RAGBRAI 2010 first time

[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.

[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.