Beta,

I'll be there eventually. Riding out from home (Dubuque), starting on July 21, with three other women. We'll be self-supported all the way. We won't actually hook up with RAGBRAI until Monday evening, or maybe sometime during the day on Tuesday, depending on our daily mileage on the way out. We are planning on 100+ mile days, Friday and Saturday, but one never knows. If the winds are really bad, that will slow us down. If storms come up, we'll probably try and wait them out. We're pretty flexible in scheduling, actually. And since we're hauling our own gear, which will weigh at least 50 lbs., we won't be moving any too fast. They will be long days in the saddle. But fun! We each ride our own pace and re-group often. We enjoy each other's company and riding out like that let's us have that time together before we hit the huge chaotic crowds of RAGBRAI. It is a very enjoyable time. This will be my third year doing it this way.

I know it's almost impossible to find someone you don't even know on RAGBRAI, but if you happen to see a small group of women, three with BOB's and one with panniers, it could be us! Come and say hi. We tend to ride later in the day, since we have no set time that we HAVE to have our stuff packed on a truck or bus. That way we avoid the huge crowds of cyclists on the road, too. Much more peaceful towards the back. If I see anyone on your team, I'll ask if you are around. Who knows..........

annie