HelenP
- Active 2 weeks, 5 days ago
HelenP replied to the topic To riders who live in Des Moines and Ames in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 weeks, 6 days ago
I noticed quite a few places where the route could go that were next to existing bike paths. It would be easy for riders to take the path instead, and also fairly easy to walk back to the official route if they needed to SAG.
HelenP replied to the topic To riders who live in Des Moines and Ames in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 weeks, 6 days ago
That’s an interesting idea. The bridge, being limited access, would also help to prevent cheating, so the record takers might prefer that.
HelenP replied to the topic Photography Projects in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Hmm, there are a lot of good individual photos around, but what about a still photo “time lapse” of a single location?
If possible, take a pic now, then each month (watching a town prepare), then faster as the riders flood in, and out again, and finally get the cleanup/shutdown. Maybe choose just enough pic’s to fill a page.
If you could capture…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic Shuttle help in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 3 weeks ago
Pork Belly Ventures charter may still have room on their Omaha and Des Moines shuttles.
My teammate and I (yes, a very tiny team!) will fly into Omaha and use the PBV shuttle, but not the one returning back there at the end of the week.
PBV also has mid-week shuttles, for those who want to bike only part of the week.
Good luck with it all! :-D
HelenP replied to the topic Hotel stays at overnight towns while using Ragbrai truck in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 3 weeks, 6 days ago
Yes, sounds perfect!
The thing to remember about RAGBRAI is that you’re responsible for keeping track of your own needs and gear. Especially in this anniversary year, local resources will be strained by our sheer numbers.
That said, people are very helpful at RAGBRAI — let’s all try to be like that! :-D
HelenP replied to the topic Support vehicles proximity to "official campground"? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month ago
Also, main camp is quite big, so you could be right next to it, yet still have a long hike to your spot within it.
HelenP replied to the topic Pass Through Town in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 1 week ago
What about something like the following route?
(Also, does anyone have a guess about Gravel Day?)
SUN Day 1: Sioux City -> Storm Lake, 78 / 77 mi. with 3,504 ft.
Sioux City, (Lawton), Moville, (Kingsley), Pierson, Washta, Quimby, MEETING: Cherokee, Aurelia, Alta, Storm Lake
MON Day 2: Storm Lake -> Carroll, 62.3 / 62 mi. with 1,818 ft.
Storm…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic For the Record in the forum Miscellaneous 1 month, 1 week ago
Pedalling prone on a “tandem”, chasing rabbits:
beagle on a bike!
HelenP replied to the topic Shuttle from end -> start in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
P. S., There will be a long term parking fee at the end town which, last year, was $65 (or $125 for VIP) for the entire week, if I recall correctly. That was obtained from the town.
HelenP replied to the topic Shuttle from end -> start in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Camping is expected the first Saturday, but there are options for the Friday before, and the Saturday after the ride, too. Check with your charter, and the websites for the start and end towns.
HelenP replied to the topic Shuttle from end -> start in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
There are too many of us to fit in one campground. There will be a main campground, and various others scattered around town, including one for support vehicles like RVs.
Whether using main camp (with the basic RAGBRAI registration) or that of a charter service, just follow the route signs to your campground. Charters put up their own signs,…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic Day 4 – 100,000 Riders – Really??? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
New riders, please bring at least two water bottles (and figure out how you’ll carry them). I prefer ones with insulation; they don’t cost much more. It’s dangerous to run out of water in such high heat and humidity. Also, occasionally a town has water supply problems, or it tastes bad. Whenever you’re near an isolated house, check your water…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic Hotel stays at overnight towns while using Ragbrai truck in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
They probably need to go clean/service/refuel the truck, plus the driver needs to get to their sleeping place.
HelenP replied to the topic For the Record in the forum Miscellaneous 1 month, 2 weeks ago
It’s probably only the people actually pedalling, so 2 on that tandem and trailer. Otherwise, all the vendors and spectators might be counted in, too.
Besides which, I’ve yet to meet a dog with enough math skills to count. ;-)
HelenP replied to the topic Day 4 – 100,000 Riders – Really??? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Don’t panic: it’s probably just hyperbole to get us up from about 30,000 last year, to a more likely 50,000. We’re already going to have more this time, simply because it’s the big anniversary.
It would be some kind of cool if the 50th RAGBRAI had 50K participants, and broke a Guinness World Record at the same…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic How to better motivate "bandits" to register in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
The long and short of it is: each and every one of us — even out of pure self interest — should consider how we can help this amazing event to run well, for this year and those that follow.
RAGBRAI is really about people, so let’s all have fun together! :-D
HelenP replied to the topic Home Stay's in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Chill out, guys, people are just tossing ideas around. :-)
HelenP replied to the topic Where do i charge my cell phone? Where can i get a shower? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Also, make sure you have water *proof*, not just water resistant protection for all electric items, and for yourself. This can be as simple and lightweight as ziplock sandwich bags for your phone and charger; plus a trash bag or two to cut head / arm holes and use as a raincoat, or to sit on. Regular bike bags may not be enough in heavy…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic Where do i charge my cell phone? Where can i get a shower? in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Try to charge your phone whenever there’s a chance during the day, like at a restaurant.
Note that showers may close fairly early in the evening. Also, bring some body wipes (from sports/outdoors stores) or a small bottle of rubbing alcohol if you want a backup plan for a missing shower or sink.
Note: if you fly, they may restrict how much…[Read more]
HelenP replied to the topic Hotel stays at overnight towns while using Ragbrai truck in the forum RAGBRAI L – 2023 1 month, 2 weeks ago
You’re likely to find camping friend(s) who’d be willing to keep your main bags beside their tent overnight. Whether they’d also lug the bags on/off the truck is another matter.
Remember, anything you take to the hotel might have to go on your bike, all day. And the free town shuttles may not run in the morning, so check how far you are from…[Read more]
