Epilogue

As we were preparing to leave our hotel to head home to Florida, we crossed paths with one of the original cyclists of the RAGBRAI from fifty years ago. Her name is Sandra Rigona, aged 81.  She didn’t ride this year, but was in town for a family reunion.  She shared with us how she would ride causal rides with Des Moines Register feature writer/copy editor John Karras.  Over time they built up their mileage to 100 miles when he suggested they ride across the state.  It is all history since then. It was such a pleasant surprise to meet Sandra.

I’ve been home for several days since the ride ended and I have had a little time to reflect back.  It turns out that I did make the correct decision to skip the ride the last day.  The tire stem just needed to be bent back to allow air into the tire. However, at the start of the ride, I wasn’t sure that would work as I had the sealant escape every time I tried to pump.  The real problem was with the derailleur hanger; it was bent badly and could have caused a crash if the chain came off and caught while I was riding.  My bike shop, Trek of Spring Hill, did get everything corrected.  It had to have been bent when the bike was not in my possession during the confusion of the evacuation of tents to the arena shelter.

I arrived home with a cold consisting of lots of sinus congestion.  Although I did not have a fever, to be safe, I did home test for Covid and the results came back negative.  In retrospect, it was also a good thing that I didn’t ride the last day because my cold could be much worse if I continued to stress my body.  Which brings me to the word “stress.” The week of riding was stressful, from the shear number of riders, to the endless hills, the extreme heat and even the total mileage. When I rode C2C, I had a rest day once a week and averaged 65 miles per day.  This ride averaged over 71 miles per day with no mid-week rest day.  As a friend of mine stated, “it was more of a test than a tour.” That would be a good summation.  My absolute favorite part of the ride was the welcoming spirit of all Iowans.  I will never forget the young boy who sold me protein balls on Day 5.  I was waiting at the top of a hill for Ray to catch back up, and there was this young kid with a cooler full of frozen peanut butter/oatmeal protein balls.  I ate one as I waited and told him that he should tell his mom that they were delicious.  He said he would and then added “next year I’m selling popsicles!”  I just loved his spirit!!  Thank you to Iowa for being so welcoming!

The the medal/trophy handed out at the tire dipping site at the end of the ride along the Mississippi River. Because I was unable to ride the last day, my friends Fred and Linda persuaded the staff to give them one for me, Sue and Ellen. It was a wonderful surprise to end the week of riding!

Outside our hotel where we met Sandra Rigona, an original RAGBRAI rider from 1973.

The last memo board from Pork Belly Ventures, the charter that I used for RAGBRAI L. “One L of a Ride!”

Day 7- Coralville to Davenport

The day just didn’t start promising. I didn’t sleep well on the arena floor. I never slept well in the gymnasiums on C2C either, so I was not surprised. I got up plenty early, even had a coffee. Moved my bags back near my collapsed tent for pick up. Met up with Janet, Fred and Linda to ride out. When I went to fill my tires, I realized my back tire stem was bent and I was only losing more air. Because I have tubeless tires, I really needed a mechanic to replace the stem. Unfortunately today was the only day without a mechanic on site. I figured that I would just ride to the first town on route and see if I could get it fixed. It would have been tough on a low tire, but not impossible. Then Fred says “your chain is off.” Well, it was more than off, it was stuck. Fred & Linda got it back on, but it made noise in every gear I tried. I think it got damaged/out of alignment when everyone had to shelter indoors and bikes were leaned one on top of each other. So, I told them to just go and I went back. I got my bike loaded onto a truck to the end town, but there was no room on the bus. Ellen did have a reserved bus spot, so she went to the end and came back to get Sue and I. Sue shuttled for a whole different reason. I called Trek of Spring Hill to see if I made the right decision and they agreed it was better to be safe if the derailleur had become bent. It reminded me of C2C when I had to go to a bike shop with a bent derailleur. That mechanic, a former cyclocross champion of Scotland, told me I could have had a horrible crash if it had locked up on a hill. I do not want a crash or to get hurt. I am disappointed I couldn’t finish out the ride on my bike, but I think I made the right decision. My goal was to complete 475 miles of the 500 miles of RAGBRAI 50; I only did 419 miles but I feel good about making that many miles in the extreme heat and an unplanned mechanical problem. I updated when I saw the others at the end of the route.

