Ragbrai started in Sioux City today...

[Peacetrain]

Hubby and I went to the city and watched the bicyclists take off early this morning.. It really was quite the site.. A big cup of coffee and the never ending # of bikes and people was just a hoot. One of my favorites was the team with the horns on their helmets..So many recumbent bikes and people even hauling stereos and speakers on the back of their bikes.. Hand to God..

One of these days we are going to do at least a one day part of the ride. My brother has ridden the complete route 7 different times. Probably more than I would want to do.. but one day with that rolling party.. sounds great! :party: :party:

Enjoy the madness as it rolls through your towns..

[progressoid]

1. It's quite a sight.

And great fun.

You might have seen my brother and his son ride by.

[Peacetrain]

3. Have you heard from them yet?

the first couple of days are usually pretty good according to my brother,, then the heat can start to get to you!

[progressoid]

5. So far, so good.

We'll see how they are doing in a couple days. Thursday will be a test of wills!

[Peacetrain]

6. Ahhh thank GOD for the sag wagon..

When they dip their bikes into the Mississippi all the pain will go away and they will start planning their next time to go.

At least that is what my brother says.

[progressoid]

7. Well I just got bad news

Evidently someone sideswiped my brother this morning and he crashed. He's in the hospital in Algona. Sounds like a broken shoulder but I haven't been able to get through to anyone for a while for an update.

Not a good year for us. He really wanted to finish this for our brother...
http://alanpetersenscholarship.com/Home_Page.html



ETA: sorry to ruin your good thread with crappy news. I'm heading to Algona.

NEW EDIT! Apparently just a dislocated shoulder! Yea!! Don't know if he'll be riding yet.

Later.

[Peacetrain]

8. Oh Lord... I am so sorry

I did not realize you had lost a brother.. I am so sorry.. I hope your other brother can continue the race..

:cry: :hug:

[progressoid]

10. Good news!

Brother and bike have been repaired. He thinks he'll ride again tomorrow.

Thanks for the kind thoughts. :hug: Both brothers were to ride together this year. Alan was struck and killed while practicing for RAGBRAI. That's why this one is a little more special.

[Peacetrain]

11. So good to hear that he is okay

Your family must be so close.. And such a wonderful way to honor his memory. :hug:

[SharonAnn]

2. My sister is with it this year. It's the first time she's done RAGBRAI.

I'll be interested to hear her stories about it.

I'm from Iowa and I cannot imagine riding a bicycle across Iowa in August. Too damn hot! Too damn humid!

[Peacetrain]

4. She is going to have stories to tell!!

I could do one day.. just for the fun of being in such a big group..but the heat and the hills.. Most people have this illusion that we are as flat as Kansas :rofl: till they hit those long low hills that go on and on..

[SharonAnn]

9. Right! I bicycled those "rolling prairies" as a child. They're tough!

And I was in much better shape then.

Those "rolling prairies" are definitely not flat.

You actually can't see that far in Iowa, usually not to the horizon. Now Eastern South Dakota, on the other hand, is pretty darn flat. And of course Kansas, Eastern Montana, North Dakota, etc. But not Iowa!

[Peacetrain]

12. That piece of 1-80 heading to Ames after you leave i-29

woo hoo.. I always have to remind my husband to take off the cruise control..because it is hard on the engine ..

They have an area we call the roller coaster hills out here in the western side.. I am in no shape to do those.