Ragbrai 2003 Memories

Posted Dec 27, 2003
3,273

2 Cents Worth from Des Moines Register

Source: Des Moines Register During and just after this year's ride, we asked you to tell us your most vivid memories of RAGBRAI. Here are your comments: Pancake breakfast - $4 Turkey Tenderloin sandwich & Gatorade - $6 1-1/2 inch thick porkchop cooked over a corn cob fire - Priceless For the average person, exercise means riding a bike around the block. For the rest of us there's RAGBRAI - The Professor, Windsor, CT Bedford High School can be proud of their level of hospitality. The school was open all night for showers and the bathroom. Supper was great there served by a girls team and even a tv was on to let us catch up on the happenings of the world. Osceola needs to take lessons in manners and traffic control. Their high school bathrooms were off limits unless you were already in there for a shower and the campground was a sad version of acceptable. If they didn't want us in town, then decide that in February before the route is announced. Oskaloosa wins my vote for the hospitality award. I didn't ride that day and was in town early to set up tents, run to Wal-Mart and do laundry. I got free water at Wal-Mart and they wanted suggestions. (None necessary when you're already excited that I'm in town). I did laundry and the owner helped me fold my clothes out of the dryer. Thank you for a great stay - Lu -Glenwood I didn't go on RAGBRAI this year. But I went when I was 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 years old. I still have the patches sewed into old wool riding shorts (nylon wasn't in fashion then) to prove it. That was 25, 24, 23, 22 and 21 years ago. I hope that it hasn't changed much. I remember a very, very sore butt and good lemonade; church dinners of spaghetti; tents crammed next to each other; thunderstorms and the morning after; drunk partiers mooning from downtown rooftops; small towns welcoming thousands of riders; highway patrolmen keeping the road safe; early mornings to beat the heat; toilet paper on fence poles for the needy; big hills around Dubuque; freezing rain; losing my Dad and crying my way into the next destination, too proud to take the sweeper van for stragglers; being in great shape after RAGBRAI and heading out to Colorado to bag every road going over the continental divide; country stores; the list goes on. Long live RAGBRAI in the memories and hearts of its riders - Mike, Prague, Czech Republic This year was my 8th RAGBRAI. My first ride was back in 1977. A lot has changed over the years. It's become a safer ride, yet more commercial, and definitely larger. Some years I partied more than others. Each has its own special rewards and draw-backs. And, of course, some years are much tougher than others. I'd have to say that the 25th was one of my most memorable. After '77 I took a 20-year hiatus. So the 25th was my re-entry onto the ride. What made the 25th so exciting was not only the number of people on the ride but also where they came from. I saw so many people from other parts of the world. That ride was TRULY an international ride. I was also impressed by the team spirit shown on that ride. So many decorated bikes and riders. I was glad to be back in the saddle again. This past year was also a great ride in that the weather was better than ever, though a little warm on Sunday and a head-wind on Saturday. I'd have to say that this year's weather was the best since I started back, thus making those hills just a little easier. I hope to get my kids to ride with me some day. My daughter rode part of one day a few years ago, but hasn't ridden since. It's an experience I know they would enjoy. I have to say though, I see RAGBRAI heading, if not there already, into the commercial zone. Prices keep increasing, corporate interference and control becoming more evident, and less "free-spiritedness." I haven't been on any other rides in other states to see how they are, but I think it's important to keep Iowa's ride "open" and as commercial free as possible. After all, to ride bike is to be free. I think we need to maintain that spirit - George Herman, Stacyville, Iowa. What a great ride you folks put on in Iowa. I never believed there were those kind of hills. Day 1 was one of the toughest days of riding I have ever put in. If that wasn't enough, as I am huffing and puffing up the hills, I was passed by a guy on the biggest bike (if you can call it that) that I have ever seen. This thing had to weigh 200 pounds, and that's not counting the rider's weight. Apparently he was part of a group of guys that call themselves Team Bad Boy. Not only was the front of the bike equipped with a full stereo system, but on the