This was my tent after the wind and subsequent rain collapsed it last night.

The arena that was a designated indoor sleep area for those who chose that option. It became the shelter for many of the rest of us when our tents collapsed.

The “tent city” area as it is being disassembled for the last time of RAGBRAI 50.

UPS trailer waiting to be loaded with bikes being shipped “home.”

Our rag tag group after everyone made it in the last day

Day 6 - Tama-Toledo to Coralville

Today started out warm (72) and muggy (90% humidity). I started at 5:45 again alone. There were plenty of hills at the beginning but much more manageable grades of 5-6%. I never did ride with any of our group today, but did run into Ray and Gayle at St. John’s church (in Marengo) where we purchased loaded baked potatoes for a very early “lunch.” We each left at a different time from the church. Gayle and Ray were both taking an early exit shuttle at 1:30 at about 55 miles. I, however had to ride the whole 83 miles. The middle of the ride was less hilly, but hills were exchanged for headwind. I’ve always said that I prefer headwinds to hills and I’m sticking to that! The hills came back to haunt me in the afternoon. At 12:40 the temperature was 94/felt like 103. The last 15 miles or so, I was stopping about 1.5 to 2 miles to hydrate. I even bought a lavender lemonade; it was so refreshing. Today was college jersey day and I represented Michigan State. Several times throughout the ride I would hear a “Go Green!” To which, of course, I replied “Go White!” I probably saw about 10 MSU jerseys. I even saw one CMU jersey. When I finished the ride it was 97 degrees with a feel like of 107. Not a good day to ride; dangerous heat levels. I was thoroughly exhausted. I didn’t stop anywhere very long as I was trying to beat the heat and the heat won! I pedaled through Chelsea, Belle Plaine, Marengo, Amana, Oxford and ended in Coralville. After I posted the original summary, a severe storm came in and I had to quickly move to an indoor shelter. My tent had blown down. A stranger helped me make sure I had all my stuff out. I have no idea where my pillow was, but I was safe in the arena that had already been designated as indoor sleeping. I just prefer a tent where I don’t share the space with dozens of others.

Sunrise leaving Tama-Toledo.

Stopped by a train crossing.

The visual alongside the railroad track

Alongside the river.

The best loaded baked potato served by a local church. I had wanted one since earlier in the week.

In front of the Oxford fire department.

Spray coming out of the fire engine.

I stopped for lavender lemonade just before a huge hill.

This is that hill…

Day 5 - Des Moines to Tama-Toledo

Today’s key words are: fog, hills, gravel, hills, heat, more hills and hills. I started riding alone at 5:45am and it was so foggy! Sometimes you couldn’t see the stinking hill in front of you. I quit counting the hills with over an 8% grade when I got to five. Sure enough, it got worse with 10-11% grades- and not just short climbs. I do not like hills due to my knees. I caught up to Ray about 25 miles down the road. We stopped in Mitchellville for a smoothie because it was the shortest line. I think we rode together about 18-20 miles. During our time together we cycled about 2.5 miles of gravel. I was afraid the whole time that I would fall because not all of the gravel was hard packed. The gravel was included only because a bridge was out and this was the shortest detour available. Also, once the ride organizers had committed to the town of Colfax for the ride to pass through, it was too late to change to an alternate town. The gravel also made for dusty bodies and bikes. Shortly after, I parted ways with Ray in the endless hills. At 9:30am it was already 88 degrees with a feels like of 96. The wind was out of the southeast at 9mph. When I went through Kellogg, I was asked by a veteran if I was a vet so he could put a star by my hometown. Since neither Doug or I were vets, I said my dad was a WWII vet, so he put a star by Detroit. I got choked up, I thought Kellogg was where I was taking an optional early out shuttle so I would not have to ride the whole 88 miles. I was wrong. I needed to get to Grinnell, another 15 more miles. It was now hotter and ever hilly. I stopped three times in that stretch to buy a bottle of water and drink it (from kids or little vendors along the way). My shuttle was for 3:30 pm at mile 65. I reached the pickup point at 1:25 and asked if they had room on the 1:30pm shuttle (because someone else couldn’t get there in time). They did and I was so happy to get out of the heat! I am also proud of myself for not walking up one hill. Thanks goes to my bike shop Trek of Spring Hill for getting me on my new replacement Domane with electronic shifting!! When I got into camp tonight the temperature was 96/felt like 103. I rode 65 miles with 3,396’ of elevation gain. A very tough day for me. Tonight at camp, our musical performer was Maddie Poppe from American Idol fame. I sported my Peace jersey through the towns of: Altoona, Mitchelville, Colfax, Newton, Kellogg, and Grinnell before shuttling to Tama-Toledo.

