CoeBRAI

2012 Route: Sioux Center to Clinton by way of Cedar Rapids

2012-01-29T20:30:00.000-06:00

By Josh Hafner, Des Moines Register

In its 40th year, RAGBRAI will take more than 10,000 bike riders over the hill — several, actually — in a more leisurely route promising less legwork than last year but just as many memories.

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — the world’s oldest, largest and longest tour of its kind — begins this year in Sioux Center and ends 471 miles later in Clinton.

In between, riders will stop overnight in Cherokee, Lake View, Webster City, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids and Anamosa.

RAGBRAI Director T.J. Juskiewicz described the massive undertaking as a state-wide celebration that connects riders from around the world with the hospitality and culture of Iowa.

“There are no beaches. No mountains,” he said. “We’re riding through corn and bean fields. And that’s OK, because when we come into these towns, it feels like you won the Tour de France.”

No word yet on whether past Tour de France winners and RAGBRAI participants Lance Armstrong and Greg LaMond will join in, but Juskiewicz expects about 60 percent of the riders to be from places outside Iowa, including some 20 countries.

This year’s ride is July 21-28.

The festival on wheels carries an economic boost for host cities, too. Juskiewicz said an economic study from the University of Northern Iowa two years ago found the festival brings $24 million in new spending to Iowa, or $3 million for each hosting town.

The event’s theme this year is “Celebrating 40 Years of Iowa,” and its less-intensive route should afford space to pause and reflect: The route is the 18th-shortest in RABRAI history and the 11th-flattest. Only eight routes since the ride’s 1973 inception have been easier.

Don’t expect it to be a total joyride, though: While riders of all ages and skill levels take part in RAGBRAI (the average age is 45), organizers discourage the untrained. Many participants, Juskiewicz said, will start prepping today.

Riders entering Webster City on July 24 will find a long-delayed homecoming: The city hasn’t hosted RAGBRAI since 1980 — 32 years ago. Cedar Rapids, the largest overnight town on the list, hasn’t put up riders since a 2008 flood ravaged the town in what some called “a tsunami of the prairie.”

While the precise number of towns that riders will pass through on their river-to-river run won’t be released until March, here’s what’s known about the route: Riders should pace themselves for the stretch between Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids. It will be their hilliest day with a 3,576-foot climb. At 84.8 miles, it will also be the longest.

Returning riders should feel confident, though; Despite a shorter distance, last year’s route featured more hill-climbing on day one than this year’s route does in the first three days.

Day-to-day breakdown of the route:

SIOUX CENTER, SATURDAY, JULY 21

The Siouxland town of 7,048 hosts RAGBRAI for the fourth time and the first time since 2002. It’s the home of Dordt College, a private liberal arts school, as well as the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra. Oh, and remember Vern Den Herder, the Miami Dolphins defensive end from the team’s 1972 undefeated season? That’s right: A Sioux Center native.

CHEROKEE, SUNDAY, JULY 22

Riders will first rest their weary legs in this northwestern Iowa town of 5,253 residents in the Little Sioux River Valley. The eponymous county seat, it hosts the Cherokee Fair, Cherokee Rodeo and a Jazz and Blues festival every year. It hasn’t hosted RAGBRAI, however, since 2002. Astronomically inclined riders will enjoy the town’s Sanform Museum and Planetarium, which features new events each month.

LAKE VIEW, MONDAY, JULY 23

Lake View is easily the smallest of small-town Iowa featured in this year’s RAGBRAI. The town’s a popular tourist destination, but its true population tallies at 1,142. Participants preferring a little off-road time can get lost on the Sauk Rail Trail, a 33-mile path between nearby Carroll’s Swan Lake and Black Hawk Lake, the nation’s southern-most natural glacial lake. The State of Iowa named Lake View its 2011 Tourism Community of the Year.

WEBSTER CITY, TUESDAY, JULY 24

RAGBRAI bicyclists rode through this 8,070-person town in 1994, but haven’t stopped to say hello since 1980. The seat of Hamilton County, Webster City sits along north-central Iowa’s Boone River and features numerous county parks connected by a multipurpose trail. The town annually hosts another two-wheeled traveler — the Doodle Bug motor-scooter — where they were produced in the 1940s.

MARSHALLTOWN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

This population 27,552 town is a relative metropolis on this year’s route. Riders needing calories to burn can visit the original Taylor’s Maid-Rite restaurant for a loose meat sandwich or Lillie Mae Chocolates for something sweeter. Fans of the non-edible arts can see sculptures at the Iowa Veterans Home or Impressionist paintings at the Fisher Community Center Art Gallery. Marshalltown hosts the ride for its fourth time in 2012, the first since 2004.

CEDAR RAPIDS, THURSDAY, JULY 26

The bright lights and big city of Cedar Rapids will lure in riders for the first time in 22 years. The Czech-heritage city is still recovering from 2008 flooding that saw the Cedar River rise to more than 31 feet. Several big names saw their start in Cedar Rapids, including PGA champ Zach Johnson, NFL Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner and actor Ashton Kutcher, who can be seen on television’s “Two and a Half Men” and in camera commercials.

ANAMOSA, FRIDAY, JULY 27

The Wapsipinicon River, called “Wapsi” by weary tongues, runs through this southeastern Iowa town of 5,533. By this point in the week, riders may yearn for the motorized bikes displayed at the National Motorcycle Museum. The town is also the birthplace of “American Gothic” painter Grant Wood and hosts a yearly festival honoring him. Anamosa hosted RAGBRAI two previous times, in 1991 and 2002.

CLINTON, SATURDAY, JULY 28

The 26,885 residents of Clinton open their city to riders for the fifth time. Riders dipped their tires in the Mississippi River here in 1978, 1985, 1994 and 2004. A Vision Iowa grant upped the beauty of the Riverview Park in Clinton, one of the first cities honored by the Department of Cultural Affair’s “Iowa Great Places” program. Finishing riders who’d rather see others hustle for a change can catch the minor-league baseball of the Clinton Lumberkings. They’re slated for a 6 p.m. ballgame.

XL is going to be extra large!

2011-11-15T09:43:00.000-06:00

Online registration opens today for RAGBRAI 2012, or XL for the Roman numeral set!

Fees for Team CoeBRAI will remain at $400. Of this, $200 is due March 1 along with a completed (online) entry form and signed waiver. The remaining $200 will be due July 1.

The fee includes the official $150 RAGBRAI entry fee, a Team CoeBRAI jersey, bus transportation to and from Cedar Rapids and the starting/ending towns, some meals, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at each overnight stop.

If you're not ready to commit, don't sweat it. Our "official" registration process doesn't begin until January. But if you’re like me and can't imagine a summer without RAGBRAI, go ahead and register. It's also a good time to add biking gear to your holiday wishlists.

2011 summerized (boy howdi)

2011-08-02T11:08:00.000-06:00

The hottest July in RAGBRAI history didn’t stand in the way of 29 Team CoeBRAI participants completing a week-long, 454-mile bike ride across Iowa on July 30.

Including three riders who couldn’t quite make it the whole way and two part-time participants, 34 people represented Coe for the seventh straight year on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. Team CoeBRAI included 12 alumni and Associate Professor of Political Science Lynda Barrow. Nineteen members of the group had participated in CoeBRAI before. In addition to Iowa, participants hailed from North Carolina, Kansas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Missouri and Washington, D.C.

Providing support again this year were Abby Masters’ 08 from Charleston, S.C., Coe Sports Information Director Ryan Workman, and staff spouse Lisa Zingula. Overnight hosts included Keith and Betsy Forman (friends of Caitlin Staebell ’10) in Glenwood, Mary Paasch (mother of Chris Paasch ’06) in Atlantic, John and Jackie Kitch (friends of Judy Floy ’77) in Carroll, Kathy Workman (mother of Coe SID Ryan Workman) in Boone, Doug and Darla Keast (parents of Hannah Keast ’14) in Altoona, Carrol and Bill Molison (grandmother and father of Andy Molison ’03) in Grinnell, and Larry Svoboda ’63 in Coralville.

Due to popular demand, a second order of Team CoeBRAI biking jerseys soon will be placed. Order forms are available here.

Jersey prices are $60 for short sleeve and sleeveless, $70 for long sleeve. Custom Coe biking shorts are also available for $65. All orders must be received by Aug. 15 and will be shipped by late September.

The 40th anniversary of RAGBRAI is scheduled for July 21-28, 2012.

Day 5: Altoona to Grinnell

2011-07-28T21:15:00.001-06:00

Quick update from my tent in Grinnell while I begin thinking about an exit strategy -- both short and long term.

Granny returned to RAGBRAI today, and she brought Mother Nature with her. Granny, in this case, is the gear used to navigate hills, which reappeared on the route after a two day absence. Meanwhile, besides heat, we had our first weather threat of the week -- rain upon arrival way back in Glenwood doesn't count -- though cloudbursts were about all that resulted.

The 57 miles from Altoona to Grinnell were a never ending series of rolling hills. Cloud cover, even if threatening rain, helped keep temperatures as cool as they've been all week.

Coe Webmaster Andy Molison greeted us in Grinnell, where we were hosted most capably by his grandma, Carol and father, Bill. Tomorrow I'm hoping for a big showing by Kohawk Nation as we fly the Coe College jerseys on school spirit day in Coralville. Be sure to stop by the Kohawk tent outside the Coralville city limits for a cold beverage and a warm welcome.

Mississippi River flooding further up the road in Davenport increases uncertainty surrounding the finish of this great adventure -- but I choose not to think about that just yet. My more immediate concern is my Garmin bike computer, which picked the worst possible time to decide to quit working. If that weren't enough, I have to teach these knuckleheads how to tie a bandana.

Day 4: Boone to Altoona

2011-07-27T18:25:00.000-06:00

It's hot.

But the food is good.

Today I reached out for a Farm Boys breakfast burrito. For lunch, I happened upon a good old fashioned Iowa Maid-Rite. Grilled chicken was the main course of the feast prepared by our Altoona hosts, Doug and Darla Keast and family.

That the Keasts could make the effort to host our merry band while participating in RAGBRAI themselves defies logic.

Did I mention it's hot?

Day 3: Carroll to Boone

2011-07-26T21:20:00.000-06:00

Team CoeBRAI came chuggin' into Boone on a gloriously fast and flat track from Carroll. Several riders took advantage of the opportunity for a century by adding the optional Karras Loop to an otherwise 71-mile day. All had to ascend Twister hill -- from the movie of the same name -- outside Pilot Mound.

Patches and buttons offered as rewards paled as prizes compared to the lasagne dinner prepared by our host Kathy Workman, mother of CoeBRAI driver and Coe Sports Information Director Ryan Workman. More hot and sunny weather greeted the great bike ride across Iowa as we avoided precipitation for yet another day.

The longest ride of the week is followed immediately by the shortest as the route to Altoona covers "only" 56 miles. With "just" 1,147 feet of climb, it should be a nice stretcher as we pass Interstate 35 -- the traditional midpoint of RAGBRAI -- and continue our pursuit of the Mississippi River.

Our Altoona hosts are Coe parents Doug and Darla Keast who, with their kids, are biking across Iowa as well. It'll be interesting to see how they pull that one off, knowing all the logistical planning required for a successful journey.

Day 2: Atlantic to Carroll

2011-07-25T19:21:00.000-06:00

Day 2 offered a scenic 65-mile ride from Atlantic to Carroll. After a comfortable stay with Coe parent Mary Paasch, we found our way to the home of John and Jackie Kitch. The Kitch's are family friends of CoeBRAI veteran Judy Floy.

The consensus is that today's ride, while longer by six miles and hillier by 400 feet, was a marked improvement over Sunday. Even longtime Iowans were impressed by panoramic views on a route that passed through Elk Horn, Kimbalton, Manning, Templeton, Dedham and Willey.

Overcast conditions prevailed until noon, helping to keep temperatures at bay. The sun came out for the afternoon and temperatures climbed sufficiently to make the spring fed pond at the edge of Carroll an attractive draw.

Tuesday takes us to Boone and offers a mere 1,787 feet of climb over 70.9 miles -- or 100 for those opting to take the Karras Loop for a century.

Day 1: Glenwood to Atlantic

2011-07-24T16:15:00.000-06:00

RAGBRAI 2011 kicked off with 60 hot and hilly miles from Glenwood to Atlantic. Keith and Betsy Forman gave us a great sendoff from Glenwood, where early evening storms provided some degree of relief from high humidity. In Atlantic we're being hosted by Mary Paasch, the mother of 2006 Coe alumnus and current Admission staffer Chris Paasch.

Finally whole after being joined by Roger Bear, our support crew (pictured in event-appropriate glasses) of Abby Masters '08, Sports Information Director Ryan Workman and CoeBRAI spouse Lisa Zingula is also in full force.

Tomorrow's ride to Carroll features Manning as a meeting town. I have some history in Manning and am hoping to avoid riding in a cattle truck this time through.

Eve of another great adventure

2011-07-22T20:34:00.000-06:00

The remodeled P.U.B. hosted the annual CoeBRAI pre-ride carboload as veterans shared stories from RAGBRAIs past and rookies received their appropriate markings. Senior Development Officer Dan Breitbach welcomed the group to Coe and Head Football Coach Steve Staker provided words of encouragement. I'm excited to see how the week unfolds as the planning efforts of the past year are put to the test. Though I sense apprehension among some rookies, experience tells me we've got a good group. Let the memory making begin!

With rights comes responsibility

2011-07-15T08:58:00.000-06:00

CoeBRAI Riders Bill of Rights

What could be better than spending seven days riding across 454 miles of beautiful Iowa countryside, seven nights camping with 10,000 of your closest spandex-clad friends, and eating enough calories to negate each day of cycling? RAGBRAI is a wonderful experience; however, when you add the heat, strenuous exercise, soreness, 21,206 feet of climb, and throngs of humanity, it will challenge even the hardcore cyclists. Throw in communal living, shared facilities, outdoor living, the inevitable weather event, and the mental challenges can make the biking seem like a ride in the park. Be a good teammate and we’ll all arrive at the Mississippi River with a genuine sense of accomplishment and a bond with new friends that you never imagined.

Team CoeBRAI riders are endowed with certain unalienable rights (and responsibilities), that among these are…

The right to a quiet campground and undisturbed sleep:
--Most riders want to get a good night’s sleep. Please keep the campgrounds reasonably quiet and keep the noise down after 9 p.m. This is especially important if you are coming back to camp late after enjoying the festivities of the host town. Keep in mind that many riders are on the road at 6 a.m. Be as courteous to them late at night as you want them to be early in the morning.

The right to enjoy the company of gracious host families
--CoeBRAI is fortunate to be able to camp at the homes of various alumni and friends. Here are a few ways to show your appreciation for their hospitality:
--The camp site should be left cleaner than we found it. Please pick up after yourself, and respect the property of our benevolent host families.
--Dinner will be served from 6–7 p.m. Anyone arriving after that time will be on their own for dinner. Plan ahead for this contingency.
--Please keep your showers to a maximum of 5 minutes to avoid overloading the host families’ facilities and so others need not wait all night for a turn.
--Thank them!

The right to be respected:
--The Coe staff and faculty on this trip are on vacation too; so, please pitch-in and help around camp.
--The drivers are paid, but they have specific responsibilities. They drive the truck, stake out our camp site each day, shop for groceries and keep the water jugs filled.
--The drivers will set-up and tear down your tent all week for an extra fee. ($50 for 1-4 person sized tent and $75 for 5+ person sized tent. Note: the size of the tent, not the number of occupants, is the determining factor.)
--The drivers will go shopping for you if you give them money. No CoeBRAI funds will be used to purchase alcohol. Legal age riders may bring their own alcoholic beverages or have the drivers make purchases for them and bring it back to camp.
--The drivers transport gear from site to site; however, it is not their job to load your equipment. Please load your gear onto (not beside) the truck before departing each morning.
--You signed up to ride your bike, so take full advantage of the opportunity. If you feel the need to ride the truck for a day or two, consider yourself part of the support team and pitch in as you are able. On the same note, non-bikers should shower during the day before riders begin to arrive.
--Team CoeBRAI strives to be good stewards of our environment. Please help us minimize waste by making use of reusable cups provided in camp.
--Be polite. Be kind. Be laid back. The spirit of RAGBRAI is about having good times with good people. Keep in mind that you are representing Coe College. All behavior – good and bad – reflects on the sponsoring institution.
--Please respect others people’s property. The good natured vibe of RAGBRAI creates an environment where there are thousands of expensive bikes and gear laying around unattended with very few thefts.

The right to have fun!
--Remember the RAGBRAI credo: If you’re not having fun yet, lower your expectations.
--Team CoeBRAI motto: Roll with it!

Vacation itinerary

2011-07-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

As the calendar turns to July, it’s time to get serious about this adventure called RAGBRAI.

We learn from the experience every year and you are the beneficiaries of six years of experience and a veteran support staff. My wife, Lisa, Coe SID Ryan Workman and 2006 Coe graduate Abby Masters return again this year to take care of all our off-bike needs.

Hosts have been secured in all seven overnight towns!

Here’s a quick rundown of the itinerary:

Friday, July 22 – 6 p.m. spaghetti dinner at Coe followed by loading of as many bikes as are ready to go. If you haven’t already, please let me know whether or not you will be attending and if you’ll be bringing guests. I need to get a somewhat accurate head count to Sodexo. This is where you will receive your rider packets, including wrist and bike bands, CoeBRAI jersey and route maps, including turn by turn directions to our overnight accommodations.

Saturday, July 23 – Loading begins at 8 a.m. at Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus with a planned departure of 10 a.m. Riders who preloaded need not arrive until 9 a.m. Quick lunch stop en route. Late afternoon arrival in Glenwood, where we will be staying with newlyweds Keith and Betsy Foreman. Dinner on our own.

Sunday, July 24 – 64.2 miles to Atlantic, where we will be staying with Mary Paasch, mother of 2006 Coe graduate and current admission staffer Chris Paasch. Dinner provided.

Monday, July 25 – 65.4 miles to Carroll, where we will be staying with John and Jackie Kitch, friends of CoeBRAI veteran Judy Floy ’77. Dinner on our own.

Tuesday, July 26 – 70.9 miles (or 100) to Boone, where we’re staying with Kathy Workman, mother of CoeBRAI driver and Coe SID Ryan Workman. Dinner provided.

Wednesday, July 27 – 56.1 miles to Altoona, where we’re staying with Coe parents Doug and Darla Keast. Dinner provided.

Thursday, July 28 – 57.5 miles to Grinnell, where we’re staying with Carrol and Bill Molison, grandma and dad of Coe Webmaster Andy Molison ’03. Dinner provided.

Friday, July 29 – 75.3 miles to Coralville, where we’re staying with Larry Svoboda ’63. Dinner provided. 38 Special is this year’s headliner for those into has-been bands taking a break from the county fair circuit.

Saturday, July 30 – 64.8 miles to Davenport. Rider and Quad Citizen Jim Strickland has made arrangements for us to gather for the final approach at 1523 South Fairmount Street. This is also where we will load for the bus ride home after dipping our tires.

A note about showers: our hosts have generously agreed to open their facilities to us. Let’s not abuse it. With 31 full-time riders, it would take five hours if everyone took a 10-minute shower. Please incorporate the five-minute shower into your training routine. I shave in the shower, and I’m still in and out in under five minutes, so I know it’s possible.

Also, we’ll set out tubs of water and clothes line for washing biking clothes. Just think of the time that will save for showering!

More fun with words

2011-07-03T05:22:00.000-06:00

Bicycle typogram courtesy Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition.

Our very own Word Cloud

2011-06-28T09:38:00.002-06:00

Is that your final answer?

2011-06-27T07:18:00.000-06:00

This is a final reminder that final payments by Team CoeBRAI participants -- typically $200 -- are due this Friday, July 1. Additionally, there are no refunds for cancellations occurring on or after Friday.

Checks payable to Coe College and sent to my attention at Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

The $400 fee includes the official $150 RAGBRAI entry fee, a Team CoeBRAI jersey and license plate, bus transportation to and from Cedar Rapids and the starting/ending towns, gear transportation, some meals, and snack and non-alcoholic beverages at each overnight stop.

While we understand that life happens, we must insist on a no-refund policy for cancellations after July 1. Our refund schedule is 75% on or before May 1, 50% on or before June 1 and 25% on or before July 1.

Additionally, participants should plan to spend $20-$30 per day on food and beverages, bike repairs, showers, etc.

CoeBRAT 2011: 50 miles of wind, rain and winning!

2011-05-16T11:11:00.000-06:00

After topping 90 degrees during the week, temperatures in the region barely made it into the 50s with rain and wind to greet the eight brave souls who made good on their commitment to participate in the second occasional CoeBRAT (bike ride across towns): Flunk Day 50 on Saturday, May 14.

Sponsored by the Coe College Alumni Office and Team CoeBRAI, this 100th anniversary Flunk Day event challenged participants with a half century of biking with recovery breaks at Odie's Bar and Grill in Ely, Joensy's in Solon, Sutliff Cider and Chameleon’s in Mount Vernon. Clark Racquet Center on the Coe campus served as the start/finish line.

While two-thirds of the early registrants opted against riding in the inclement weather, Bob Beer '83, Chris Paasch '06, Josh Stanek '02, Ron Van Hoeck '82 and myself were not to be deterred. Postponement was not an option after Stanek came all the way from Milwaukee for the ride. Joining the alumni were rising Coe seniors Amanda Knutson '12, Mary Kramer '12 and Austin Lloyd '12.

In addition to Coe bike bells, there were enough door prizes for everyone. Beer was the big winner with his pair of kings winning the 2011 Coe biking jersey.

Look for some sort of ride in conjunction with Homecoming in mid-September. Also, CoeBRAT 2012 will likely be pushed back a week to May 19 to avoid conflict with the Iowa Conference Baseball Tournament (which the Kohawks just won!) and to provide a little post-Commencement breathing room.

Bibs available too

2011-04-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

By popular demand, we are also offering the Coe biking gear as bib shorts in addition to the standard shorts. Please note that the bibs will cost $75, plus an additional $10 if you'd like to upgrade to the endurance chamois. Please clearly indicate that you are ordering bibs -- as opposed to shorts -- on the order form.

Remember apparel orders are due May 15 (the day after the CoeBRAT 2011: Flunk Day 50) and will be shipped by mid July. Anyone is welcome to buy jerseys -- $60 for short sleeve and sleeveless, $70 for long sleeve – and shorts for $65, plus bibs for $75 (add $10 for endurance chamois). Order forms are available on the right column of this page.

2nd CoeBRAT honors Flunk Day tradition

2011-04-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

Kohawk fellowship... food... drink... prizes... bicycling... and fun for all await participants in the second occasional CoeBRAT (bike ride across towns) on Saturday, May 14. Sponsored by the Coe College Alumni Office and Team CoeBRAI, this event encourages you to get on your bike and ride.

