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Message started by JimFPU on Aug 8^th, 2013, 7:41pm

Title: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by JimFPU on Aug 8^th, 2013, 7:41pm

I've been invited to do RAGBRAI 2014 as part of the Air Force Cycling Team. My friend from my old unit is the Executive Director of the team. Last year they had 94 riders all together. I know it would take a lot of training on my part, but has anyone else here done it? I'd also have to come up with at least $440 for registration and uniform (since it is a team thing), Oy!! [smiley=twitchy.gif] Of course donations are freely accepted. [smiley=shrug.gif] My longest ride was HHH 2012, in which I completed 91 miles on the day, and still had plenty of legs left, just not enough speed. Looks like RAGBRAI's longest day was only 83 miles for 2013. Any experiences shared would be nice.

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by aikigreg on Aug 8^th, 2013, 9:43pm

Never again.

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by Rat Rider on Aug 8^th, 2013, 10:56pm

Jim,
There is a great deal of RAG info on the web, much of it with video evidence. I have never wanted personally to travel for a week with that many people. Large crowds tend to reduce the inhibitions in a few, coupled with the naturally insane actions always prevalent with a large enough numbers of folks. I have had this conversation with others who describe it as the absolute-best-must-ride tour. I have had it with others who describe it as the Sodom and Gomorrah cycling adventure, a plague of people moving through the state.

I would certainly gather intel before I spent my money, and more importantly invested my time with such a singular adventure.

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by LightningPilot on Aug 9^th, 2013, 5:48am

Warren and I love RAGBRAI, and specifically, our friends on team Spam. We missed this year due to Warren 's broken collar bone, but we'll be back.

The exhibitionism of the 90's was not in evidence. I'm sure it's there, but not rampant. All I saw in two years was Speedoes and bikinis on the bike, and few of those.

I would say that a congenial group to travel with would make or break the experience. All the service team folks were fun to talk to and having a great time. Sounds like a not to be missed opportunity to me.

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by Phantom Rider on Aug 9^th, 2013, 12:51pm

why not would be my question, an opportunity to hang out with a bunch of Air Force folks for a few days on a bike sounds very cool. If they want an old retired Chief Master Sergeant with a beard and pony tail send them my way.

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by JimFPU on Aug 9^th, 2013, 2:47pm

Phantom, that's one of the things I have to ask about, if I have to be 'regulation'. That may change my mind. I don't want to worry about shaving and all that while I'm biking for a week! Heck, haven't worried about that since '06 when I retired!!

Greg, um, care to enlighten us more?

Rat, thanks for that...I'm researching a lot right now.

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by rmillay on Aug 9^th, 2013, 3:01pm

If you're interested, it might be an enjoyable experience. At least it would be an experience! Three things to prepare I would recommend would be to get used to riding five days in a row, look for some long rides to do, so you know what to expect, and take note on what you can eat and drink on long rides and what you can't. You can sag a day, but it's hard to enjoy a multi-day rally when you've used yourself up the first 50 miles! [smiley=injured.gif]

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by Phantom Rider on Aug 9^th, 2013, 3:26pm

JimFPU wrote:

Then I would say NO - jun 98 was the last time I got a hair cut because i had to, now its maybe a trim once a year or so.....Shave - only when the wife gets irritated with it.

A Man has to have some boundaries!

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Aug 11^th, 2013, 6:48pm

I did RAGBRAI way back in 1995. It was a lot of fun, though we did have livestock warnings out for the serious heat wave during the tour. I am glad I did it, but would probably not do it again, as I prefer the smaller tour in ND, called CANDISC, or maybe one in my birth-state, Kansas (Bike Across Kansas).

For me the worst part of RAGBRAI was the fact the old legend of the townies letting you shower for a dollar or free was utterly false. We only got showers if our group had a non-campground overnight set up, or the one time I broke down and took the free death-camp shower in the parking lot of a grade school... Food vendors were varied and plentiful (pork chops anyone?) and the general camaraderie was nice. Back in '95, it was at times a drunken party on wheels...
I say go for it!

Title: Re: RAGBRAI 2014
Post by artcat on Aug 14^th, 2013, 10:35am

I've done it 5 times missed this year because of work but will do it again. It's great to have a good group to go with because there is plenty of time when you're not riding. I go with Carolyn and Team Spam. They are all terrific people and tons of fun. There are always nice and friendly people to meet while riding too. In my opinion it is an experience not to be missed. We found showers everyday with little effort, it's not 1998 anymore.