I’m more excited about my first RAGBRAI than I’ve ever been about any other ride.
Only thing that really concerns me is that I’m heading out there alone and I’d really like to find my tribe! People to ride with, chat with, party or relax with in the evenings. Guess what’s eating at me is the concern that I’ll feel like I’m spending the whole week by myself with 10,000 other people rather than sharing an experience with friends.
So, is there any difficulty meeting new people or is this a ridiculous concern?
30 Replies
Strange markings on the feet, such as are shown in the avatar from the previous post, are optional. These markings are found on a comparatively small number of members within the tribe. While they appear to have ritualistic significance due to the uniformity of design and their mirror-image symmetry on individual members, their actual function and meaning is as yet unknown. One theory is that they are markings denoting a privileged subset within the tribe, although there is an opposing school of thought which posits that these are actually indicative of a lower and less-desirable class similar to the “untouchable” caste of the Hindu society.
-“BB”-
BB, more and more are joining that 2 stripe tribe. But even the evil 3 stripe, Keen-ly specked and pale-foot are accepted on the ride. Taking a close look at hands and feet can give you a cluse as to clan, as some clans include members of all 4 tribes.
When riding Ragbrai, your only alone if you want to be. Everyone is so friendly that you’ll want to do the ride again next year. It’s all up to you. Talk to people, ask them questions, join in, and you’ll have a blast. You will never meet a friendlier group. It’s a big part of what Ragbrai is all about. Hope to see you on Ragbrai.
I’m in the same boat as you, Greg! Can’t wait to meet 10,000 new friends!
Beebs, the most important tribal rule is: “What happens in the cornfield…stays in the cornfield.”.
RIDE RIGHT and see y’all in the cornfield.
:mrgreen: The bad thing is that I think my wife can even make corn talk when it come to me 8-O
NEVER trust corn. It can’t take the heat, it will pop in minute.
Steve
Maybe start a topic asking who from your area is going on RAGBRAI solo and arranging to meet up. Then you’ll have 2 topics in common to talk about the instant you meet up, RAGBRAI and your favorite ride routes in your home town. Make the meet up date either to start the 1st days ride or after the 1st day’s ride. You might form a new tribe by seeking out others not on a team either. And next year you can form your own team from your area.
Remember the words to the song: “I never drink alone, except when I’m by myself.”
First Ragbrai too! Going Solo as well…From AZ!
Set up by PBV, ready to get my ‘Let’s Eat” on and enjoy all the Beautiful Towns and People of Iowa and the rest of the Country.
just eat a lot of Pizza and start learning about Cuba, and you will fit right in.hehe
Glad to see so many first timers. Hopefully they become addicts like me…
First 3 years I rode with one or both of my daughters. Last year rode solo and I met ALOT more people. Never ate a meal alone. I miss my girls but not worried about riding solo this year. Next year my hubby and one of my boys and possibly both daughters will ride with me. It’s a great ride either way! Have fun!
“Who does one party with?” Everyone… Check out the town party, the beer tents or the local establishments. Basically, it’s all out there, just don’t EVER be afraid to say to the person next to you in line “hi, I’m ______” or to comment on something unique about their attire etc (that’s why they wear it, to start conversations).
Greg— its like you read my mind! my first time, too… dont know a soul out there, just hoping to get through each day successfully, and try to do some exciting things… i am overwhelmed at how much there will be to do!! i truly can not envision how this all works, but am looking forward to trying…