This year's ride also honors a time-honored Coe tradition, as Flunk Day marks its 100th anniversary. Participants will visit Clark Racquet Center on the Coe Campus, Odie's Bar and Grill in Ely, Joensy's in Solon, Sutliff Cider and Chameleon's in Mount Vernon as we pedal 1/2 mile for every year of Flunk Day.

Registration is only $10 by May 9 ($15 after). Save yourself some cash and sign up today! Entry form here.

2011 demographics

2011-03-29T12:25:00.000-06:00

As I finalize our group entry for submission to RAGBRAI (postmarked no later than this Friday), I was curious about the demographics of our group. We are 30 full-time riders, 1 part-timer and 3 support personnel. We range in age from 26 to 69, with a median age of 47.5 and an average of 49. I guarantee you the 69-year-old will bike circles around most of us! Of the week-long riders, 19 are male and 11 female, which bodes well for the quick-shower rule. We represent 8 states or districts. In addition to Iowa, riders hail from Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California and our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Our sponsoring organization -- Coe College -- is represented by 3 faculty/staff and 11 alumni. I have no idea how many RAGBRAI's we have collectively completed or how many virgins are among us, but I know 12 are participating with CoeBRAI for the first time.

2011 logistics primer

2011-03-24T09:20:00.000-06:00

My usual timetable calls for posting logistical details two months from now. However, by popular request of some CoeBRAI virgins, I submit for your review the following primer.

Anyone who is planning to have their bike shipped can certainly ship it to me at Coe. But if you’re shipping it anyway, it makes more sense to ship it directly to Glenwood and then home from Davenport. That way we don’t have to load it and haul it across Iowa. Shipping information is available here.

I’m going to assume that all of you are riding with us from Cedar Rapids to Glenwood and back to Cedar Rapids from Davenport, although I know that’s not the case for some of you. Please inform me of your plans so we can plan accordingly.

We will be having a spaghetti dinner/pre-load opportunity on Friday, July 22 at Coe. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by loading of as many bikes as are ready to go. Please let me know whether or not you can attend and if you’ll be bringing guests. This really makes things easier on Saturday and provides an opportunity to get to know your teammates. Loading begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 23 at Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus with a planned departure of 10 a.m. Those flying in may want to know that we’ll shoot for a late afternoon return to Cedar Rapids on Saturday, July 30.

Housing may or may not be available at Coe before and/or after RAGBRAI for anyone who needs it. If you need accommodations, please let me know. In the past we’ve been able to put people up at Coe and I hope to offer that again this year.

I know some of you are unsure what to bring, so here are some tips from the RAGBRAI folks, plus a few of my own.

Please put identification on everything you take on RAGBRAI. Lost items can be returned to owners.

Bicycle equipment: Helmet is #1. Bicycle shops can handle most any mechanical need you have, but you might consider bringing a small repair kit that includes a tire, spare tube, tire irons and small wrenches. (I've survived on spare tubes and chain lube. As long as you get your bike serviced before RAGBRAI, it should be good to go.) In addition, a rear view mirror, bike gloves, pump, bike bag, rain gear, bicycle lock and water bottles are necessary equipment. (A lock isn't really necessary either, from my experience.)

Camping equipment: You'll need a duffle bag (or, in our case, a 30-gallon plastic tub, such as the one pictured here), sleeping bag, pillow, pad, tent, ground cloth, rope, stakes and a flashlight. (A collapsible chair will also come in handy. It need not fit into your plastic tub, nor does your tent.) The tubs are just a handy way to tote items from town to town and also offer protection from the rain. For extra protection, pack what you can in large ziplock bags. I have a small supply of tubs should anyone, particularly out-of-towners, wish to use them. The one-tub-per-person rule will be strictly enforced. On RAGBRAI, less is more.

Toiletries: Pack a towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, shampoo, soap, razor, nail clippers, brush/comb, hair ties/barrettes, deodorant, mirror and toilet tissue.

Clothes: T-shirts, shorts, a jacket, pants, warm-up suit, underwear, socks, shoes, sandals, sleepwear, swimsuit and sweatbands/bandannas should get you through the week. (Two sets of biking attire are sufficient from my experience -- one to wear and one to dry out after "washing" it in the shower. Remember that you will be getting a CoeBRAI jersey and some of you also ordered a RAGBRAI jersey. Remember also that each overnight town has a t-shirt they would like to sell you. Be sure to bring padded biking shorts!)

First Aid: Pack aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, Band-Aids, gauze, tape, first-aid cream, lip balm, sun block (lots of it!), insect repellent (even more!), safety pins, special medicines, Campho-Phenique and sanitary protection with disposable bags if needed. (Chamois Butter before and during, Gold Bond powder after. Avoid this advice at your own peril.)

Miscellaneous: Bring an alarm clock, spare glasses, sunglasses, a scouting knife, camera, film, watch, earplugs (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Trains, rock concerts, civil defense sirens, etc., will inevitably disturb your effort to get some rest. Bring earplugs!), ID, money, traveler's checks, credit cards, journal, pens, pencils (who uses pencils anymore?), stamps, address book, several plastic trash bags for rain protection and zip-lock bags. Be sure to enclose everything in a water-tight plastic bag. Did I mention earplugs?

Food: Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided in camp. You may also want to bring a box of Power Bars and keep one on your bike for when you need a quick energy boost, but don't want to wait in line for pie. Many of our hosts will be providing dinner. Out of courtesy to them, please don’t linger on the route until late and then expect dinner to be left out for your late arrival. Anything else you may want or need can be purchased by our support crew during their daily store run.

Electronics: Cell phone service is usually epically spotty with the crush of people. But we will have charging stations available in camp. Please send me the number of the cell phone you will have with you and also the name and contact information of your emergency contact. Computers, cameras, breathing apparatus, etc., should all be fair game since we have hosts in each overnight and are not chancing our luck with the RAGBRAI campgrounds.

Also, our support crew will be updating our CoeBRAI rider bill of rights. This is mostly common sense expectations to ensure that your enjoyment of RAGBRAI doesn’t impede anyone else’s enjoyment of RAGBRAI. Here are a few highlights from last year:
• Most riders want to get a good night’s sleep. Please keep the campgrounds reasonably quiet and keep the noise down after 9 p.m. This is especially important if you are coming back to camp late after enjoying the festivities of the host town. Keep in mind that many riders are on the road at 6 a.m. Be as courteous to them late at night as you want them to be early in the morning.
• The camp site should be left cleaner than we found it. Please pick up after yourself, and respect the property of our benevolent host families.
• Dinner will be served from 6–7 p.m. Anyone arriving after that time will be on their own for dinner. Plan ahead for this contingency.
• Please keep your showers to a maximum of 5 minutes to avoid overloading the host families’ facilities and so others need not wait all night for a turn.
• The Coe staff and faculty on this trip are on vacation too; so, please pitch-in and help around camp.
• The drivers are paid, but they have specific responsibilities. They drive the truck, stake out our camp site each day, and keep the water jugs filled.
• The drivers will set-up and tear down your tent all week for an extra fee.
• The drivers will go shopping for you if you give them money. No CoeBRAI funds will be used to purchase alcohol. Legal age riders may bring their own alcoholic beverages or have the drivers make purchases for them and bring it back to camp.
• The drivers transport gear from site to site; however, it is not their job to load your equipment. Please load your gear onto (not beside) the truck before departing each morning.
• You signed up to ride your bike, so take full advantage of the opportunity. If you feel the need to ride the truck for a day or two, consider yourself part of the support team and pitch in as you are able. On the same note, non-bikers should shower during the day before riders begin to arrive.
• Team CoeBRAI strives to be good stewards of our environment. Please help us minimize waste by making use of reusable cups provided in camp.
• Be polite. Be kind. Be laid back. The spirit of RAGBRAI is about having good times with good people. Keep in mind that you are representing Coe College. All behavior – good and bad – reflects on the sponsoring institution.
• Please respect others people’s property. The good natured vibe of RAGBRAI creates an environment where there are thousands of expensive bikes and gear laying around unattended with very few thefts.
• Remember the RAGBRAI credo: If you’re not having fun yet, lower your expectations.
• Team CoeBRAI motto: Roll with it!

Cycling as sport

2011-03-23T11:59:00.000-06:00

After two years as cycling art exhibits, the timing seemed right for Team CoeBRAI to adopt a sporty look in 2011. As a result, the Kohawk logo designed a decade ago by Lance Lethcoe ’02 for Coe athletics is the dominant feature of this year’s jerseys by Coe graphic designer Christina Kroemer.

Team CoeBRAI will be modeling them on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) July 24-30. For the first time, the jerseys are not RAGBRAI specific, which we hope appeals to cycling Kohawks everywhere.

In addition to long-sleeve, short-sleeve and sleeveless versions of the jersey, Kroemer designed Coe biking shorts featuring the school’s crimson and gold and Charlie Kohawk logo. While the jersey design changes each year, the shorts are intended to stand the test of time.

The designs will soon be submitted to Champion Systems and orders are now being taken. Each weeklong rider who was part of our group registration gets one free jersey. Additional jerseys and shorts may be ordered.

Two jerseys will be awarded as prizes in an upcoming bike ride sponsored by the Alumni Office, Coe GOLD (graduates of the last decade) and Team CoeBRAI. Clear your calendar for May 14 and stay tuned for details on the second occasional CoeBRAT (bike ride across towns): Flunk Day 50.

Anyone else is welcome to buy jerseys -- $60 for short sleeve and sleeveless, $70 for long sleeve – and shorts for $65. Order forms are available on the right column of this page. All orders must be received by May 15 and will be shipped by mid July.

St. Patty's Day is for CR Bikers

2011-03-09T11:29:00.000-06:00

"Ride The Divide", the award-winning feature-length documentary about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, will comes to Cedar Rapids on Thursday, March 17, at the Collins Road Theatres in Marion. The event will be a fundraiser for the Linn Area Mountain Bike Association.

The film chronicles the story of several mountain bikers who attempt the 2,711-mile race named the Tour Divide along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The movie was named the best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival.

This film has become an instant cycling classic, and made its television premiere in September on the Documentary Channel. But the Adventure Cycling Association said the film should be seen on the big screen: “The cinematography is stunning!” Added UpaDowna, “Ride The Divide is one of the most inspiring real cycling movies … in a long time.” Epic Riding summed the movie up as follows: “In a word? Fantastic. In more words? Moving, funny, inspiring.”

"Ride The Divide" embraces the inspiring stories of three of the racers who experience the immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. There’s Mike, a 40-year-old family man who uses this challenge to chart a new course in life; Matthew, a leader in extreme endurance racing who’s competing for his fifth time; and Mary, the ﬁrst female rider to race this route. As they set out, they will attempt to accomplish what very few have been able to. Over the course of a few weeks, they’ll attempt to climb over 200,000 vertical feet along the backbone of the Rocky Mountains.

They’ll experience mental breakdowns, treacherous snow, hellacious blisters, and total fatigue. Above all, they’ll race with no support – at times in total isolation. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout "Ride the Divide" prompt us to reﬂect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.

"Ride The Divide" made its debut at the Vail Film Festival and was named the best adventure film at the event. Outside Magazine proclaimed that “(t)he toughest bike race in the world is not in France,” after reviewing the film.

"Ride The Divide" will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Collins Road Theatres, located at 1462 Twixt Town Road in Marion. Tickets are $15 at the door, and $10 in advance at www.IMAthlete.com/Events/RideTheDividemovie. This event is sponsored by Hall Bicycle Co. of Cedar Rapids.

For a good time, call CoeBRAI ASAP

2011-03-08T08:19:00.000-06:00

As the April 1 RAGBRAI registration deadline nears, this is my final push for week-long riders. (Part-timers are a subject for another day.)

Of the 30 full-time biker slots on Team CoeBRAI, 27 have been claimed. That leaves three openings.

After obtaining my blessing, you will want to register on the RAGBRAI Web site and join the group CoeBRAI (#32344) before submitting your entry. Please do not send signed waivers or any payments to RAGBRAI. Instead, those should be sent to me, the group contact. (Checks made out to Coe sent to my attention at 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.)

Fees for Team CoeBRAI will remain $400, despite a $10 RAGBRAI increase to $150. Of this, $200 is due immediately along with a completed (online) entry form and signed waiver. The remaining $200 will be due July 1. (Don't forget to add the cost of any merchandise you may choose to order through RAGBRAI.)

The fee includes the official $150 RAGBRAI entry fee, a Team CoeBRAI jersey and license plate, bus transportation to and from Cedar Rapids and the starting/ending towns, some meals, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at each overnight stop.

Please don't wait until March 31 to contact me as I will surely have closed our group by then. Also, part-timers, relax. I'll get to you after lottery results are announced May 1.

2011 route: Glenwood to Davenport

2011-01-31T10:49:00.000-06:00

By PERRY BEEMAN
pbeeman@dmreg.com

RAGBRAI XXXIX will offer one of the annual bike ride’s shorter but hillier routes, and promises one of the brassiest endings on record.

When participants in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa pull into Davenport on the final day, it will be the same weekend as the festival honoring the late jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, a native of the city.

That means a famous Bix road race, plenty of beer and food, and the presence of a bunch of people who will have been partying hard long before the Lycra-wearing riders dismount their gel seats.

Joe Taylor, president and chief executive officer of the Quad-Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Davenport “has been patiently waiting 29 years for RAGBRAI to return.”

RAGBRAI Director T.J. Juskiewicz said the city is ready.

“It will be one heck of a show down at the Mississippi River,” Juskiewicz said.

This year’s ride runs July 24-30. The event starts in Glenwood, with overnight stops in Atlantic, Carroll, Boone, Altoona, Grinnell and Coralville before the Mississippi River tire-dipping festivities in Davenport.

The 454-mile route is the 14th-shortest, and 18 miles short of average. Fifteen routes have been hillier, so the 10,000 riders will find the climb in the moderate range.

Combine the mileage and hills, and organizers consider this the 22nd-easiest ride, meaning 17 routes have been tougher.

There’s no telling if the weather will ease the way, or make things miserable at times. Headwind predictions weren’t available. Please train like you mean it.

Those who feel they need a break in the first few days will be glad to know that the Des Moines suburb of Altoona will host the riders overnight for the first time. That means a chance to chill in front of the slots at Prairie Meadows, ride a roller coaster at Adventureland, or take in the night life of Des Moines’ Court Avenue.

This year’s route — more details will be announced later — presents a couple of interesting challenges for riders.

The hilliest day is Sunday’s opening 64-mile pedal from Glenwood to Atlantic. Legs will be fresh for the 4,946 feet of climb, at least.

But the longest trek comes on Day 6, when some legs may be rubbery — the 75 miles from Grinnell to Coralville.

Then again, anyone who has ever pedaled a century loop, 100 miles, won’t be intimidated by that measly total. And the RAGBRAI record for a single day was 114 miles from Webster City to Waverly in 1980, so 75 shouldn’t seem bad.

The 2011 ride will be 96 miles short of the record 550 miles in 1977.

Below is a day-to-day breakdown:

=====
GLENWOOD — Saturday, July 23
Population: 5,358
History: 1980, 1984, 1989, 1992, 2003

This town of 5,358 welcomes riders for the sixth time. The ride began there last in 2003. The Loess Hills make this area one of Iowa’s most picturesque and geologically important.

Glenwood is the county seat of Mills County and boasts attractions such as the American Indian Earth Lodge and the 45-acre Glenwood Lake Park with an independent historical museum and amphitheater.

The town is proud of its new high school.

=====
ATLANTIC — Sunday, July 24
Population: 7,257
History: 1974, 1980, 1989, 1991, 2001

The ride’s first overnight stop comes in this town of 7,257 which also welcomed riders in 1974, 1980, 1989, 1991, and 2001. The self-proclaimed “Coca-Cola Capital of Iowa” because of its bottling operations, Atlantic also has a new YMCA where people can work off their sodas. The historic downtown sports the restored Rock Island Depot.

Often, it’s easy to catch a car show or concert somewhere in town during summer. The T-Bone Trail runs 21 miles to Audubon.

Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes may remember Atlantic is the hometown of former Hawkeye and Kansas City Chiefs star Ed Podolak, who later gained fame as a broadcaster.

=====
CARROLL — Monday, July 25
Population: 10,098
History: 1980, 1988, 1994

The 510-acre Swan Lake State Park and a new city aquatic center that opened in 2009 offer good recreation possibilities in this community of 10,098. Ditto for the 33-mile Sauk Rail Trail, which runs between Swan Lake State Park and Black Hawk State Park to the north, at Lake View.

Much of downtown Carroll has been remodeled.

=====
BOONE — Tuesday, July 26
Population: 12,803
History: 1975, 1988, 1998; also a pass-through town three times, last time in 2008

The ride rolls into Boone for an overnight stop for the fourth time; the last was in 1998, but the ride passed through in 2008.

Known as the birthplace of former first lady Mamie Eisenhower, the railroad-influenced town of 12,803 has staged nationally significant stock-car races, Pufferbilly Days and the Iowa Municipal Band Festival.

The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is one of the state’s most prominent passenger railroads.

Many Iowans have marveled at the Kate Shelley Memorial High Bridge west of town, considered the longest, highest double-track railroad bridge in the country. Another famous span, the nearby High Trestle Trail, offers spectacular scenery as bicyclists cross the Des Moines River.

=====
ALTOONA — Wednesday, July 27
Population: 13,301
History: First time as overnight town; pass-through town in 1973, on inaugural ride

RAGBRAI makes its first stop at this home to horse racing, gambling and Adventureland Amusement Park.

Altoona, population 13,301, hasn’t seen RAGBRAI since the inaugural ride passed through in 1973.

The Des Moines suburb’s collection of attractions now features central Iowa’s only Bass Pro Shops.

Also, this is no fish tale: Altoona is the hometown of NFL quarterback Kyle Orton.

It may seem hard to imagine in the cold of winter, but it could be warm later this year. If so, Altoona’s new aquatic center and bike trails could come in handy.

=====
GRINNELL — Thursday, July 28
Population: 9,105
History: 1976, 1991, 2001

The home of Grinnell College — something of an Ivy League-style school in the flatlands — has 9,105 residents and a committee ready to welcome the ride back for its first stop since 2001 and fourth overall.

Grinnell has replaced many streets, trimmed sidewalks with brick and installed granite planters around downtown. The restaurant scene is lively with independent proprietors, and this is yet another town with a new swimming complex.

Architect Louis Sullivan’s well-regarded 1914 Merchants National Bank building is a National Historic Landmark, one of eight jewel-box banks he created in the Midwest. Sullivan spawned the skyscraper concept and mentored another architect whose work has graced Iowa and the nation: Frank Lloyd Wright.

=====
CORALVILLE — Friday, July 29
Population: 17,269
History: 1995, 2001, 2006

This neighbor to Iowa City is rejuvenating an industrial area along the Iowa River.

Its 17,269 residents welcomed RAGBRAI in 1995, 2001 and 2006.

The name comes from fossils found in the limestone along the river, which forms part of the boundary with Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa.

Coralville stages 4th Fest and Fry Fest, a celebration all about the Hawkeyes of the U of I. Former Hawkeye football coach Hayden Fry was among the school’s most successful.

Among Coralville’s native sons are NFL kicker Nate Kaeding and professional cyclist Jason McCartney.

=====
DAVENPORT — Saturday, July 30
Population: 98,359
History: 1973, 1982

Perhaps surprisingly, this is only RAGBRAI’s third stop in Davenport, and the most recent was 1982. (The other stop was on the first ride, in 1973.)

This Iowa anchor of the Quad Cities has 98,359 residents and a river history rich in jazz, minor-league baseball, flood fights, riverboats and a mixture of white-collar and blue-collar jobs.

The famously hilly Bix7 road race will be held this day, as will the highly regarded jazz festival in honor of Davenport native jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, a legend in music circles.

Davenport also boasts Figge Art Museum and the Putnam Museum and IMAX Theater.

Reporter Tyler O’Neil contributed to this story.

=====
MILEAGE AND CLIMB
Day 1 — 64.2 miles 4,946 climb
Day 2 — 65.4 miles 4,798 climb
Day 3 — 70.9 miles 1,784 climb
Day 4 — 56.1 miles 1,246 climb
Day 5 — 57.5 miles 3,294 climb
Day 6 — 75.3 miles 2,800 climb
Day 7 — 64.8 miles 2,338 climb
Total — 454.2 miles 21,206 climb

Head protection for dummies

2011-01-11T09:44:00.000-06:00

Do NOT try this at home. These dummies are professionals. Any resemblance to cycling chemistry professor Steve Singleton is purely coincidental, though no less amusing.

Thank you, ma'am, may I have another?

2010-11-15T08:47:00.000-06:00

Online registration opens today for RAGBRAI 2011!

Veterans should have received an e-mail from RAGBRAI with registration instructions. First-time participants will first need to create a profile at the RAGBRAI Web site. You will then want to join the group CoeBRAI (#32344) before submitting your entry. Please do not send signed waivers or any payments to RAGBRAI. Instead, those should be sent to me, the group contact. (While it is not certain that I will lead the charge again next year, I will at least serve as the point of contact until a successor is found.)

Fees for Team CoeBRAI will remain at $400, despite a $10 RAGBRAI increase to $150. Of this, $200 is due March 1 along with a completed (online) entry form and signed waiver. The remaining $200 will be due July 1.

The fee includes the official $150 RAGBRAI entry fee, a Team CoeBRAI jersey and license plate, bus transportation to and from Cedar Rapids and the starting/ending towns, some meals, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at each overnight stop.

If you're not ready to commit, don't sweat it. Our "official" registration process doesn't begin until January. But if you’re like me and can't imagine a summer without RAGBRAI, go ahead and register. It's also a good time to add biking gear to your holiday wishlists.

Weird racing

2010-09-14T22:16:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Tom Hicks for sharing this fascinating bike racing video. I think we ought to challenge the Wartburg team to a competition.

Reflections of RAGBRAI and our team...Team CoeBRAI

2010-08-12T21:40:00.002-06:00

As I climbed back on the saddle today for a my first bike ride since RAGBRAI I couldn't help but reflect on the wealth of emotions I was feeling while riding down the flat, boring, lonely roads in Blacklick, Ohio. I kept hearing the echos of my fellow riders shifting gears while going up hills...I found myself missing people yelling "biker on", "slowing", "on your left" or "biker off".

I'm a bullet point kind of person, so I wanted to jot down some of my favorite memories from my recent trip to Iowa that ran through my head today while I was out riding with a big smile on my face...

Before I start my list though, I absolutely want to thank Lonnie, Lisa, Ryan and Abby. Without you guys, none of this would have been possible. Lonnie, I can't imagine the planning and coordination it must take to organize a ride like this. I can't thank you enough for ALL of your time and efforts! Also, for allowing me to be part of such an amazing TEAM...This was truly an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life and I have you to thank for that!! Lisa, you amaze me. EVERY morning when I would get up, you'd be up, running around, taking care of everyone and everything. Absolutely wouldn't have made it without all of your support!! Ryan and Abby, you guys are simply the best! The work you guys did behind the scenes is what made this bike ride possible and a lot more enjoyable! Running to the store for everyone while we were out riding, making sure I knew which cooler had water and Gatorade in it (hehe), driving the truck all day (which not to mention broke down 4 million times!) and finally being so positive and supportive of everyone riding! I can't thank ALL of you enough for all of your time and efforts...I'm humbled by your hard work, dedication and total selflessness.