Des Moines morning skyline.

Stopping for a red light/police officer in downtown Des Moines

The early morning fog. The photo looks less foggy than it really was.

Post Office in Colfax.

A young boy and his mom each had a turn dunking their head in this tiny pool under the water faucets used to refill water bottles.

The air conditioned, flush toilets at the Thunderdome outside of Newton.

An old post office building for sale in Newton.

One of the many climbs.

Me in front of the Kellogg Post Office.

Because today was Veterans Appreciation day on the ride, Kellogg vets had this map with stars designating the hometowns of riders. I was able to get a star put on for my dad.

I received many positive comments about my jersey today. I wore it for veterans appreciation day.

Our entertainment tonight: Maddie Poppe.

Day 4 - Ames to Des Moines

A little later start at 6:00 am. and it was already 71 degrees. When we got into camp, the temperature was 92/feels like 101. As the day progressed it just got hotter… 97 feels like 106. Most of the towns we biked past had at least one fire hydrant open for cyclists to ride through. There were also kids with super soakers and they loved getting us wet. Still yet, there were lawn sprinklers and people with hoses. I tried to ride through each one! The wind started from the south, shifted from the west and was from northwest when we got into camp. I started the day riding with Janet, Linda, Fred & Ray. When we reached the trail to the trestle bridge, Ray stayed on the main route. We didn’t see him again until camp. We cycled past the capital building and through downtown Des Moines on the way to camp. It takes serious coordination for this tour as roads are closed to regular traffic so that bikes can use the entire lane. There are even highway exit ramps closed so the cyclists can go through a main intersection. Impressed!! I logged 58 steamy miles through the towns of Slater, Madrid, Polk City, Ankeny and finished in Des Moines. A few of us had purchased tie-dyed jerseys on clearance, and wore them today.

The “Florida Five.”

I finally had a coffee on Day 4. Each morning, I just don’t feel like taking the long walk to the coffee station from my tent. I enjoyed coffee and waffle cinnamon rolls in Slater.

The theme in the towns of Slater and Madrid was Dr. Seuss.

Finally walked past a post office!

A second post office.

We were able to do an extra four mile round trip to a Rails Trail iconic trestle bridge. Worth the extra miles!

Janet snapped this photo as I headed back over the bridge.

I was able to sign a quilt (near the black marker).

I bought a raffle ticket to try to win this quilt.

Bike sculpture as we entered Ankeny..

The capital building in Des Moines.

Coming out of the corn after a “rest stop.”

The positive about tonight’s tent site is that it is near porta potties and has a nice view. Unfortunately, it is in full sunlight. I do not go in until the sun goes down.

Day 3 - Carroll to Ames

Started early to try and avoid some heat because it was a long ride. I started riding alone at 5:45am and it was 66 degrees. It was light outside then. The first two hours were great. A tailwind and I was in front of much of the crowd. I caught up to Ray at about 7:42am and stayed with him until lunch which also was early at 9:45am. Just before lunch we met up with Janet, Fred & Linda. We took a group photo and then they were off on their pursuit of their century ride. After lunch, I left Ray and went back out on my own. I couldn’t keep Ray’s slower pace in the heat. Although early in the day we had a tailwind, there was mostly headwind for the rest of the day. I’ve begun to stop at small water stands along the road. These are usually small local businesses or kids trying to raise money for school or some special event. Just ten miles from the end of the ride, I caught up to Gayle and we rode the last ten miles into camp. At the end of my ride was about 82 miles, because I didn’t choose to do the century option, and rode through the towns of Glidden, Jefferson, Rippey, Luther and ended in Ames. Once I got into camp, a nearby tenter explained if we had went just another 1.5 miles we could ride through the Iowa State football stadium. So Gayle and I got back on our bikes and headed to the stadium. At the end of ride it was 89 degrees. With the trip to the stadium I ended with a total of about 85 miles.

