garywilk
- Active 1 hour, 12 minutes ago
garywilk replied to the topic Shuttle from end -> start in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 hour, 30 minutes ago
This is a fairly standard thing. There are several shuttle services from the end town to the start town and they have camping Friday night and some will even transfer you Friday night to the start town and then you camp there. Also week long parking for a fee with several hundred if not thousand people doing this0. The best thing is to pick a…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Where do i charge my cell phone? Where can i get a shower? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 hour, 39 minutes ago
I hate to give away too many Ragbrai tricks but there are usually outlets along the way. Just bring you 110 charger with you and all times and you will find a plug. Also google or other venders have promotions with free charging along the way. The better secrete is look for water parks. Usually they charge 5 for swimming that includes a free…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Support Vehicle Route in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 hour, 47 minutes ago
They have always had a really good map for the support drivers. They also have a meeting on Saturday around the Expo where they give out a lot more info. I think this year will be a good year since it will be the larger towns and they have better roads between towns. Uncle Kraig is right, just hang in there. All will be good.
garywilk replied to the topic Home Stay's in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 hour, 50 minutes ago
Just to add a bit, there are always opportunities out there and if you can take advantage, do. That is part of Ragbrai looking for them. The man running for Gov. last year was pouring free drinks so we were always looking for him. Usually several people handing out free something along the way. Stop and enjoy. Talk with them for a bit and buy…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Home Stay's in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 hours ago
I remember 8 or 10 years ago, I walked past a bank at 9PM and it said 95. I was in a tent that year and just went back to the bar and had some or a lot more. Not sure exactly if I passed out or went to sleep but remember my brother waking me up at 6:00 saying “you ready to go” After a cup of jo, water, and a bagel, yep, lets go. A bit older…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic How to better motivate "bandits" to register in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
Been a rough day and sorry for some of the negativity. Overall I have no issue with a few last minute riders jumping in where their plans have changed or a local rider just jumping in because it is coming close to their location. Please join us for the fun. I just have an issue with others that make the decision not to pay several months ahead…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic How to better motivate "bandits" to register in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 7 hours, 11 minutes ago
Ragbrai does supply many services like you mentioned and you may not use them all and may only enjoy the improved safety of the police diverting traffic like you mentioned, it is still a service that they planned and pay for. These bandits are steeling a service of the police, EMS, Entertainers, and the list goes on. If everyone signed up, the…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic How to better motivate "bandits" to register in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 10 hours, 1 minute ago
I agree that they just supply flimsy excuses of being a thief. People spend time organizing the ride, pay EMS, police and others to insure your safety, also pay entertainment and several other for things that make this such a great ride. I do wish they would say under 18 a 50% reduction or a family package. I wish all the venders and local…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic First Day of Riding is ? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 day, 7 hours ago
I think this year may be the year with a good dip sites at the start and end. In years past, the start has been a bit of a hit or miss. The start will be where you can dip the back wheel into the Missouri river. With this being your first year. Do the dip and take a picture of your son.
garywilk replied to the topic Home Stay's in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 days, 7 hours ago
One of the best parts of RAGBRAI is eating and new places. Finding a local bakery for breakfast or Dutch letters. A bar and grill in a pass through town. A German church for a real German meal at the overnight town. Other churches or organizations for other great meals. Amash pie and Ice cream that may of come out of a cow the day before.…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic 2023 Overnight Towns in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 3 days, 9 hours ago
That day is going to have several issues. There will likely be a lot of car traffic bringing one day riders around. Ames and Des Moines will be packed. Also it will be a relatively easy day which will bring more riders out or at least more novice riders. Same thing the last day to Davenport with it being a Saturday. One lane of traffic will…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Ride The Rockies 2023 in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 weeks ago
Stage 3 does not look like much like a joy ride either. A lot of elevation. Us flat landers do not like much over 8000. A lot of huff and puff. My brother wants us to do both this year and like you said Old people, I retire next year and will have a bit more time to do both. I just need to determine how much I want to barter with the wife and…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Miles needed? How many hill miles? in the forum Training 3 weeks, 3 days ago
It has a bit to do with miles but anyone with a bit of riding, and a reliable bike can do it. The other pluses are equipment. Good seat, tires, pedals, and shoes. If the bottom hurts, just stand up and start stepping.
garywilk replied to the topic Any hammock campers? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
I have not done it but see them everywhere. My adult kids love them and use them often. There are usually more than enough trees but do have something that can keep the rain and dew off of you and your stuff. Last year had the smallest overnight towns but there always seemed to be enough trees. I think if you ask the locals, they would let you…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Rented RV for RAGBRAI L in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Don’t want to give too many secretes away but here are some. As soon as they give the overnight towns, check for campgrounds if you really want an electrical hook up and make a reservation. They usually have one or two each year close to things. You will pay a bit but have an electrical hook up if wanted. There may be some a little farther out…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Rented RV for RAGBRAI L in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Parking an RV is not an issue. RV’s usually space out and parking are in about five different areas in each overnight town so there is a bit of room to spread out. You may find one or two nights if lucky to have an electrical hook-up. They have water fill and sewer dump sites along the way or in overnight towns. In the parking areas, there…[Read more]
garywilk replied to the topic Charter back to Start Tow in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 months, 2 weeks ago
OOS and several others also have service from end to start both at the start and at the end of the ride.
garywilk replied to the topic Home Stay's in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 months, 3 weeks ago
It will likely be much later and likely each overnight town with have their page to get specific home stays or special camping or parking spots.
garywilk replied to the topic No Food Between Towns on Day 1 in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Iowa craft beer tent has there tentative locations for day one. If there is a law, they may have an exemption or permit for that day.
garywilk replied to the topic Informal Poll: What time will you start riding on Wednesday, the 103 mile day? in the forum RAGBRAI XLIX – 2022 6 months, 3 weeks ago
I always do the century and have done several others than RAGBRAI but 2012 was one of the worst. Very hot, I think 108 miles and several steep hills and head wind. I went through about 20 water bottles and the first time I learned about pickle juice. It is just not about hydration but also replace some of the different salts you sweat out.…[Read more]
