Day 2: Atlantic to Carroll

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

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

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!