Ragbrai?
04-07-15, 09:51 AM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Ragbrai?
My wife and I signed up for our first RAGBRAI. Will any of you be there? For those who have done it before, can you offer any advice?
Thanks.
Bob
Thanks.
Bob
04-10-15, 03:23 AM
#2
Senior Member
We've been across Iowa 3x on RAGBRAI. The last two times were with a support motorhome and driver. I so enjoyed a private shower. So much better than a tent.
04-10-15, 07:17 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
Who would not enjoy a private shower, toilet and bunk? That's not in the cards for us. After a week of riding and camping, we'll smell like goats.
At some level, I view this as Burning Man but with Midwestern sensibilities. Most of my life was spent in the Midwest and I miss it every day.
Bob
At some level, I view this as Burning Man but with Midwestern sensibilities. Most of my life was spent in the Midwest and I miss it every day.
Bob
04-11-15, 04:00 AM
#4
stoic yankee
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Its not a race, so take your time. Stop and smell the roses. Try all the food. Talk to everyone. Iowan's are the nicest people you will ever meet.
04-11-15, 05:00 PM
#5
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I rode RAGBRI in 1982 which was the 10th anniversary an had a blast. We always surmised the last drunk guy coming into camp bumped the tent of the tourist who then got up to be the first one off, you will never get to the front. :-) Its a mix of serious riders, and partier, people who stop in the middle on the road with know warning and well oiled pace lines. You won't lose any weight as the food is plentiful.
04-11-15, 06:47 PM
#6
stoic yankee
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Oh, and contrary to popular belief, Iowa is not flat! Far from it in fact.
04-12-15, 10:01 AM
#7
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04-15-15, 04:14 PM
#8
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Hi Bob,
My wife and are doing it again - third time on the tandem (won't we ever learn?) I have also done it 3 other times on my single bike.
All the previous comments are spot on. There will be showers available for a small fee (and sometimes long lines!) Some pointers: Bring a head lamp for camp and head/taillights for the bike in case you want to get an early start. We have a problem with heat so for us an early start was important.
My wife and are doing it again - third time on the tandem (won't we ever learn?) I have also done it 3 other times on my single bike.
All the previous comments are spot on. There will be showers available for a small fee (and sometimes long lines!) Some pointers: Bring a head lamp for camp and head/taillights for the bike in case you want to get an early start. We have a problem with heat so for us an early start was important.
04-18-15, 02:08 PM
#9
Full Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the tips. Showers will be important. I would say that I will "look for you", but my guess is, even with tandems, it will be difficult to find someone in that crowd.
The first day's 4100 feet of climbing could be a challenge.
Bob
The first day's 4100 feet of climbing could be a challenge.
Bob
04-28-15, 02:28 PM
#10
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Bikes: 1939 The James Arrow Ace Convertible Touring Tandem, 1950 Dunelt cruiser, 1960 Robin Hood Sports, 1972 Humber Sports, 1986 Panasonic Touring Deluxe
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Climbing out of the Missouri River valley to start and heading into Mississippi Valley to close always make for some good elevation. As a general rule of thumb, a northern route (like this year) has some relatively flat days mid week, southern routes tend to be more hilly throughout. Most are rollers so it's not a big deal. There are some tandems, and I've seen some triples, and at least one quad over the years. I've never done RAGBRAI on a tandem, I'd need to serious modify our 1939 Famous James before setting out.