FAVORITE MEMORIES:

*Tour De' Food - How could you EVER doubt this would make the top of the list? Touring the roads of Iowa enjoying some of the BEST food I've ever had...Farm Boys breakfast burritos...Judy's Mom's cinnamon rolls...need I say more??? Too many good food stops to mention!

*Sitting in the Post Office the day we had the bad storm (can't remember what town we were in but I've NEVER laughed so hard in my life...I was actually crying from laughing so hard and I'm not even too sure what was so funny!)

*The bus ride to Sioux City and all of the gambling going on!

*Wanting to yell "I-O" the first time I heard someone say "SLOWING" because I thought they say "O-H". (it's an Ohio State thing we do...I yell "O-H" and you would yell "I-O" to spell out OHIO for those of you that don't know)

*"Quityerbitchin" (hope I'm spelling that correctly Lonnie!) - the daily text from Lonnie telling us all to "quit our bitching" was priceless.

*Riding along side one of my best friends, Amy. You are awesome Amy! Thank you for pushing me and getting me through the rough times!

*Riding into Parkersburg had to be one of the most inspiring places we visited. All of the signs on the side of the road about the horrible tornado that hit their town and then reading about their football coach that was killed. All that, that town had been through and they were still rebuilding and surviving...I felt so inspired riding up the hills into their town.

*Riding along side some awesome new friends...Dana and Darcy! Darcy, I'm so glad we all started riding together!! I have literally laughed out loud writing some things on this list because of you!! Sooo many memories!

*Speaking of Dacry; her story about knocking over all the bikes in one town! PRICELESS!

*The pool/keg party

*Screaming "Ladies and Gentlemen......we have a biker in the corn!" That was just my way of calling out those who couldn't wait until the next town to use the restroom or worse yet, couldn't just go a few more rows into the corn so we couldn't see them anymore! ;)

*Our entire team - what a great group of people. I was amazed at all of the support!! It was great to get back to camp, join the "circle of chairs", grab a beer and sit and reminisce about the day that had just passed. So many great people, so many great memories.

*Breaking up a live TV broadcast; 10pm news (please see video on Darcy's Facebook page). I would like to let everyone know that I actually ALSO pulled off the "silent skip" behind her immediately following the "crazy run-behind her like a total idiot" which was not caught on tape due to concerns of being escorted out of the area - LOL! It was pretty funny! Couldn't have done it without my wingman - we'll just call him "guy in the green shorts" (because I have no clue what his name was, but he was my cover) and of course Darcy working the camera.

*Obviously dipping my tire in the Mississippi with my teammates and holding my bike above my head...UNREAL

*Riding down through Dubuque or any of the towns and seeing all of the people lining the streets supporting everyone!

*Arriving at Clark College and being with Team CoeBRAI before we all rode down to the river. Knowing that we had all made it!

*Just the overall experience of being a small part of something so huge.

*Finishing the 100 mile ride, jumping off my bike afterwards and grabbing a beer! :)

*Potter's Hill - if anyone is actually still reading...I know you're rolling your eyes. Seriously though, I learned a lot while walking up that hill. I promise to NEVER complain about ANY hill that I encounter EVER again while I'm out riding. I couldn't hardly WALK up that hill!

LOW POINTS:

*Day one - I learned a lot that day. Thank you, Judy!

*Riding in the storm and that horrible head wind! I felt like I got hit by a truck after that ride!

That's about all I have for now, I'm sure I'll think of other additions after I post this!! The ending was truly bitter sweet... Happy to not have to get on the bike the next day, but extremely sad to leave all of my teammates. I hope everyone adds your thoughts or favorite memories! I know one thing is for sure...I'll never forget this experience and all of the wonderful people I've met!

RAGBRAI withdrawls

2010-08-04T07:33:00.002-06:00

Well, we made it back to Salt Lake City yesterday afternoon. While I have to admit it is extremely comforting to be home and to sleep in my own bed, and to not be in full sweat mode as soon as I get to moving around (the humidity here in SLC today is around 25 percent!), I continue to have RAGBRAI withdrawls.

The camaraderie of our group, the beautiful green landscapes of home, the gentle breeze in my face, and warm smiles of Iowa - it's all etched in my photo book of memories. Makes me want to hop in the car and head back east next week!

My high point of the week? Saturday's beautiful ride from Dyserville to Dubuque. Absolutely stunning! The low point? Is it even worth mentioning the rain day? But even that wasn't that bad, was it? Well, okay, when it was raining, going up the hill against a headwind coming out of Winthrop, that's when I was truly wishing I was somewhere else. But out of seven days, that's not bad!

It was simply awesome to get to know and hang and ride with you all. Again, proof that the best thing about RAGBRAI is the people! Till next year..... Enjoy your well-deserved rest, but don't let those bike tires stand still too long!

Tim Wagner

Final descent

2010-08-03T16:40:00.000-06:00

Team CoeBRAI 2010 makes its final descent to the Mississippi River in Dubuque, completing a week-long, 450-mile journey across Iowa.

Saturday's ride, July 30, Manchester to Dubuque

2010-08-01T08:23:00.000-06:00

I’m a little late posting the information from the final day’s ride from Manchester to Dubuque but we packed up, showered and had lunch at Barb’s sister’s home in Dubuque and drove toward North Carolina, stopping late at night at a small town just north of Louisville, KY, and I was too tired to post, so here goes:
The final day’s ride was in our minds the entire trip because of the promise of the toughest hill on the trip: Potter’s Hill. It is a one mile long, up to 19 degree (so they said) climb that promised to challenge even the most fit, youthful rider. So when I awoke on Saturday to overcast skies and cool temperatures I was pleased. Potter’s Hill was one of the last obstacles we would encounter, occurring within a few miles of the outskirts of Dubuque and heat and overpowering sunshine weren’t going to help.
My occasional riding partners Doug and Ron had left the group the night before to return to Cedar Rapids for a family reunion, so I would be on my own for most of the ride. I left after packing up at about 7 am, a little later than normal, and rode east toward the first way point on the map, Earlville, Iowa.
I have been to Earlville many times as a young man. It was the nearest town, I think, to our favorite summer place, Lake Delhi, which now lay bereft of its water following the dam failure of a week ago. I didn’t plan to stop but once on this ride and Earlville wasn’t the place so I rode on with my battery powered taillight flashing. I rode slowly enjoying the foggy landscape with its rolling hills so typical of eastern Iowa. I also thought constantly of conserving energy because Potter’s Hill was looming.
Dyersville was roughly halfway to Dubuque and that was my planned stop. My neice, Kim, works at a restaurant there and I hoped to have breakfast there. We rode into town passed a large processing plant that smelled like yeast. A short jog beneath the railroad tracks put us on the outskirts of Dyersville where we crossed a small stream that a week earlier had obviously been a very large stream and had flooded the area.
Up a hill and into downtown Dyersville where there was a small sign saying “Country Junction, breakfast, 2 miles ahead”. That was Kim’s place but I realized it was going to take me more than a mile off the route and leaving the route wasn’t something I would do on this final day.
I rode slowly through the downtown finally dismounting and walking to where the route turned to the right. I parked my bike on the hillside and walked back into town. I got a coffee and Danish at a coffee shop. I loaded it with four shots of espresso for the climb ahead and went back to my bike. On the way there were two guys dressed in White Sox uniforms from the period depicted in the film “Field of Dreams” that was shot here in Dyersville. It is the most famous attraction in Dyersville, although I might think that the beautiful Basilica there would provide serious competition. Anyway, with cornstalks as the background, I had my picture taken with them.
Then back to the hillside where I sat down to enjoy my coffee and rest for the climb ahead. People watching is great at RAGBRAI and as I thought there listening to an eclectic music selection playing from loudspeakers across the street, I thought about this wonderful event and all the interesting people I have met and seen. Imagine bicycles and riders walking by that hillside four and more across beginning probably at 6 AM and continuing non stop until sometime in the afternoon. That is what you see if you are an observer sitting on the hillside of one of the pass-through towns when RAGBRAI comes through. It is one of the amazing things about the event; the sheer volume of riders that participate – some 10 to 15,000 of them on any given day. They are riding every kind of one, two, three and more wheeled bicycles (“bi” doesn’t seem right to describe them). From unicycles to old fashioned with one very large wheel and one very small one behind, to single speed old fashioned Schwinn’s of my youth, to six passenger “tandems” and recumbents of every configuration imagineable, to an elyptical bicycle, they stream by you. Parents with children in trailers, families traveling on tandems modified so the children can reach the pedals and participate, ride by each pedaling and pulling their weight as they cross this verdant and beautiful state.
I have to say I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it and as the music changed to the first mvmt of the Haydn Trumpet I got up and pedaled off with one final shot of the twin spires of the Basilica framed by an alleyway at the top of the Dyersville hill. There was no going back, Potter’s Hill lay ahead and I hoped I had the strength and ability to make the climb.
Riding out of town we passed the site of the Field of Dreams where riders were relaxing, playing ball, and enjoying the scene. I kept pedaling and met up with Tim and Ann for the first time on the ride. From Utah with Iowa roots, Tim and I had enjoyed many conversations in the mornings and evenings but hadn’t ridden together. For several miles we rode and it was obvious to me that Ann had the climbing ability to give her a chance at the hill. The terrain became a little more severe, there were over 2400 feet of climb during the short 47 miles of ride with almost all of it in the final miles.
We turned left onto a curving road, the first that I recall on the entire route. We rode a ridge road up and down hills with small climbs of 100 feet here and there just tempting us for the difficult time ahead.
I looked to my left, I was overwhelmed with the view. There was a valley way below us with a winding road at its base and another road marginally visible rising up the other side. That must be it.
All I could think of was the 23rd Psalm. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For Thy rod and Thy staff are with me.”
Here we go.
Down a screamer of a hill we wound into the basin into a small town at the base of the climb. A quick stop to adjust the tension on my shoes and out of town. They had paved the road recently so it was glass smooth coming through the town. We turned right and the handpainted sign said “Potter’s Hill, 19 degrees”. I didn’t really need that. I knew from reading about the hill that it had a false finish with a left turn and that when I got there I’d have another 1/3 of a mile to go to the top.
I looked up. There was no chance to get momentum. Most of the riders I could see had dismounted and were walking filling the right lane of the two lane road. I downshifted and began my climb.
I wear a heart rate monitor when I ride and I have a rule for my own safety that I will not ride more than a moment or two when my heart rate gets above 170 bpm. At my age it really isn’t safe. Up the hill I climbed and sweat was pouring off my forehead, arms, legs and anywhere else where sweat can leave your body.
I wore through the caffeine energy, through the energy bars I’d gobbled, through the Gatorade in my bottles, and through whatever reserves I had and I still wasn’t to the turn. I was more than halfway up the mountain though and passed David on his recumbent. I don’t know how recumbent riders can possibly make this hill. They fly down hills at great speed and then slowly make their way up the next one, wobbling their way skyward. I was too much for my friend and he and his daughter, who were riding together, put their feet on the pavement and began walking like most of those climbing.
A glance at my computer and I could see I was close to my heart rate limit. I wasn’t going to make it. It was time to stand on the pegs and really push but there was the 170 on the monitor and I had to get off, just short of the left turn that would have put the top in site and might have let me find enough energy to ride to the top.
Oh well, I’ll live to ride another day and another hill if I follow the rules. Off I went and walked the rest of the way.
Most of us walked and cheered those who could still pedal on their way with words of encouragement. We felt so good for them and really so bad for our inability to do the ride ourselves.
As I got closer to the top, the hill flattened slightly so I could remount and ride over the crest to the cheers of those watching at the top (no for me but for those who rode all the way). Someone on a loudspeaker was shouting, “This is Potter’s Hill. My father name is Potter. It is named for him. You can have your picture taken with him”.
Andy later said he called back that he didn’t want to do that and had something else in mind and the lady with the loudspeaker put the speaker down and said to him, “then you can hit him in the shins if you want”. That would have satisfied me right then and if she’d said it to me I might have.
The ride wasn’t over though and we rode down a couple more screamers (I reached a top speed of 43.5 mph and could have gotten more but thought better of it and braked slightly to slow. A downhill like that almost always means a similar climbs are coming and they did. All the way into Dubuque. The name must mean “the city of hills”.
We came to Clarke College next to Dubuque Senior High School where I had competed as a high school wrestler more than 50 years ago. A beautiful limestone rock building on a hilltop looked like a high school should look, I think. Not a modern, functional boxlike building but a solid structure where learning could be accomplished surrounded by architectural beauty.
Our instructions were to meet and wait til noon and then ride together down into the city and to the river to dip our front tire in the Mississippi to complete the ride that started with our rear tire dip in the Missouri 7 days previous.
We shared stories of success and failure. Ann did the hill; Tim didn’t. I wasn’t surprised that Ann was successful. Others had similar stories of success but all were satisfied, I think. A couple rode it after being forced to stop briefly by riders in front suddenly stopping in front. When you are riding hard up a hill at less than 3mph and someone stops in front of you, you will stop too or hit them. To my mind, restarting from that point would be the most difficult thing imaginable, but they were able to do that and get to the top successfully.
We rode into downtown Dubuque. It was a wonderful feeling to see the Coe College group riding together with our team jerseys on going down to the Mississippi where we walked to the water, posed for pictures and then went to a grassy hillside for a final team shot and began to disband, going our separate ways.
Barbara and her sister Jody were there. We walked back downtown to our truck, loaded the bike in and went to the Budget truck to collect the camping gear, say our farewells, and head to Jody’s.
This was a week of good fun. I’ve made new friends, reconnected with the college of my youth and ridden across the state that I call my homestate.
It was wonderful. It wasn’t the longest or the toughest RAGBRAI ever, but I think as my second one, it was the best. Isn’t that the way it is, though. The most recent experience is almost always the best. I’ll remember it always and hold it dearest til the next one.

2010-07-31T21:56:00.003-06:00

Cows

A conversation about the jersey on the bus today leads me to post images of the full paintings that were used on the front and back of the Coebrai 2010 jersey.

Back of jersey

Front of jersey

I do really like the design of the jersey. But these images give you a better idea of the composition of the original paintings.

Grouchy day

2010-07-30T22:55:00.000-06:00

The road to Manchester was lonesome for this cranky rider.

It happens every year. One day (at least) is my grouchy day. Although some might have a hard time distinguishing my bad moods from good, I do have them. To put it another way, sometimes I'm grouchier than others.

That was today as I ventured off from the pampered lifestyle offered by our Waterloo hosts into a rain storm. Though not nearly as bad as the hail ride of 2005, it wasn't long before I was wet and miserable. I took a long break at the Gilbertville Fire Department until it was evident that waiting out the rain was not a viable option. A few short miles later I happened by the Farm Boys location and opted to take advantage of my last opportunity for the official breakfast burrito of Team CoeBRAI. Filling up on coffee in an effort to get warm lasted until Farm Boys shut down and returned to wherever they are from, another RAGBRAI in the bag. But I was still 50 miles from Manchester and weather radar was not promising.

Just as the farmhouse occupant returned from taking another quitter to Manchester, he agreed to take me as well. Waiting for someone else to bail in order to make the drive worth his while bought time for the rain to let up and, ultimately, stop as the western sky turned light blue. When a unicyclist returned to the road, pride would not allow me to implement my exit strategy. It was a good thing too, as I never would have forgiven myself.

The wind increased as the weather improved, so I was no longer cold, but no less cranky. The absence of anything resembling a town for 27 miles between Gilbertville and Rowley only aggravated my funk. After a quick bite and a short nap on the edge of town, the route turned north through Quasqueton to Winthrop. Fueling for the final push to Manchester at the Winthrop Phillips 66, I lingered on a nice patch of grass on the shady side of the building. Fifteen miles later -- and 9-1/2 hours after the pedaling began -- I was in Manchester.

Our hosts -- Steve and Lila Geers -- rolled out a delicious picnic dinner (best burgers of the week, bar none). I opted to pass on the downtown activities so that I could prepare for Saturday's departure and because I wouldn't have been much for company.


Roger Bear '63, Judy Floy '77, David Moore '80 and Kaitlin Moore enjoy each other's company in Manchester.

Tomorrow takes us 47 miles to Dubuque by way of Dyersville, home of the Field of Dreams. All Kohawks are welcome to join us on the descent to the Mississippi. We plan to gather at Clarke College at noon. I've made it this far on the big ring and hope to make it all the way, but Potter Hill just outside of Graf may end that silly notion.

Whether or not my granny gear comes into play remains to be seen, but I'm glad to have my grouchy day behind me. In 2010, at least, the good far out numbers the bad.

Friday, July 30, ride from Waterloo to Manchester

2010-07-30T20:00:00.001-06:00

Today’s journey to Manchester from Waterloo looked fairly easy on the map. A couple of thousand feet of climb over a 61 mile route didn’t sound too tough. Unfortunately mother nature figured heavily into the ride today.
When we went to bed we knew some weather was forecast. In fact we expected a shower at 11 pm that didn’t materialize. And the next day was 40 to 60% chance of intermittent showers for the day.
I left at 7 AM and the rain began. I rode about 4.5 miles in the rain from our host’s location until I was able to join the route near the Waterloo Water Park. It was just sprinkling by this time so when I got to Gilbertville I thought it was a good idea to stop for biscuits and gravy and a banana at the American Legion.
When I came out I heard thunder so I got on the bike and headed east rapidly trying to outrun the thunderstorm. The rain picked up until it was really coming down and the lightning was flashing around us. It was pretty spectacular. It teased us by dropping back to a sprinkle and I thought we might be alright. The sky lightened up,
Then “Wham”, a spectacular bolt of lightning struck about a half mile in front of us near a radio or tv tower and the rain began in earnest. It didn’t stop for 4 hours.
It is hard to describe riding this long (4 hours and 56 minutes) in a steady and sometimes driving rain with all those other riders. It was absolutely numbing. The miles just went by as you put your head down and pedaled away
Fortunately the road was good and the hills, though reoccurring on a regular basis, weren’t overwhelming – at least while it was raining.
I really felt sorry for the kids and groups who had set up shop along the way expecting to sell us beverages or food because we weren’t stopping for anything. We wound through the countryside (nearly all roads in Iowa run either north/south or /east west) until we came to a town where the call of nature and hunger forced me to stop. I was also out of liquids and the last thing you want to do on a multi day ride is to get dehydrated.
So Rowley got the benefit of my money with a chicken sandwich from the Tyson booth and a refill of liquids. Soaked doesn’t describe the day. As David said, “It just rained and got cold and then it got windy”.
I stalled a bit and then got back on the cold bike and pedaled on my way, determined not to stop again until I was at our Manchester host home. We’d come 35 miles to Rowley and there was about 30 more to go according to the map.
Through Quasqueton I pedaled even though it did look like a place where I would have liked to stop for a while. We had earlier crossed the Cedar River which was severely swollen from the previous rains. The Wapsie in Quasqy was also pretty full as I crossed it. No stopping and on I went. It really was a dreary day of riding without much of interest to report. I think it might have been more interesting, no, I know it would have been more interesting, if it had been sunny. The land we were riding through was the farmland of my youth and I could have enjoyed it if only the weather had been better.
I did reminisce a bit about my grandfather and going to some of the areas with him when he whitewashed barns or sprayed them with DDT to get rid of the flies, or sprayed barnyards for weeds with something akin to agent orange, I’m sure.
But mostly it was head down and pedal.
Finally we got to Winthrop, the last town before Manchester, about 15 miles to go according to the map. As we turned east, the rain stopped, but the wind slammed us in the face at what seemed like 20 mile an hour blast that set the flags out straight and the corn waving. And there were some decent hills to climb over the last miles too.
Finally into Manchester we came, across the Maquoketa River that had put Manchester in the national news only six days ago with a major flood. We could see what a sorry state it left some of the homes as we crossed the river.
Into the town we came and I had the chance to relax, take a shower at the nearby high school, and go visit an old family friend, Norma Hadrava, who drove up from Cedar Rapids with her daughter.
Then I got a message from a former business associate, Rick Werth, who now lives in Des Moines. He is riding tomorrow with his wife, daughter and son in law. We worked on Northern Telecom programs together for many years. He came to our host home and we talked for some time. It was good to see him and meet his family.
Our hosts brought us wonderful food tonight that they prepare. We had brats and burgers.
Tomorrow we finish in Dubuque, so rain or not it will be over. All is dried. I hope it can stay that way. We will say our goodbyes to our new friends and Barb and I will head home.
Oh, Barbara? Sounds like she’s not going to ride any with me after all. Maybe next year.
Remember, I just rode hard n a really crummy day but I didn’t have it near as bad as lots of folks in the Clemmons area who need your help. So send some money, maybe $68 to match the number of miles I rode today. Or $442 for the advertised route mileage for the week. Send your check to the Clemmons Food Pantry, c/o Clemmons Methodist Church, Clemmons, NC 27012 and mark “Roger’s Ride” on the check.
Thanks. I’ll post something tomorrow.

Friday, July 30, ride from Waterloo to Manchester

2010-07-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

A banner day

2010-07-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

Thursday was a banner day in the gear-hauling department.

First, let me say how I love the new Blogger editor almost as much as I love the rare opportunity to blog. Various issues -- never of the two-wheeled variety -- have conspired to prevent me from sharing. I'm now able to take advantage of the lightning-fast Internet at the Kennedy home in Waterloo. A fitting end to a banner day, if only because our rental truck did not cause a single stressful moment for us.

Abby took the bull by the horns in Charles City.

Arriving in the dark of night from points unknown, our new truck should see us through to the end in Dubuque (and, hopefully, home to Cedar Rapids immediately after). That the wider cargo section makes our custom bike transport system obsolete is a matter for another day.

The Blue Band rocked Parkersburg.

This was a day for perspective, as the 82-mile route from Charles City to Waterloo took RAGBRAI through Parkersburg -- a town still recovering from two tragic events, a killer tornado and the murder of the beloved football coach. Fueled by an outstanding meal put on by the Chuck Town Macombers and my best night's sleep yet, I felt like I was biking on a cloud. Parkersburg, my preplanned lunch stop, couldn't have worked out better as I was able to have my first piece of pie -- I chose apple since blueberry was out -- my first nap under a shade tree and see the Blue Band perform (Blue Moon Honeymoon, their new CD, will be playing on the Ipod Friday) all in the span of an hour.

After discovering I had routed riders into Waterloo on a gravel road, my efforts to correct the error failed, but I tried. I headed straight for the pool upon arriving at the Kennedys, who know a little something about entertaining. In addition to a pool and hot tub for sore muscles, a feast of lasagna and ribs greeted riders at the end of this year's longest day (century riders excluded). I would have settled just for the salad that accompanied the main course, but confess to devouring not one, but two Blizzards. (Now that I think about it, that's about when Peter started the conversation about the seven deadly sins.)