back was a 55-gallon steel drum that had been converted into a smoker. I caught up with him at a roadside stop and had to see if it was all real. I couldn't even get the back tire off the ground. I wondered why anyone would put themselves thru all that. Later in the week I got my answer. I caught site of the whole team on Thursday nite. They actually had a full wet bar on one bike, and a 100-gallon cooler on the other. Talk about living it up. Apparently they rode those "things" out from Colorado. I was greatful for my running into the grill guy on Sunday as he treated me to a steak off his grill and a margarita from the blender on the bar. What a riot. Don't know how they do it. It was one of many great memories. Thanks RAGBRAI - John Rybecheck, Pittsburgh Pa. From my journal of Thursday, July 24: "We are in Amish country for sure. A farmer and his seven or eight year old son pulled up onto the shoulder of the road on a long ascent. The kid looked over at me with a dare in his eye twinkling out from under his black hat. He wore, like all such boys, the traditional white shirt and suspendered black pants. I grinned back at him and gave him THE LOOK. He motioned to the man driving the buggy. The man, with black beard, hat, suspenders, and white shirt, did not acknowledge me but slapped the reins and the chestnut horse picked up. Well, I couldn’t have that! So I mashed hard, and with great effort, pulled ahead slightly. The man, still not looking at me, cracked the reins sharply again and the horse leaned into the traces. The race up the hill was on in the most serious of ways. The horse started to lather up and so did I. My legs were turning to rubber, my heart was bursting out of my chest, my lungs were on fire and I put my all into holding onto my slender lead over the horse. Fortunately we attained the top of the hill when we did for I could not have held the pace much longer. But I did beat that horse. I was so pleased. On the descent I passed a woman rider and, still out of breath, gasped at her, “I just beat a horse up that last hill.” She eyed me coolly and replied, “So?” - David Digby, Ames, IA Getting up every morning and putting my gear in the truck. Then riding my bike up all those hills. This ride was especially memorable for me because it was not only my fifth but my reward for all my hardwork from being paralyzed from the neck down a few years ago. I'll be back next year. Thanks Iowa for being there and making this ride so unique - James M. Russell, Evansville, Indiana. I rode for the first time this year in RAGBRAI with the Killer Bees! What a great bunch of riders. They were all very fun to be around and were a great help when I was dying on some of the hills. I learned a lot this first year and will be back next year stronger and hopefully with a lighter bike - Linda Trant, Omaha, Nebraska. Why would anyone in their right mind attempt to ride 460 miles on a bicycle? Furthermore, why choose Iowa? Lastly, why pick the hottest month of the year? Although none of these questions have ever crossed your mind I want you to know the answers. The why do it question first: I call it the theology of adventure. This phrase is borrowed from Tori Murden, who rowed solo across the Atlantic. Riding a bicycle with 8,000 others is pretty much a solitary experience. The adventure is in being alone with God while enveloped in nature. Pedaling, changing gears and readjusting in the saddle are the routines of riding. At times it becomes routine. Up long hills it requires effort that makes one question why am I here? The long downhill however, answers the question. Fog, wind, rain and heat, not to mention tornado warnings, were elements present last week in Iowa. Being out there is a full body experience unlike looking out the window of your car or home. The experience is full and rich and sometimes dangerous. Heat strokes and heart attacks, along with cuts and abrasions were part of the collective experience. One man was found dead in his tent. Homemade ice cream and pie signs can energize a rider for many miles. One in our group had 7 pieces of pie in one day! Two was my limit although I made three ice cream stops on a particularly hot day. The ride is sponsored by an Iowa newspaper and for 31 years it has taken place during the last week of July. I first read about it in Reader's Digest some twenty years ago. In 1992 my son Paul was along with me although he was not as challenged as his "old man." My two rides are nothing compared to some who are 25 year veterans. Living life requires taking risks and adventure raises the bar a little. The memories are as thick as the fog encountered on the first day of riding - Bob Helvey, Louisville, Kentucky. Just