I’m one of those riders that leave at 6am. In fact the team support truck pulls out of the campground at 6am so the entire team leaves together. It’s a little crowded in places but I don’t mind the crowds so much as those riders who as Bicycle Bill describes as “have to ride all-out, balls-to-the-wall every time you swing your leg over the frame.”
  This will be my 3rd RAGBRAI and I’m not a real strong rider, (much better that the 1st year).  One of things I like about leaving early is that I can get about 35 to 50 miles ridden before the real heat and humidity of the day. I say 35 to 50 miles cause I make alot of stops along the way.  My fave places to stop are  to sit under gaint shade trees and talk with the farmers and the other riders are who sitting under the trees too. 
  Is It Summer?