A running blog with some running » RAGBRAI

What to bring on RAGBRAI – updated

John — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:37:17 +0000

I first posted the checklist two years ago on my inaugural RAGBRAI. I did the camping version, which required much more planning and packing. This year’s group got hotels in most overnights, so here is the simplified version.

Biking Gear:

Bike
Helmet
2 – Water Bottles
Repair Kit
Front and Rear Lights
Bike Lock

Clothes:

Bike Sandals
2 – Pairs of Biking Shorts
3- Jerseys
Bandana 0r Bike hat
Casual Sandals
2 – Pair of Casual Shorts
2 – T-shirts
1 – Long Sleeve Shirt

Toiletries:

Toothbrush
Tooth Paste
Deodorant
Anti Chafing Lotion

Energy:

16 – Packets of Premixed Gatorade Endurance
8 – Clif Bars

Essentials:

ID
Credit Card
$100 in cash
Official Rider and Bike Bands

I got it all to fit in my backpack with room to spare! Now, just the riding part…

RAGBRAI Cartersville

John — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:31:05 +0000

Zip line into a pond…clothing optional

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The Grotto in West Bend, IA

John — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:27:08 +0000

Pretty cool rock formations along our RAGBRAI route today.

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T-shirts $20, Hugs Free

John — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:43:56 +0000

T-Shirts $20, Hugs Free

Only 94 more days ’til RAGBRAI! I can almost taste the Peanut Butter Jam and Pastafari…

CLIF – more than just bars

RAGBRAI 2009 Images

John — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:02:53 +0000

I took some photos via my phone’s camera, which doesn’t have the best res, but better than nothing. Enjoy.

RAGBRAI – Day 7

John — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:45:27 +0000

It’s official. I traveled across Iowa on a bike. A used 1980s Schwinn 10 Speed to be exact. I was a little nervous at first taking the bike after purchasing it less than a month ago and only riding 1o miles. It held up just fine and performed well.

The last day was extremely easy compared to the previous routes. Covering 42 miles with a tail wind, flat & smooth road wasn’t hard at all. I would guess we averaged 15 mph compared to 11-12 the other days. Burlington greeted us with an opportunity to go up Snake Alley which is famed the “Crookedest Alley in the World”. I put the gear in easy and went for it. Man was it tough but I made it without falling. Others were not so fortunate. For my effort, I was rewarded a koozie and a “good job”. From there, we went down to the Mississippi River to finally complete our week. The sense of accomplishment was huge, but also bittersweet knowing my adventure was about over. I think the reason I am drawn to RAGBRAI is the challenge of riding a bike great distance but more so leaving behind everything and just enjoying life. The atmosphere and people are great. Whatever kind of mood you are in someone else is with you. You can crank it up and go fast on the left or you can ride on the right and enjoy the company of others.

Covered 442 Miles from Council Bluffs to Burlington.
Camped every night in my 6′x5′ tent with a sleeping bag and inflatable pillow.
Got rained on 3 out of the 7 nights.
Showered at a host house, friend’s apartment, shower mobile, and camp hose. Skipped two days.
Zero flat tires.

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RAGBRAI – Day 6

John — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:05 +0000

Today was the last long day covering 74 miles. It felt the hardest with a head wind, no cloud cover, and some big hills. Physically, I am exhausted. Mentally, I am pumped tomorrow is only 42 miles. Lockridge gets the award for best pass thru town w/ free water. I also ate up the free senior dining center lunch (hot dog, potato salad and 2 cookies!) At the camp ground, I literally laid in my tent motionless for a good 40 min to muster enough energy to shower. Ahhh, it’ll be a good sleep tonight. (the pic is suppose to capture the blue sky & my lack of photo taking today)

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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RAGBRAI – Day 2

RAGBRAI – Day 5

John — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:23:04 +0000

One day out of the week RAGBRAI offers an extra loop to riders who wish to go over 100 miles for the day. I was debating it up until the turn-off but then decided my legs wouldn’t like me. So I suck to the normal route and covered 77 miles with a 14 mph avg. Not much to report from the towns as I didn’t stay long in each. The previous night had some storms and I caught some pretty cool hail on the side of the road. Looks like snow in the middle of July. Did get a quick nap in Unionville and was impressed with the welcome into Blakesburg. Two more days left and I’ll get to sleep on a bed again…can’t wait!

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RAGBRAI – Day 4

John — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:25:47 +0000

Today Justin, Jess, and I (team 10-2?) covered 44 miles rolling into Chariton. We were all pretty sore from the late nite before…should have left the dancing shoes in the tent. My favorite stop was Rudy’s for a delicious taco and apple pie. The convenient store run was also clutch for silos of Busch Light and Ice Cream Snickers. It was a fun couples days but my body will welcome the rest tonight.

PS – I type this outside of Hy-Vee huddles against a coke machine in order to steal some valuable electricity. Wanted: Solar Panel for bike.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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RAGBRAI – Day 3

John — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:09:22 +0000

Interesting day w/ heavy rain in the morning, head wind around noon, and sunny skies rolling into Indianola. Finally got my tenderloin, which was less than desirable but did drink Fat Tire in Prole. Total mileage was around 75 so tomorrow’s 50 something should be easy peasy. (more beer, that is). Hill Climber Award goes to Jess and Justin picks up the award for hauling the most cargo AND keeping up! Here’s to having no worries except getting to the next town.

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Amana Freezer Run