Team CoeBRAI ate like kings at Camp Kennedy.

In a few short hours, we'll be on the road to Manchester on the penultimate day of RAGBRAI 2010. On Saturday, we'll make our descent to the Mississippi River in Dubuque and it will all be over for another year. Like always, this one hasn't been without its trials and tribulations. And, oh, the stories we can tell. The world's oldest, longest and biggest bicycling event isn't for everyone, although I think everyone should at least give it a try. You'll remember the hills, heat and headaches, and feel a great sense of accomplishment. Even if you never participate in RAGBRAI again, it will always be in your blood. As I near the end of my sixth year, I realize more and more that the attraction really has very little to do with cycling. I can't pinpoint what it is exactly, but it keeps me coming back.

.

Roger's ride on Thursday, July 29 - Charles City to Waterloo

2010-07-29T19:42:00.001-06:00

On Thursday we rode from Charles City to Waterloo, a distance of about 88 miles the way we were routed. Waterloo is generally south southeast from Chucktown and the day was spectacular for bike riding.
The penultimate stop of the day was scheduled to be the small town of Dike. This town is very special to Barbara and me. It is the childhood home of one of our favorite former coworkers: Alicia Hansen Burdick. Alicia’s mother and father are Curt and Alice and I told them I’d stop by on the bike ride and that I’d be there about noon. Curt is a former race car driver who I’ve known for 4 decades. We are both members of the Hawkeye Downs “Wall of Fame” of the speedway in my hometown of Cedar Rapids.
The budget folks delivered our new truck at about 11 pm and it is a nice one that should serve us well for the remainder of the trip.
As I slept in my tent last night someone set of their car alarm not once but twice. Must have been about 3 AM, so I slept before and after that but not quite as well afterwards. I woke up at 5 and got ready to leave which I did just before 6 knowing I’d probably be in Dike before my scheduled time. I’d figure out how to handle that enroute but couldn’t call the Hansen’s because Verizon’s service is really spotty in this part of northern Iowa. So away I rode, the second person in the group to leave Charles City.
The road the RAGBRAI organizers sent us on was newly paved and very smooth. I felt like every pedal stroke I made moved me forward by using 100% of the energy I put into the stroke without any loss from bumps or from dodging cracks in the pavement. I was averaging 20 mph for the first10 to 12 miles until we left the county and got onto less perfect roads although they still were plenty smooth. Overall these roads for the first 40 miles of the ride were the smoothest of the entire 300 miles of our journey so far.
Doug and Ron joined me on the road and we clipped along quickly to the first town where we stopped for breakfast of scrambled eggs with French toast, cinnamon, whipped cream and cherries. While we ate four other team members joined us and we watched the crowd of riders walk through town, checking for characters. Saw my first guy with a thong and bike shoes, that’s all. Not sure I’d do that. It can’t be comfortable to ride clothed like that and besides I’m not sure thongs are becoming to me. He sure lit up the cameras in the crowd though so if he was seeking attention (surprise) he got it.
20 miles later we arrived in Parkersburg, a town in Iowa that has had its share of tragedy in the past two years. On May 28, 2008 an EF5 tornado struck the town, leveling half of the village and killing 7 people. Then last year their popular and nationally known high school football coach was killed by a former student and son of the coaches family friends. It was a tragedy that was documented nationally and also affected this small town.
I think RAGBRAI made special effort to go through this town this year. The town absolutely turned out for the event with statues made of discarded bike parts, great food stands, flags and music to entertain us. Then as we rode out of town we climbed a hill and entered the devastated portion of the town. Not a tree in site, no original buildings at all, and every home and business there was newly built. The families sat in their front yards greeting us and I was impressed how beautifully the homes were landscaped and the fresh appearance of this part of town, the half that was completely destroyed. As we rode east and then south I could easily see the path of this tornadic monster by the complete lack of trees. Curt Hansen told me later that when he went to help he saw big trees with nothing but the trunk of the tree standing, no limbs, no bark, nothing – all torn off by the twister.
I stalled for some time in Parkersburg before riding off so I didn’t arrive too early in Dike. I called Barb to see if she was going to meet me in Dike to ride to Waterloo and found out she had food poisoning from dinner the night before and couldn’t make the trip today. I windowshopped and strolled through the town before enjoying some water and a frozen fruit cup offered by students from a nearby school. I walked back to my bike and headed south.
We rode through Stout where there was more food although I didn’t stop because I figured Alice would have something. The temperature had begun to rise a little bit and the wind picked up ever so slightly from the South Southeast so occasionally I had a headwind, but it was inconsequential. The terrain was rolling all day with little flat area, mostly either uphill or down. There were times it looked like the rolling hills of a Grant Wood painting.
I was able to easily keep up a good pace and carried a 16 mph or more average all the way to Dike where I asked a Deputy Sheriff where Curt and Alice lived. He directed me to the house and I rolled up about noon. Curt was watching for me and took me inside to see their wonderful house where Alicia and Bobby Hansen grew up. Curt remodeled it a few years ago and Alice and Alicia designed a trophy room to display his considerable collection of winner’s trophies and memorabilia. It is beautifully done.
And surprise Alice made a rhubarb pie. Who would have guessed! She also made Danish coffee which I hadn’t enjoyed in years. It is made with by putting an egg in the water along with the grounds, altogether in the pot, and boiled. Then you strain out the grounds and the coffee is smooth and delicious. We also had some fresh lemonade. But mostly we talked about the memories we have and about our children and our plans for the future. Curt was interested in the mechanics of the bike so afterwards we went outside and I showed him how it all worked. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him take on RAGBRAI some day. I’d love to have him ride with me.
After about an hour and a half off I went for the final run to Waterloo. We went through Hudson before heading into Waterloo and I stopped for a pork burger. The town was themed as a pirate town in honor of their high school athletic teams, the Pirates. They had a pirate ship as we entered town with lots of folks dressed the part and saying, “Arrrgh”.
Then on to Waterloo where our group directions called for us to turn off the route onto a gravel road enroute to our overnight home. I and nearly all the others elected to find a different way to get there. In my case I rode to the end of the route (82 miles) and kept on going past the water park and the casino until I came to a street with a name I recognized. A quick stop at the fire station gave me the directions to the house and I arrived with an 88 mile ride at 16 mph average.
They have a swimming pool! It didn’t take me long to get into my trunks and into the pool followed by a stop in the hot tub with the jets wide open making my tired muscles feel so much better. They served us a wonderful dinner of ribs, lasagna, fruit, salads and desert
This ride was entirely enjoyable, not too strenuous, and decently interesting. It looks like my phone is working better now so I’ll make use of it before I go to bed to get some sleep. It is on to Manchester tomorrow where we hope we won’t have problems with the floods of last weekend.
I’ll let you know tomorrow.On Thursday we rode from Charles City to Waterloo, a distance of about 88 miles the way we were routed. Waterloo is generally south southeast from Chucktown and the day was spectacular for bike riding.
The penultimate stop of the day was scheduled to be the small town of Dike. This town is very special to Barbara and me. It is the childhood home of one of our favorite former coworkers: Alicia Hansen Burdick. Alicia’s mother and father are Curt and Alice and I told them I’d stop by on the bike ride and that I’d be there about noon. Curt is a former race car driver who I’ve known for 4 decades. We are both members of the Hawkeye Downs “Wall of Fame” of the speedway in my hometown of Cedar Rapids.
The budget folks delivered our new truck at about 11 pm and it is a nice one that should serve us well for the remainder of the trip.
As I slept in my tent last night someone set of their car alarm not once but twice. Must have been about 3 AM, so I slept before and after that but not quite as well afterwards. I woke up at 5 and got ready to leave which I did just before 6 knowing I’d probably be in Dike before my scheduled time. I’d figure out how to handle that enroute but couldn’t call the Hansen’s because Verizon’s service is really spotty in this part of northern Iowa. So away I rode, the second person in the group to leave Charles City.
The road the RAGBRAI organizers sent us on was newly paved and very smooth. I felt like every pedal stroke I made moved me forward by using 100% of the energy I put into the stroke without any loss from bumps or from dodging cracks in the pavement. I was averaging 20 mph for the first10 to 12 miles until we left the county and got onto less perfect roads although they still were plenty smooth. Overall these roads for the first 40 miles of the ride were the smoothest of the entire 300 miles of our journey so far.
Doug and Ron joined me on the road and we clipped along quickly to the first town where we stopped for breakfast of scrambled eggs with French toast, cinnamon, whipped cream and cherries. While we ate four other team members joined us and we watched the crowd of riders walk through town, checking for characters. Saw my first guy with a thong and bike shoes, that’s all. Not sure I’d do that. It can’t be comfortable to ride clothed like that and besides I’m not sure thongs are becoming to me. He sure lit up the cameras in the crowd though so if he was seeking attention (surprise) he got it.
20 miles later we arrived in Parkersburg, a town in Iowa that has had its share of tragedy in the past two years. On May 28, 2008 an EF5 tornado struck the town, leveling half of the village and killing 7 people. Then last year their popular and nationally known high school football coach was killed by a former student and son of the coaches family friends. It was a tragedy that was documented nationally and also affected this small town.
I think RAGBRAI made special effort to go through this town this year. The town absolutely turned out for the event with statues made of discarded bike parts, great food stands, flags and music to entertain us. Then as we rode out of town we climbed a hill and entered the devastated portion of the town. Not a tree in site, no original buildings at all, and every home and business there was newly built. The families sat in their front yards greeting us and I was impressed how beautifully the homes were landscaped and the fresh appearance of this part of town, the half that was completely destroyed. As we rode east and then south I could easily see the path of this tornadic monster by the complete lack of trees. Curt Hansen told me later that when he went to help he saw big trees with nothing but the trunk of the tree standing, no limbs, no bark, nothing – all torn off by the twister.
I stalled for some time in Parkersburg before riding off so I didn’t arrive too early in Dike. I called Barb to see if she was going to meet me in Dike to ride to Waterloo and found out she had food poisoning from dinner the night before and couldn’t make the trip today. I windowshopped and strolled through the town before enjoying some water and a frozen fruit cup offered by students from a nearby school. I walked back to my bike and headed south.
We rode through Stout where there was more food although I didn’t stop because I figured Alice would have something. The temperature had begun to rise a little bit and the wind picked up ever so slightly from the South Southeast so occasionally I had a headwind, but it was inconsequential. The terrain was rolling all day with little flat area, mostly either uphill or down. There were times it looked like the rolling hills of a Grant Wood painting.
I was able to easily keep up a good pace and carried a 16 mph or more average all the way to Dike where I asked a Deputy Sheriff where Curt and Alice lived. He directed me to the house and I rolled up about noon. Curt was watching for me and took me inside to see their wonderful house where Alicia and Bobby Hansen grew up. Curt remodeled it a few years ago and Alice and Alicia designed a trophy room to display his considerable collection of winner’s trophies and memorabilia. It is beautifully done.
And surprise Alice made a rhubarb pie. Who would have guessed! She also made Danish coffee which I hadn’t enjoyed in years. It is made with by putting an egg in the water along with the grounds, altogether in the pot, and boiled. Then you strain out the grounds and the coffee is smooth and delicious. We also had some fresh lemonade. But mostly we talked about the memories we have and about our children and our plans for the future. Curt was interested in the mechanics of the bike so afterwards we went outside and I showed him how it all worked. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him take on RAGBRAI some day. I’d love to have him ride with me.
After about an hour and a half off I went for the final run to Waterloo. We went through Hudson before heading into Waterloo and I stopped for a pork burger. The town was themed as a pirate town in honor of their high school athletic teams, the Pirates. They had a pirate ship as we entered town with lots of folks dressed the part and saying, “Arrrgh”.
Then on to Waterloo where our group directions called for us to turn off the route onto a gravel road enroute to our overnight home. I and nearly all the others elected to find a different way to get there. In my case I rode to the end of the route (82 miles) and kept on going past the water park and the casino until I came to a street with a name I recognized. A quick stop at the fire station gave me the directions to the house and I arrived with an 88 mile ride at 16 mph average.
They have a swimming pool! It didn’t take me long to get into my trunks and into the pool followed by a stop in the hot tub with the jets wide open making my tired muscles feel so much better. They served us a wonderful dinner of ribs, lasagna, fruit, salads and desert
This ride was entirely enjoyable, not too strenuous, and decently interesting. It looks like my phone is working better now so I’ll make use of it before I go to bed to get some sleep. It is on to Manchester tomorrow where we hope we won’t have problems with the floods of last weekend.
I’ll let you know tomorrow.

Day 4 - Clear Lake to Charles City

2010-07-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

When we got to Clear Lake we were obviously hot and exhausted so I showered (no hot water was left to be had but cold felt really good) and a group of us went to find something to eat after resting for a while. By the time we got to the Lutheran church and then to the Methodist church there was no food remaining. Then on to other commercial locations. Same story or lines so long I wasn't interested. I returned to camp and found others with the same dilemma so we got bread and bologna at the grocery store and ate just fine. Then to bed.Anyway, here is the story of the ride on Wednesday from Clear Lake to Charles City.It rained an inch last night with lots of lightning and thunder so I left a little later than usual for today's ride. An 8 AM start sent me south out of Clear Lake with an overcast sky and a wonderful tail wind. Ran 20 to 21 mph to the first turn off where one of our group said her mother was waiting for us with cinnamon rolls. Sure enough Judy's mother had driven from Minnesota with delicious rolls. Then on toward Charles City and a short ride of 51 miles. Swaledale was the first town and one of the hightlights. They had many firsts there but today's exhibit was the first impractical mechanical invention, a moving junkyard. And it was. Photos to follow. Then in Cartersville, an unincorporated town, the entire city of maybe 50 people had rallied around their school and had created a fundraiser where you launched yourself into the pond by holding a trapeze-like contraption. People paid $5 each and they sent about 4 or 5 a minute into the pond and it was nonstop. Everyone stopped either on the road or into the area to see it and then bought food and beverages. Great idea. I also achieved one of my objectives for the trip with a stop at Mr. Porkchops for a huge pork chop. They do them right in Iowa. A chop about an inch and a half thick, charred but medium rare and juicy on the inside. Best ever.Then on to Rockwood where there are a host of Devonian fossils. Many riders stopped at a stone pit outside of town to look for fossils. Into the town and I enjoyed a root beer float.Short ride then into Charles City to meet the crew at our hosts home. Did 53 miles at an average of 15.6 mph. Could have ridden lots more.The truck has broken again. I tried to find an available race car hauler to fill in for the day, but Lonnie and crew found a truck that will be delivered here. Also tried to convince Barb to bring our truck here but that didn't work!Anyway, the best part of the day was to come. Carmen and Everrett Schacht were coming from Cresco for dinner and she was bringing a rhubarb pie. We met at the parking lot outside the HyVee and chatted for a while about all the friends from our youth group who had recently gotten together. We shared pictures of them and my family then went to a pizza place for a great dinner and more conversation. (Plenty of food in Charles City) Then they followed me to the campsite and I brought the pie into the house. It was spectacularly good. I shared it with the group and they were ecstatic as well.We are ready to go to bed in preparation for the longer ride tomorrow. We are headed to Waterloo with a stop in Parkersburg, a city nearly destroyed with a tornado a couple of years ago, and a very important stop in Dike to visit with the Hansen's. Alice might have something for me to eat as well -- hope, hope.Also it would be a nice surprise if Barb showed up for her ride with us. We'll see.I'll be with you tomorrow.

Third day - Algona to Clear Lake

2010-07-27T17:55:00.002-06:00

This was supposed to be an easy ride of only 59 miles so I got up early and set off at 6:57 in the morning. 65 miles later I arrived in Clear Lake listening for the music of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens but I was so exhausted I couldn't make out the tunes or vibes from the last concert before their plane crash that cold winter night in 1958 or 9.
It really wasn't such a tough ride geographically but wow did the temparature and the southerly wind take its toll.
Into Wesley we went only about 5 miles down the road. As usual the roads were so packed with riders we had to get off and walk our bikes. I walked to a french toast vendor run by a local charity and had a banana, french toast and sausage. The syrup was in ketchup plastic squeeze bottles. But here in Iowa they had fake butter! Unimageanable. Still it was good and I didn't use the butter.
Then back on the bike with a short stop on the way out to fill my water bottle and on the road I went to the next small town which, interestingly had absolutely no services. Wow did they miss an opportunity. These little towns generate incredible business for their churches, We came to Britt, Iowa next. It is the site of theannual Hobo Fextival. Britt is located next to the mainline of the railroad and for decades they have celebrated the railroad hobo with a festival, naming the "Hobo of the Year" annually. It really is a big deal around here so RAGBRAI offers them another celebration opprotunity. You could get your picture with the Hobo of the Year, meet Barney Fife and whatever the town drunk was in the Mayberry show and of course enjoy good food, fill your water bottles and stock up on gatorade. I walked and rode slowly through town and kept going because we were warned that it was going to get really hot. Wedid jog south for a bit and the head wind wasn't fun. Slowed to 11-12 mph into the wind from the 17-18 mph I'd been able to run.
The hills aren't large through this area, we only climbed a total of 1,000 feet for the day, but they do keep on coming just enough so you have to work all the time. Remember I can't get into my third ring, the faster ring on the front of the bike, so I pedal a little faster to maintain my speed.
We made it to Garner with about 25 miles to go. Elvis was singing at the town square. Politicians were handing out free water and after a short stop at the porta-potty with such a short line I couldn't resist, I pedalled on.
Now it is really hot and, if I had continued straight on the road I'd have been better off and in Clear Lake, but I really do follow the rules so when they said turn south for about 8 miles into the teeth of the wind, I did it. The road was smooth but the wind was difficult and the temperature was well over 90. I rumbled on and finally we made the left turn into a quartering wind. Got to tell you I was tired. About two miles down the road there was a farm with no services but a string of tall pine trees along the road. I couldn't resist and parked the bike with the proper "Biker Off" shout and went to the shade. I took my glasses and helmet off, laid my head on the helmet and fell sound asleep for a half hour. The biting flies woke me so off I went. We finally turned back north and had a tail wind so I picked the speed up but for 8 miles the c\racks in the road shoook me so much it took all the fun out of the ride in. Finally we got to Clear Lake, a beautiful town along a lake whose water is is said comes through the aquifer from Lake Superior in northern Minnesota. Our house is wonderful and shady. The shower is great and the hosts are terrific people. They had ice water, local beef jerky, local soy beans as snacks, cookies and some wonderful summer sausage with cranberries.
The owners and their friends had ended up on a cruise with the Rusty Wallace fan club and had spent some time with Rusty and Kenny Wallace. We had a good time talking.
It was sooo hot I can't describe it. This ride was more difficult than ysterday's 100 mile ride.
We think it might rain tonight and the wind is supposed to turn to the south so it should improve Btomorrow, I hope.
Besides, I meet Carmen Schacht for dinner and she promised me a rhubarb pie. We grew up together in Cedar Rapids so it will be an evening for reminscing.
I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Manic Monday on Ragbrai

2010-07-26T19:51:00.001-06:00

Not the site you want to see at the end of the day...

With many members of Team CoeBRAI running on few hours of sleep, thanks in large part to another Cedar Rapids Organization, the riders were off to an early start. All but one rider (cough John Bowlin '07 cough) was on the road by 8 a.m., about the same time said rider was rolling out of bed. I will defend him though, he decided to stay out and enjoy all of the Johnny Holmes Band in downtown Storm Lake, while I choose to return early to try to sleep.

On the longest driving mileage day of the trip, I had no idea it would turn even longer. While most days the driving route and the riding route don't intersect, other than the meeting town, which is always optional. Today (and sadly tomorrow) the meeting town is a required stop. I don't even want to guess the number of people that were stuck in Pocahontas, Iowa today. I spent a good half hour waiting alongside the highway trying to get through this small town.

Once finally making it through the town, the large problems started. As we rolled into Humboldt, Iowa, the temperature on the Budget Rental truck engine approached 260 degrees, with the dial going over that. After a stop to see if we could get the engine to cool down with a 20 minute break, we ventured the final 23 miles to our host in Algona, Iowa.

After barely making our way to the top of the hill, we arrived at our host with open arms. After unloading the truck, we called Budget. In less than a half hour, a repairman showed up. It was nice he was there so quickly, but he also quickly gave us bad news. The water pump was out and we were screwed. They ordered the pump, but it won't be here until noon tomorrow. The gentlemen at Whittemore Truck & Trailer (515-295-9574) were flat out awesome today, so I'm hoping they will quickly get the truck fixed tomorrow.

Despite a rough day of driving, numerous Kohawks tackled the Century trip today. Of 26 riders on CoeBRAI this year, 12 splurged for the 100 mile day. Of the 12, five were first time RAGBRAI riders. That's pretty cool.

Right now, everyone is sitting around camp enjoying each others company. Doesn't sound like anyone will be partaking in the Algona town activities tonight, but sometimes, just sitting around and talking is just as entertaining.

