Mapping out a route I came up with 77 miles.  Pretty close.  Going to Brooklyn(city of flags), Victor, south and east to Williamsburg, south to Parnell, east on Black Diamond Rd to Windam home of the Black Diamond Roadhouse, then north up Coscrove Rd Hill.  Those who rode in 2006 will quickly remember that hill before coming to Coscrove and those who didn’t will soon discover it.   Then its east on F-46 to Camp Cardinal Blv just past 218.  North on there till Coralville then on 9th st making the way to St. Morrison Park.  And please try and leave the gazebo there intact this year.

was that the hill around the corner after the nice flat ride?

Yep it was.  Lots of walkers on that hill.  Its a direct left and no way to build up any momentum.  Coscrove was a great place to hang out before heading into Coralville.

It was really hot that afternoon. Cosgrove hill, seemed as steep as Potter’s Hill just much shorter. Just like Potter’s Hill,  I remember I ran out of gears early….  

i remember that one, turning that corner and thinking “who built a wall out here and called it a road?

verylastrider said: It was really hot that afternoon. Cosgrove hill, seemed as steep as Potter’s Hill just much shorter. Just like Potter’s Hill,  I remember I ran out of gears early….  

I don’t remember that specific hill, just a lot of hills that day. I do remember how hot it was the day we rode into Coralville!!!!

Is Cosgrove the little town that was a catholic church and two or three houses?

Yes Papa, that is Cosgrove.

mikeyia said: Mapping out a route I came up with 77 miles.  Pretty close.  Going to Brooklyn(city of flags), Victor, south and east to Williamsburg, south to Parnell, east on Black Diamond Rd to Windam home of the Black Diamond Roadhouse, then north up Coscrove Rd Hill.  Those who rode in 2006 will quickly remember that hill before coming to Coscrove and those who didn’t will soon discover it.   Then its east on F-46 to Camp Cardinal Blv just past 218.  North on there till Coralville then on 9th st making the way to St. Morrison Park.  And please try and leave the gazebo there intact this year.
a 25 year vet here I can pretty much guarntee your route is wrong. We will be heading s 146 to searsboro, then down the diamond trail through montezuma. then straight across to parnell, then 149 to williams burg, then the IWV  Cf 46 into camp cardinal. The last time It went from Grinnell to Coralville thats the route we took. I am almost certain that will be the route.

I’m not so sure about that, thats actually closer to 80 miles.  We will just have to wait and see.  I’m hoping for my route as I love to show off my favorite hill and tavern. 

I’ll always remember Cosgrove. Not because of the hill, but right outside of town was the first naked beer slide I ever saw on RAGBRAI. That’s not something one easily forgets!! And no I did not participate!!

Zinger said: . . . but right outside of town was the first naked beer slide I ever saw on RAGBRAI. That’s not something one easily forgets!!

So, I’m not far off the mark when I describe RAGBRAI to friends as a form of rolling Woodstock.

~ Kevin

Rolling Woodstock for sure on this route!

Gypsy Rose said:

So, I’m not far off the mark when I describe RAGBRAI to friends as a form of rolling Woodstock.

~ Kevin

I read a lot of hype from noncyclists bashing RAGBRAI for being a big drunken orgy that leaves a path of destruction in its wake. I’m sure that’s how some people described Woodstock. What I have found is that the worst of the drunken stupidness is often performed by the townies. We riders have a good time, watch out for each other, and are generally pretty considerate and thoughtful. That said, you can usually find whatever type of entertainment you want. It took me 5 RAGBRAI’s before I saw a naked beer slide and one was definitely enough!!

Zinger said:

Gypsy Rose said:
So, I’m not far off the mark when I describe RAGBRAI to friends as a form of rolling Woodstock.

~ Kevin

I read a lot of hype from noncyclists bashing RAGBRAI for being a big drunken orgy that leaves a path of destruction in its wake. I’m sure that’s how some people described Woodstock. What I have found is that the worst of the drunken stupidness is often performed by the townies. We riders have a good time, watch out for each other, and are generally pretty considerate and thoughtful. That said, you can usually find whatever type of entertainment you want. It took me 5 RAGBRAI’s before I saw a naked beer slide and one was definitely enough!!
When I think of Woodstock, I recall the images of a sea of humanity, including those who rollicked in the mud during and after the heavy rains (with and without clothes), turning the muddy slopes into massive slides for play.

For me, Woodstock represents the iconic gathering of the masses for the purpose of enjoying good times together. RAGBRAI represents a similar theme yet, instead of being stationary for a number of days with music as the central focus, RAGBRAI moves every day and is centered around the bicycle. The participants come from all walks of life. Their reasons for being drawn to the event are as varied as their numbers, but collectively they represent one of the greatest annual gatherings ever conceived.

Yep, I guess there will always be those who view Woodstock as a mass of writhing bodies engaged is an orgy of unprecedented proportions with destruction in its wake. But, I would venture to guess that there are greater numbers who remember it as a wonderful celebration of the joys of humanity at a grand scale.

That’s the connection that I make between that iconic rock concert called Woodstock and the annual celebration of RAGBRAI.

~ Kevin