RAGBRAI

Every year, at this time, RAGBRAI rolls around. I suppose one (1) could describe it as a bike oddity or anomaly. If the kErnEl is correct, it is the largest organized bike ride (by number of participants) in the world.

I’ve ridden the full week of RAGBRAI and I’ve done single (1) days depending on which year it’s where. The ride is fun. You might ask, “How can a bike ride, with fifteen-thousand (15,000) to twenty-thousand (20,000) riders be fun?”

The people. Roadies are going to be roadies and a dude does see pace lines. Too bad for them. If they’d slow down and look at something other than the wheel of the roller in front of them they’d likely have a better time.

RAGBRAI riders come in all shapes and sizes and abilities and the broadest sense of the term. The food is usually outstanding. You want pie? Name your flavor and how many pieces you want.

I ride RAGBRAI for two (2) main reasons. First (1st), it’s a ride at your own pace ride with many like-minded rollers. I really don’t care how fast or slow I’m riding and I could give a shit at what my “average” will be at the end of the day.

Second (2nd), people watching. Holy crap are there some weirdos out there! But, most of them are normal folk who just like to ride. The first (1st) year I rode (all week to boot) I rode ten (10) miles with a dude from England and ate breakfast seated right across the table from two (2) ladies from Australia.

You’ll likely see jerseys you never knew existed. Don’t be surprised to see someone riding in a thong. Fat bearded dudes in tutus, likely. Hot babes – many. And, per RAGBRAI tradition, many first timers have the letters V-I-R-G-I-N scrolled down there calves in black marker.

And the bikes! The most beat-up, run down, ridden many miles past its natural life bikes will be there. Carbon fiber racing bikes will be there. Homemade bikes will be there. I hope to see “Quadzilla,” the bike built for four with the rules of 1) the captain is in charge, and 2) nobody passes us.

And don’t even get me started on the naked beer slide.

I’m riding the first (1st) day of RAGBRAI this year. I’m doing it on my single speed. The slower I go, the more I get to see, and the more riders I get to meet.

Ride On.