Day two - Storm Lake to Algona

2010-07-26T18:55:00.003-06:00

This was a really fun day. The ride was not over especially difficult terrain although the last 10 miles were mostly uphill, but the length made it interesting. I decided to do the century today - that's 100 miles for the day - and the wind got stronger today from the south so it was a factor.
But the most interesting thing today was that Allison Foil and I connected about 33 miles. There are about 13,000 riders in this event. Allison is one of our Davie County Cycling Club riders from NC and is the only club member other than myself in the ride. We spoke by phone last night and I told her that I planned to wear our Davie Club jersey today and to look for me. Well, one wouldn't really expect her to be able to find me. We all leave to join the ride at different times, we ride at our own speed and we stop at towns and meal stops for various lengths of time.
I left at 7:10 this morning and rode with Jim from our group. We travelled with hundreds of other cyclists on the road headed for Varina, the firsty town some 16 miles down the road. We stopped briefly for watermelon just past Varina, electing not to stop in Varina because there was such a crush of people and long lines. After the melon, which served as our second breakfast after the juice and a bagel with cream cheese,we rode on and I increased my speed leaving Jim a little behind. The road was so flat or slightly downhill so I could easily manage a 16 to 20 mph average. The wind was negligible.
Pocohantas was the first sizeable city on the route and as I was slowing into the town I heard a voice shout "Hey Davie County -- Roger!" It was Allison. We rode the rest of the way together averaging 15.5 mph for the 100 mile trip. Allison, like me, wanted to take advantage of the interesting things along the way. We stopped for Ice Cream, PB&J with raisins and bananas, corn on the cob, pasta, visited with mechanics, grabbed beverages enroute and, best of all, toured the largest grotto in the world in West Bend. The grotto in West Bend is a remarkable structure that took more than 80 years to create. The structures covered with semi precious and interesting stones from around the world. The stations of the cross, the italian marble statues depicting Christ, the holy family in stone covered settings that are difficult to describe but are housed on roughly 2 acres of property. It was worth the ride.
We averaged 15.5 mph, rode about 6 hours of the total of 8.5 hours before arriving in Algona.
I missed the turn to our housing so wandered around the outskirts of Algona before I found someone who gave me directions to the home where we are staying. Big hills in and around Algona.
Lets talk about the ride situation. The wind picked up from the south during the day so we had a cross wind or head wind most of the time. It made the ride challenging at times.
I also had my gears and derailleurs worked on last night to correct a slight rub of the front derrailleur. Well, that $10 was not well spent. I could not get on the large ring (gear) on the front without a great deal of difficulty and if I could engage the ring, the derrailleur rubbed so much it created a racket. During the 20 mile "loop" those of us doing 100 miles instead of the posted 80 miles, we came across a mechanic who also worked on my gears and pronounced them fine. Wrong. So I think this is a larger problem than I can get handled on this ride. Guess I'll be riding with the first and second rings and forget the large ring so I need to get used to it. Its not a huge deal, but relaxing and going real fast are out of the question. Barbara will like that.
Did I tell you that one of the claims to fame Algona claims is that it is the home of the world's largest Cheeto? Seems someone in England opened a Cheeto bag and found a Cheeto larger than a golf ball but smaller than a tennis ball. It was put up for auction and somehow the city began bidding. Some DeeJay in town took the ball and got it rolling. The bidding outpace the town's ability to pay getting up to a ridiculous $1,000,000 on EBay. Well, the Brit who owned it decided that Algona really needed the Cheeto so he awarded it to them for whatever and today it is housed in a bullet proof display case in town. I haven't seen it (likely won't) but it is a claim to fame.
Enroute we passed more wind farms with their giant blades turning on the horizon. These mammoths are really remarkable to see. There was more corn and soybeans than you could believe. In one area the corn stretched from horizon to horizon. That's a lot of corn.
Tomorrow we go toClear Lake , an Iowa town I've never seen. I'm told it is really beautiful and interesting. The route is only 8 miles and looks like it has rolling hills and is east west. It gets me one day closer to seeing childhood friend Carmen in Charles City who has promised me a rhubarb pie when we have dinner together.
The group I'm riding with is really interesting and we have shared stories about the college from the days I went to now. It really is nice to know this school has maintained its high standards as a liberal arts institution and, from what I can see, has moved to make things even better for the students than when I attended. It also costs $30,000+ a year vs. $2,000
Don't forget to help the Clemmons Food Pantry by sending a check to Clemmons Methodist Church, Clemmons, NC 27012 and note either Food Pantry or Roger's Ride on the check. You will help some very deserving people who volunteer to proved help to some other very deserving people.
Thanks.

Day one - Sioux Falls to Storm Lake

2010-07-25T20:03:00.003-06:00

We dipped our tire in the Missouri River on Saturday evening before going to an early sleep experience in the tent. I did pretty well in the tent and got up at 6, packed everything up and got my bike ready. I had a problem keeping my valve stem in the tube so finally got my tires up to pressure and set off about 7:20. Just an aside, if you rode RAGBRAI last year, this year's route is soooo much easier. There were hills of course but they weren't endless and only about four or five were more than 5 degrees of climb.
Stopped at the first town to get my valve stem tightened, then off I went. About 10 miles in I threw the chain and after getting it back on it gave me fits for the next 10 miles. Kept jumping gears which made it impossible to put much pressujre on pedals during the climbs. So my pace was much slower than I might have done. Got to Kingsley and spent an hour getting through the line to get it repaired. Discovered my chain was bent so replaced it. Filled my drink bottles and off I went. I promised Barbara I'd ride carefully this year so I slowed my pace from last year to about 13 mph and didnt fly downhills. I've also learned a lot about how to more effectively climb hills without tiring out and just spun my way up the hills without a lot of effort.
Met some interesting people on the ride, as you would expect. A violinist with the Cherokee Symphony was identified by his tee shirt. He said they were giving a free concert in Storm Lake so I said I'd go. I did, by the way, and the all volunteer group played to a standing room only crowd and it was lots of fun. Music was good and appropriate for the audience.
Talked to lots of other folks who commented on my Coe College riding clothes. The Coe group I'm riding with has neat clothes designed by the head of the art department, Peter Thompson. His paintings of farm yard scenes look great on the jersey and elicited a lot of conversation. There are 23 people on our group and they each have interesting personalities. More on them in the future.
The ride went through some really pretty Iowa scenery and this year I was committed to watching more of it rather than trying to "finish first". There are very large wind farms with huge windmills to generate electricity. One of the turbines was destroyed by lightning two nights earlier during the storms that swept through the state. Bet the insurance bill for that is high.
The streams were all still very full although they were receding.
It seemed like there were a significantly larger number of riders this year. We spent more time walking our bikes because of the large crowds at some of the more popular food stands along the road than I remember last year. We still have to get off and walk through the towns like last year though.
I ate very well as usual. Corn on the cob, rhubarb pie, pork sandwich all met the expectations of a trip through Iowa.
The weather was cool in the morning and hot in the afternoon. I arrived in Storm Lake at 3:30 and the team had barbecue pork sandwiches, watermelon, potato salad and chips for dinner.
It was a good day for a ride of 69 miles through the Iowa countryside. We are staying at a funeral home tonight after staying at a beautiful home last night that was more than a hundred years old. I showered and pitched my tent. Got my gears adjusted, attended the concert, enjoyed conversation with the team members and now I'm going to bed to get ready to ride to Algona tomorrow. Algona by the way is the home of the world's largest Chito. I think I might try to get a look at that when I arrive.
Talk to you tomorrow.

And we're off

2010-07-24T23:40:00.000-06:00

An uneventful drive to Sioux City has Team CoeBRAI ready to ride. The Karpuks opened their lovely yard to our merry band and a tent village soon emerged on this picturesque property. SMASHMOUTH headlined the RAGBRAI kickoff party, consequently I'm up well past when I should be.

Flooding in northeast Iowa is prominent in all of our minds as we begin this adventure. Our prayers go out to all of the affected communities, some of which we will be biking through in just a few days.

If the forecast holds, we're in for nice weather to open the week. With 3,687 feet of climb over 68.5 miles, rain would only add insult to injury.

We'll be wearing our Coe jerseys into Beaver country, as Storm Lake is home to Buena Vista University. Our host is Erin Toomer Smith '99. More later. Must sleep.

Storm before the calm

2010-07-23T22:48:00.000-06:00

Fitting that we're experiencing a thunderstorm on the eve of our departure for Sioux City and the start of RAGBRAI. The Friday before is always hectic, and today was no exception.

Nineteen of us gathered in the Coe cafeteria for a spaghetti dinner and a chance to meet our constant companions for the next eight days. Among us are a firefighter, a chiropractor, an athletic trainer, a neurologist and a tour guide. I'd say we're in good hands.

I couldn't be happier with the preload as 17 bikes are ready to go! That leaves just six to load in the morning. Our newly reinforced transport system is proving its worth. The sight of dozens of bikes loaded for transport to RAGBRAI still gives me the chills -- or perhaps it's just dehydration.

Tomorrow promises to be much calmer with a six-hour bus ride to the start of our adventure. After months of planning, I'm excited to get started. I think we've got a good team. We might just win!

RAGBRAI forecast is anyone's guess

2010-07-22T14:19:00.001-06:00

Saturday in Sioux City – partly cloudy and 82, low 62. Wind NNW at 13 mph. Precipitation 20 percent.

Sunday in Storm Lake – partly cloudy and 80, low 62. Wind E at 7 mph (light headwind). Precipitation 10 percent.

Monday in Algona – mostly sunny and 82, low 64. Wind SSE at 8 mph (light cross and tailwind). Precipitation 0 percent (see 2009).

Tuesday in Clear Lake – isolated thunderstorms and 83, low 68. Wind S at 9 mph (mild crosswind). Precipitation 30 percent.

Wednesday in Charles City – scattered thunderstorms and 84, low 66. Wind SW at 6 mph (light cross and tailwind). Precipitation 40 percent.

Thursday in Waterloo – scattered thunderstorms and 83, low 66. Wind ENE at 8 mph (timely switch for more light cross and tailwind). Precipitation 40 percent.

Friday in Manchester – mostly sunny and 80, low 66. Wind SE at 7 mph (light cross and headwind). Precipitation 10 percent.

Saturday in Dubuque – probably a lot like Friday in Manchester.

Riders Bill of Rights

2010-07-21T22:21:00.003-06:00

What could be better than spending seven days riding across 442 miles of beautiful Iowa countryside, seven nights camping with 10,000 of your closest spandex-clad friends, and eating enough calories to negate each day of cycling? RAGBRAI is a wonderful experience; however, when you add the heat, strenuous exercise, soreness, 14,527 feet of climb, and throngs of humanity, it will challenge even the hardcore cyclists. Throw in communal living, shared facilities, outdoor living, the inevitable weather event, and the mental challenges can make the biking seem like a ride in the park. Be a good teammate and we’ll all arrive at the Mississippi River with a genuine sense of accomplishment and a bond with new friends that you never imagined.

Team CoeBRAI riders are endowed with certain unalienable rights (and responsibilities), that among these are…

The right to a quiet campground and undisturbed sleep:
• Most riders want to get a good night’s sleep. Please keep the campgrounds reasonably quiet and keep the noise down after 9 p.m. This is especially important if you are coming back to camp late after enjoying the festivities of the host town. Keep in mind that many riders are on the road at 6 a.m. Be as courteous to them late at night as you want them to be early in the morning.

The right to enjoy the company of gracious host families
• CoeBRAI is fortunate to be able to camp at the homes of various alumni and friends. Here are a few ways to show your appreciation for their hospitality:
 The camp site should be left cleaner than we found it. Please pick up after yourself, and respect the property of our benevolent host families.
 Dinner will be served from 6–7 p.m. Anyone arriving after that time will be on their own for dinner. Plan ahead for this contingency.
 Please keep your showers to a maximum of 5 minutes to avoid overloading the host families’ facilities and so others need not wait all night for a turn.
 Thank them!

The right to be respected:
• The Coe staff and faculty on this trip are on vacation too; so, please pitch-in and help around camp.
• The drivers are paid, but they have specific responsibilities. They drive the truck, stake out our camp site each day, and keep the water jugs filled.
 The drivers will set-up and tear down your tent all week for an extra fee. ($50 for 1-4 person sized tent and $75 for 5+ person sized tent. Note: the size of the tent, not the number of occupants, is the determining factor.)
 The drivers will go shopping for you if you give them money. No CoeBRAI funds will be used to purchase alcohol. Legal age riders may bring their own alcoholic beverages or have the drivers make purchases for them and bring it back to camp.
 The drivers transport gear from site to site; however, it is not their job to load your equipment. Please load your gear onto (not beside) the truck before departing each morning.
 You signed up to ride your bike, so take full advantage of the opportunity. If you feel the need to ride the truck for a day or two, consider yourself part of the support team and pitch in as you are able. On the same note, non-bikers should shower during the day before riders begin to arrive.
• Team CoeBRAI strives to be good stewards of our environment. Please help us minimize waste by making use of reusable cups provided in camp.
• Be polite. Be kind. Be laid back. The spirit of RAGBRAI is about having good times with good people. Keep in mind that you are representing Coe College. All behavior – good and bad – reflects on the sponsoring institution.
• Please respect others people’s property. The good-natured vibe of RAGBRAI creates an environment where there are thousands of expensive bikes and gear laying around unattended with very few thefts.

The right to have fun!
• Remember the RAGBRAI credo: If you’re not having fun yet, lower your expectations.
• Team CoeBRAI motto: Roll with it!

Vacation itinerary

2010-07-15T22:09:00.001-06:00

As days dwindle until departure, I’m sensing some anxiety among members of Team CoeBRAI. This is to be expected for first timers and I apologize for not being more forthcoming with information. You can take it as a good sign that the veterans are calm. That tells of confidence that they are in good hands.

We learn from the experience every year and you are the beneficiaries of five years of experience and a veteran support staff. My wife, Lisa, Coe SID Ryan Workman and 2006 Coe graduate Abby Masters return again this year to take care of all our off-bike needs. They are putting the finishing touches on some conduct guidelines being instituted to ensure a peaceful experience for all.

Hosts have been secured in all seven overnight towns! We weren’t so fortunate in 2009 and, while everything worked out fine, it added an unnecessary element of stress that I’m glad to be free of this year.

Here’s a quick rundown of the itinerary:

Friday, July 23 – 6 p.m. spaghetti dinner at Coe followed by loading of as many bikes as are ready to go. If you haven’t already, please let me know whether or not you will be attending and if you’ll be bringing guests. I need to get a somewhat accurate head count to Sodexo. This is where you will receive your rider packets, including wrist and bike bands, CoeBRAI jersey and route maps, including turn by turn directions to our overnight accommodations.

Saturday, July 24 – Loading begins at 8 a.m. at Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus with a planned departure of 10 a.m. Quick lunch stop en route. Late afternoon arrival in Sioux City, where we will be staying with Coe parents Phil and Lorall Karpuk. SMASHMOUTH will get RAGBRAI off to a rocking start. The outdoor show starts at 7pm on Historic Fourth Street in downtown Sioux City.

Sunday, July 25 – 68.5 miles to Storm Lake, where we will be staying with 1999 Coe graduate Erin Toomer Smith. Her house is a former funeral home and, though they will also be hosting other riders, we can likely forego tents for slumber party accommodations in an air conditioned basement. The Johnny Holm Band performs at 9 p.m.

Monday, July 26 – 79 miles (or 100) to Algona, where we will be staying with the in-laws of the daughter of Coe business professor Barb Larew. Tonight’s dinner prepared by your drivers. The Vic Ferrari Band performs at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 27 – 51.3 miles to Clear Lake, where we’re staying with the cousins of CoeBRAI participant Tim Wagner. There is no Coe connection here, but we’re more than happy to have a home for the night. Ken and Carol Smith assure me Clear Lake knows how to party. The Spin Doctors headline the entertainment.

Wednesday, July 28 – 51.7 miles to Charles City, where a homemade meal awaits us from Coe parents Robin and Dan Macomber. Standing Hampton headlines the entertainment in Chuck Town.

Thursday, July 29 – 82.7 miles to Waterloo, where we will be staying with Coe parents Stephen and Cheryl Kennedy, who are teaming up with fellow Coe parents Bob and Chery Greenwood to provide dinner and a pool party. It’s tribute band night with Arch Allies (Journey), The Fab Four (Beatles) and Kiss Mania performing.

Friday, July 30 – 62 Miles to Manchester, where we’re staying with the aunt and uncle of Coe residence hall coordinator Erica Geers, who will be joining us herself at this point in the ride. I’m told there’s an empty basement here for anyone tired of tent life. Local favorite Large Midgets and Iowa favorite The Nada are your Friday night entertainers.

Saturday, July 31 – 46.9 miles to Dubuque. I’ve examined the route into town and, given the hills, I suggest we gather at Clarke College before making our descent, as a group, to the Mississippi. We’ve been assigned parking near the river, so we’ll know exactly where we’re headed after dipping our tires and enjoying the satisfaction of a vacation well spent.

We’ll then load up and high tail it back to Cedar Rapids for a mid-afternoon arrival.

Lastly, a handful of you still haven’t sent me the number of the cell phone you will have with you and also the name and number of your emergency contact. I will be handing out contact information to everyone so we can communicate on the road. If I don’t have your number, you will be left off the list.

A note about showers: our hosts have generously agreed to open their facilities to us. Let’s not abuse it. With 24 full-time riders, it would take four hours if everyone took a 10-minute shower. Please incorporate the five-minute shower into your training routine this week. I shave in the shower, and I’m still in and out in under five minutes, so I know it’s possible.

Also, we’ll set out tubs of water and clothes line for washing biking clothes. Just think of the time that will save for showering!

Driver route out

2010-07-11T23:08:00.003-06:00

Driving across Iowa is no piece of pie.

Vehicle Route Maps 2010

2010 Route maps

2010-07-02T08:24:00.002-06:00

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Word as art

2010-06-20T08:04:00.003-06:00

As the final deadline for CoeBRAI payments nears (July 1), participants may want to consider shelling out an extra $60 for this "sign" from In A Word of Marion, Iowa.

As their Facebook profile describes, "mother and son come together to create art and beauty from things that you see every day. Shapes and letters are arranged to form your favorite words and phrases."

The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market has long been a favorite Saturday morning activity for Lisa and I. Now that she has a bike, we love it even more. During yesterday's visit, we stopped by one of the word art vendors, like always. Lisa suggested I might get something for Fathers' Day. While RAGBRAI is a popular design, I wondered what a CoeBRAI sign would look like in my office.

When I stumbled upon the mother-son team at In A Word offering signs for $8 a letter (20 percent below the competition), I was sold. I went to their website, chose my letters and e-mailed my order.

Ian, a recent Marion High School graduate and current student at UNI, was quick to respond with a proof. A partnership was born when he suggested I might refer others on the team. You can get the same word or something else. You can even choose your own images for the letters. Just let Ian know I sent you.

Last things first

2010-06-04T09:58:00.002-06:00

While there's a whole lot of biking to be done before we reach Dubuque, the Key City RAGBRAI committee has sent out some information that I wanted to share.

For anyone who is planning to be picked up in Dubuque and is NOT riding the bus back to Cedar Rapids, your ride is encouraged to park in the downtown ramps (4th Street, 5th Street, Iowa Avenue.) Parking is free on Saturday, July 31.

Support vehicles will be parked in the Port of Dubuque in the large green space lot north of 5th Street. This is where we will meet our support crew to load bikes and load the bus for the return to Cedar Rapids.

In the weeks ahead, I will identify a spot for riders to gather on the outskirts of Dubuque so we can ride to the river as a group. Most likely, this will be one of the many restaurants located at or near Pennsylvania and JFK.

For those staying in Dubuque, the Dubuque County Fair offers live music from Theory of a Deadman and Saving Abel on July 31.

Unofficial 2010 RAGBRAI motor route

2010-05-28T13:41:00.002-06:00

View Larger Map

2010 logistics

2010-05-24T11:59:00.003-06:00

Our applications have been accepted. Our jerseys have been ordered. Our overnight hosts are set. Not much left to do now but train (I’ve got 622 miles in; how about you?).

I thought I’d take this opportunity to spell out some logistical matters you may be wondering about. Team CoeBRAI includes 26 week-long riders, half of whom are joining us for the first time. Our experienced 3-person support crew returns for 2010, and 7 part-time riders will join us for part of the week. Additionally, one or two people will be joining us just for transportation to the start and a ride home from the finish.

Our overnight accommodations are as follows:
• In Sioux City, we will be staying with Coe parents Phil and Lorall Karpuk. They have a great yard that is frequently used for wedding photography and a historic home that is on a tour of haunted places.
• In Storm Lake, we will be staying with 1999 Coe graduate Erin Toomer Smith. Her house is a former funeral home and, though they will also be hosting other riders, we can likely forego the tents for a night in an air conditioned basement.
• In Algona, we will be staying with the in-laws of the daughter of Coe business professor Barb Larew.
• In Clear Lake, we’re staying with the cousins of CoeBRAI participant Tim Wagner. There is no Coe connection here, but we’re more than happy to have a home for the night.
• In Charles City, we will be staying with Coe parents Robin and Dan Macomber. Veteran RAGBRAI hosts, the Macombers anxiously offered their lawn and promised a “good, home-cooked meal.”
• In Waterloo, we will be staying with Coe parents Stephen and Cheryl Kennedy, who are teaming up with fellow Coe parents Bob and Chery Greenwood to provide dinner and a pool party.
• In Manchester, we’re staying with the aunt and uncle of Coe residence hall coordinator Erica Geers, who will be joining us herself at this point in the ride. I’m told there’s an empty basement here for anyone tired of tent life.

Anyone who is planning to have their bike shipped can certainly ship it to me at Coe. But if you’re shipping it anyway, it makes more sense to ship it directly to Sioux City and then home from Dubuque. That way we don’t have to load it and haul it across Iowa. Shipping information is available here.

I’m going to assume that all of you are riding with us from Cedar Rapids to Sioux City and back to Cedar Rapids from Dubuque, although I know that’s not the case for some of you. Please inform me of your plans so we can plan accordingly.

We will be having a spaghetti dinner/pre-load opportunity on Friday, July 23 at Coe. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by loading of as many bikes as are ready to go. Please let me know whether or not you can attend and if you’ll be bringing guests. This really makes things easier on Saturday and provides an opportunity to get to know your teammates. Loading begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 24 at Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus with a planned departure of 10 a.m. Those flying in may want to know that we’ll shoot for a late afternoon return to Cedar Rapids on Saturday, July 31.

Housing may or may not be available at Coe before and/or after RAGBRAI for anyone who needs it. If you need accommodations, please let me know. In the past we’ve been able to put people up at Coe and I hope to offer that again this year.

I know some of you are unsure what to bring, so here are some tips from the RAGBRAI folks, plus a few of my own.

Please put identification on everything you take on RAGBRAI. Lost items can be returned to owners.

Bicycle equipment: Helmet is #1. Bicycle shops can handle most any mechanical need you have, but you might consider bringing a small repair kit that includes a tire, spare tube, tire irons and small wrenches. (I've survived on spare tubes and chain lube. As long as you get your bike serviced before RAGBRAI, it should be good to go.) In addition, a rear view mirror, bike gloves, pump, bike bag, rain gear, bicycle lock and water bottles are necessary equipment. (A lock isn't really necessary either, from my experience.)

Camping equipment: You'll need a duffle bag (or, in our case, a 30-gallon plastic tub, such as the one pictured here), sleeping bag, pillow, pad, tent, ground cloth, rope, stakes and a flashlight. (A collapsible chair will also come in handy. It need not fit into your plastic tub, nor does your tent.) The tubs are just a handy way to tote items from town to town and also offer protection from the rain. For extra protection, pack what you can in large ziplock bags. I have a small supply of tubs should anyone, particularly out-of-towners, wish to use them. The one-tub-per-person rule will be strictly enforced. On RAGBRAI, less is more.

Toiletries: Pack a towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, shampoo, soap, razor, nail clippers, brush/comb, hair ties/barrettes, deodorant, mirror and toilet tissue.

Clothes: T-shirts, shorts, a jacket, pants, warm-up suit, underwear, socks, shoes, sandals, sleepwear, swimsuit and sweatbands/bandannas should get you through the week. (Two sets of biking attire are sufficient from my experience -- one to wear and one to dry out after "washing" it in the shower. Remember that you will be getting a CoeBRAI jersey and some of you also ordered a RAGBRAI jersey. Remember also that each overnight town has a t-shirt they would like to sell you. Be sure to bring padded biking shorts!)

First Aid: Pack aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, Band-Aids, gauze, tape, first-aid cream, lip balm, sun block (lots of it!), insect repellent (even more!), safety pins, special medicines, Campho-Phenique and sanitary protection with disposable bags if needed. (Chamois Butter before and during, Gold Bond powder after. Avoid this advice at your own peril.)

