Ragbrai 2010: July 26, Day Two

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Today we began in Storm Lake. Our pass through towns today included Varina, Pocahontas, Plover, Rolfe (on the loop for those wanting to do a "century"....100 miles for the day), West Bend, Whittemore, and our final destination for the day, Algona.

A great day for biking. Temperatures in the 80's. No head winds. Cloudy afternoon, flat terrain. Today I'd set a record for the most miles I've ever ridden in a day.

 Morning hygiene duties, Karla and I brushing our teeth.

Ragbrai 2010: July 27, Day Three

The pass through towns today included Wesley, Britt and Garner. Destination for the day, Clear Lake.
After yesterday's perfect riding weather, today was a little less friendly. Had some head winds, and temperatures in the 90's.
As has become my habit, I missed a turn, and ended up touring the town before finding our host family.
Clear Lake was a beautiful town, very elaborately decorated for the event. I over-shot my turn off, ended up riding an almost complete loop around the lake. The lake has a perimeter of just 14 miles, and is only 20' deep. The town put on a very nice fireworks display that evening.

Jason pumping up tires. This is something we do each morning. I want every pound of pressure possible in my tires, so the bike rolls as easy as possible. I'm writing in my journal.

Ragbrai 2010: July 28, Day Four

We left Clear Lake Wednesday morning and passed through Swaledale, Rockwell, Cartersville, Owen and Rockford before arriving in Charles City to spend Wednesday night.

 Scott leaving out for this job at the post office.

Ragbrai 2010: July 29, Day Five

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Today we headed due south of Charles City to Clarksville, then through New Albion, Parkersburg, Stout and Dike. End of the day found us in Waterloo.
I met a group of European riders today. Two were from Italy, one from Germany.
Ran across Karla in the town of Parkersburg. She and Jason had gotten separated. Told her to stay put, and I'd see if I could find him. The plan was if separated, to wait at the beginning of the next town. So I rode back through town, finally found Jason. Is a bit of a challenge, when there are thousands and thousands of bikes.

 I ride with shoes that clip into the pedals, so I don't wear them inside since they could scratch a floor (there is a cleat on the bottom that locks into the pedal). I find sandals very comfortable for summer riding.

Ragbrai 2010: July 30, Day Six

Today was a memorable day. Woke up at 5:00. One tip I'd read about Ragbrai, was to be sure and bring ear plugs, especially if you camp with a large group. Even though we were never in a big group of campers, I slept better if I put my ear plugs in. When I woke up today, I took out the ear plugs, and was surprised to hear some girls laughing and hollaring, almost at times sounding like screams. I listened for awhile, at first a little concerned about what was happening. Then I figured out there was a pool at the house across the road. They were jumping off the diving board and having a good time.
It was also the first time we'd camping right along the next day's route. When I got out of my tent, there were already cycles passing, at 5:00am! And it was just starting to get daylight. I'd heard that riders sometime start at 4:00-4:30, but I'd never seen them.

Ragbrai 2010: July 31, Day Seven, Final Day

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The final day is usually the shortest day of the ride, this year about 47 1/2 miles. For me, today's highlight was visiting the farm where the movie, "Field of Dreams" was filmed and visiting with Carter LeBeau.
We passed through the towns of Earlville, Dyersville, Bankston, and Graf, before reaching Dubuque and the mighty Mississippi River.

 The day began with a delightful surprise. There was another couple spending the night at the home of our host.  Mr Carter LeBeau has ridden in all 38 Ragbrai rides! He is the only person to have done this. He and his wife, Kaye, came out of the house, about the same time we were about to leave. I thought to myself, "I would love to get a photo with him, but he is such a Ragbrai celebrity, I hate to ask". As they were coming out of the house, he seen my Razorback head gear (I thought since it was the last day and the mileage was short, I'd reattach the hog). I was delighted when Mr. LeBeau seen the Razorback, turned to his wife and said, "Grab the camera, Kaye, I want a photo with this guy".
What a wonderful fellow! We had a brief chat, found out he and his wife take turns riding. One rides half the day, while the other drives. Then at some point during the day, they swap places.

Ragbrai 2010....Final Thoughts

Click here to go to beginning....2010 Ragbrai
We had a rather busy schedule after Ragbrai. The day after Ragbrai, we did a week long road trip, doing portraits in Chicago, Niagara Falls, Washington DC, and New York City. Our middle daughter was married the week we returned. So I've been a little slow getting this story online