ragbrai (goodbye iowa)

Well, in my last few weeks on Iowa, I got to see it up close and personal, just in case I was in any danger of forgetting what this great state is like. Yes, I saw every soybean field and corn plant between the two "coasts" of Iowa (the Missouri and Mississippi rivers). For those of you who don't know about RAGBRAI, it is supposedly the longest, oldest, and largest bike ride in the world. Every year in the last week of July, THOUSANDS of people gather and ride from the Missouri River (and western border of Iowa) to the Mississippi River (the eastern border). It is 500 miles long and is a great way to see real Iowa. This was my third full RAGBRAI, and I believe I may be the first person to have the distinction of having done RAGBRAI on 1, 2, and 3 wheels. I did RAGBRAI XXXII on a conventional bike. In 2005, I made almost all of RAGBRAI XXXIII on a unicycle. This year, I accomplished RAGBRAI XXXV on a recumbent trike. My parents and girlfriend, Chavel, accompanied me.

Yes, RAGBRAI is very difficult on a unicycle. No, there are no gears. No, there are no brakes. No, there is no coasting. Yes, there is only one wheel. It is quite difficult. I applaud CT and Joseph of Purdue University on attempting this year’s RAGBRAI by unicycle. It is not for the faint of heart! It was first completed by my friend George Barnes and company in 2002. His adventure is chronicled here. George’s unicycle company can be found here.

RAGBRAI was much easier on my butt this year, thanks to the recumbent trike. Indeed, its so comfortable I wouldn’t even really bother getting out of it in towns! However, it was still a hot, and very long ride. There was plenty to see, including a trike with a sail, lots of corn, and my own horribly and hilariously sunburned legs.

I will miss that sense of accomplishment as I make it into camp. I won’t miss having to make camp after 70 miles. I won’t miss waiting in lines for “community” showers, or Gatorade for two dollars a bottle. I won’t miss porta-potties or putting sunscreen on 3-times a day or triple digits in the shade. Okay, I’ll stop complaining. I will miss hearing songs transposed down half a step by the Doppler effect as bikers hauling sound-systems fly by. And hitting 47 miles an hour. What an experience!

I would have to say that RAGBRAI has to be one of the best ways to say a temporary goodbye to Iowa. The Iowa State Fair would be another great one, but, much to my dismay, I will be missing it this year, for the first time in a long time! It is the only event in Iowa that is featured in the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die.” I highly recommend both RAGBRAI and the State Fair for a taste of Iowa.

Oh yeah, and Lance was there. In one town, a little kid asked me if Lance was behind me. I replied that Lance isn’t behind anyone… ever.