wanted to throw in a thank you to the great people of Denmark, the last pass-through before the end of the ride. They kept giving us free drinks and we ended up going back to Stubby's farm and partying all night long, as a result I think we were the last 4 riders to finish RAGBRAI, seeing as we didn't pull into Ft.Madison until 2 a.m. Thanx for a great finish guys! Chia, Swanee, Denny and Buocko - Chris Lambregtse, Sioux City, Iowa. A vivid memory is when my boyfriend came back to the tent after going out with the guys the first night and said, "I don't need to go downtown. I have everything I need right here." - Mary, Dubuque, Iowa. Another great ride! We had two people with us who had never been on an extended bike ride and never been to Iowa. On our way back to Illinois, I asked them both what they thought. Surprisingly, their comment was about how beautiful Iowa was. They couldn't say enough about the friendliness of the riders and the townsfolk. Makes me proud to be an Iowan even though I don't reside in the state now! PS. Any chance we could keep the semis off the routes? They made the trek on Hwy 2 anything but pleasant - Loree Miles, Rockford, Illinois. This was my first RAGBRAI. What a thrill. My most vivid memory was the little 9-year-old girl selling chocolate chip cookies across from Pastafari outside of Blakesburg. She was trying to raise money to buy a pony. She and her brother were baking the cookies inside the house and bringing them outside right out of the oven -- still in the baking pan. She had an old pretzel jar to hold the money and it was full. Her innocent faith in free market economics (Pastafari doesn't sell cookies) and the excitement in her voice every time someone put money in the jar will stay with me a long time - John R. O'Hara, Riverside, Illinois. GREAT RIDE this year!!! The loop was a challenge and gave those who choose to take it on a good workout. I enjoyed the terrain on this year's ride because it made things interesting. We hear complaints about the hills, but I think too flat of a terrain makes for a long ride and even more of a mental challenge. Those who rode this year did something and we know it. And to the people of Iowa... You are, without a doubt, the BEST hosts!!! THANK YOU - Julie Godberson, Wahoo, Nebraska. As the 71-year old Grandma of the team "Grandma and Me" it was truly a very rewarding experience. We only rode one day, Monday 7/21/03, from Shenendoah to Clarinda, 42 miles, but I found out that I needed more training (to do hills) than I prepared for. The host towns and fellow bikers were the greatest. My Granddaughter came from Ohio with her two little boys to ride with me. Their great grandfather, (my husband) kept them and gave us support along the way. I am truly grateful to my family and friends, it is so neat to have ones very personal fan club. I thank my Lord for a very exciting and safe trip - Lucille Welch. Columbus, Nebraska. I rode with my great friends from the Fork's Skeeters Club of Grand Forks, N.D., and East Grand Forks, Minn., this year. On Wednesday our domestique, Jerry Owens, hooked us up in a family's yard for the night. The family was gathered and had hired a couple of country singers. We danced, sang, laughed, showered and had a wonderful time together. I thank God for a wonderful evening of fun with friends. The next day, riding with my son, Tim. I watched him catch his tire in a gap in the road and flip his bike. I was scared ... After he slid on his side he stood up ... except for a few bruises and a some minor damage on his bike he rode on! More thanks! This was an incredible ride -- thanks to all my great friends and to God - Paul Knight, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 1. Rainbow Cyclists from Waterloo rock. They are excellent to ride and live with for a week! 2. Serving as Hoser's (alias Howard F. from Ohio) domestique along with Bill F. from Wisconsin, Brian W. from Dunkerton, Mike P. from Georgia, Dan from Ohio, and all the others. 