I did it in 2008, the year after this post originally ran. As expected, there were way too many slow bikes on the roads for my liking. Sometimes they were running 6 across, completely covering the 2-lane road. Anyone going over 15 mph is considered a "racer," but 15 mph is painfully slow for me. I came to the conclusion that RAGBRAI is for those who like to party, and maybe ride their bikes; rather than for people who want to ride their bikes and maybe party a little. This is not a ride for introverts. It's all about the crowds and the party atmosphere.