GORDON BROWN
- Active 1 year, 10 months ago
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Connected. Is it possible? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 4 months ago
Like Amanda said, you’re on vacation, drop off the face of the earth for a whole week, jeez. I own an agency, and basically I just tell them from Saturday night to Saturday night, act like I’m on the moon as far as contact ability. Send me a text if you must, I won’t reply until in the tent that night at best. I like to stay in the Ragbrai…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic What are you riding? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 4 months ago
Still on the fence. I’ve done 2x on my 2012 Cannondale. Upgraded it to 2016 105 groupset this year for Ragbrai, but have been riding my Salsa Warbird with slick 28mm road tires on it lately… might have to do the Salsa dance across Iowa.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Kansas City in the forum Looking for RIDES 2017 2 years, 6 months ago
I definitely would be. That is a great value, sit back, visit, joke, have a beer (I don’t know if that is allowed), but removing the time and expense of several factors makes it a huge benefit.
My typical Ragbrai:
Drive to end town Friday, camp or hotel. (Save $75-100)
Saturday shuttle to start town. (Save $175-200.)
Long term parking (save…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Charter Options- Need Experienced Opinions ASAP! Thanks!!! in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 6 months ago
I’ve used Padres one time and love it because of the small group feel. You get a sense of familiarity with the group in quick order and learn a lot about each other. From bike racks, to shower towels, to awesome sites (since they are smaller they get themselves tucked into some of the coolest spots) to the top notch equipment and attention to…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Kansas City in the forum Looking for RIDES 2017 2 years, 7 months ago
I’ve been talking with an existing charter service that does both the bus and full camping charter services. I figured they know the ropes a bit better than someone off the street.
The question is: Out of the 20-25 KC riders that seem to be interested. How many would be willing to spend $475 for transportation each way.
Leave Saturday…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Any Shuttles to Start RAGBRAI: From Lansing to Orange City in the forum Gatherings & Meetings 2 years, 7 months ago
East to West shuttle services are plentiful. I’ve used Out of Staters once and rode with a private team bus last year. Stick with the professionals. The private team bus was filled with B.O, large dogs, took every bit of ten hours to cross the state with at least 6-8 stops. Saved $100 that I would have gladly paid by the end of the day if I…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Budget for the week in the forum Miscellaneous 2 years, 7 months ago
$50/DAY MIN. is what I set my goal at. That said, I am on vaca and if I go over, who cares. Hit the ATM. I drink a good amount of that Iowa craft beer so I can blow through $20-25/day in beer alone.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Kansas City in the forum Looking for RIDES 2017 2 years, 7 months ago
Here is another that would like to join this action. Single rider, 50 year old male, professional.
I have some retired airline friends that do car/truck transport across the country since they can fly home for free.
Let me check with them. They usually have their cdl license.
So far, we’re looking at about 20 or so riders, bikes, and luggage?
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Software – Scheduling – Project management in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 8 months ago
Ragbrai don’t care about your project.
Ragbrai don’t care about your schedule.
Ragbrai don’t care about your planned activities.
Ragbrai is fun on a the fly, fun on the horizon, fun on the climb, and the decent, fun during the nap, during the beer stop… FUN as those great little towns that unfold for you and I.
Any app or program you find…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic What Bike Do You Have? in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
2012 Cannondale Synapse with 2017 Shimano 105 group sitting on the shelf waiting for install. Last year I used a Selle Anatomica leather saddle that worked fairly well, might keep the saddle or move back to padded. That is my Ragbrai bike, I also have a 2016 Salsa Warbird with Tiagra.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Need a place to park my car in Waukon in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
I just talked to Craig in Lansing Main Street. He said Waukon is only overflow unless they get several request for this. Another unanswered question is how do you get from Waukon to Lansing for your shuttle if you have that need? He said that is something they’d have to provide for if they ended up with a bunch in Waukon but what if they don’t…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Sunday's Route in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
I found it very respectful and a great time to consider the blessing of being able to live the dream of the founders. A lot of people that have rode those roads in the past are not riding today… consider them at that time.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Sunday's Gravel Loop in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
Probably. I’m considering bringing my Salsa Warbird, it is very comfy, and if so she loves some grit, but then she’s dirty for the week cause “Ragbrai Fresh” is the state of affairs.
If I bring the road bike… prolly not, Sunday is too early for that.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Lansing on day 6. in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
Yep, that is probably the deciding factor making me push it to Saturday morning and bolting “off route” for Lansing so I can beat it out of town before the madness. Trying to tap it all in one day would be brutal.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Sleeping bags in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
I used two full sized flat sheets and a full sized rectangle sleeping bag that I got at Sports Authority for less than $20 or so. Padre’s Cycle In has nice air mattresses blown up and in your tent so all you have to do is make your bed. I used the sheet to cover the mattress and the unzipped sleeping bag to cover with or the other sheet if it…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN started the topic Lansing on day 6. in the forum RAGBRAI XLV – 2017 2 years, 9 months ago
Due to some plans real close to the end of Ragbrai I’m thinking of riding the designed route to Creston then going on to Lansing to get my truck and drive back for my bags. It looks like you can get to Lansing in as little as 16-20 miles. That would give me the option of staying the night with my group and heading out real early Saturday morning…[Read more]
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Concerts starting at 9PM in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 3 years, 4 months ago
Ride hard. Drink more. Ear plugs.
I enjoyed a couple of the acts, but was also in bed by 11′ every night. For some this is “the best part” of Ragbrai, to each their own and it is a “ride your own ride” type of thing.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic Music Choices in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 3 years, 4 months ago
No matter the venue, the road and the ride isn’t the place for it. I wish those with LOUD speakers would respect the towns and neighbors and their fellow riders and keep a reasonable volume. Hearing hate rap for ten minutes behind you and ten minutes ahead of you while they pass is irritating.
GORDON BROWN replied to the topic set the record in the forum RAGBRAI XLIV – 2016 3 years, 4 months ago
Towns that didn’t get it:
Unionville and Letts. No beer in Unionville due to the mayor and one tiny bar in Letts that was packed like sardines. How much money did the religious views of those in charge cheat those towns out of. They were dead, no music, no activities, dead silent… blah… ride on.
We’re called locust with money for a…[Read more]