by transitionsiyviyg |
July 28, 2011
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Today’s ride began with wind and rain, but cooler conditions were a welcome change from the intense heat we have experienced thus far. The route measured 59.7 miles, and ascended 3202 feet. It seemed as though there was no flat land on the course at all. We were either riding up or down hill all day long.
Today I saw two riders dressed as Elvis, a team of women riding with thongs over there bicycle shorts, and a tandem recumbent bicycle with a cover that made it look like a giant banana. The town of Colfax had an amazing ice sculpture in the shape of the RAGBRAI logo, and Baxter had a double level dunk tank made out of old toilets. The sights along the route help to take rider’s minds off of the pain from the long ride.
My favorite part of RAGBRAI is rolling into new towns. The citizens sit along the street in lawn chairs, welcoming incoming riders. They clap, ring cowbells, and thank everyone for coming to their community. They seem genuinely happy to have the rolling circus in town for the day. It makes me feel like a professional rider when I see the streets lined with children sticking their hands out to get a high five as I pass.
Churches, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and members of local government all take advantage of the opportunity to raise funds for their towns. They sell baked goods, water, t-shirts, and souvenirs to riders. Today I saw a stand that was selling food and Gatorade to raise funds to drill a well for a town without water in Tanzania. RAGBRAI allows these tiny communities, most with less than 1,000 residents, to raise money for things they truly need.