Miscellaneous: Bring an alarm clock, spare glasses, sunglasses, a scouting knife, camera, film, watch, earplugs (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Trains, rock concerts, civil defense sirens, etc., will inevitably disturb your effort to get some rest. Bring earplugs!), ID, money, traveler's checks, credit cards, journal, pens, pencils (who uses pencils anymore?), stamps, address book, several plastic trash bags for rain protection and zip-lock bags. Be sure to enclose everything in a water-tight plastic bag.

Food: Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided in camp. You may also want to bring a box of Power Bars and keep one on your bike for when you need a quick energy boost, but don't want to wait in line for pie. Many of our hosts will be providing dinner. Out of courtesy to them, please don’t linger on the route until late and then expect dinner to be left out for your late arrival. Anything else you may want or need can be purchased by our support crew during their daily store run.

Electronics: Cell phone service is usually epically spotty with the crush of people. But we will have charging stations available in camp. Please send me the number of the cell phone you will have with you and also the name and contact information of your emergency contact. Computers, cameras, breathing apparatus, etc., should all be fair game since we have hosts in each overnight and are not chancing our luck with the RAGBRAI campgrounds.

Two changes to note as a result of last year’s experience. We will provide each rider with a reusable beverage cup for use in camp. These will be yours to keep as a souvenir. Most likely, we’ll be getting water bottles to support the extension of paving on the Cedar Valley Trail. We will NOT be supplying disposable cups! These are bad for the environment and a needless expense.

Also, our support crew is developing a rider bill of rights/code of conduct/behavioral expectation list of some sort. I don’t expect this to be anything too onerous. Mainly just common sense type expectations to ensure that your enjoyment of RAGBRAI doesn’t impede anyone else’s enjoyment of RAGBRAI. We may be following RAGBRAI camping rules, which call for quiet after 9 p.m. and baggage to be loaded (on the truck, not beside or near, bikes and humans not-withstanding) by 8 a.m. For the night owls, there’s plenty of opportunity to kick up your heels at RAGBRAI festivities away from our resting spot and you’re welcome to linger in camp as late as you like, just don’t delay our drivers from moving on to the next stop.

Aerial Tour

2010-05-21T10:13:00.002-06:00

Here's a video tour of the adventure ahead.

Tour de Cure century route

2010-05-05T13:29:00.000-06:00

TourdeCure 2010 100 mile ride
Find more Bike Rides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We're in! Now what?

2010-04-30T20:53:00.003-06:00

Anyone else get a similar e-mail today?

"CONGRATULATIONS! CoeBRAI PARTICIPANT, Your wristband number is: 123456. Now that you have your wristband number, it's time to get ready for RAGBRAI."

Boy howdi!

I have loads of information to pass along, but not until everyone informs me of their jersey size and style. If you'd like extra jerseys or shorts, the order deadline is May 15. Order forms are here.

Logistically, most of your questions can be answered in the eEdition of the RAGBRAI Participant Guide. You will find information on bike shipping, airport shuttles, long-term parking, cross-state shuttles, and much more. I'll post a link once I can figure out how to download it one piece.

Also, the CoeBRAI-approved 30-gallon tubs we use for storing and transporting gear are the weekly wow at Target. Act fast and you can save a few bucks.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at the 1st occasional CoeBRAT on May 15. If you haven't registered, there's still time.

Happy trails!

Introducing CoeBRAT

2010-04-01T13:54:00.001-06:00

Kohawk fellowship... food... drink... prizes... bicycling... and fun for all await participants in the first occasional CoeBRAT (bike ride across town) on Saturday, May 15. Sponsored by the Coe College Alumni Office, Coe GOLD (graduates of the last decade), Team CoeBRAI, Sodexo, Northtowne Cycling & Fitness and each of seven stops along the route, this event encourages you to get on your bike and ride. Participants
will visit Brewed Awakenings, Sykora Bakery, Jerseys Pub & Grub, Chrome Horse Saloon, Casa Las Glorias and Parlor City Pub before gathering for dinner and prizes in "The U."

Registration deadline is May 1. Sign up today! Entry form here.

Bovines and bikes

2010-03-23T21:31:00.004-06:00

In 2009, Team CoeBRAI set the RAGBRAI fashion bar with jerseys featuring the 1944 Marvin Cone painting “Little Bohemia Tavern.” This year, we’ll again be biking in style with jerseys featuring a pair of paintings by Art Department Chairman and Marvin D. Cone Professor of Art Peter Thompson.

The jerseys by Coe graphic designer Christina Kroemer feature Thompson’s 2006 paintings “Standing Out from the Mob” on the front and “Cattle Drift” on the back. Thompson himself will be modeling the jersey as one of two-dozen participants in the official Coe College team on the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), scheduled for July 25-31.

Thompson approved of Kroemer’s use of the paintings in connection with a diagonal sash design. “(She) managed to create something more punchy out of it; kind of a game of bovine hide and seek,” he said.

In addition to long-sleeve, short-sleeve and sleeveless versions of the jersey, Kroemer designed Coe biking shorts featuring the school’s crimson and gold and Charlie Kohawk logo. While the jersey design changes each year, the shorts are intended to stand the test of time.

The designs will soon be submitted to Champion Systems and orders are now being taken. Each weeklong rider who was part of our group registration gets one free jersey. Additional jerseys and shorts may be ordered.

Three jerseys will be awarded as prizes in an upcoming bike ride sponsored by the Alumni Office, Coe GOLD (graduates of the last decade) and Team CoeBRAI. Clear your calendar for May 15 and stay tuned for details on that exciting new Coe event.

Anyone else is welcome to buy jerseys -- $60 for short sleeve and sleeveless, $65 for long sleeve – and shorts for $65. To place an order, go to our Web site and click on the “jersey order” tab. Sizing information is also available there. Order forms are also available here. All orders must be received by May 15 and will be shipped, along with a complementary CoeBRAI license plate, by mid July.

Biking -- like the weather -- in fits and starts

2010-03-18T21:06:00.004-06:00

Ten miles to and from work and an appointment to give plasma today represented an inauspicious start to my 2010 biking season. Coming two days later than last year's personal best first outdoor ride, today's miles may be all she wrote for March given the extended weather forecast.

A springlike week peaked today with a local high of 62. With my bike in the shop for a tuneup, I removed my son's from the trainer once it became apparent that today would surpass the 60 degree threshold. Google maps passed my first test of its new bicycle routing feature as I plotted a 10-mile ride from home, to Coe, to Biolife and home again.

I bundled up for the mercifully short morning ride to work. A light jacket sufficed for the after work ride to the plasma factory and I was glad to have packed lights for the ride home.

Alas Friday's forecast -- once pegged for mid-60s -- has deteriorated quickly and the temperature now looks to peak in the mid-40s with afternoon rain turning to snow into Saturday. Weather.com tells me we won't touch 60 again through March 27.

It's just as well though as spring baseball season begins Saturday. My son, vying to become a varsity starter in his junior year, has double headers scheduled each Saturday and Sunday through the first of May. I sure hope biking weather returns between now and then.

Two dozen strong

2010-03-09T23:55:00.001-06:00

Early registration has closed with 24 full-time riders signed up for Team CoeBRAI. Space is at a premium, but you can still ride along with the official Coe College team on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), scheduled for July 25-31, 2010.

We may make accommodations for a few additional teamless riders, but they'll have to be registered independently with RAGBRAI. It's not unusual for cancellations to occur between now and July either.

I'll soon be closing the team, submitting our group registration and mailing waivers and payment to RAGBRAI. Then it's just a matter of waiting until lottery results are posted May 1. Meanwhile, I'll be working with my Coe colleagues on housing (still seeking hosts in Clear Lake and Manchester), jerseys and other logistical items.

Your work is done (assuming waivers and payments are en route from the three I have not yet collected) for now. However, you are encouraged to post to this blog any time. And, of course, you’ll want to begin training as soon as the weather allows.

As it stands tonight, Team CoeBRAI consists of 24 full-time riders. Four "part-timers" will join us the evening of Tuesday, July 27 in Clear Lake. Two of them are riding two days to Waterloo on Thursday, July 29. The other two will complete the journey to Dubuque on Saturday, July 31.

Counting part-timers and our three-person support staff, we're a mix of 14 Coe alumni, six current or former faculty and staff, and 11 spouses, parents and friends of alumni, faculty and staff. We range in age from 23-year-old 2009 Coe graduate Leslie Millerschone (a CoeBRAI veteran who will be joined again this year by her mom, Tammy) to 72-year-old Jim Lentz, a RAGBRAI veteran making his maiden CoeBRAI voyage with fellow North Carolinian Roger Bear, representing the Coe Class of 1963. In addition to 19 Iowa residents, Team CoeBRAI members hail from North Carolina (3), Kansas (1), Utah (2), Illinois (3), Kentucky (1), South Carolina (1) and Washington, D.C. (1). The group includes a chiropractor and a firefighter, so we should be in good hands.

Our support staff again includes Abby Masters ’08 from South Carolina, Coe Sports Information Director Ryan Workman and my wife, Lisa. Whether or not our camper – and, for that matter, our daughter – makes the trip is subject to market conditions. Hope, the camper, is for sale and Karissa, our daughter, refuses to sleep in a tent. Something has to give. With any luck – and a lot of effort – our son, Zach will be participating in the state high school baseball tournament in Des Moines rather than joining us on RAGBRAI. New to the support staff this year is two-year CoeBRAI veteran and Associate Dean of Students Erik Albinson. After riding part-time in 2008 and full-time in 2009, Erik has signed on to assist me with the planning and coordination of this effort. If the aforementioned state baseball tournament appearance materializes, Erik’s in charge.

CoeBRAI registration deadline looms

2010-02-17T10:42:00.002-06:00

With a March 1 registration deadline around the corner, open spots remain on the Coe College RAGBRAI team. To date, 17 people have joined Team CoeBRAI and registered for the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. The team will be capped at 30 week-long riders, so act fast if you want to participate.

Complete details are available at http://coebrai.coe.edu/. That is also where you’ll be able to order a custom Coe biking jersey once the design is finalized. This year we’re working to incorporate a painting by Marvin D. Cone Professor of Art Peter Thompson, who will be joining us on the ride.

I know it’s difficult to make plans for July in February, but logistics require that we follow this timetable and it is our policy that all participants must be registered. If you are still planning to join, could you let me know and fill out a registration? If you are no longer interested, let me know and I’ll stop badgering you.

For those who can only manage a couple days, we can accommodate part-time riders also at a fee of $50 per day. Half of the total is due March 1, along with your online registration and signed waiver. The remaining half will be due July 1.
As space allows, transportation may also be available from Cedar Rapids to Sioux City on July 24 ($75) and/or from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids on July 31 ($35).

Registered CoeBRAI riders who must cancel for any reason will receive refunds according to the following sliding scale: 75 percent on or before May 1, 50 percent on or before June 1 and 25 percent on or before July 1. While we understand that life happens, we must insist on a no-refund policy for cancellations after July 1. (In other words, by registering now and paying the initial $200, you're only risking $50 by May 1, $100 by June 1 and $150 by July 1.)

RAGBRAI XXXVIII will treat riders to one of the shortest and flattest routes ever as it winds through northern Iowa from Sioux City to Dubuque. That combination means the 10,000 riders will navigate a 442-mile route that ranks as third-easiest historically, at least as far as hills and mileage go.

Beginning in Sioux City on July 24, the ride will stop in Storm Lake (July 25), Algona (July 26), Clear Lake (July 27), Charles City (July 28), Waterloo (July 29), and Manchester (July 30) before ending in Dubuque on July 31. It’s the sixth shortest route of all time and the 14,527 total feet of climb ranks as the fifth lowest in RAGBRAI history.

We are again actively seeking hosts from among the Coe family at each of the overnight towns. If you know someone in one of the overnights who would like to host us, send me their contact information. Openings remain in Storm Lake, Algona and Manchester.

You’ve got two weeks to register online. After creating your profile (or logging in to your RAGBRAI account for veterans), you should choose to join the group CoeBRAI (#32344) before submitting your entry. Please do not send signed waivers or any payments to RAGBRAI. Instead, those should be sent to me, the group contact. Checks should be made payable to Coe College.

Although the Register's online entry deadline is April 1, we encourage you to meet our March 1 deadline for the initial payment so that we can have a handle on the number of participants, which will be capped at 30.

Information will also be communicated on our Web site and on this blog. You can also follow CoeBRAI on Twitter and Facebook.

For more information, contact Team CoeBRAI captain Lonnie Zingula at lzingula@coe.edu or (319) 399-8613.

Team CoeBRAI profile: Dr. David Moore

2010-02-15T10:17:00.002-06:00

The Ames Tribune published the following profile on Team CoeBRAI veteran and century biker Dr. David Moore '80 for Black History Month. In addition to biking the past two RAGBRAIs, David hosted Team CoeBRAI at his home in Ames in 2008.

Nomadic Midwesterner and neurologist
By Laura Millsaps
Special to The Tribune
Published: Saturday, February 13, 2010

Dr. David B. Moore remembers wanting to be a doctor when he was very young. His maternal grandfather, a miner, was dying of black lung disease.

“It made a big impression on me. I was only 4 years old, but I remember that being the first time I wanted to be able to make people feel better,” said Moore, now 53.

Now a neurologist at McFarland Clinic and a resident of Ames since 2000, Moore said that though inspiration came early, his path to medicine wasn’t a straight line.

His father’s career as a Methodist minister led the family across the Midwest, and Moore moved many times as a child. He calls himself a “nomadic Midwesterner.” Though a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., the family moved to Iowa, and he graduated from high school in Fort Dodge in 1976.

Moore said his father, Alvin, became more political as he got older, becoming the first African-American to run for U.S. Congress in Iowa when they lived in Council Bluffs, and becoming the first African-American pastor of an all white congregation when they lived in Des Moines.

Alvin Moore was shot and killed during a visit to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1975.

His killer was never found. Though David Moore said the family never discovered what happened, they believe his death was a result of his political activism.

Moore, “lucky number seven” of nine children, went to Coe College, wrestled for Barron Bremner, a collegiate hall of fame coach, and “did OK academically, but not great.”

But several people in his youth, including Peter Wickham, his chemistry professor at Coe, were supportive of his goals.

“He believed I could do anything, and didn’t let me give up on my dream,” Moore said.

While he almost completed a doctorate degree in pharmacy at Creighton University and did very well, he took the MCAT for a second time, did well, and attended the University of Iowa Medical School, graduating in 1988. An internship and residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison followed, as well as a fellowship in epilepsy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which he completed in 1994.

Moore practiced in Elkhart, Ind., for six years before coming to Ames. He wanted to be back in Iowa and closer to his mother, Betty, now 83.

“It just gives me warm fuzzies to see Mom once a month after all these years away,” he said.

Moore said two events during his academic studies affected the kind of physician he became.

One was being diagnosed with dyslexia. The reading disorder affected his academic performance at Coe, but learning to deal with it helped him do well in medical school.

The second was the onset of seizures as he was graduating from Coe. Learning to cope with his epilepsy was another factor that drew him to become an epileptologist as part of his work in neurology.

“As I was working on my residency, I knew from my own experiences that sometimes it was hard to tell if my difficulties were from the medications I was taking, or from my dyslexia, or cognitive problems caused by my seizures,” Moore said.

The process taught Moore sympathy, he said.

“I understand where my patients are coming from, particularly teenagers and younger kids,” Moore said. “It can be embarrassing for them, and they can be afraid of what’s happening to them. I think my own experiences make me a better person and a better physician.”

What person in African-American history do you most admire? “Bobby Kennedy. I believe he had the biggest impact on the system. His influence over his brother and his views on racial equality issues really influenced things at the top, where people had the power to make change happen. People gave a lot of credit to Lyndon Johnson for progress in racial equality, (but) it was Bobby who started it all.

“But I also have to mention Rosa Parks. That single event was the catalyst for everything else. Martin Luther King Jr. happened at the right time. If Rosa Parks hadn’t done what she’d done, things might be different today.”

What does Black History Month mean to you? “Despite our country being a melting pot, every group wants to preserve their history. Keeping tabs on one’s cultural identity, that’s imperative.

“However, I dislike the idea of one month in which we learn cultural diversity. To me that’s bad.

“Who was the first man killed in the Revolutionary War? A black man. Who first invented the process of blood transfusions? A black man. How many people know about these things? They should.

“But it should be integrated into what we learn in school so that it’s part of our historical tradition, not taught as a separate or different thing. It shouldn’t be set apart, but part of the whole.”

Short, flat and fun

2010-01-30T21:47:00.003-06:00

RAGBRAI XXXVIII will treat riders to one of the shortest and flattest routes ever as it winds through northern Iowa from Sioux City to Dubuque.

That combination means the 10,000 riders will navigate a 442-mile route that ranks as third-easiest historically, at least as far as hills and mileage go. Weather remains a wild card. So train well.

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa runs July 25-31 with overnight stops in Sioux City, Storm Lake, Algona, Clear Lake, Charles City, Waterloo, Manchester and Dubuque.

The moving montage of gooey treats, sore bottoms, camping, wide-open scenery, beer and hometown friendliness returns to northern Iowa after a foray into southern counties last year.

The ride will be the sixth-shortest. The 14,527 feet of climb is fifth-lowest total, so rejoice and save the hill complaints until at least Day 3. The longest day: 83 miles from Charles City to Waterloo.

The complete route will be announced later.

Make this your year to join the official Coe College team on the adventure of a lifetime. Please contact Lonnie Zingula at lzingula@coe.edu for information.

Register online at ragbrai.com. After creating your profile (or logging in to your RAGBRAI account for veterans), you should choose to join the group CoeBRAI (#32344) before submitting your entry. Please do not send signed waivers or any payments to RAGBRAI. Instead, those should be sent to me, the group contact.

Also, if you are from one of the overnight towns and would like to host Team CoeBRAI in your community, please let us know.

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown:

Sioux City, Saturday, July 24
The ride gets started with a Saturday gathering in Sioux City, where some of the 85,013 residents will watch riders dip the rear tires of their bikes in the Missouri River, the traditional way to mark the opening of the ride on Sunday morning. (Note: It’s not a race.)

This is RAGBRAI’s sixth visit to Sioux City and the first since 2001. Riders also rolled through the land of explorers Lewis and Clark in 1973, 1978, 1988 and 1993.

This is the hometown of Jerry Mathers, who played “Beaver” on the ’50s and ’60s TV show “Leave it to Beaver.” Fred Grandy, who served Congress after acting in the role of “Gopher” in “Love Boat,” is a native. So are the sisters who penned the “Dear Abby” and Ann Landers advice columns.

Sioux City’s revamped riverfront offers bike trails, an amphitheater and an Argosy casino. The restored Orpheum Theater and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center also are draws.

A rejuvenated Historic Fourth Street offers restaurants and shops in early 20th Century buildings.

Storm Lake, Sunday, July 25
After a 69-mile jaunt, the RAGBRAI horde will wheel into Storm Lake for the sixth time, if you count a pass-through in 1975. This is the first stop since 2001; others were in 1973, 1978, and 1987.

This town of 10,076 has been known for meatpacking, a diverse population, Buena Vista University and a glacial lake.

King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort and Lodge anchors a lakefront revival that includes rehabbed marinas, a waterpark and trails.

Algona, Monday, July 26
Next stop: Algona, 79 miles further on.

Algona has a special place in the hearts of most Des Moines Register employees and fans. It is the birthplace of Gardner Cowles, who bought the newspapers that were predecessors to The Register.

But there are other reasons RAGBRAI would want to stop here for the fifth time, and the first since 2005. When riders came through here in 1977, 1990 and 1999, they discovered a town bordered on three sides by the Des Moines River and the wooded hills of Ambrose A. Call State Park.

They learned that a World War II prisoner of war camp here housed more than 8,000 Germans and Italians. They heard about the annual Founders’ Day and Band Day Festival celebrations.

Algona is home to 5,741.

Clear Lake, Tuesday, July 27
It’s been more than a decade since RAGBRAI pedaled into Clear Lake.

What a decade it’s been for this town of 8,161, a mere 51 miles from Algona.

The Surf Ballroom last year held a huge bash to mark the passing of 50 years since the deaths of music legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the “Big Bopper”; the early rockers died in a plane crash in a field near here after performing at the Surf.

The glacial lake at the center of activity here is hugely popular with boaters, fishing enthusiasts (especially those seeking walleye pike), wind surfers and others. The “Lady of the Lake” excursion boat offers views of a lakefront that includes a remodeled bandshell and a lively downtown district. Two state parks offer camping and other fun.

RAGBRAI stopped in 1977 and 1999, and passed through in 1985.

Charles City, Wednesday, July 28
This town of 7,812 is 52 miles from Clear Lake. This is the first time RAGBRAI wheels will be spotted here since 2002. Riders also camped here in 1982 and 1996 and rode through in 1977.

The attractions here include the world’s first gasoline-powered tractors on display at Floyd County Museum, 15 downtown buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and a historic swinging bridge over the Cedar River. The Mooney Art Collection at the Charles City Public Library includes works by Rembrandt and Picasso.

Hometown heroes include Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, famous for her work to get women the right to vote. She lived in Charles City as a girl, and later founded the League of Women Voters.

Waterloo, Thursday, July 29
This town of 68,747 hasn’t seen the saddle-sore masses of RAGBRAI since 1985. This is just the third stop in Waterloo; the other was in 1974.

So many of the riders will want to put in the 83 miles from Charles City early so they can get a look around. (It will be hillier than most days, with 2,712 feet of climb.)

Lost Island Water Park, one of the largest in the state, and the Isle Casino Hotel are big draws.

The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in the Grout Museum District features a re-created bow of the USS Juneau, the U.S. Navy cruiser on which the town’s five Sullivan brothers fought and died during World War II.

Another famous combatant: Dan Gable, who wrestled at Waterloo West before a legendary run at Iowa State University in which he won all but his last match. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1972 at Munich.

Manchester, Friday, July 30
When riders roll into this town of 5,257, they will have pedaled another 62 miles and climbed 2,313 feet since the last stop.

That should give them plenty of reasons to relax at the city parks, two golf courses and aquatic center in this Maquoketa River town.

Also in the area: Iowa’s oldest state park, Backbone, and Lake Delhi.

Dubuque, Saturday, July 31
Riders will dip their bikes’ front tires in the Mississippi River in a town that completed a $400 million renovation of its main port.

The fourth RAGBRAI stop in Iowa’s oldest city will feature the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the bluff-climbing Fenelon Place Elevator, and another casino.

Guess the route contest is on

2009-12-01T16:01:00.002-06:00

The Register has launched it's annual "Guess the Route" contest, which probably means they've got it all mapped out. Conventional wisdom says the route will head north, where it hasn't been in a few years. That's ok by me, so long as it doesn't go south again anytime soon.

But if I could dictate the route, I'd have it slice right through the heart of Iowa. Something like this (with overnight experience indicated): Onawa (5), Lake View (2), Boone (3), Grinnell (3), Vinton (1), Mount Vernon (1), Maquoketa (3) and Sabula (1).

