich, pork loin, etc. Eat some pie, and try rhubarb pie sometime during the week. Each town has some kind of fresh water dispensing system to use for filling water bottles. Take advantage of it, and drink lots of water. Use sunscreen and lip balm with a decent spf factor. Talk to other riders and local residents. They go to a lot of work, and it's nice to thank them. No other ride will prepare you for the numbers of riders on RAGBRAI. Traditionally, RAGBRAI virgins mark their status on the back of their legs. Other riders are more likely to shout our encouragement, ask how it's going, etc. BTW, I'll be on a red Bacchetta Strada, yellow bike bag in back with my name on it. See you there. Welcome to Iowa, and have a good time!

[Ann G]

I almost forgot. Dipping your tire in the Mississippi at the end is optional, but you should do it. It ends in Dubuque this year. As you ride through, there will be people on the street who will applaud you as you ride by. I'm not kidding. There will be a crowd of people waiting to dip tires at the end, but do it anyway. Have your camera ready, and have somebody take your picture. :)

[hawkigirl]

I just returned from my first RAGBRAI, and it was life changing. I am a native Iowan and for many reasons joined in the ride that I watched come through my hometown as a little girl. I didn't complete the whole week, but rode the last three days and it was the most amazing experience. Everyone should ride RAGBRAI and its sights and sounds. I had many 'just when you think you've seen it all' and 'wow....that's just so funny' moments. I think I must have been riding with a big smile on my face the entire time. It was great to be home and I cannot wait until next year. In fact I upgraded my bike today (refuse to tell the hubby what I spent, lol) so the experience will be a bit easier on the bum and knees. :D

[TrekTheKaty]

I've wanted to do this for years. I live so close by--St. Louis! DH says no way--do I'd be interested in a TE group for next year :D

Of course if I tried to go without him--he'd want to go. Can boys tag along?

[kjay]

Next year is my 50th high-school reunion and it would be great to ride RAGBRAI, which is somewhat near the state where I grew up. I've never ridden a tour with that many bicyclists, though, and am curious how you RAGBRAI riders deal with that.

[TrekTheKaty]

Oh, and I'll be 40 next year. Cheaper than a sports car!

[Owlie]

My friend in Iowa survived his 60-mile ride. He said that BF and I need to join him so we can help him if something goes wrong. :D

I've talked to BF about doing at some point--he said "And what gave you the impression that I wouldn't want you to come?" Oh, I don't know, the fact he didn't bother to ask? He's up for it--I just need to give him some notice so he has time to get in shape...

[Trek-chick]

Oh, and I'll be 40 next year. Cheaper than a sports car!

Me too!! Sign up starts in November..... I'll be there for sure. A TE team would be awesome!

[Catrin]

I am planning on it! A TE team would be fantastic - and there is nothing wrong with TE members bringing loved ones with them :D

[Trek-chick]

It's settled then........I will try to get something organized for TE members for Ragbrai 2011. I plan to sign up early, and I hear teams get preference too. I'm so excited. :D

Anyone interested........ keep your eyes open for a thread about this in November

[TrekTheKaty]

It's also on my calendar also. All the talk about trying to meet up--that would be perfect :D

I told DH that is what I wanted to do it for my 40th. I think he knows he's stuck--it's that or he has to go shopping!

I'm not sure about going camping in July, but after a long ride, I could sleep in the driveway (after a shower, of course) :D

[kjay]

Pardon my ignorance here, but what it would mean to be part of a team at RAGBRAI? Is it necessary that all team members be really good bicyclists? I'm experienced, for sure, but not to the level of you all. Thanks.

[TrekTheKaty]

1) Comraderie. I don't want to show up in Iowa alone! If there was a group to visit with before and after, I don't mind riding by myself (I'm not fast, but a good distance rider). So far no one in my family has been willing to go.

2) I believe if one member of the group gets picked in the lottery, the whole team is in.

Ideally, if we had a big enough group, we should be able to break up into skill levels. Then no one would ever get left behind.

[Catrin]

1) Comraderie. I don't want to show up in Iowa alone! If there was a group to visit with before and after, I don't mind riding by myself (I'm not fast, but a good distance rider). So far no one in my family has been willing to go.

2) I believe if one member of the group gets picked in the lottery, the whole team is in.

Ideally, if we had a big enough group, we should be able to break up into skill levels. Then no one would ever get left behind.

