francoisvanzyl
- Active 12 hours, 58 minutes ago
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Does anyone ride a decent high end road bike? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 week ago
I bring my 17 year old Litespeed Tuscany. It has been modified for the long haul — wider tires, stem shorter and a bit angled, Brooks leather saddle with enormous saddle bag. Typical older guy relaxed century bike — as you advance in age (I am 60+) and are not chasing speed anymore, a good Ti frame is invaluable.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Who here will be riding BOTH Iowa Ride and RAGBRAI? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 3 weeks, 6 days ago
I am with John Little here — you don’t like TJ’s ride, don’t do it. You don’t like RAGBRAI, don’t do it. You like both, do both. You don’t like either, don’t do either. Just quit the incessant whining. You guys are worse than my cat in the morning when we get up — drives me nuts.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Friday night tent camping in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 4 weeks ago
Yep, we did it in 2016 and 2017.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Texas Riders for RAGBRI 2020?? in the forum Gatherings & Meetings 1 month, 2 weeks ago
I would like to be kept in this loop as well since my team is going elsewhere this year. I have not decided if I am going yet — the route will determine that. I am a veteran of 3 RAGBRAI rides out of San Antonio.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic 2019's Ride– What will you change (for you) for next year's ride? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 5 months ago
I may sit next year out — I have done RAGBRAI 3 times with my sons (two south and one north so I have climbed enough hills in Iowa to last me a while, still need a central ride so who knows) and am thinking of doing the Mountains to the coast ride in North Carolina next year. A lot smaller at around 1000 riders so we will see — I like the big…[Read more]
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Lost Bike: 2018 Trek Domane SL5 Disc WSD, 54 cm in the forum Lost and Found 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Ouch, that hurts
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Best FREE Beer Stop ? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 4 weeks ago
As opposed to what? A bad free beer stop? No such thing.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Thanks T.J. and crew for another fun year. in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 4 weeks ago
And we got all of that for only $175.00. Amazing value. Now TJ, don’t get any ideas
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Observations about the ride in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 4 weeks ago
It took till day three for me to hear the RAGBRAI anthem — Sweet Caroline. Cannot stand that song but it has become synonymous with RAGBRAI in my mind and I actually missed it the first two days.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Vegetarian Food in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months, 1 week ago
Nice post Carbo Hut
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic What to pack that you cant live without in the forum Miscellaneous 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yep, that little fan is worth it’s weight in gold.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Feet Of Climb Variances in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Distance, feet of climb, wind, heat — none of it matters and will have any effect if you finish or not, it is after all RAGBRAI. Just have fun and go with the flow.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Flying in Sunday morning – getting late start in the forum Miscellaneous 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Gravel loop is on Sunday. That will add at least 2 hours for all who do it so you will be catching up with them anyway. You should only be ‘alone’ for a very short time.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Looking to sell six week long passes in the forum Looking to SELL Wristbands 2019 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Come on people, this family is facing some serious issues. Is it really necessary to try to stiff them on their passes? Those things cost $175.00 plus tax. The least we can do is pay them face value.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Haven't received packet yet in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months, 4 weeks ago
Just got email this morning that mine (ours?) will be at my house on Wednesday, July 3 so no need to panic yet. Late-ish but no matter, I have it before the last week in July.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Rain Gear in the forum Miscellaneous 8 months ago
When it rains I get wet. I am just more careful of the road surface being slippery. That works for me.
francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Here is my packing list for RAGBRAI 2019. Thoughts? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVI – 2018 8 months 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 8 months, 1 week 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 8 months, 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 8 months, 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]