Early into the ride, there was an opportunity to hold a young goat and take a photo.

Sunrise, before the goat selfie.

Met up with Ray at about Jefferson where we had a cider donut - a treat from Ray.

My “lunch” at 9:42 am in Rippey. I just had a pulled pork sandwich (one of my favorites) and a gatorade.

Goats enjoying the shade.

Just prior to where I stopped to take this photo, there was a sign that said “killer hill ahead,” It wasn’t exaggerating. If you look in the distance, you can see the hill ahead. It seemed to go on forever.

Riding into Iowa State’s football stadium - Jack Trice Stadium.

Photo opportunity with the mascot, Cy.

Gayle & I with the mascot.

As we left the stadium, we were given a towel with the school colors.

This is the luggage drop for Pork Belly Ventures. Sorted by color. You need to put some kind of identifying mark so you can find yours within the sea of bags. Keep in mind there are many other vendors.

Every night Pork Belly has a live band for our camp area. Tonight’s has been my favorite thus far as it played Motown and some early 70’s.

Every evening there is another tradition: a woman who plays taps. This was from Monday evening.

Day 2 - Storm Lake to Carroll

Today we started at about 6:30. The temperature was 64 and the wind was out of the southeast - the direction I was headed. I rode with Gayle all day today for the 57 miles. With just five miles to go, we met up with Ray in Mt Carmel, so we all rode in together. Gayle & I stopped in the first town, Early, and had a breakfast wrap made with naan bread. We stopped for a sample of a wine slushy and someone bought one for Gayle & I to share. Somewhat like a trail angel on the Appalachian Trail. I also used corn fields as a bathroom location because the lines for the porta potties were a mile long. When we got into camp the temperature was 87 and the wind was still out of the south. When I got to my tent, one of my bags was missing I reported it to the “front desk.” After a staff member checked tents near mine and didn’t find it, I suggested checkin tent 383. That’s where it was. Any former LSM operator is familiar with transposing numbers! Today’s theme was “I Ride 4 Day,” so I wore one of my MS jerseys. I rode a total of 57 miles through the towns of Early, Lake View, Breda, Mt. Carmel and ended in Carroll.

Sunrise.

Climbing a hill past some great looking silos.

Holding Gayle’s bike and mine while Gayle waited in line for breakfast wraps that were delicious.

The blue & orange canopies on the side of the road was the location to mail a free Iowa postcard. I sent one to each granddaughter.

This gentleman bought Gayle and I a frozen wine slushy to share. He heard us waffling whether to buy one or not. He said “Ill buy you one to share.” Making up for Saturday’s loss of faith in humanity (when someone stole my charger & batter pack)!

The slushy: half pina colada & half raspberry.

Signing my second RAGBRAI banner in Breda.

Too many people to look for post offices, but I’ve seen several postal jerseys (I have a few myself). I asked this dad if I could take he & his daughter’s photo from behind. They were riding a piccolo. It kind of looks like a tandem bike, but has a kid’s size bike attached to the back. The child is supposed to help pedal! I’d love to do a short ride with one of my granddaughters.

In the town of Mt Carmel a photo opportunity with Gayle & Ray.

