Hi, I’m a Ragbrai newbie invited by a friend to participate this year. Unfortunately, I can’t ride the whole thing, I think I will only be able to participate in the Thursday leg.
My question is how do people handle day rides in terms of logistics? Obviously I’ll need transportation (presumably my car) at the end of that day’s leg, but how do folks normally arrange such things? Are there local vendors to provide transportation for day riders?
Thanks everyone for any suggestions!
8 Replies
I suggest you go to where the bike shops are set up in Marshalltown and ask the mechanics if one of them would drive your car to Cedar Rapids for say……….twenty bucks. If your friend is using one of the charter services ask the person in charge of the charter if there is someone available to move your vehicle for compensation.
RIDE RIGHT
That’s some good advice from Sandaltan. Other option to consider.
Since I’m assuming you live within driving distance to Marshalltown, you could park your car in Marshalltown, buy tickets to the Counting Crows concert in Cedar Rapids and have a friend meet you there for the concert Thursday night. Your friend could drive you back to Marshalltown afterwards and then caravan home.
Or, drive to Cedar Rapids, park your car and ride the route backwards until you hook up with your friend, then turn around and ride back to CR. Not the best option, but still an option.
Or, talk a non-cycling friend to come along for the day, drive your vehicle like a support vehicle, and party with you along the route, ending up at the concert in CR that night as an option. You probably know someone whose interested in experiencing RAGBRAI but not on a bike.
Thanks Big Bird and Sandalta, this is more complicated than I thought! :)
I think the Charter service is a great idea. What is even better with this idea is that all the charters put up signs on route once in town. If they park your car with the charter, all you have to do is follow the signs and find your car that way. I am sure Pork Bellys charter has enough people that one would be available to drive a car.
Kicks9
With a large charter like PBV, you might be able to find a rider who just wants to take the day off and drive your car!!!
I think that would be asking for luck though, if you contact PBV in advance they can more than likely tell you in advance who will drive your car that day.
Kicks9
funny how in one topic ( stolen )a rider is worried abut how to prevent the theft of their bicycle . And in this topic people have suggested giving your keys to a stranger and letting them drive their car.
Hey, it’s our free advice and his car, LOL!!!!!