Help for my sister in Iowa!

[annie]

Wish I knew of some specific shops in Burlington.......... but I live quite a ways north of there. I DO know that there is a fairly active biking scene there. They sponsor an awesome bike race that goes UP a narrow, winding, twisting road called Snake Alley. There's a club there called Bike Burlington. Maybe she could check into that. If I can discover any more info, I'll post it here.

annie

[Susan126]

She's really quite excited about her bike and riding! She emails me every time she gets back from a ride. She tells me how long she rode and how much fun she had! Right now she is riding alone. Her husband has no interest but does encourage her to keep on riding. I told her to look for a local club and find some riding friends. I haven't spoke with her yet just emails. I am going to phone her tomorrow. I think the main problem right now is "virgin toosh and hands" she needs some callous build up . . . but I also think she needs a good bike adjustment. I want to explain all of that to her when I speak with her. I did email my suggestions and pass along the site that was recommended but I would still like to tell her everything I know personally. I want to see her continue with her riding. I think finding some riding friends and getting her bike adjusted will help a lot!

I would love to go visit her Veronica! I told her to start training for a long ride with me for when I do come, probably next summer!

Good point tulip about the shop where she bought the bike. I'll suggest that when I speak with her tomorrow.

Sis says Iowa is a gorgeous place to cycle. Right now her riding has been strictly on a local bike path. She's afraid to take it to the road. That's why I hope she finds some cycling friends. People who will help her improve and grow.

Thanks guys!

Sue

[betagirl]

Hey I've done RAGBRAI the past 3 years. This will be my 4th. It's a big rolling party, really This year will be hilly, 4th hardest in terms of climb. Who says Iowa is flat? It is pretty there, in some respects. Not Colorado pretty, but it's more scenic than central Illinois.

[annie]

Hey, Sue,

I posted a note on the RAGBRAI message board, asking about Burlington biking. Here's what was posted in return---

"Hi! The folks at Bickels bike Shop (319-754-4410) on Agency Street will surely be able to help out. Leroy and Sandie and their staff are very helpful. We also have a great bike club here in Burlington with our own bus, weekly rides, A very large group that goes on Ragbrai, etc. Please check out www.bikeburlington.org or contact me firemutt24@hotmail.com for more info. "

Hope that is a bit of help for your sister.

annie

[KSH]

Make sure she has some GOOD padding in her shorts!

I started getting the Pearl Izimi with the 3D Tour pad in them... it's 11 MM thick. The 3D Race pad is 11 MM thick too.

Also, check with her on the gloves she is using! Maybe she isn't using gloves? Or the ones she does have... have very little padding on the plam?

Finally, let her know that you gotta get "seasoned" for some of the pains to go away.

I hope she finds some comfort on her bike.

[Susan126]

Hey, Sue,

I posted a note on the RAGBRAI message board, asking about Burlington biking. Here's what was posted in return---

"Hi! The folks at Bickels bike Shop (319-754-4410) on Agency Street will surely be able to help out. Leroy and Sandie and their staff are very helpful. We also have a great bike club here in Burlington with our own bus, weekly rides, A very large group that goes on Ragbrai, etc. Please check out www.bikeburlington.org or contact me firemutt24@hotmail.com for more info. "

Hope that is a bit of help for your sister.

annie

Thanks Annie . . . I will pass along your information. Knowing my sister she will be there within the hour! Well maybe by this weekend. I forgot she will be out of town for work until Friday.

I will email her all this great info. In fact I will email her a link to this forum. I don't know whether or not she will join. She's computer shy. Even if she doesn't join or perhaps she will just become a lurker (at first) she can at least check the Terry store out. She loves the bike clothes.

So Iowa's not flat betagirl? I've heard that! RAGBRAI does appear to be a lot of fun and my sister keeps telling me she wants "us" to do it some year. I explained to her that if she is serious about riding the RAGBRAI she is going to have to train all year long. Through the summer, fall, yes even winter, and spring. And build up those muscles and "sit bones" of hers! It does look like a big party. I was browsing the RAGBRAI site and noticed there is a lottery. How many riders are allowed betagirl? I could not find the number of entrants allowed. I also noticed today they posted the lottery results. Did you make it betagirl? Are your chances of getting drawn pretty good? I would hate to have my sister and I enter only to see me or her not get in. Oh and I love this years jersey. Very pretty. I love the red and black colors. I see they have camp grounds. Can you also make hotel/motel reservations along the route? I guess if you do they fill up quickly. I had back surgery in 96 and ever since I can only sleep on a bed. At least I can ride with no problems! It does look like a great ride. I'm getting pumped and I'm not even riding it this year! Maybe I will take my sister up on this . . . make her put her bike where her mouth is! LOL Maybe my daughter would like to do it too. She rides. Oh boy I'm all stoked now! Thanks again everyone for your help, suggestions, and encouragement!

Sue