I have done portions of Ragbrai (Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) since 1998, but have yet to do the whole thing. It always starts out on the western edge of the state on Sunday of the last full week of August, averaging 50-100 miles per day to make it to the eastern edge of the state by Saturday. Depending on the area of the state, the roads can be quite hilly. It's route is via county roads through towns that are approx. 15 miles apart to reach the larger overnight towns. Along the route and in the pass-through towns, there are many vendors/local lemonade stands selling pancakes/gatorade/fruit/pork sandwhiches/plates of pasta/Turkey Tom legs/etc. The overnight towns normally have entertainment and a carnival-type atmosphere with more vendors and a beer garden. The ride has a different meaning to different subsets of the biking culture. Mainly known as a 'party ride', it can also be suitable for families or for training, whatever you make of it. Everything you would want to know is at www.ragbrai.org. Absolutely do it!!!

This year, someone knew someone, and we had our first team bus. It was painted green and had huge John Deere decals on it. If it's still around next year, we considered Team Bandit, with the slogan of 'Ride Like You Stole It'! Of course, none of us are Blur-type riders, but it may motivate us to ride faster than we currently do, if we have to live up to our mantra!

Angie