I just got back from Ragbrai. What fun and to all who thought otherwise, Iowa is definitely hilly! My hill climbing has really improved. Of the 471 miles about only 5 miles was flat.
I was very happy with my Hi Racer. It really took the hills well. When I started I was afraid that I would have to walk some of the climbs but am happy to say I did not walk a single one. By the end of the ride I was even taking most of them in the big gear except for cresting the top. They were usually very long climbs steeper though than the rolling hills we have here in Texas. It also helped that the temps were 65 in the morning rising to 85 in the afternoon. One day it rained and only reached about 67.
For those who have not heard about this ride, it is quite an experience. 20,000 people on bikes. All kinds of bikes and all manner of people from racer types to I can't believe that person can even get on a bike. Some people dress up or don't wear much of anything.
Some decorate their bikes. Some are babies in trailers and some are 80+ years old. Many party hard and all are there for a good time. Each small town you ride through rolls out the red carpet and makes you feel like an honored guest.
the food is wonderful and plentiful. I gained 2lbs and rode 471 miles and averaged 15mph in 7 days. I was on Team Spam. Two women and eight 40 to 50 year old men who thought they were in "Animal House" on wheels. I am a wimp at partying though only averaging 2 beers a day. It was a fun group. For photos of the ride go here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9542468@N03/sets/72157606403650928/
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Ragbrai 2008 (Read 1082 times)