Day 1 - Sioux City to Storm Lake

The day started too early when some campers started to take down their tents at 4:00 am. As a group we started riding at about 6:30am. However, shortly into the ride, less than 4 miles, we came upon a young rider who had crashed into the concrete wall parallel to the bike trail. The wall was there for just a short distance, so it was heartbreaking to see him hurt in the only place it could happen. We left when 911 was called and his friends stayed with him. But that accident split up our group. I ended up riding with Janet, Fred and Linda for the first 50 miles. The last 20 or so miles, I rode with Ray who crossed paths with us in Quimby. As we rode through the small towns, people were in lawn chairs in their front yards cheering us on. It was quite an experience. About 10 miles into the ride, there were double railroad tracks that were just too hazardous to cross. Before the organizers enforced a “dismount” there were 25 flats in a short time. I’ve tried to take pictures of just how far the bicycles could be seen on a road, but they really don’t show the scale. With so many riders it is very difficult to pull off and back onto the road. We stopped in Kingsley for a slice of pie. Our second stop was in Quimby for ice cream by Beekman’s. They were actually cranking home made ice cream on the side of the road with the help of some powered equipment.

The weather was warm again with the day starting around 60 and reaching 85 in Storm Lake. It definitely felt hotter on the roads with zero shade. The were several climbs today and also some rolling hills. The climbs are what prompted me to finish out the day with Ray as we both climb the hills more slowly. My campsite at Storm Lake was near the lake and in the shade today - a huge plus! Once in camp I tried two local brews: Citrus Surfer (a wheat ale) and Bomb Pop Sugar. It’s supposed to mimic the flavor of an old fashioned red/white/blue bomb shaped popsicle. I thought it was tasty and refreshing after a day in the sun. Today’s jersey theme was “Throwback Jersey” day so I wore my oldest DALMAC jersey from 1979. Total miles for the day was 70.75 through the towns of Kingsley, Washta, Quimby and endin in Storm Lake.

A rider on the route.

Sunrise. The sun was actually more orange than the picture portrays.

Waiting at the railroad crossing.

The view/crowd behind me at the same crossing.

The crowd/walk into the Kingsley, the town where we had apple pie.

The set up for cranking the homemade ice cream.

I chose raspberry flavored ice cream. Yummy!

A town band playing along side the road.

A sculpture alongside the road.

This little sculpture was in front of the larger bike.

Near the end of the day, the cyclists started to spread out a bit.

My tent is in the 300-399 section and this night we were near a lake front.

A wooden carved sculpture inside the park.

A duck family gliding along the water.

Tire Dipping & Expo

The day started out chilly for me, a cool 60 degrees and warmed up to 88. We did just a short ride to the Expo area; on the way we dipped our tires in the Missouri River. At the end of the week, we will dip our tires in the Mississippi River. It was toasty on the asphalt at the Expo area, so we didn’t stay very long. I did buy an official RAGBRAI beer. We also met up with Joe and his wife. Joe will be staying with the Alpaca Tours charter during the week. When we got back to camp, I decided to add just a few more miles and Janet offered to go with me. We were stopped by someone who asked if we were headed to South Dakota. It wasn’t my plan as Janet had already biked there with Fred. However, she offered to show him the way, so I decided to cross the river and snap a photo of the welcome sign. When we returned to camp I got a negative taste of humanity. Someone took my 4 port charger and battery pack that I had left in the charging trailer. It was my own fault because we were told to use small luggage locks to secure our things in the cubby holes.. I had forgotten my lock back at my tent and didn’t want to hold everyone up as I retrieved it. Of course, none of us thought someone would actually take it. I am holding out hope someone turns it in to lost & found. I had both pieces labeled with my name. It was a habit I learned from Bubba on our C2C tour - label everything! Tomorrow we start the official ride!!

Dipping my tires in the Missouri River.

Our group, less one as Gayle arrived later in the day.

My RAGBRAI beer in front of the entertainment stage that would feature bands later in the evening.

A bridge we passed on the way to the Expo area.

Just a small snippet of all the tents. There are charters all along the river area. And then there are hundreds more people who don’t use charters. It is hard to imagine the thousands upon thousands of people here to cycle!!

