Charlie S
- Active 3 weeks, 6 days ago
Charlie S replied to the topic The Thousands of Ways to Do RAGBRAI in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 5 months ago
This was my first RAGBRAI.
I decided to do it on a bicycle . . .
Charlie S replied to the topic Bath towels? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 6 months ago
+1 on the microfiber towel.
REI has a variety of sizes; the extra large is about $23 if memory serves.
Charlie S replied to the topic Bath towels? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 6 months ago
+1 om the microfiber towel.
REI sells a variety of sizes – the extra large is about $23 if memory serves.
Charlie S replied to the topic Training in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 6 months ago
I have half of this mileage and with work commitments, will struggle to put on even another 100 miles in the remaining time. I do have more than double this elevation however and and hoping that will help (RAGBRAI newbie angst)!
Charlie S replied to the topic Training in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 6 months ago
I have half of the mileage and with work commitments, will struggle to put another 100 miles on in the remaining time. I do have more than double the elevation however and and hoping that will help (RAGBRAI newbie angst)!
Charlie S replied to the topic Reccomendation for bike seat-Mens Road Bike in the forum Training 3 years, 7 months ago
I know this is an older thread, but in case anyone is still in need of a saddle at this late date, I can highly recommend a suspension-type over padded.
There are a number of these on the market, the oldest and most well-known being Brooks. The drawbacks to the traditional leather Brooks are weight and the lengthy break-in period. I have a Brooks…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Reccomendation for bike seat-Mens Road Bike in the forum Training 3 years, 7 months ago
I know this is an older thread, but in case anyone is still in need of a saddle at this late date, I can highly recommend a suspension-type over padded.
There are a number of these on the market, the oldest and most well-known being Brooks. The drawbacks to the traditional leather Brooks are weight and the lengthy break-in period. I have a Brooks…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic to helmet or not to helmet??? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
As a first responder (FF/EMT/RN), I fully support the right of both bicycle and motorcycle riders to forgo head protection – as long as they’re carrying a valid organ donor card.
Charlie S replied to the topic to helmet or not to helmet??? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
As a former EMT/trauma RN, I fully support the right of both bicycle and motorcycle riders to forgo head protection – as long as they’re carrying a valid organ donor card.
Charlie S replied to the topic to helmet or not to helmet??? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
As a former EMT/trauma RN, I fully support the right of both bicycle and motorcycle riders to ride without head protection – as long as they’re carrying a valid organ donor card.
Charlie S replied to the topic RAGRAI without long training rides in the forum Training 3 years, 7 months ago
Thanks to all for the helpful replies. I’m encouraged to hear that longer rides are helpful but that total saddle time is as important
I just looked at my ride log for the year and have 987 total miles and 95,049 ft of total elevation. I have exactly one 72 mile ride and two 40+ mile rides. The balance average about 25 miles each. I’m going to…[Read more]
Charlie S started the topic RAGRAI without long training rides in the forum Training 3 years, 7 months ago
RABRAI newbie question here.
I’m unfamiliar with training for a ride like RAGBRAI and am a bit worried because weather and work constraints have limited my ability to get longer rides this season.
While I ridden about 1,000 miles over 90,000 ft of elevation since the first of the year, nearly all of that are rides in the 25 – 35 mile range. Only…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Charter recommendations? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
Follow up from a first-timer.
I initially contacted PBV and got put on their waiting list, which at the time already had more than 15 folks. Tammy at PBV was very nice but after spending about 10 days on the wait list, things didn’t look promising. As I noted in my earlier post, Brancel was also so booked up but OOS and Riverbend both had (and I…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Charter recommendations? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
My situation is similar to the OP’s (first time rider, late to register for a charter). I’ve been on the PBV waitlist for a week or so and have had some dialog with the nice folks there, but unfortunately nothing has opened up. I get the sense that they are seeing fewer cancellations than in past years.
As far as the other charters, Brancel’s…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Cycling Shoes in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
I’m a pretty casual cyclist (less than 2k per year), so comfort and walkability are more important to me than pedaling efficiency. My suggestion is to go with SPD pedals and specifically models that are cleated on one side and flat on the other (e. g., Shimano PD-A530).
The SPD cleats fit in recesses in your shoes (or sandals if you choose), so…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Yet more newbie questions in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
Thanks to all for the replies and the suggestions.
Yet another newbie question however: How far will I have to carry my gear to and from the Register trucks?
I’m asking because I did a dry run with my gear this morning to make sure I didn’t go over the 50 pound limit. Everything comes in at about 46 pounds, so OK from the limit perspective but…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Yet more newbie questions in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
Thanks to all for the replies and the suggestions.
Yet another newbie question however: How far will I have to carry my gear to and from the Register trucks?
I’m asking because I did a dry run with my gear this morning to make sure I didn’t go over the 50 pound limit. Everything comes in at about 46 pounds, so OK from the limit perspective but…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Yet more newbie questions in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 7 months ago
Thanks to all for the replies and the suggestions.
Yet another newbie question however: How far will I have to carry my gear to and from the Register trucks?
I’m asking because I did a dry run with my gear this morning to make sure I didn’t go over the 50 pound limit. Everything comes in at about 46 pounds, so OK from the limit perspective but…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Yet more newbie questions in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 8 months ago
jwsknk: air pump for tires or mattress?
Sorry, should have stated “for tires.”
Like most riders, I almost always need to inflate my tires daily, if usually by not very much. I’m also an early riser and hope to get on the road by 0600 each day. The combination of the two leads me to be a bit anxious about not having the means to pump up and hit…[Read more]
Charlie S replied to the topic Yet more newbie questions in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 3 years, 8 months ago
jwsknk: air pump for tires or mattress?
Sorry, should have stated “for tires.” Like most riders, I almost always need to inflate my tires on a daily basis, if usually by not very much. I’m also an early riser and hope to get on the road by 0600 each day. The combination of the two leads me to be a bit anxious about not having the means to pump…[Read more]