francoisvanzyl

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Can anyone get a response from the organizers? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 2 months ago

I may be wrong but I suspect TJ, being on top of everything RAGBRAI, will be sorely missed a lot more in the coming months.

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Virtually Impressed in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 3 months ago

PBV is setting up a Katy Trail ride in late July. Since I cannot go to Iowa, Missouri will have to do.

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Latest on TJ in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 3 months ago

Guys

TJ was good enough when he did a monster good job for RAGBRAI for 17 years. There is absolutely no need to smear / bash him now. I, for one, appreciate him for that.

Live and let live.

francoisvanzyl started the topic Pass through towns in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 6 months ago

I will be the positive one today.

With all this talk about postponing the ride and what not, did we get the detailed route / pass through towns over the weekend as expected?

For now I still hold out hope that by some miracle the ride will go on.

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Postpone RAGBRAI XLVIII to 2021?? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 6 months ago

As far as people from Texas are concerned, riding in Iowa in July IS riding in the fall. That is my 2 cents.

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Des Moines area team looking for additional members. in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 6 months ago

Paul

I may be interested — will know this week or next if my job situation will be such that I can do my 4th RAGBRAI ride. Do you have parking available in Des Moines?

fvz

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Does anyone ride a decent high end road bike? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 7 months 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 1 year, 8 months 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 1 year, 8 months 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 year, 8 months 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 2 years 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 2 years, 1 month ago

Ouch, that hurts

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic Best FREE Beer Stop ? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 2 years, 1 month 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 2 years, 1 month 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 2 years, 1 month 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 2 years, 2 months ago

Nice post Carbo Hut

francoisvanzyl replied to the topic What to pack that you cant live without in the forum Miscellaneous 2 years, 2 months 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 2 years, 2 months 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 2 years, 2 months 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 2 years, 2 months 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.

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