3. Riding Right ... except when me and my fellow domestiques have the opportunity to pull 25 or 30 riders to the next town - Dave Weber, Wenatchee, Washington. I rode my first RAGBRAI in 2001 as part of the Bike Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) Dream Team. Seven of our young people and three adults were invited to ride with the RAGBRAI Dream Team. What an honor! I was one of the three adults who drove the group to Sioux City. Then I rode my recumbent tandem with a different Dream Team partner each day. Trying to ride that long bike with so many other riders around called upon my skills very highly, but our days were safe, fun and filled with good teamwork. And after riding into Muscatine, I helped drive our bunch back home. I'm still amazed at how hilly Iowa can be! And I was amazed at how strong the RAGBRAI Dream Team riders were. Then I found out how intensely the RAGBRAI Dream Team trains for the ride, and I understood why they could take on the hills very nicely. Most of my days were spent with the Georgia riders, but Iowans Harry and Tony got to ride my recumbent tandem too. Harry hurt his shoulder the day before, and got to give it a rest while he reclined and pedaled away for most of the day's segment. Then Tony took over and got me the rest of the way to Grinnell. We got in pretty late that day but we made it! Jim Green, The RAGBRAI Dream Team riders and their mentors were very nice to us, and made us feel at home. We were even provided with RAGBRAI Dream Team jerseys and T-shirts! If I ever ride RAGBRAI again, I'll be looking for the Dream Team once more. I know I'll be in good company. And I'm still thrilled when I bring up the RAGBRAI Dream Team web page, and there we are, both Dream Teams together on the shore of the Mississippi, after completing our wonderful ride. I'm the 3rd one from the left, wearing dark glasses and no hat. And if I really want the memories to come back, I just watch the home video I shot of our weeklong adventure. From Mr. Porkchop to the free breakfast the Dream Team got at Montezuma to the rejoicing at the end - it's all there. My sincere thanks to all who made our time with the RAGBRAI Dream Team possible, and to my other two BRAG Dream Team mentors and the BRAG Dream Team riders who were just great through the whole adventure - Kevin J. Fitzgerald, Forest Park, Georgia. One unforgetable experience on RAGBRAI was in 1999 biking with a heat index of 122 degrees with a good friend and living to tell about it. My other great experience was biking 150 miles for the Sesquicentennial Loop Day with my brother ... and I have the T-shirt "JUST DID IT" to prove it :) - Christopher Gude. This was my first year's experience with RAGBRAI, but it won't be my last. I was amazed, to say the least, with the rapport of all the riders I met in our small town; each one pleasant, thankful and sincere. I was the co-chair for the Hospitality committee in our town and didn't know what to expect. I enjoyed cheering the riders into our town, but loved to hear the response when they left our town at 6:30 a.m., as we stood and held all 50 state flags each representing a state in which a rider was from. The smile on the riders faces and cheers as they past us by made me feel everything we did in our town was worthwhile. Next year, I hope to be a participant and experience someone else's gracious hospitality - Lori Dunn, Bedford, Iowa. Iowa hospitality is boundless. I rode for only two days in this year's ride. I parked my car (illegally I later discovered) in what appeared to be a vacant lot. I was on the ride Sunday when my cell phone rang. It was the Bedford Police calling me to move my car. It was impossible for me to get to Bedford until late Monday. I told the officer that I had a spare in the glove compartment and gave him permission to break in the car and move it. Not only was the officer kind enough to move my car he phoned me when the task was completed! It would have been much easier to just tow my car. I will never forget the kindness I was shown in Iowa - Joseph Newman, Joplin Missouri. Last year was my first year and I only got to ride one day - -from Oelwein to Anamosa --. but I will treasure it until the ride comes closer to Cedar Falls. I rode our tandem with my husband, Wade Clark, (the Rainbow Director for RAGBRAI). He had always talked of the food, so naturally our first stop was "Chris Cakes," and we found the "ice cream man" cranking the good stuff with the old tractor parts. I may be a native Iowan, but the humidity does nothing for me. So I had been sending messages to up above to be kind to me -- Friday was beautiful. Every time someone commented on the weather I said -- me -- thank me! The RAGBRAI experience is something you can't understand until you are out there on the bike with the riders. P.S. - You are too far away this year for me to join Wade and I miss my hubby. Pedal Power to all and enjoy our Fantastic state :-) - Andrea Clark, Cedar Falls, Iowa. I rode with two friends in 1974 when I was 15 years old and the ride was named SAGBRAI (Second Annual...). My most vivid memory was staying in a hotel for one night to watch Richard Nixon resign from office. That and a very sore behind from not preparing enough for the ride. My wife and I are strongly considering riding next year, my 30th anniversary of my previous ride - Malcolm Johnson, Petaluma, California (formerly of Ames).