This sounds great! While I would ride it solo, I think it would be a lot more fun to ride across Iowa with others and what a great way to get to know each other! Being with others would likely make the evenings more comfortable anyway - though I am sure it is safe.

I assume that I will be faster by next summer :o however I won't let that stop me. If I keep doing these long distance rides then I have to speed up :D

[Trek-chick]

According to their website...just try to get 1000 miles under your belt before the event and you will do fine. I am not fast either, by any means, I just want to have fun, meet some TE'ers and, eat my way across Iowa!!!!!

[Catrin]

According to their website...just try to get 1000 miles under your belt before the event and you will do fine. I am not fast either, by any means, I just want to have fun, meet some TE'ers and, eat my way across Iowa!!!!!

Sounds like fun - and with cycling a metric or so a day we can certainly eat our way across Iowa :) Right now I am much better at endurance than speed - so that is a good sign :)

[divingbiker]

I would definitely be up for this, as long as I could use the tent setup/breakdown service. (When I did a tour in Nebraska a few years ago, I was the last one out of camp because I wore earplugs and didn't wake up. Tearing down camp was a pain.)

I did two days of RAGBRAI in 2005, and had a great time. Of course I got to sleep in a bed at my friend's house, so that helped. It was amazingly hilly, but I was borrowing a hybrid with low gears, so I was spinning up hills past guys on their road bikes with doubles.

So all that is to say I'll be watching for the November thread.

[northstar]

I got to ride the Tuesday ride this year - it was the most fun I've ever had on a bike! Would love to see some TE gals next year. Woo hoo!

P.S...the food? EXCELLENT

[Possegal]

I'll be watching for the Nov thread too. This really appeals to me. Of course I'll be in the slow and steady group, for any other members who are looking for that group. :)

[TrekTheKaty]

I ride my bike so I can eat anything I want, so this sounds like paradise!

I tried to drive through Burger Kind on a 38-mile organized ride on Sunday--but my group missed the turn :D My order never caught up with me.

[slowandsurly]

I cannot even begin to describe how much fun I had on RAGBRAI. My friend and I rode the entire week and we enjoyed every moment. We took the advice of many and really stopped to enjoy the towns and the people. We found ourselves riding in the back most of the time, which was a really fun place to be. Not to mention it was alot less crowded. I would love to do this ride again next year. This was a good year for RAGBRAI virgins like me, since it was flatter and shorter than other years. I was worried because I only put in 100 miles this season (I'd been focused on running instead), and I do not have any hills to train on. But I was fine. I only walked one hill (Potters Hill) on the last day. It really felt like we were just biking from one festival to the next. As a matter of fact at some point along the route, maybe wed or thurs I saw a sign that said Free Central Iowa Water at the next stop. And it was at that point that I remembered I was biking across Iowa. We were having so much fun biking from one town to the next that I forgot! We used the Register's Baggage truck for our luggage, and camped every night except friday. We were fortunate enough to get to sleep in a house and have a home cooked meal. We were really lucky, the weather was great except for a storm friday morning.

I was very sad to hear about the rider that died. We were in the pack fairly close to the ambulance and watched as the helicopter landed. But we got there after the accident and did not know much about what happened until we read the papers. My thoughts go out to his family and community.

I can't wait to do this ride again. I'm starting to get over the withdrawal I experienced the first couple of days this week, but now I have to convince myself I don't need to keep eating liking I'm biking 60-80 mi a day! I've been searching for pork chops, pie, and ice cream at every intersection! If you haven't ridden RAGBRAI yet, do it... you won't regret it. We met many people who were there alone, no team or charter and they were having a great time. I think riding with a team would be alot of fun too.

RAGBRAI exceeded all our expectations!

[Bike Chick]

So glad to hear you had such a good time. It is an experience like no other! I gained weight the week I did RAGBRAI. Pie, pork chops and ice cream! Mmmmm good;)

[kjay]

1) Comraderie. I don't want to show up in Iowa alone! If there was a group to visit with before and after, I don't mind riding by myself (I'm not fast, but a good distance rider). So far no one in my family has been willing to go.

2) I believe if one member of the group gets picked in the lottery, the whole team is in.

Ideally, if we had a big enough group, we should be able to break up into skill levels. Then no one would ever get left behind.


THANKS, TTK! Good answers and I now understand perfectly. I had forgotten about the lottery.

[awm03]

I rode RAGBRAI for the first time last month. The most interesting rider by far was an 83-year-old woman named Lucy who was riding her 15th RAGBRAI. She rides with the Washington, IA bike club. What an inspiration!