Ragbrai Adventure

If you are not from Iowa, let me fill you in...Ragbrai is a cross state bike ride that consumes a large portion of our state every July. Thousands of bikers from all over the country come to participate in the 468 (average) mile ride over seven days. In 2012, the route took riders down our road, so we set up a stand with food, water and a mister (it gets a bit warm in Iowa in July) and helped raise money to replace the children's play set that had been destroyed in the storm the previous year. It was unreal watching the thousands or bikes come past our place...in fact I blogged about it here.


This year, the two older kids wanted to participate and daddy was up for the challenge. We decided on a length of the course that seemed doable for some first timers, made sure their bikes and helmets were up to the task and did some practice rides to build up endurance and make sure they could handle the adventure.

On Thursday morning, we loaded up the bikes, extra water and kiddos and went out to our decided drop off point. They joined in just west of Laport City and road all the way into Vinton (about 23 miles, a third of the route for the day) and did so in about three hours. The kids did great, the other participants were supportive of them and the smiles...well, they were well worth it!

The younger two stayed with me as the support crew, staying in touch via text (cell phones and 3G were a bit spotty with the increased use) and meeting them as they road into town. We camped out under a tree for a picnic lunch before heading home for naps!

I think they want to do this again next year...maybe half a day this time. Anyone want to join them?