RAGBRAI Goes By

Well, RAGBRAI was in the area late last week. What is that, you may ask.....it is the 35th (Des Moines) Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa! Thousands of bicylists take part, many from other states and even other countries. The horde of bikers went by on the paved road that our gravel road intersects with a half mile from our farm. At 9 a.m. I drove to that corner, thinking I would at least be able to cross over the highway and head to town for an appointment. But, no deal. The highway was a solid mass of bicyclists in bobbing helmets. I watched them for a few minutes, then turned around and tried to figure out a way to get to town that wouldn't involve meeting up with bicycle brigade.

On my way to town, I saw many of the cycling team buses which looked like converted schoolbuses painted up with various colors and logos. The tops of the buses were fitted with a fenced area to store bikes and equipment. Many of the small towns in our area had concession stands.......I've heard that homemade pie was the most popular item! The cyclists would ask for that. They must have craved the carbs and fat, after all that exertion of pedaling. The weather was very hot and humid, and water and Gatorade were big hits, too.

The farthest I've ever rode on a bicycle at one time is 20 miles, so I admire those hardy souls who take on the challenge of riding clear across the state over several days time. RAGBRAI always starts on the "west coast" of Iowa where cyclists begin with the ritual of dipping their bike tires in the Missouri River. Similarly, they end the week's ride by dipping their tires in the Mississippi River along Iowa's "east coast". Pretty cool!

One of my mother's friends rode RAGBRAI eighteen times. She said she stayed in tents the first few years, but later took to staying overnight in private homes. She said that was a great experience, allowing her to get better acquainted with folks along the way. News of RAGBRAI activities filled the newspaper front pages and the local news reports. There could be worse things to hear and read about!