The actual route won't be announced until the end of January. Until then, your guess is as good as mine.

Signs of a bike-friendly Linn County

2009-11-25T23:31:00.002-06:00

Signs reminding drivers to “share the road” could be coming soon

Posted on Nov 25, 2009 by Adam Belz, Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Bicycle enthusiasts want Linn County to pave wider shoulders on rural roads heading out of Cedar Rapids, or at least put up signs reminding motorists to share the road.

Looks like they might get the signs, which they offered to help pay for.

Paving wider shoulders — at $130,000 per mile for a four-foot shoulder — is just too expensive for now.

“I don’t think anyone is generally opposed to them, but we have to put some kind of plan in place that allows that fiscal potential to occur,” Supervisor Linda Langston said.

Several members of the Hawkeye Bicycle Association showed up for a supervisor meeting in early November to point out that wider shoulders are safer for bicyclists, but also safer for motorists. They pointed out the health benefits of making it easier for workers to commute on their cycles.

The key roads that need wider shoulders are major routes out of the metropolitan area, like Blairs Ferry Road and Mount Vernon Road, said John Wauer, a retired Rockwell Collins engineer. Quiet rural roads in the county have less traffic, and it isn’t as crucial they get wider shoulders, he said.

“Johnson County has done quite a bit with paved shoulders, particularly in the Solon area, but there’s not a good way to get to Solon from here,” Wauer said. “It can cause a bit of congestion when you’ve got a narrow road and cars going in both directions.”

The secondary roads budget won’t likely allow for any special projects to add wider shoulders. Wauer said he thought the county could address shoulders whenever a section of road is worked on. We’ll see, Langston said.

“It’s a bit of a challenge,” she said. “How do we plan for it and balance out between everybody in the county who wants rock on their roads.”

“Share the road” signs, which bicyclists hope will encourage a more bike-friendly driving culture in the area, could be coming soon.

“We’re going to move out to that group and engage the Hawkeye Bicycle Association and try to get some indication about where they want those signs put,” Langston said.

Dad comes full cycle

2009-11-18T11:38:00.003-06:00

Arizona Daily Star article features Mike Noonan '87, who caught the biking bug as a teenager on RAGBRAI and now shares it with his teenage daughter. Maybe they'll join us some time.

Dad comes full cycle
Cyclist, daughter following route of bonding on bikes
By Patrick Finley
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
When Mike and Karolyn Noonan board their bicycles Saturday to race in El Tour de Tucson's 66-mile race, they'll be doing more than participating in a Tucson tradition.
The 45-year-old Noonan and his 16-year-old daughter will be continuing a family bond that started 33 years ago, long before Karolyn was born.
Here's a look at what Iowa, orange juice and "Manhood Training" have to do with Saturday's ride.
• Manhood training: Noonan grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of a high school coach, Robert. In 1976, Robert Noonan, a cycling enthusiast, decided his son needed "Manhood Training" — and enrolled the two in a famous bike ride.
Father and son did the Des Moines Register-sponsored RAGBRAI, Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, which bills itself the longest, oldest and largest touring event in the world. They rode 70 miles per day for seven days, dipping their bike tires in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers along the way.
Mike Noonan liked the ride so much he didn't complain when his father wouldn't let him have a moped like his friends; he didn't own his first car until he was a senior in college.
"I think what it is, is it's the bond it created with my father and I," he said. "I see it as an adult. I want that same bond with my children."
• Bribed with breakfast: Mike Noonan's daughter, Karolyn, rode El Tour's 35-miler two years ago, and began riding on Sunday mornings with her father.
Noonan, who along with his wife, Katie, runs Noonan Physical Therapy and Associates, figured bicycle riding would be a good way for Karolyn to recover from a knee injury this year.
"My dad and I would get up on Sunday mornings before church and bike to Mile Marker 1 on Mount Lemmon, and then to the coffee shop," she said. "After I got comfortable with 1, we went to 2 and then 3. The farthest I've got is 5 1/2."
In the summer, her dad swears, Karolyn would wake up at 6 a.m. to ride — quite a feat for a teenager. They'd ride, eat and go to church.
"The carrot at the end was, 'I'll take you to breakfast at Le Buzz,'" he said, referring to a cafe on Tanque Verde Road. "She likes quiche and freshly squeezed OJ and fruit. I think that was the idea — 'I'll suffer, then Dad will buy me breakfast.'"
• A bond: Mike Noonan, who rides competitively with his friends, uses the Sunday trip as a "recovery ride" — and as a chance to bond with his daughter. He has two boys, but they're busy playing team sports.
"She's my oldest," he said. "She likes fitness, and she and I have things we can do."
Karolyn Noonan, a Salpointe Catholic High School junior, sees it as a chance to bond with her dad, regardless of how the two do Saturday. They're prepared, having done 50 miles — to Vail and back — 10 days ago.
"Obviously, my dad's at work, and I'm at school usually," she said. "It's really nice to go out with him and spend time with him."

Let the registrations begin!

2009-11-13T10:34:00.004-06:00

Though RAGBRAI is well down my list of priorities and certainly not among my pressing items, news that online registration is now open for 2010 has me fired up for another year with Team CoeBRAI.

Veterans should have received an e-mail from RAGBRAI with registration instructions. First-time participants will first need to create a profile at the RAGBRAI Web site. You will then want to join the group CoeBRAI (#32344) before submitting your entry. Please do not send signed waivers or any payments to RAGBRAI. Instead, those should be sent to me, the group contact.

Fees for Team CoeBRAI have been set at $400 for 2010 (plus anything you might order through the RAGBRAI registration, such as a jersey or souvenir pack). Of this, $200 is due March 1 along with a completed (online) entry form and signed waiver. The remaining $200 will be due July 1.

The fee includes the official $140 RAGBRAI entry fee, a Team CoeBRAI jersey and license plate, bus transportation to and from Cedar Rapids and the starting/ending towns, some meals, and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at each overnight stop.

If you're not ready to commit, don't sweat it. Our "official" registration process doesn't begin until January. But if your like me and can't imagine a summer without RAGBRAI, go ahead and register. It's also a good time to add biking gear to your holiday wishlists.

Also, Team CoeBRAI is all over the social networking craze. In addition to this blog and our Web site, you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Many of you are already members of our Facebook group. Just today I also created a Facebook page, which allows much more flexibility. I hope you'll become a fan.

CoeBRAI jersey tracking

2009-09-17T10:36:00.002-06:00

Sep 15, 2009 12:44 AM Shipment information sent to FedEx
Sep 15, 2009 1:18 PM Arrived at FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
Sep 15, 2009 3:11 PM Departed FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
Sep 15, 2009 4:15 PM Picked up YUEN LONG HK
Sep 15, 2009 6:04 PM Left FedEx origin facility YUEN LONG HK
Sep 15, 2009 8:20 PM In transit LANTAU ISLAND HK
Sep 15, 2009 9:30 PM Int'l shipment release ANCHORAGE, AK
Sep 16, 2009 1:07 AM Arrived at FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Sep 16, 2009 4:21 AM At dest sort facility CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Sep 16, 2009 4:23 AM Departed FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Sep 16, 2009 5:10 AM Arrived at FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Sep 16, 2009 7:21 AM At local FedEx facility CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Sep 16, 2009 7:25 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Sep 16, 2009 8:31 AM Delivered CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
Sep 16, 2009 11:39 AM Awaiting delivery to my office.

Labor Day ride

2009-09-03T21:40:00.002-06:00

August has slipped into September and RAGBRAI suddenly seems a distant memory. Those of us in the Midwest are facing a bleak future of stationary biking. But there's still time to seize the last moments of summer on Monday with the annual Cedar Rapids Mayors Bike Ride, sponsored by the Linn County Trails Association.

With registration from 9-10 a.m. at the Ellis Park swimming pool parking lot, the 8-mile fun ride is free and open to the public. It will start at 10:15 a.m. and will go through downtown Cedar Rapids, around Cedar Lake and back to Ellis Park.

Tom Hicks and I are planning to incorporate lunch and a longer afternoon ride into the day, so join us if you can. A good time is sure to be had by all.

Best of all, the flood repairs on the trail through Cedar Rapids should be completed. And the weather forecast looks ideal.

The next leg?

2009-07-27T21:49:00.002-06:00

RAGBRAI's 442-mile path from Council Bluffs to Burlington left me at a personal best 1,064 miles on the year. While I don't know when the next ride will be (I'm still 636 miles short of my goal), every ride from here on out will mark a new personal best. I like that.

I was hoping to join the local MS 150, but discovered that's the same weekend as my fantasy football draft. Experienced CoeBRAI riders won't be surprised that I'm the commissioner.

I looked into Swine Trek, but that's the morning of Coe's opening football game, and I have to announce. That was my first -- and only -- century last year, but I'll have to miss it this year.

There is the first annual BReW TAH TAH party ride out of North Liberty that caught my eye. It's a free party ride from Roadie's to Morse and back sponsored by Team AlcoHawk. It's an Aug. 8 nooner for 25-30 miles of rolling hills. I'll pick the Ely Boys up along the way, I hope.

Mission complete

2009-07-25T20:59:00.002-06:00

RAGBRAI concluded today with a delightful 43-mile ride to Burlington, where the brave and crazy could end their ride going up Snake Alley. I've got enough coozies, thank you very much.

After dodging a severe weather scare overnight, today's weather was pleasant and the track flat and fast. There was only one severe climb and the ride through Geode State Park was a treat. Spectacular roads (finally!) from there to Burlington.

After gathering at Happy Joe's on the edge of town, Team CoeBRAI made its descent to the Mississippi River. Wearing our Marvin Cone inspired jerseys and riding together for the only time, I'm certain we won the fashion prize.

I've experienced worse dipping sites, as well as better. The team was a model of efficiency though as we loaded up for the return to Coe. Gotta give a shout out here to our awesome support team -- the best support team in the history of RAGBRAI! Thank you Abby, Ryan and Lisa!!!

I seem to have inherited a small fortune of chairs, tents, pumps, etc. so please let me know if you're missing anything before the yard sale. I'll gladly hold on to any property until you return next year, hint hint.

Toughest day yet

2009-07-24T17:16:00.002-06:00

A fair dose of hills, our first dose of heat and a painful stretch of headwinds made Friday's ride to Mount Pleasant a challenge. Personally, I prefer it hot, so that was a welcome change. And it hasn't rained today -- knock on wood.

I started out with Doug and Eddie, but lost them both quickly. I seem to have rubber legs in the morning and can't get going until I've had a good breakfast. Today, it was one last Farm Boys breakfast burrito, where I jumped in line with Doug and shaved minutes off my waiting time.

As we turned into the headwinds near Pekin, I lost Doug and rode alone from there, rarely even seeing any teammates along the way. Many of them were in Mount Pleasant already when I arrived, so I had to surrender the yellow jacket. It's tough to finish first when your competition doesn't have to ride an extra 30 miles.

The ride from Ottumwa to Brighton was flat and fast. Brighton to Mount Pleasant offered heat, hills and headwind. If it had also been humid, we'd have hit the jackpot. Some riders witnessed accidents, including a biker riding into a farm grader!

We're all sore, but safe and anticipating completing this adventure tomorrow in Burlington.

We're being hosted tonight by Bitrus and Olabisi Gwamna, who are both on the faculty at Iowa Wesleyan. Their son, Duroje, will be a Coe senior next year. Another son, Zoom, is celebrating his birthday with 40 strangers in his yard.

We were rewarded for our efforts with an amazing meal our hostess spent the day preparing and hotel quality water pressure for showering. Today we also said good by to newly crowned century rider and unofficial CoeBRAI mascot Bob Untiedt. After taking Wednesday off, Bob completed his century Thursday and deemed his mission complete.

For the rest of us, that comes tomorrow when we dip into the Mississippi.

Zero percent

2009-07-23T21:14:00.004-06:00

Hey! Lonnie here writing under Ryan's account, since I can't get mine to work on his computer and I can't access the internet on mine. I promise to catch you up just as soon as I have reliable access. Photos too.

Suffice it to say, we've had an interesting week -- so far.

Simpson College gave its best effort to capitalize on Tuesday's ride into Indianola, but CoeBRAI jersey day stole the show. It rained as we were exiting Greenfield, but the sky finally cleared around 4 p.m. and the sun joined RAGBRAI.

In Indianola, we were expertly hosted by Coe parents Bill and Sherrie Engel, who teamed up with Coe parents Dave and Ellen Wellborn to provide an amazing meal. From there it was on to Chariton, where we didn't have a host. I drove the camper to secure a spot and biked half-way back -- an interesting experience, to say the least.

Though the forecast called for zero percent chance of rain, a thunderstorm greeted us this morning at 5 a.m. It cleared off quickly and allowed around 15 of us -- not me, but many of them -- to complete the optional century. Among the century riders was Bob Untiedt, who sagged Wednesday with a sore knee and contemplated going home. I still don't know what to make of his feat.

We're now in Ottumwa, hosted by Cornell grads and Coe parents Mike and Janet Vinyard. More rain in the late afternoon served only to dampen the recently dried tents. We enjoyed another amazing meal and were joined by future Coe Hall of Famer Tim Vinyard.

Tomorrow we're off to Mount Pleasant and the weather forecast looks promising. I'll believe it when I see it.

A tough ride to Greenfield

2009-07-20T21:50:00.003-06:00

I'm not gonna lie, today was tough. Brad even needed to shift off his big gear. Twice.

Me, I discovered granny missing on the way out of Red Oak, and didn't have her at my disposal all day. And what a miserable 72-mile day it was with the hills and the chills and the constant drizzle. It was enough to prompt me to buy rain gear upon arrival in Greenfield, where we have been treated like kings by our hosts Ralph and Erma Mitchell.

A sit-down dinner didn't pan out, but I'm pleased to have lunched at Subway in Corning, bypassing the carnival food frenzy.

Tomorrow we're off to Indianola and will be flying Coe colors en force. It's a bit longer and a bit less climb, with more downhills. The weather looks to be a lot like today.

I've yet to find a Fat Tire, so Chris Engel better greet me with a cold one or there may be trouble.

A sweet ride to Red Oak

2009-07-19T13:33:00.002-06:00

RAGBRAI kicked off today with glorious weather and, for me, a mental health ride to Red Oak. I found the 52-mile journey most pleasant. The difficulty of the uphill rides was surpassed by the pleasure of the downhill runs.

I arrived in Red Oak shortly after noon after maintaining a 10 mph pace, including stops. I averaged 14.2 mph and completed the route in 3:39:36 -- a really good pace for me.

Just about everyone is in now. Katy and Andrew Borders and Brian Farrell just arrived to join the ride. The only mechanical issues I've heard of were Erik Albinson's numerous flats. A visit to the bike mechanic upon entering Red Oak uncovered shards of glass that was remedied by replacing his tires.

We're camping at Southwestern Community College and I'm pleased to be pirating their electricity and wireless Internet. I'm regretting, however, that my camper is leaking water.

Tomorrow we're off to Greenfield, a 72.6 mile journey with 5,096 feet of climb. Tonight's forecast calls for partly cloudy and 57 degrees. Tomorrow in Greenfield, mostly sunny and 79. If this weather pattern continues, everyone will do RAGBRAI.

Rolling with it

2009-07-18T19:04:00.003-06:00

What happens on RAGBRAI doesn't necessarily stay on RAGBRAI, but all of it could only happen in Iowa.

We arrived today in Council Bluffs only to find our host had moved to Colorado without our knowledge. What a shocking experience that had to be for our first time riders.

Anarchy was quickly avoided as across-the-street neighbors Jessica and Ryan Willer offered up their lawn and bathroom. Soon after, fresh-back-from-vacation neighbors Diane and Barry Glass offered up their lawn and camper. Soon after that, our original host contacted the current tenant, his cousin Shelby Albertson and high school classmate Nick Golden, and we had free reign of their house as well. A little while later, neighbor Denny came over to offer up his fire pit and horseshoe pit.

Try finding hospitality like that anywhere else. Riders and unintended hosts alike rolled with it.

We have yet to peddle a mile and I feel like we've already had the quintessential RAGBRAI moment. Or maybe it just gets better from here. Stay tuned.

On the eve of a great adventure

2009-07-17T20:55:00.002-06:00

I've got a really good feeling about Team CoeBRAI 2009 after tonight's carbo load and pre-load. I'm excited about the relationships that will be rekindled and the new friendships established in the week ahead.

We loaded 20 of 27 bikes and I didn't even break a sweat. It didn't hurt that it was cool like a fall football Saturday.

Tomorrow, we finish loading and hit the road to Council Bluffs by 10 a.m. In Council Bluffs we'll be staying with 2006 Coe graduate Wyatt Yates.

Unfortunately, we're down to 34 full-time riders due to a last-minute cancellation. Phil Haynes, a 1983 Coe graduate from Lewisburg, PA, had to cancel because his mother is hospitalized. He had hoped she would improve so that he could join us for at least part of the ride, but that didn't pan out.

Tomorrow's forecast in Council Bluffs calls for sunny skies and 76 degrees. The overnight low will be a crisp 50 degrees. (What ever happened to summer?)

Sunday's forecast in Red Oak calls for sun and 79 degrees with a low of 58.

Monday's forecast in Greenfield calls for mostly cloudy and 79 with a low of 62.

Tuesday's forecast in Indianola calls for scattered thunderstorms and 76 with a low of 60.

Wednesday's forecast in Chariton calls for partly cloudy and 81 with a low of 63.

Thursday's forecast in Ottumwa calls for mostly sunny and 84 with a low of 66.

Friday's forecast in Mount Pleasant calls for scattered thunderstorms and 86 with a low of 67.

Saturday's forecast in Burlington calls for scattered thunderstorms and 83.

These forecasts are provided by weather.com, which is far more accurate than any TV meteorologist. If this pans out, I bet this is the coolest RAGBRAI on record.

Thoughts after mile 303

2009-07-15T13:02:00.002-06:00

Oh, boy, is RAGBRAI fun. Pain, grief, .....

WAIT: I'm resisting my 'inner Eeyore', no more of the death-&-gloom stuff I'm thinking about. Instead, here's my training history in 2009:

Miles 285-303: Highlight - attack by red-winged blackbird. Four times over two turns around a hilly spot (Dows Road to someplace to Hwy 13 to Mt. Vernon Road; a 3.75 mile slightly hilly terrain). Reliving Hitchcock, the 2nd time around, I took out my small tire pump and waived it at the bird. Do I look like an egg stealing varmit to you?

Miles 1-285: a blur. Some with Brian Farrell, some with Lonnie Zingula; I have a faint notion I did a 45 mile ride with Tina Turner - but that may have been while I was on 'Proud Marys' or some such. I know it was fun, involving Sutliffe Cider, rides past Toddville, and limited amounts of ice cream and pork. (not together.) (yet.)

Anyways, it comes whether one is adequately trained or not. I'll try to take it like a man, or perhaps a small male mouse. Looking forward to seeing all the good people, and the capitalist robber-barons of the COEBRAI team soon!

Team CoeBRAI on Twitter

2009-07-08T19:40:00.001-06:00

Utilizing every tool imaginable to spread the word about Team CoeBRAI, we now have a Twitter presence. If you're a Twitter user, follow us at CoeBRAI. This will allow me to easily post photos and updates throughout the day, while still updating the blog at night. Tell your family and friends.

13 days and counting down quick

2009-07-05T19:26:00.002-06:00

After surpassing 600 training miles today on a wonderful 35-mile ride to Solon and back with Bob Untiedt, it dawned on me that we are less than two weeks from departure and I have a lot of work to do. Consequently, I’m taking my bike in for a tune-up tomorrow and may not ride again until we get to Council Bluffs.

A reminder to everyone that the second installment was due July 1. This is $175 for most full-time riders. If you ordered stuff from RAGBRAI and didn’t include it in your first payment, add it to the second payment. Part-time riders should contact me about how much is due. In all cases, checks should be made out to Coe College and sent to my attention at 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Hosts have been secured in five of seven overnight towns. At this point, it seems certain that we’ll be fending for ourselves in the RAGBRAI campgrounds at Red Oak and Chariton. Rest assured I will do my best to make this as painless as possible.

Here’s a quick rundown of the itinerary:

Friday, July 17 – 6 p.m. spaghetti dinner at Coe followed by loading of as many bikes as are ready to go. The dinner is free for CoeBRAI participants and $7 for guests. If you haven’t already, please let me know whether or not you will be attending and if you’ll be bringing guests. I need to get a somewhat accurate head count to food services.

Saturday, July 18 – Loading begins at 8 a.m. at Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus with a planned departure of 10 a.m. Lunch stop in Des Moines, where we will pick up driver Abby Masters. Late afternoon arrival in Council Bluffs, where we will be staying with Wyatt Yates, a 2006 Coe graduate. Wyatt has generously agreed to provide us with a barbeque dinner, complete with fresh vegetables from his grandpa’s farm. We will make arrangements to shuttle riders to RAGBRAI central to pick up bikes and/or attend the Barenaked Ladies concert.

Sunday, July 19 – 52.6 miles to Red Oak. We don’t have a host and I’m still trying to nail down a camping area. Trust me, there’s nothing I dislike more than biking all day and then having to ride around town looking for my team. If there’s any way possible, you will know your final destination before you leave Council Bluffs.

Monday, July 20 – 72.6 miles to Greenfield, where we will be hosted by Ralph and Erma Mitchell. We hooked up with the Mitchells after rider Judy Floy led them on a tour of Washington, D.C. They will also be hosting 14 riders in their house, but have ample shower facilities for us all. Dinner is on our own, but their land abuts the fairgrounds and is 3/4 –mile from downtown.

Tuesday, July 21 – 77.1 miles to Indianola, where we will be hosted by Bill and Sherrie Engel, parents of 2006 Coe graduate Chris Engel Fitzpatrick. The Engels are providing us with dinner and showers. They are located close to downtown as well. I’ve been looking forward to this stop since the route was announced.

Wednesday, July 22 – 44.4 miles to Chariton. Most likely we’ll be camping around the old armory (off 16th St. between Illion Ave. and Lucas Ave. It is close to showers, on the shuttle run, has porto-potties and some food options. There are no hook-ups for campers, but that only effects me.

Thursday, July 23 – 76.9 miles to Ottumwa, where we will be hosted by Mike and Janet Vinyard. Mike and Janet are Cornell graduates, but their son, Tim, graduated from Coe in 2002 and was a stellar quarterback for the Kohawk football team. They are providing showers and a grilled chicken dinner, but asked that we help with cooking and cleanup. The CoeBRAI standard is that when we leave a town, it looks like we were never there. I know this group will be no different.

Friday, July 24 – 75.5 miles to Mount Pleasant, where we will be hosted by Bitrus and Olabisi Gwamna, parents of Coe senior-to-be Duroje. The Gwamnas are accustomed to hosting large groups and will be providing dinner and showers. They are also located within walking distance of the town square.