Shuttle Day to Sioux City

One of our group, Ray, had car trouble, so yesterday he dropped it off at a dealership. He will pick it up when we return. That meant we had to do two trips to drop off bikes because there wasn’t enough room for two more bags, a person and a bike. I took Ray to drop off his bike before we moved all the rest of the equipment. As a group, we took one trip to the loading area to drop off our bikes. Then a short trip back to the hotel to check out. Our next stop was to a Subway to buy lunch. From there we dropped off our bags, parked in the “red” long term parking lot and then back to our bags to munch on lunch. We got the “green light” to take off at 1:07. It was a huge relief to be on the bus headed to Sioux City!

When our bus finally arrived in Sioux City, I had just enough time to register, find my designated tent, move my bike and then two bags before a thunderstorm hit. Most of our group brought their own tents so they really had to hustle before the rain started. They registered after their tents were up. The group of us who are in their own tent are camped together. I’m at least a “city” block away in “tent city.”

1st photo is part of our group at breakfast at the hotel.

My bike being loaded onto semi-trailer for shuttle to Sioux City.

The group waiting for the #3 motor coach to arrive at 1:00 pm.

Loading bus 3 with our bags. You can spot Fred & Ellen in their C2C t-shirts.

Our group of eight riders on the bus ready to head out.

Making the most of the bus ride.

Our bus arrived in Sioux City at about 7:30pm. I am in tent 338 (out of over 500). I got my bags in my tent just before the thunderstorm hit.

The sky was blue after the rain passed by. You can see the puddles on the sidewalk.

Prologue to RAGBRAI *L

RAGBRAI (the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is the largest bike-touring event in the world and is celebrating 50 years in 2023. However, as a Michigan native, I like to let my friends know that Michigan’s DALMAC (Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw) is celebrating 52 years in 2023. That makes it older than RAGBRAI, but typically only 4-5 days long and with not nearly as many riders.

I rode nine DALMAC rides over the years; about 325 miles in four days. My RAGBRAI goal this year is to cycle about 475 miles in seven days. The route is 500 miles; however, I am taking 25 miles off on day five.  There are two back-to-back 80+ mile days and I am not sure my left hand/wrist will survive two such days in a row.  I went to my last orthopedic appointment and was told my left hand will “never be the same” since the wrist break last year.  How much I bicycle now will only be limited on how much strain (and potential pain) I can tolerate. 

In the past RAGBRAI limited official riders had to be limited to 8500, however this year many more thousands will be in attendance.  I am very apprehensive about the ride with so many cyclists.

It is under one week until the bike riding starts on July 23rd.  I will be driving my car with two Florida friends Linda and Fred.  When we were on Bike Florida Safari, before I had to leave due to my cracked bike frame, we calculated we could fit all our bags and one bike inside my vehicle with two bikes on my bike rack. We left very early this Wednesday morning (5:40am) July 19th and drove about 800 miles.   We met up with Ray (from Georgia). Tomorrow we will drive about 400 miles and be within a few miles to Davenport on Friday morning.

Once in Davenport, we will load our bikes onto a bicycle transport truck and our two bags each into the storage compartment of a motor coach.  At about 1:00 pm on Friday, we will ride the bus about 5-6 hours to get to Sioux city, Iowa which is the start of the RAGBRAI ride.  On Saturday, as riders continue to arrive by motor coach, shuttle rides from the airport, or personal vehicle, there will be an Expo where cyclists can check out vendors with the latest in bike gear and accessories.

In addition to Linda, Fred, and Ray, who all rode across the country (C2C) when I did in 2018, more of our C2C friends will be joining in the fun using the same charter (Pork Belly Ventures), including: Sue, Janet, Ellen, and Gayle.  Also, from C2C are Joe (with a different charter) and Jane (with another group of friends). 

I finished packing and crossed my fingers that I haven’t forgotten anything: bike shoes, water bottles, front/rear lights, helmet, biking gloves, snacks for the bike, sleeping bag/pad, raingear, too many charging cords…

The car loaded up, as seen from inside the car, with six duffel bags, one bike on the inside and two bikes on my bike rack.

After more than 14 hours in the car today, met up with Ray in Paducah, KY. Enjoyed dinner at Applebee’s.

Saw this Mercedes Maybach in the parking lot of the Applebee’s. A $300K car at an Applebee’s…hmmm