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

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...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.

[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.