Saturday, July 25 – 43.2 miles to Burlington. I will identify a spot for us all – you too, John Bowlin – to gather on the edge of town before making our descent, as a group, to the Mississippi. As we individually and collectively celebrate the accomplishment of biking across Iowa, this is the CoeBRAI moment that keeps me coming back for more. Don’t miss it.

We’ll then load up and high tail it back to Cedar Rapids for a mid-afternoon arrival.

Lastly, a handful of you still haven’t sent me the number of the cell phone you will have with you and also the name and number of your emergency contact. I will be handing out contact information to everyone so we can communicate on the road. If I don’t have your number, you will be left off the list.

A note about showers: our hosts have generously agreed to open their facilities to us. Let’s not abuse it. With 35 full-time riders, it would take six hours if everyone took a 10-minute shower. Please incorporate the five-minute shower into your training routine the next two weeks. I shave in the shower, and I’m still in and out in under five minutes, so I know it’s possible. (This does not apply in Red Oak and Chariton, where you’re welcome to linger in the cold shower as long as you like.)

Wear Your Helmet

2009-06-29T13:26:00.002-06:00

A Cautionary Tale

Saturday morning I went out for a ride, looking to get in some quality miles before the heat and traffic built up later in the day. Time is getting short before Ragbrai and I don't know if it's anxiety or a competitive spirit that's starting to kick in, but I sure don't want to embarrass myself on the ride. I had a good training ride and was just turning into my driveway when I hit a wet spot and as a result of wet pavement, algae and mud the bike went out from under me. I've taken a spill from my bike before, but what was shocking about this tumble was how fast it happened. I wasn't even going that fast, as I was turning into my driveway, but one minute I was on the bike and the next I was on the ground. No time for recovery. No time to try and protect myself. Just Boom! and you're wondering how you wound up on the ground. Fortunately, I'm fine. My helmet tapped the ground, I've got some road rash and I'll be sore for a few days, but it certainly reminded me of why we wear helmets. Don't ever ride without yours.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in a few weeks. In the meantime, I've decided that the best remedy for road rash is alcohol, internally applied.

Worst. Vacation. Ever.

2009-06-25T00:06:00.002-06:00

But enough about me.

Several things.

I received word that our jerseys are en route.

I've received word of a week-long cancellation, if you know of anyone.

I remind everyone that second installments are due July 1.

And, lastly, I haven't gotten nearly enough miles in this week but need to ride like never before.

I'd also like a place to stay in Red Oak and Chariton. How about you?

Mt Vernon Heritage Days Ride

2009-06-24T09:19:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for a group ride with a bunch of RAGBRAIers then the Mt Vernon Heritage Days Ride on July 11th is your cup of tea. It's a 35 mile ride with beautiful scenery. Taken from the ride description:
Riders will meet at 9 AM in downtown Mount Vernon. This ride will go from Mount Vernon through Lisbon and south on the Sutliff Road toward Sutliff and on to Solon. Riders are welcome to stop at Sutliff on the way to and/or from Solon if they wish. From Solon, the ride returns on the same route. Sutliff Cider opens at 11 AM, is biker-friendly and is a great place to stop on the way back. The ride will end back in uptown Mount Vernon. Riders are encouraged to stay and enjoy the Heritage Days' music, beer garden, and food vendors.
I will probably be working at Sutliff Cider that day and would love to see a few CoeBRAI jerseys stop by. You can find more rides and information here:
http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/calendar/calendar.asp?s=y&m=&date=7/11/2009

Heat Training

2009-06-22T12:58:00.002-06:00

Training report from Houston

Down here in Houston we are heavily into the heat training part of our schedule. The past two weeks have seen average afternoon temperatures at 95 degrees or hotter every day. If anyone wants lessons on how to sweat while on a bike, I am fully qualified. I am switching when I can to morning rides when it's only 85 (of course the humidity is 70 percent so I still sweat, but what can you do?) The only consolation is that when you get on a scale at the end of a ride, you register as a couple of pounds lighter than your real weight.

Early retirement?

2009-06-18T22:20:00.002-06:00

Yep, I just reached that magical number: 62. That's right - it's mid-June, and I've logged 62 miles so far this year. Between six weeks in Ireland and a hectic schedule when I have been home, the opportunities have been few and far between.

It's important, however, to keep in mind that riding is only part of the RAGBRAI equation. I'm happy to report that I did manage to more or less eat my weight in pulled pork in New Orleans last weekend, and I think I'm okay on the beer front, too. How bad can it be if I've met my training goals in two of the three critical categories?

Food, folks and fun

2009-05-31T18:57:00.002-06:00

I'm having the best year of my biking life, and not just because I'm logging more miles. I wouldn't trade this CoeBRAI experience for anything. The experiences we share and the friendships that develop are intensely rewarding.

Saturday night, for instance, I was able to have dinner with Gary and Gail Van Rooyan. Gary is an attorney in Houston who graduated from Coe in 1968. He and Gail are serious cyclists and really good people. As evidence, while visiting Cedar Rapids to visit Gary's daughter and celebrate a granddaughter's birthday, they made time to get together with me and my family.

Gary and Gail joined CoeBRAI in 2007, even though Gary was still recovering from a fall. Broken ribs as I recall. I was shocked to learn that, in addition to surviving Hurricane Ike in 2008, Gary suffered a serious bike accident. While biking in a group of 15, he was clipped by a semi hauling sod and spent a week in the hospital and three months in a wheelchair. Multiple fractures and a lengthy rehabilitation later, Gary is back on his bike and hoping to rejoin CoeBRAI in 2010.

While I remain accident-free (knock on wood), I can't imagine what it must be like to get back on the bike after such an experience. You are an inspiration, Gary, and I really hope you and Gail will join us again next year.

Today, I surpassed 400 miles on an awesome ride with 1985 Coe graduate and soon-to-be three-time CoeBRAI veteran Bob Untiedt. We ventured to Sutliff Cider, where we found fellow CoeBRAIers and Coe staffers Tom Hicks and Erik Albinson pressing apples. With stops at the cider company and Chameleons -- my favorite Mount Vernon eatery -- we covered 35 miles in about four hours.

I propose this as a group ride in the coming weeks. I'm in Wisconsin next weekend for a wedding and the following weekend is Coe's last June Reunion and Relay For Life, although my Sunday is open. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate Fathers' Day and the start of summer June 21. Any takers?

Training for Two?

2009-05-25T20:22:00.003-06:00

I've only gotten in on ONE Friday ride so far; a series of workshops and other commitments has kept me away from my bike at noons on Fridays. I miss the rides, and hope, now that classes have ended and May term is well under way, I can get in some Friday miles.

I am getting some miles in, however. My six-year-old daughter Willa and I have been commuting to school/work by bike. We have a tag-along that attaches to the seat-post of my bike. For those unfamiliar, her tag-along is a single wheel, handle bars and pedals. For the past week, we've been riding together to school, where we leave the tag-along locked up, then I ride on to Coe. We reverse the ride in the afternoon. It's about 14 miles round trip depending upon our route, but I wonder if I get to count double-miles if I'm towing 65+ pounds for some of those miles?

Ride on.

A century week

2009-05-25T16:27:00.002-06:00

How is your training going? I seem to be doing quite well, by my standards, although I didn't have the 100-mile weekend I hoped for. I did have a 100-mile week, though, and hope they'll continue, although Zach's baseball season opens tomorrow night.

I was able to ride to work and get in noon rides on the trail on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, accounting for 45+ miles. The weather forecast doesn't look promising early this week, although Thursday and Friday could be ideal.

I spent Memorial Day weekend at a friends cabin near Cascade, on the same brutal road to Bellevue that many of you experienced two years ago as I opted to drive under the guise of handling logistics. I'd like to think I've made up for it by biking 16.6 miles to Bernard and back after Saturday's rain and, mostly, 35.4 miles round trip to Cascade on Sunday.

I felt it this morning and nixed my plans for a breakfast ride to Bernard, but did bike 5.4 miles home after dropping the camper off to my mechanic. Much as I hoped and intended to ride at least 10 miles, rain clouds and wind convinced me to take the most direct route home.

So the weekend total was only 57.4 miles. For the week, 103.2. For the year, 363.5. That's six weeks ahead of last year's pace, when I totaled 378.8 miles (or so) before RAGBRAI. I've already surpassed 2007 (251.6 training miles) and 2006 (147.8). 2005's 380.3 miles should be topped by June.

RAGBRAI logistics

2009-05-18T20:54:00.003-06:00

Our applications have been accepted. Our jerseys have been ordered. Our overnight hosts are a work in progress as we continue to seek housing in Red Oak and Chariton. Housing request forms have been mailed to both towns, but if anyone knows anyone, send them my way. Not much left to do now but train (I’ve got 260 miles in; how about you?).

I thought I’d take this opportunity to spell out some logistical matters you may be wondering about. Our group is bigger than ever, so loading will be interesting. Anyone who is planning to have their bike shipped can certainly ship it to me at Coe. But if you’re shipping it anyway, it makes more sense to ship it directly to Council Bluffs and then home from Burlington. That way we don’t have to load it and haul it across Iowa. Shipping information is available here.

I’m going to assume that all of you are riding with us from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs and back to Cedar Rapids from Burlington, although I know that’s not the case for some of you. Please inform me of your plans so we can plan accordingly. I learned tonight that we’ll be picking driver extraordinaire Abby Masters up on the way out in Des Moines, so that will be our lunch stop. Others in the Des Moines area may also want to consider this option.

We will be having a spaghetti dinner/pre-load opportunity on Friday, July 17 at Coe. Dinner at 6 p.m. followed by loading of as many bikes as are ready to go. (Free for CoeBRAI participants and $7 for guests. Please let me know whether or not you can attend and if you’ll be bringing guests.) This really makes things easier on Saturday and provides an opportunity to get to know your teammates. Loading begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 17 at Eby Fieldhouse on the Coe campus with a planned departure of 10 a.m. Those flying in may want to know that we’ll shoot for a late afternoon return to Cedar Rapids on Saturday, July 25.

Housing may or may not be available at Coe before and/or after RAGBRAI for anyone who needs it. If you need accommodations, please let me know. In the past we’ve been able to put people up at Coe and I hope to offer that again this year. I just don’t know yet.

I know some of you are unsure what to bring, so here are some tips from the RAGBRAI folks, plus a few of my own.

Please put identification on everything you take on RAGBRAI. Lost items can be returned to owners.

Bicycle equipment: Helmet is #1. In four years of CoeBRAI, we’ve had zero helmetless riders and I have no intention of starting now. Bicycle shops can handle most any mechanical need you have (last year, my bike was repaired by the Iowa Conference football MVP), but you might consider bringing a small repair kit that includes a tire, spare tube, tire irons and small wrenches. (I've survived on spare tubes and chain lube. As long as you get your bike serviced before RAGBRAI, it should be good to go.) In addition, a rear view mirror, bike gloves, pump, bike bag, rain gear, bicycle lock and water bottles are necessary equipment. (Personally, I don't mess with rain gear. If it rains, I get wet or I get off. And a lock isn't really necessary either, from my experience.)

Camping equipment: You'll need a duffle bag (or, in our case, a 30-gallon plastic tub, such as the one pictured here), sleeping bag, pillow, pad, tent, ground cloth, rope, stakes and a flashlight. (A collapsible chair will also come in handy. It need not fit into your plastic tub, nor does your tent. The tubs are just a handy way to tote items from town to town and also offer protection from the rain. For extra protection, pack what you can in large ziplock bags. I have a small supply of tubs should anyone, particularly out-of-towners, wish to use them. With the number of riders, I’m going to be strictly enforcing the one-tub-per-person rule. On RAGBRAI, less is more.)

Toiletries: Pack a towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, shampoo, soap, razor, nail clippers, brush/comb, hair ties/barrettes, deodorant, mirror and toilet tissue.

Clothes: T-shirts, shorts, a jacket, pants, warm-up suit, underwear, socks, shoes, sandals, sleepwear, swimsuit and sweatbands/bandannas should get you through the week. (Two sets of biking attire are sufficient from my experience -- one to wear and one to dry out after "washing" it in the shower. Remember that you will be getting a CoeBRAI jersey and some of you also ordered a RAGBRAI jersey. Remember also that each overnight town has a t-shirt they would like to sell you. Be sure to bring padded biking shorts!)

First Aid: Pack aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, Band-Aids, gauze, tape, first-aid cream, lip balm, sun block (lots of it!), insect repellent (even more!), safety pins, special medicines, Campho-Phenique and sanitary protection with disposable bags if needed. (Chamois Butter before and during, Gold Bond powder after. Avoid this advice at your own peril.)

Miscellaneous: Bring an alarm clock, spare glasses, sunglasses, a scouting knife, camera, film, watch, earplugs (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Trains, rock concerts, civil defense sirens, etc., will inevitably disturb your effort to get some rest. Bring earplugs.), ID, money, traveler's checks, credit cards, journal, pens, pencils (who uses pencils anymore?), stamps, address book, several plastic trash bags for rain protection and zip-lock bags. Be sure to enclose everything in a water-tight plastic bag.

Or, just bring your cell phone. Service is usually epically spotty with the crush of people, and I expect nothing less in southern Iowa. But we will have charging stations available in camp. Please send me the number of the cell phone you will have with you and also the name and contact information of your emergency contact

Be careful out there!

2009-05-14T22:18:00.001-06:00

A fight over the road leads to a bloody mess at a Cedar Rapids Casey's.

Police say two brothers were riding their bikes on 8th Ave. SE this afternoon when a guy in a car drove up behind them and told them to get on the sidewalk.

The three men then pulled into the Casey's lot and the car and bicycles collided.

Jack Poohl, one of the men on a bike, then went to the car and punched in a window cutting his hand.

He told us he got a ticket for breaking the window and now he wants to know why the driver of the car didn't get a ticket for running into him.

He said, "The only reason I punched out the window was because I felt my life was in danger. If a cop had gotten hit, the cedar rapids police would have shot him."

The other man on the bike injured his wrist when he fell on the hood of the car.

Map my ride?

2009-05-12T21:25:00.003-06:00

I've been celebrating Bike to Work week by biking while at work. On Sunday I biked to Zach's baseball games in Lisbon. Monday Tom accompanied me on a train-impacted trail ride to Hiawatha, so I could make a bank deposit. Today was a joy ride on the southern end of the trail with Tom and Eric.

Forty miles over the last three days has me at 250 for the year. I've already surpassed my RAGBRAI training miles of prior years, and it's only May.

Tomorrow looks like a washout, but Thursday looks ideal. The usual Friday ride is a game-time decision. Saturday looks to be a nice day if anyone wants to get together. I don't believe I have anything scheduled.

On Sunday, I've got a high school graduation gig in West Liberty. That seems a good opportunity to rack up 45 miles. Anyone want to accompany me for all or part (to Ely, for instance, and then out of Ely)? More importantly, does anyone know of a safe route from here to there? I've tried Mapquest, but highways seem inevitable.

2009 Bike to Work Month/Week/Day

2009-05-01T12:28:00.002-06:00

Now that we're all official for RAGBRAI it's time to pick up the training. This year's Bike to Work Week is May 11-15 with Bike to Work Day on May 15th. Weather permitting, I'm hoping to saddle up for a brisk ride to and from CR that day. Should I pick anyone up along the way?

More information can be found here:
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/national_bike_month_guide.pdf

We're in!

2009-04-30T22:59:00.002-06:00

Anyone else get a similar e-mail tonight?

CONGRATULATIONS!

LONNIE ZINGULA,
your wristband number is:
120380
For more information on RAGBRAI logistics including bike shipping, airport shuttles, long-term parking and cross-state shuttles, please visit http://www.ragbrai.org/logistics.html.

We're in folks! Now we get serious.

I have loads of information to pass along, but not until everyone informs me of their jersey size and style. A little over half have responded.

By popular demand: Barenaked Ladies!

2009-04-27T21:00:00.002-06:00

You asked for it, John Bowlin, and RAGBRAI delivered. That's right, big guy. Your virgin voyage was nudity free, except for when you dangled on the fence at the pool in Missouri Valley. For 2009, RAGBRAI presents the Barenaked Ladies!

RAGBRAI participants are eligible to purchase a special all-weekend pass (to the sixth annual Mid-America Ribfest), which includes the Barenaked Ladies concert for only $10.

Barenaked Ladies were founded in 1988 and hail from Toronto. In their 20-year
existence they have recorded 10 studio albums, a live album, released a greatest hitspackage and sold more than 14 million albums. The band has carved a niche amongst
music fans with such classic songs as “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “If I Had
$1,000,000.”

The band is a favorite of Buffalo native and CoeBRAI champion Tom Hicks. I'm also a fan and consider this a vast improvement over last year's Mr. Roboto. That it opens the ride is an interesting twist, but we'll manage, I'm sure.

The concert is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on the eve or our 53-mile trek to Red Oak. In Council Bluffs, we'll be staying with Wyatt Yates, a 2006 graduate and alumni of the #4 wrestling team in the Division 3 nation. This will be a fun start!

The Pools of RAGBRAI: 2009 Edition

2009-04-24T09:37:00.002-06:00

Some of you asked for it, all of you get it. The pools on the 2009 RAGBRAI route have been plotted and ready to share with the world. Whether you're training for a triathlon (Katy), need a break from the sweltering heat, or want to find a way to "wash up" along the route cool pools of clear water can be the solution to many of your week-on-a-bike needs. Two of the benefits of wearing lycra for seven straight days is that it can double as a swimming suit and it dries quickly on the bike.
The pools are few and far between this year as might be expected but their rarity will afford them an almost oasis-like quality when you find one. In order to plan ahead, click on the picture above or on this link:
http://tinyurl.com/c24uw3

Ride with Lonnie

2009-04-21T22:48:00.002-06:00

Vacation day #2 and I logged a measly 2.6 miles (winds gusting to 50 mph at my back) home from the auto shop. I didn't get to ride with Phil on a windy and cold day that wasn't conducive to such pursuits anyway.

But the immediate future looks promising, and I'm going for it. If anyone wants to tag along, you're welcome.

Wednesday, 4/22 - noon to 2 p.m. departing from Coe. Sunny with temps rising from 58 to 62 and northwest winds at 15 mph. 25 miles.

Thursday, 4/23 - 4-6 p.m. departing from Ely with the boys. $2 Fat Tire special at the local pub. Partly cloudy with temps in the mid 70s and southeast winds at 20 mph. Distance to be determined.

Friday, 4/24 - noon ride departing from Clark Racquet Center on Coe's campus for as long as you can. Hopefully, I won't blow a tube this time. Isolated thunder storms and wind with a forecast high of 84! 10-20 miles, depending on your work status.

Saturday, 4/25 - if you happen to be in Sioux City, I'm planning a 10-12 a.m. ride before Zach's double-header. A few showers and a high of 59.

Sunday, 4/26 - back at home, I'll bike to Zach's games in Central City. 2-3 p.m. outbound. I won't make the round trip. Thunder showers and 69 in the forecast.

Where's Phil?

2009-04-16T21:55:00.002-06:00

Sutton, Nebraska according to his Web site. It's his third of five nights in Nebraska, which sounds painful. He'll only spend four nights in Iowa -- Sunday in Atlantic, Monday in Des Moines, Tuesday in Iowa City and Wednesday in Davenport. Details are lacking, but it now seems he'll leave Iowa City Wednesday morning. Since GNC is sponsoring the ride, I'm guessing Coral Ridge Mall or the Old Capital Center. I have the luxury of being on vacation, but if anyone else is available I would love some company.

Friday ride is on

2009-04-13T22:15:00.002-06:00

With a forecast high temperature of 70, our Friday noon ride is on this week. Anyone interested and available should meet at Clark Racquet Center at noon. We'll ride from there to and from the trail for about an hour.

Also, if anyone wants to join me riding with Phil Koeghan from the Amazing Race, let me know. I believe I had my dates wrong and he'll actually be riding out of Iowa City on Tuesday, April 21. I would love to have company on the early morning drive to Iowa City.

Amazing Ride?

2009-04-06T21:54:00.002-06:00

It's long past time for an update here and, since no one else has taken the leap, you get me again. If you haven't heard, Phil Koeghan from the Amazing Race is biking across the country to raise money for MS. He's scheduled to ride from Des Moines to Iowa City on Tuesday, April 21, and from Iowa City to Davenport on Wednesday, April 22. See the Web site for free registration info. Weather permitting, I'm tempted to escort him out of Iowa City.

Also, Friday noon rides from Clark Racquet Center at Coe will begin soon. The ride is on if the projected daytime high is 60 degrees and there's no precipitation at the time. We've also been invited to join the Lizard Kings on their Thursday night rides.

They usually leave Sammy's about 6:30 p.m. Thursday evenings and ride to The Red Frog and then to Jersey's and back down to the Chrome Horse. Some people make an evening of it. Others just meet and ride.

Saturday June 6 is the Miller Rock and Ride. I'll be out of town for a wedding, but it starts at the Chrome Horse. More info can be found on Bike Iowa at:

http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/calendar/RidePopUp.asp?m=&e=3723

On the road again

2009-03-16T21:24:00.002-06:00

The moons aligned Monday for the opening of my personal quest for a 1,500 mile year. That may not sound like much, particularly for those of you south of here, but only the hardiest Iowans -- and the unlicensed -- ride outdoors from October through March.

A year ago, I got a head start logging 70 miles outdoors while vacationing in Florida. Twelve miles on March 31 were my first of 2008. I didn't ride in Iowa until April 23.

The year before, I rode nearly 25 miles over the last four days of March -- seven meaningless miles within my 1.5 mile circus of comfort and the rest at Lake Ozark State Park in Missouri. My first serious Iowa ride was April 22.

So March 16 stands as a personal best, and that it measured 22 miles is perhaps indicative of my level of cabin fever. With temperatures in the high 60s -- and after returning late from a great rock concert in Moline -- a day off was in order.

Road avoidant this time of year, I took the trail north to its pavement end. It was windy, particularly on the return, but I'm not complaining. Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer, followed by the expected not-so-nice.

Vacation anyone?

The art of biking

2009-03-12T13:48:00.004-06:00

Little Bohemia, the beloved Cedar Rapids tavern that was the subject of a 1944 painting by 1914 Coe graduate and longtime professor Marvin Cone, is going on RAGBRAI. The reputed former hangout of Cone and Grant Wood remains closed while the owner works to recover from last June’s flood. Cone’s painting is on permanent display in Stewart Memorial Library at Coe.

And now, thanks to the skills of Coe graphic designer Christina Kroemer, it is featured on the 2009 CoeBRAI jersey. Christina’s jersey design has been submitted to Champion Systems and I’ve begun taking orders.

Each weeklong rider who was part of our group registration gets one free jersey. Please let me know what size and style you would like (long, short or no sleeve).

Anyone else is welcome to buy a jersey -- $60 for short sleeve and sleeveless, $65 for long sleeve. To place an order, go to our Web site and click on the “jersey order” tab. Sizing information is also available there. All orders must be received by May 15 and will be shipped, along with a complementary CoeBRAI license plate, by mid July.