Chris Miller

Chris Miller replied to the topic Ohio Riders???? in the forum Miscellaneous 4 years, 3 months ago

Thanks folks. I have the Ohio to Erie maps now. I appreciate the responses. The trail runs not far from my Grandparent’s farm site in Clinton County so I might do a side trip. I am contemplating a pre RAGBRAI training ride across Ohio.

Chris Miller replied to the topic Ohio Riders???? in the forum Miscellaneous 4 years, 4 months ago

I’m originally from Ohio but live in New Hampshire now. I’m planning on my fifth consecutive RAGBRAI this year.
I would strongly recommend RAGBRAI….something about the scale of RAGBRAI makes it so exceptional and unique. There is nothing like it. And I would echo FastEddy above and recommend using Pork Belly Ventures. I have used them every…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic 'Walking' through the towns in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 5 years, 1 month ago

lots of options for cycling shoes with recessed cleats. Not a problem.

Chris Miller replied to the topic Things Not to Miss on the 2019 Route in the forum Miscellaneous 5 years, 1 month ago

Avoca; if you like Americana, look up the Beetle spider there. Definitely a photo op!
Also in Avoca is Farmall-Land, what appears to be an extremely good tractor and farm equipment museum. It is north of the route but easily possible to get to.
Later in the week in Salem, also a meeting town, there is the Lewelling Quaker Museum…actually served…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic Things Not to Miss on the 2019 Route in the forum Miscellaneous 5 years, 1 month ago

Stuart Iowa is the site of a Bonnie and Clyde bank robbery. There is a sign on the bank building (apparently now a hair salon).

Chris Miller replied to the topic Fiasco in Sigourney in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 5 years, 9 months ago

I loved Sigourney….a very small town doing an especially able job of handling the RAGBRAI horde.
I encountered helpful and friendly people doing their best to make 15-20,000 people feel welcome.
We should just be thankful Iowa’s small towns open up their streets and doors to RAGBRAI.
It takes a lot of volunteer effort for which we should…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic Blue Grass Detour onto Gravel in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 5 years, 9 months ago

It wasn’t such a big deal. I just kept going on the main road and skipped the gravel altogether (sorry about that Blue Grass).
My final day wound up totaling around 75 miles with the miles to and from Pork Belly’s sites. 65 miles were excellent, wonderful riding miles…it was the nine miles after Blue Grass on the divided highway I could have…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic Pork Belly Ventures – Terrible this year in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 5 years, 9 months ago

I have used Pork Belly for three years. I wouldn’t do RAGBRAI without them. PBV has the experience to have thought out all of the logistics….their camp sites are generally excellent even if they sometimes require shuttle buses to get to town. PBV provides plenty of core services (showers, charging stations, access to vendors, bag hauling,etc.)…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic Day Six, full route. Thoughts? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 6 years, 2 months ago

My dream is complete…Riverside Iowa! The “future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk”. What a great bit of Americana.

Chris Miller replied to the topic Selling on Route in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 6 years, 3 months ago

I have two years on RAGBRAI so far….I have often wondered about whether some vendors wind up with a life time supply of something or other having set up in the wrong place. Here a couple of observations…set up on the right side of the road (the left being the higher speed cyclists and it is often not as easy to just pull off)….never set up…[Read more]

Chris Miller started the topic Ride from Lansing to Minneapolis on July 29 in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 6 years, 11 months ago

Is anyone aware of charter buses or other rides from Lansing to the Minneapolis airport at the conclusion of RAGBRAI. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Chris Miller replied to the topic in the forum Chris Miller 7 years, 2 months ago

Well here is a liberal who is all about free speech. It is the essence of what makes truly makes this country great (it has always been a great place by the way). I would agree that the views expressed by the Iowa politician are reprehensible and ridiculous. But he is just one person who happens to have a pulpit. Ironically the spirit of RAGBRAI…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic Food Vendors in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 7 years, 2 months ago

I found myself craving “fresh” food…. a good salad….corn on the cob….even good pasta. A church last year had the usual but very good lasagna, along with freshly boiled corn, and decent bread. Excellent and much appreciated. The pie tables helped.
Two of my riding friends still marvel at simple fresh things like tomato sandwiches at one…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic orange city town. in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 7 years, 3 months ago

I’m a New Englander and a second year RAGBRAI rider. One of the great features of RAGBRAI is the energy and hard work towns along the way, especially overnight towns, put into hosting the hordes that descend on them. Orange City looks like a fascinating town, connected to its heritage and already putting the work in. Check out their…[Read more]

Chris Miller started the topic Transportation from and to Minneapolis airport in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 7 years, 3 months ago

Does anyone know of charter transportation options to the airport in Minneapolis/St. Paul? My options for flying home at the end of this year’s RAGBRAI are much better if I can get myself to that airport. Any help is appreciated. Thanks much.

Chris Miller replied to the topic What about your experience/training will change? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 7 years, 6 months ago

Thinking ahead to my second RAGBRAI:
1. Pack very light….very light.
2. Do a better job of finding fresh healthy food….and eat daily pie.
3. Skip the big vendors….give my business to the locals, church groups, scouts, small vendors, etc.
4. COMMIT mentally to riding the optional century loop
5. Talk to lots of people on the road…lots…[Read more]

Chris Miller replied to the topic Lance Armstrong Riding in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 9 months ago

Let’s keep in mind Lance Armstrong made his legend on lies and ruining anyone who got in his way. I am glad I did not see him on an otherwise great RAGBRAI.

Chris Miller replied to the topic WELCOME TO LEON IOWA! in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 7 years, 11 months ago

Thanks for asking! As a first timer, I am mostly looking forward to the much reported Iowa hospitality….of course cold water, and food that speaks to its Iowa roots.
I do like the idea of supporting local folks…so I will stop by on my way into Leon. We appreciate the effort put in by the communities along the route.

Chris Miller replied to the topic Gravel Loop???? in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 8 years, 2 months ago

I am a RAGBRAI first timer….find this whole thing fascinating. I am especially intrigued now by the references to Beekmans. Sounds like a pilgrimage destination worthy of the gravel loop. Can someone fill me on what exactly Beekmans is?

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