RAGBRAI 2010 first time

[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 ), 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.

[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

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.