The Good
RAGBRAI for pulling off such and event
The Host towns for making such a huge effort and making all of us feel welcome
Hawkeye Hospitality which was never in shortage during the entire trip
The Farmer who passed out ice cold water on the first day and the only time I did not see him smiling is when someone tried to give him money.
The countless farms that turned into flash mob rest stops for weary from the heat riders and provided shade and water
The lady that took my daughter under her wing when she was green around the gills and helped without being asked and only wanted a thank you
The couple above St Anthonys that provided one of the most memorable rest stops and saved a ton of riders from heat stroke.
The support of fellow riders along the road
The 14 year old on his 3rd Ragbrai
Jack whom gave excellent advice on the bus to the start
The Crazy Loon lady giving out candy and sage advice on the road
The dream team for being awesome
The second graders in Cherry Hill park area were great helpers and your moms prepared a great meal baked awesome treats. Thank you
The Man who ate at our table in the Church in Marshallton and was searching for pecan pie, You sir are very funny and I enjoyed breaking bread with you
The farmer and his wife that were selling whole watermelons for 3 buck in Dayton
The guy with the Iowa flag proclaiming “last hill you made it”
The guy blasting the Hawkeye fight band music in every town he approached
The folks with the rocking horse
the family with the pony
And many many more

The Bad
The lady in Harry Potter glasses that called my 13 year old daughter a vulgar term in a very hushed voice so others could not hear your foul mouth and vile attitude while in line for a Kybo in PBV camp. As my daughter asked me “who says something like that to a kid”. Your attempt to intimidate failed as she was simply disgusted with you. But you provided me with an opportunity to teach a lesson for my daughter. I explained that she only needed to be next to you for a brief moment but you have to live with yourself every day. Enjoy your personal space, with your attitude I am sure you get it in boatloads.

The guy on the Cervelo that knocked a 14 year old off his huffy and hurt his knee. While the kid was visibly in pain he still finished not that you were concerned. If on a proper bike he could probally drop you (bicycle term) now our in the very near future. If I had been there I would have caught you and dropped you (street term) I hope you got you PR Strava boy.

The on your left Race Against Great Bicyclists Across Iowa crowd. If you were behind me and needed to go that fast to catch up you are not that fast. You were behind a 13 year old The tour de france is not calling and you have brakes, I would suggest you learn how to use them.I was always far enough right that I was never near you but I saw you put a bunch of folks in trouble with your demand of your little space

The Ugly

Every time I heard an ambulance I was sad, while inevitable that folks will get hurt I do not like it.

Global warming, cool it man

The current drought

The drive home

Losing my camera in Lincoln

Posted 9 months, 3 weeks ago ago #269237