Larry Klaaren

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic Fly or Drive in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 35 minutes ago

As to the question you asked, parking at the end town is not a problem. They usually have lots reserved with some security. When I have used it, it was the parking lot at a college that was not in session and it was right by the charter I used to get to the start town. Be sure to find your ride to the start town first and then arrange the…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic No lottery for 2022 in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 week ago

How does it help with hotels when no one knows the route until late January?

Previously you did not know until May. But you are right, you would not be able to do that part of the planning until January, but it gives you a solid four more months to sort that out. I think the biggest benefit is to the Register as they can start sending out…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic No lottery for 2022 in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 week, 2 days ago

I forgot to mention, Andrea also said that once you are registered, you can go ahead and schedule the week off, get hotel or RV sites and all of that type of thing for your trip to Iowa and/or the ride without worrying about cancellation penalties.

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic No lottery for 2022 in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 week, 2 days ago

On the RAGBRAI podcast they said that this will help the people who work there and the riders in a couple of ways. They only have three people who answer e-mails, and this should spread out the e-mail flood they get about registration. They will also be able to start processing and mailing packets earlier, since they don’t have to wait and see…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic No lottery for 2022 in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 1 week, 3 days ago

We are traveling from Chicagoland and need to plan ahead with family, work, and especially TRAVEL. My original thought is to drive ourselves, gear in tow, as we will not have a support vehicle with us.

Keep your eyes open in this forum and do some googling for “Illinois RAGBRAI” and such terms. There are a few bike clubs in Chicago that offer…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic Training break. in the forum Training 1 month, 1 week ago

You’ll be fine. I have never had more than 400 miles before the start of RAGBRAI, and can do training rides on Wednesdays and Sundays, and I don’t really get all that fatigued on the ride. I am 67 years old. You may need to take a break in the middle of a long, hot, hilly, day, but if you are in that kind of shape going into the break, I think…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic Biking software in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 2 months, 3 weeks ago

What happened to just going out for a bike ride because it was enjoyable and fun? All this data collection and other shit just seems to turn it into work.

There is that danger. I have a Garmin watch and it uploads to Garmin Connect and to Strava. I enjoy matching up with previous rides on the same route as far as speed and pacing. The Garmin…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic Forced route through towns? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2021 2 months, 3 weeks ago

There is a once in a while that I don’t feel like walking through the town or dealing with it. I agree with the people that point out that for safety issues, it is best to stay on the route, or to ride a side street through the town. But I do think the OP has a point in that even if he is not patronizing the vendors along the way very much, he…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic Covid Concerns in the forum Miscellaneous 4 months, 1 week ago

I couldn’t find someone to work for me this year. Imagine that in this bustiness environment. I am 68, and all of my friends and the relatives I socialize with are 68. I would wear a mask just to protect them. It is well known that vaccinated people can contract a mild case and spread the virus, but rarely pass away. I would hope that younger…[Read more]

Larry Klaaren replied to the topic Looking for ride from Clinton to O’Hare airport in Chicago in the forum Looking for RIDES 4 months, 1 week ago

The absolute minimum, with no traffic problems, and without parking, shuttling or whatever for that drive is two hours. That would not include TSA, ticketing and all that.

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