Has anyone here ridden RAGBRAI?

[Critters2]

A friend, who did it last week, wants me to go with her next year. I think it'd kill me, but she's sure I can do it. Has anyone here done it? And lived to tell?

Oh, and for the uninitiated, RAGBRAI is the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. It starts at the Missouri and ends at the Mississippi, and is held the last week of July.

[Blue-Jay]

1. My wife did it a few years ago.

You've got plenty of time to train between now and next year.

[Critters2]

2. I'll start training now

My friend also says I need "a bike that fits you". Not sure what that means, so I need to research such things.

Did your wife enjoy it?

[Blue-Jay]

7. She loved it.

As far as finding a bike that "fits", frame that is built for a woman. Go to a couple of bike shops that carry different brands, and get fitted for a bike. I've never run into anyone at a bike shop who wasn't friendly and helpful. Try out as many as they have and pick the one that's the best combination of affordable & comfortable. You're also going to need a tent and several changes of bike gear, as well as anything else you can think of to pack for a week. (I'd suggest some Bag Balm too for chafing.) You won't need to carry any of it, as RAGBRAI provides support vehicles to move your stuff every day.

[Critters2]

10. I've got a good tent, and quite a bit of light gear for camping

I didn't realize RAGBRAI moved gear from one place to another. I'm used to carrying stuff on my back when hiking. It's good to know that's not necessary. I'll start checking out bike shops....and bag balm. Good to know.

[Wapsie B]

3. I've always thought it'd be cool to do a day or two of the ride,

especially in the flatter parts of the route. RAGBRAI is what I would call Iowa's traveling Mardi Gras.

[Critters2]

4. It crossed my path, when I was hiking between Eagle Grove

and Humboldt Tuesday. What great fun!! I met people from Switzerland and Germany and a bunch of states. I also ran into 'em (not literally--but almost) crossing US 61 south of Dubuque when I was heading home. An amazing sight!!

[Wapsie B]

5. Yeah, I know they stayed overnight in Hampton last week

before heading to Cedar Falls. I don't think they've seen that many people in Franklin County at any one time.

edit: Eagle Grove & Humboldt? I've got family there. Cool.

[Critters2]

6. The Register's website has a pic of 'em heading into Thor

I'm sure that's more people than Thor's seen in a while, too :)

[Wapsie B]

9. Got family there too.

Oh god that town is small, even by Iowa standards. Did you know that two Fortune 500 CEOs were from there?

[Critters2]

11. No shit?!!

My dad LOVED "Unkie's" Restaurant there. It was a given that we'd eat there at least once when my folks visited.

[Wapsie B]

12. John Hanson (sp) the late CEO of Winnebago Industries grew up there

and the late president of Kellogg's Cereals, who's name escapes me right now also lived there. I was there a year ago visiting family. I don't remember any restaurant though.

[Critters2]

14. Unkie's is on the main drag, on the east side of the road

Has a good reputation, and some Friday or Saturday nights there's a line out the door of people waiting to be seated. It's across the street from the post office, south of the elevator.

I know LOTS of Hansons in Wright County. I think Hanson is Norwegian for Smith.

[Wapsie B]

15. I just might have to try Unkie's sometime.

Sounds like my kinda place. Especially if they serve breakfast there. Nothing better than a good down-home cafe breakfast. mmmmmmm!

Yeah Hanson could very well be Smith in Norwegian. As one of the family tree makers amongst my relatives told me that a name like Johnson meant son of John or John's son, or Carlson son of Carl, or Carl's son.

[Critters2]

8. I lived in Eagle Grove for 5 years, and still love the area. nt

[janx]

13. No, but I encourage more people to do it. n/t