Day 2 to Lake View

It was a hot one, even by RAGBRAI standards. Officially a 62-mile trek from Cherokee to Lake View became a 69-miler for Team CoeBRAI from the Country Club to the Dean and Nancy Stock farm. A few of our directionally challenged troupe took the scenic route around Black Hawk Lake. For me, a short detour to the pool in Sac City sufficed.

For dinner we pay tribute to CoeBRAI co-founder Tony Bata, the driver and chef in 2005 and 2006. We dispensed of the cooking duties under my watch, but we've made an exception for tonight. With our hosts tied up with volunteer duties and our camp located about a mile from town, we're serving spaghetti with my homemade sauce prepared in advance, frozen and hauled along for the occasion. Perhaps someone will post a review.

Tuesday brings an optional century with temperatures to match. For the less ambitious among us - me included - it'll be 81 miles to Webster City. It's officially RAGBRAI XL jersey day, but I haven't decided yet if I'll wear that hot, black number.

Until then, quitcherbitchin.

Country Club livin'

Just a quick note while I have momentary access to report we're all alive and well and enjoying the good life at the Cherokee Country Club. A short 54 mile ride from Sioux Center allowed for an afternoon of lounging in or by the pool. Lake View - and more reliable cellular service, we hope - tomorrow.

RAGBRAI or not, here we come

It's early, but 2012 is shaping up to be the best year yet for Team CoeBRAI #8. All 29 riders and 3-person support crew participated in Friday night's pre-load opportunity. As a result, the team departed from Coe 25 minutes ahead of schedule. Today's destination is Sioux Center, where RAGBRAI XL begins tomorrow. Memories await.