Amanda said: My cable to my small ring broke off up at the lever this AM. I was actually doing my spinnerval workout. I think I’ll need a new cable and a trip to the LBS to get it fixed. How much will this cost?

My front derailleur cable broke at the same place during RAGBRAI last year.  I pulled into the first bike shop along the way and they fixed it for $15.  Of course all they did was replace the cable and do a quick adjustment on the derailleur – took about 15 minutes.  I imagine a local bike shop would charge about the same.  If you want a quick fix, that’s it.  But…

Thanks for all your helpful advice! I will be taking Sylvia in to my LBS and get her “the works”. She deserves it! She doesn’t give me trouble and I can depend on her to get me where I want to go!

I have Sylvia all loaded up and ready to go to the bike doctor in Sioux City. I’ll let you know how it goes. :(

Amanda said: I have Sylvia all loaded up and ready to go to the bike doctor in Sioux City. I’ll let you know how it goes. :(

My friend Sylvia, from London (England not Kentucky) is doing RAGBRAI this year with Team Dirty Martini!  Maybe she can translate for me (I can’t understand a word that H.H. says)!

Is a parking permit needed for saturday before the right? How about a wrist band for camping saturday night?

Parking permits are required at organized lots unless you can make other arrangements.  Wrist bands are not checked at camping locations.  In my experience, the only time anyone has ever checked my wrist band was at the entrance to beer gardens.

That first Saturday, depending on the town, they may be checking passes to help direct traffic to the right campgrounds but probbably not with all the busses and cars dropping people off. Some overnight towns check and only let those vehicals in.
The sag wagon checks wrist/bike band if they pick you up. A few (very few) vendors will have wristband discounts. Some town shuttles will want to see them but most these days sell their own.

I would be nice if the wristband actually meant something.  I would pay the money anyway, but, well,  you know,…..the whole bandit thing. 

Davy Sprocket said: I would be nice if the wristband actually meant something.  I would pay the money anyway, but, well,  you know,…..the whole bandit thing. 

 

What Bandit thing?

Yeah, all beginners should know that bandits are not welcome on the ride and they can expect a stick in their spokes.  Ouch!

Davy Sprocket said: Yeah, all beginners should know that bandits are not welcome on the ride and they can expect a stick in their spokes.  Ouch!

I guess that’s better than a spoke in their sticks!

I received a discount (for my wristband) at 3 souviner(?)  vendors last year. But it saved me no money on my beer purchases….oh well!

Amanda said: I have Sylvia all loaded up and ready to go to the bike doctor in Sioux City. I’ll let you know how it goes. :(

We’ll all keep our fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

Not sure how this turned into a bandit discussion, as I was mearly asking about the saturday before the ride.

Sounds like if I have someone drive me there it shouldn’t be too much trouble to have them spend the night in the tent with me.

robinett2 said: As a 1st timer also, I am looking for a charter service.  I see you guys are talking about services, but didn’t say what ones.  Can you give a recommendation?

I would recommend Bubba’s Pampered Peddlers. My mom and I rode with them last year and I really liked him and all the other workers.