Bentongoing
- Active 3 years, 10 months ago
Bentongoing replied to the topic Questions from a first time RAGBRAI rider… in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 3 years, 10 months ago
1. It’s NOT a race – at least I’ve never seen a winner announced.
2. This will be my 9th, and I confirm – it is a blast!
3. I do this alone EVERY year. But I do use Brancel Charters, both during the ride AND to transport me, my trike, and my equipment from the ending town (Clinton) to the beginning town (Lemars). Then I just pedal my butt back…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic GOBA 32 – 2020 in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 years ago
I’ve done GOBA 7 times. There is no question it is a different experience than RAGBRAI.
But it is a pretty good event, well organized, not as hot, and the shower trucks are included with NO LINEUPS!
I really like the logistics (same start/end, and the optional loops – altho I’ve always ridden on optional days). And they keep the last day short -…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic Smaller rides and competitive forces. in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 years ago
I’ve done GOBA about 7 times – Great training ride as it is (or at least has been) much less demanding than RAGBRAI.
Much smaller (limited to 1,500 and last couple of years has been in the 1,300 rider range) and shorter. Even with the 100 mile loop I think it was only 430 miles last year, but it does change every year.
Very well organized, but not…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic Heat concerns in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 years, 4 months ago
Fear not!
It is amazing how everyone watches out for everyone on RAGBRAI. If you pull over to the side, within 10 seconds you’ll have someone asking if you’re ok. Just don’t make the mistake I do, and say “I’m fine”.
Instead, say, “I could use some help”.
It’ll restore your faith in humanity!
Bentongoing replied to the topic Heat concerns in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 years, 4 months ago
2012 was memorable! I did the Karras loop, but I was on a trike 6″ off the pavement!!!!
And the last 20 miles I don’t recall seeing any water stations – perhaps I was delirious!
Bentongoing replied to the topic How to get there from Toronto? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 years, 8 months ago
Alas, I’m not going this year. But for the past 7 years I’ve been driving down by myself from Orangeville. I only drive to the ending town (Keokuk this year) for Friday night which is 11 hours or so, and then take Brancel Charters to the starting town on the Saturday.
Then I just hop in my car after the ride and get back home on the Sunday. It’s…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic 2018 Hills in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 5 years, 8 months ago
It’s just a hill.
Get over it!
Bentongoing replied to the topic Overnight Town Bands in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 5 years, 10 months ago
I wonder if J C Fogerty is still touring. Some CCR would be VERY popular I think!
Bentongoing replied to the topic Ragbrai or Goba in the forum Miscellaneous 5 years, 11 months ago
The weather is a little more comfortable – mid-80’s daytime highs (on average). Usually a day or two of rain.
And not the major logistical event that RAGBRAI is. I don’t think I can overstate the convenience of starting and ending in the same town. WAY EASIER!
Last year was FLAT! I think less than 2,000 feet for the entire week! This year…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic Ragbrai or Goba in the forum Miscellaneous 5 years, 11 months ago
I’ve done GOBA a few times, in fact I’ll be doing both GOBA and RAGBRAI again this year.
The logistics of GOBA work out much better, starting and stopping at the same location. Also, on two of the days, you don’t change campsites. It is limited to 1500 riders, so a lot less commercial. And easier on the budget! The shower trucks are included…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic What Bike Do You Have? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 6 years, 9 months ago
Mich – you will LOVE the Catrike! Especially this year, being pretty flat!
Since it’s red, I suspect it’s an Expedition. I HIGHLY recommend upgrading the tires to Kojaks! Unless you do some unpaved rail trails.
Bentongoing replied to the topic Biking etiquette, common sense and not being stupid. in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 4 months ago
I would like to add my two cents.
If someone calls out “on your left”, PLEASE DON’T look over your left shoulder to see what’s coming! Invariably, this will cause your bike to move to the left, directly into the path of the faster rider.
Most important in my mind is to hold a straight line. No sudden moves!
Bentongoing replied to the topic First Timer from Canada! in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 6 months ago
Wow! I’m even learning stuff. Amazing people – but then, why am I surprised? If ever you need your faith in human nature restored, ride RAGBRAI. Everyone you meet is at their best. Kind, helpful, honest. Even makes a skeptic like me hopeful for the future of the human race. (But it’s a ride, not a race)
I use one of those battery charging…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic First Timer from Canada! in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 6 months ago
Ken – Not true! I was chased by a corn bear once! Scariest moment of my life!
Gotta keep the legends alive!
Bentongoing replied to the topic First Timer from Canada! in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 6 months ago
Julie – are you using a charter? I have used Brancel each time, both to get from the ending town to starting town AND for luggage/camping support. Great people!
Highly recommend them.
You will have a blast!
And I’m sure you are the ONLY person with a bike tattoo, so you’ll be easy to pick out.
I’m in south western Ontario and there are quite a…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic First Timer from Canada! in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 6 months ago
1. Iowa is not flat.
2. Americans only know the first two words of our national anthem, but sing both of them when they see our flag.
3. There is a LOT of corn!
4. Best 7 days you’ll ever spend.
5. It gets really hot in a kybo. We call them port-o-pottie.
If you see a guy on a red trike with a Canadian flag. Stop and say hi. This will be my 5th…[Read more]
Bentongoing replied to the topic More Words of Wisdom From My Daddy in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 8 months ago
And just to make this thread relevant;
What goes down on RAGBRAI will eventually come up later in conversation.
Bentongoing replied to the topic More Words of Wisdom From My Daddy in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 8 months ago
The only other wisdom I can share;
There are two strategies to use when arguing with a woman…neither one works.
Bentongoing replied to the topic More Words of Wisdom From My Daddy in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 8 months ago
If either of you see a guy on a red trike, with a Canadian Flag on it, stop me. We’ll ride to the next town together and I’ll buy you a beer. We can talk about what kind of ons we’ve experienceed. And I shall count it as “A good day”!
And just to add, the fools will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
Bentongoing replied to the topic hear's the game plan on the ride. whats your's in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 8 months ago
Amanda! Have you a death wish??
Maybe we should have a POST RIGHT policy as well as a RIDE RIGHT!
