RAGBRAI 2010 first time

[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...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...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

[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. 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.

[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 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
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.