I guess I don’t know what you mean by “bagging”. Are you referring to self-contained or using the RAGBRAI baggage truck?

Please help spread the word for our team. We have room for more bus passengers to Glenwood,IA & from Muscatine,IA for RAGBRAI. Our bus leaves from Maple Grove, MN on July 23rd & returns July 30th. If interested, email mamaloon@juno.com Thanks! Mary

haven’t bagged RAGBRAI, ridden with the Skunks for 33 of the 34 one’s I’ve done. I would consider to the start or home maybe if I didn’t have so much stuff to deal with (50-60 or more chairs, 5 coolers,…) Really I would just bag across Iowa some other week, we did 610 miles in 10 days in Minnesota last June. Changed up the route one and some of the planned overnight towns so it was nice to have that option.

My son and I are pretty catholic ((especially of a person’s tastes) including a wide variety of things; all-embracing.
synonyms: universal, diverse, diversified, wide, broad, broad-based, eclectic, liberal, latitudinarian;) about how we do RAGBRAI and have done the self-contained thing a couple of times and plan to do it again this year.

Its a nice change of pace and, believe it or not, simplifies the experience.

We’re not expert baggers or touring riders but can probably answer some of your questions.

I like having my panniers with me and they’re usually pretty heavy. That’s how I typically bike and I don’t change it up because of RAGBRAI. I am part of team, we have a bus & support drivers so I don’t actually have to ride self-supported with camping gear but am usually weighed down with an extra 20-25lbs. I also don’t just ride from point A-B full speed ahead either though, but enjoy stopping at all the pass thru towns & seeing the scenery along the way.

http://www.axiomgear.com/news/tag/axiom-panniers/ But it looks like the rear ones I have from them are discontinued, the Cartier DLX is the closest. Front ones are… something else, cant think of the brand right now. They hold the tent, ground cloth, rain fly, poles, stakes. Cloths went in back, thermarest and sleeping bag on rear rack. Modified a trunk rack for the front rack to hold camera, maps, sunscreen, bug spray, wallet, phone.

Jandd is what I have for the front. these look to be close. http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMP

In 2014 I rode with 2 side panniers and one behind the seat (recumbent) loaded down not with camping gear but an electric guitar, amp, and various rhythm instruments. Weight of the bike and equipment was around 65 lbs and except for the rainy day carried it every day. My friend John did the same and we would stop in the parks and play for whoever was there. In one town the mayor came over and joined in on harmonica. In another we had a trumpet and banjo show up. Once you come to terms with not traveling light a whole new world opens up. And don’t forget those guys from Colorado who ride with a grill, cooler full of beer and steaks, liquor cabinet and kitchen sink. Anyone recall what name they go by?

dalebob, Team Badboy.

@Jeff – I have never bagged any ride, but my brother(an expert bagger) and I are leaning toward bagging this year.

@dalebob – You sound like a lot of fun. I hope we catch an impromptu show.

Here is a link to image of my Recumbent Trike set up with rear panniers on both sides. You might notice in the image I also installed a non standard top rack where I can haul additional gear and I have a have a bag behind my seat as well that has a water bladder and drinking tube. You might have seen me on Ragbrai last year as I usually wear a Water Melon Helmet. About two years ago I was on a different style trike and went with PBV.

I am also trying to learn to do Ragbrai differently. Maybe I will see you out there this year. If so say HI!
Here is the link:
http://www.pbase.com/comicdom1/image/161018761/large

Jason

dalebob: In 2014 I rode with 2 side panniers and one behind the seat (recumbent) loaded down not with camping gear but an electric guitar, amp, and various rhythm instruments. … In another we had a trumpet and banjo show up.

Hey, I caught that show and loved it! One of you wore a sparkly gold vest or jacket and a top hat that year and last year wore it again and traveled with a couple of “babies” in pink, right? Loved that too! If you put the band back together and need a bass player let me know.

There will be baggers.

RIDE RIGHT

Sandaltan that is a great shirt. If it wicks away moisture I want one LOL!

Are you going to have them for Sale at Ragbrai? I hope I see you again this year!

Jason

KenH: Yes, that was John in the vest and sparkles. This year we will be back and he claims to have found a new and even more interesting piece of headgear to wear. We are planning on bringing guitars again this year so look for us. A bass guitar is of course always welcome!