Charlie S

Charlie S started the topic Help in arranging overnight support in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 6 months, 1 week ago

Greetings all. I’m really looking forward to RAGBRAI this year – last year would have been my 5th consecutive ride. I know that’s not very impressive in the grand scheme of things RAGBRAI, but it’s my longest cycling-related streak.
In the past, I’ve always used Argo-RBBC for my support, and to to anyone looking for a charter, you really need to…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic First timer trying to choose which bike to bring in the forum Miscellaneous 2 years, 4 months ago

You will be spending a week in the saddle, so Bring the bike that is most comfortable.

Like you, I have both road and gravel bikes (actually more of a combo gravel/endurance). I rode my Ridley Damocles on my first RAGBRAI because at the time, it was my only bike. Things went well, so well in fact that I added the Karass loop to my itinerary.…[Read more]

Charlie S started the topic Philly area riders? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 4 months ago

Any Philadelphia-area riders looking to share a ride to and from Keokuk?

Charlie S replied to the topic Two first-time brothers looking for advice. in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 4 months ago

Congrats and welcome to RAGBRAI. I lost my RAGBRAI virgin status (I’m sure someone will fill you in on this unique element) a couple of years ago but had many of the same questions as you before my first ride.

As Ashley indicates, the AF Cycling Team are ubiquitous at RAGBRAI and much appreciated by all riders. I’m an Army vet myself, so always…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic End town shuttle – Des Moines arrival in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 5 months ago

Doh! I was too focused on what I usually do. Uncle Craig, you are right, this time I want the to get to the start town since I don’t have a car waiting for me at the end of RAGBRAI.

Let me put the question another way: Is a charter with a Des Moines pickup the only option – there are no independent shuttle services from DSM to Council Bluffs (and…[Read more]

Charlie S started the topic End town shuttle – Des Moines arrival in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 5 months ago

Hi all. I have what is probably a pretty basic question that I’m sure lots of folks can answer.

In the past, I’ve driven from my home in PA to the RAGBRAI end town, then shuttled west to the start town. This year, I’m thinking about flying, which will mean getting from the airport (likely Des Moines – my carrier of choice does not offer fligh…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Saddle suggestions-women in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 5 months ago

I’m convinced that the most comfortable saddles for either sex are leather suspension type. I use a Selle Anatomica X and find it to be by far the most comfortable out of the many I’ve had over over the years. Second would be Brooks. Brooks also offers a non-leather alternative, the Cambium, that is pretty comfy but not quite at the Selle…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Way from Keokuk to Council Bluff in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 5 months ago

As Geoff said, the various charter services offer shuttle buses from the end town to the start, as long as you arrive in time for their early Saturday departure I’ve used Riverbend Bicycle Club /Argo for the past two years. I also used their week long support for camping and daily luggage & gear transport. I recommend them highly but from what I…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Elevations in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 6 months ago

I agree with this, but since I’ve only ridden RAGBRAI twice, take this thumbs-up for what it’s worth. If you are used to spending the day on your bike, in less than perfect weather, the hills, at least over the past couple of rides, are not terribly daunting.

RAGBRAI is really a series of fairly short rides of 20 or so miles. Like it or not (and…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Footwear Suggestions? Other gear? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 6 months ago

SPD pedals and cycling sandals. The recessed cleats don’t impede the hiking you will be doing at nearly every town and the sandals are cool (both literally and figuratively). Sandals are great in the rain and when it’s sunny, you get that distinctive sandal-tan on your lower extremities. I actually bring both shoes and sandals so I can have…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic First timer in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 6 months ago

First timer: I’m a relative newbie (this will be my third RAGBRAI) but I’ve always used a charter. What drove my decision initially was the one bag, 50 lb limit for the Register truck. You can easily keep to 50 pounds total but I found it hard to get everything (tent, sleeping bag, cycling gear, clothes, etc) in one bag. Most charters allow two…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Ischial bursitis – is RAGBRAI over for me? in the forum Training 3 years, 2 months ago

There are two parts to your question: One regarding the inflammation and the other about your seat. It looks like you’ve gotten some good advice regarding the first, so I’ll just comment on the second.

My recommendation is to at least try a suspension-type saddle. One response mentioned the Brooks B17. It’s a heavy but very comfortable saddle and…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Ride needed: MidAtlantic area to start town in the forum Looking for RIDES 2018 3 years, 3 months ago

Thanks for the responses. I’ve managed to find a ride to Iowa.

Charlie S replied to the topic Mountain bike style jersey? in the forum Miscellaneous 3 years, 4 months ago

Am I the only one who would rather wear a little more loose fitting jersey?

You’re definitely not alone. I often do the same, though I occasionally relent and wear one of the several tight-fitting cycling jerseys in my sports wardrobe.

For my lower half however, I ALWAYS wear MTB-style shorts. A form-fitting garment over a beer belly is one…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Ride needed: MidAtlantic area to start town in the forum Looking for RIDES 2018 3 years, 4 months ago

Bumping this – ride still needed.

Charlie S replied to the topic Ride needed: MidAtlantic area to start town in the forum Looking for RIDES 2018 3 years, 5 months ago

Thanks for the reply Rae – I sent you a PM.

Charlie S replied to the topic If not chosen by lottery, still obligated for merchandise payment? in the forum Miscellaneous 3 years, 5 months ago

I can’t answer the question about merchandise but can tell you that the odds are overwhelming that you will get a wristband and so needn’t worry about paying for a jersey and not being selected for the ride.

My experience with RAGBRAI is limited, but it seems very uncommon for anyone getting their application in before the deadline to not be…[Read more]

Charlie S started the topic Ride needed: MidAtlantic area to start town in the forum Looking for RIDES 2018 3 years, 5 months ago

Solo rider looking for a ride from the mid-eastern seaboard to the RAGBRAI end town (Davenport). I’m in the Philly area but could travel north to NYC metro region or south to the WDC area to meet up. Have just the standard gear (road bike plus two 30# bags). Can supply a Saris Bones three-bike rack if needed. Happy to share driving chores as well…[Read more]

Charlie S replied to the topic Sandals for Road Bike in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 3 years, 5 months ago

A second for the cheapo sandals from Nashbar. They are heavy, but functional and are my footwear of choice during the summer, especially if rain is in the forecast. I have the MTB-style pedals, so use the standard two-bolt SPD cleat and am not sure other styles will fit sandals though.

Sandaltan is a mark of distinction among discerning bike…[Read more]

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