francoisvanzyl
- Active 16 hours, 16 minutes ago
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Here is my packing list for RAGBRAI 2019. Thoughts? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 18 hours, 28 minutes ago
I don’t even own half of that stuff at home.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic How's the training? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 days, 12 hours ago
1440 Before today’s ride after work which should be 23 miles. It is on track with previous years so, as far as training goes, I should be OK. It is turning 60 that has me worried a bit. All of a sudden some new pains in new places are showing up.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Hills this year? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 weeks ago
Hills this year? There will be some, there always is. Wind as well.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Bike speed while training and/or on Ragbrai in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 3 weeks ago
I average anywhere between 14 and 17 mph on my alone training rides depending on hills and wind. On the 2 RAGBRAI rides I have done my average was 12.8 and I was comfortably able to keep up with the masses at all times thoroughly enjoying myself. As others have said, it is not a race, just be able to do it for 7 days in a row. I aim for around…[Read more]
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic I need ride. in the forum Looking for RIDES 2019 1 month ago
Leaving from Austin, TX on Saturday 7/20 may be cutting it a bit fine. We are probably leaving south Texas early morning on Friday 7/19.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Wrist band, bike band and rider guide Cedar Rapids Iowa. Will ship overnight 🙂 in the forum Looking to SELL Wristbands 2018 1 month, 2 weeks ago
I thought something sounded a bit off here — has anybody received their packet yet?
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Question about the Karras loop… in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 months, 1 week ago
In 2017 the day was actually 108 or so miles with the Karras loop. Somehow some people figured out exactly where the 100 mile mark was and an impromptu party ensued with random people stopping and enjoying the festivities under that tree. Music, beer, shots, dancing, the works. Stuff like this that makes RAGBRAI what it is. Do the loop — you…[Read more]
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Fat tire bike on gravel loop? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 months, 1 week ago
Watch this guy:
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Saddle suggestions-women in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Funny story re John Deere that still does not have a saddle for you. What is wrong with those people?
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Food prices in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 months ago
My experience — $50.00 per day should be fine if you do not partake in alcohol based festivities too much.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Join the Marine Corps parents' team, Da'MoMs in the forum Clubs, Teams & Charters 4 months ago
Marines only? I have 3 sons in the services (Air force, Army and Navy). The Air force and Navy guys have done RAGBRAI with me but unfortunately none of them will be able to this year. For some reason the military is not too worried about me riding bikes across states. I will be honored to ride with other military parents as well.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Any Austin Texas riders / team ? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Yep, a South Texas team will be nice. I am from San Antonio
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Electric assist bikes? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Live and let live. If somebody needs/wants an e-bike to get out there and ride, more power to them. I see e-bikes as a challenge — always trying to catch them going uphill — managed it twice.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic RAGBRAI Staff – Got me again 🙁 in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Actually the B&B could not have told you they were all sold out — that would have been a dead giveaway before the route announcement. No biggie though, all part of the fun.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Electric assist bikes? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 3 weeks ago
My claim to fame — I chased, caught and dropped a guy on an ebike going up a mile long hill the other day. Not a big hill and it was a big ole guy so that little motor had to work. I was very impressed with myself and he and I had a good laugh about it. Ride what you want as long as you have fun and it does not endanger anybody.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Sense of travel logistics in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 3 weeks ago
4 People in our party. We drive the truck with all the bikes and gear to the start town to get there Thursday night or early on the Friday before the event. We draw some straws and one unlucky sod has to drive the truck to the end town while the rest of us just hang out. We can do it one day later but why? Guy parks the truck in the end town…[Read more]
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Pork Belly Ventures – Terrible this year in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 10 months, 4 weeks ago
Had 2 bikes on the cross state truck with PBV in 2016 — both broken, minor but still. I had the distinct idea that they were manhandled a bit. IN 2017 we dropped the bikes and stuff off at the start town and only one of us drove the car across the state to the end town to catch the PBV bus back. Far from main camp ground true but not really an…[Read more]
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Best place to sell bike? in the forum Miscellaneous 1 year, 2 months ago
I sold a ti bike once and cried for years until I found one exactly the same on eBay one night at 2 am. Bought it on the spot so I suppose eBay is probably a good place to sell a bike if you absolutely have to do it.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Food? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 1 year, 3 months ago
Have done RAGBRAI twice and gained weight on both occasions — that is just how I wanted to do it.