skb-mpls

skb-mpls replied to the topic Reduced Rider Limit for CV Compatible RAGBRAI in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

Another reason to postpone until 2021 is there has been significant opposition to RAGBRAI in a number of communities in IA. A friend of mine is a retired LT in a County Sheriffs department. Whenever RAGBRAI comes through his county – the entire budget for the County Sheriffs department is blown with overtime pay to help protect riders and…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Reduced Rider Limit for CV Compatible RAGBRAI in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

I guess it may depend on your own personal perspective and knowledge of the coronovirus epidemic.

Let’s just say that you are young with no pre-existing conditions and do not have any vulnerable adults that you will EVER come into contact with following RAGBRAI- you would say what is the big deal? Ride on RAGBRAI!

Let’s just say that you or…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Postpone RAGBRAI XLVIII to 2021?? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

mcpartla:

Thanks for the informative link!

Living in Mpls – I have stopped riding on the terrific local bike paths six weeks ago. Toooo much traffic. I was worried about passing someone on the 2 way trails and the desire to pass slower riders…. The closing of the parkway to cars – and opening them up to walkers/joggers has not reduced…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Postpone RAGBRAI XLVIII to 2021?? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

I’ve been reading Bill Gates take on the pandemic and he is calling for a nationwide lockdown to put the brakes on this crisis to save lives and so the economy can recover sooner. He has been warning of Pandemics since 2015 and has been involved in global health issues since leaving MS.

On the CBS Morning News this am, Bill went on to say…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Postpone RAGBRAI XLVIII to 2021?? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

Mootsman:
Your fear mongering statement is getting old.

We all saw the result of the fear mongering statements and don’t worry be happy with the “youthful” behavior in spring break in FLA and Mardi Gras partying in NO. They are the now latest hotspots!

Time listen to the doctors, scientists for information and follow their guidance. They…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Postpone RAGBRAI XLVIII to 2021?? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

Six days ago I thought there was a 5% chance that this country would be able to contain this virus so that RAGBRAI could be pulled off safely. Now I would place the odds at 1%.

Our knucklehead president said that he wants everyone back to work by Easter – which is in three weeks! I’m guessing what is driving his timeline is that he desperately…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Getting on your bike despite COVID-19? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year ago

In Mpls, there is a lot of walkers, joggers and a few other cyclists on the bike or combined paths. Many more than in Dec, Jan, Feb. In theory – I was within 6 ft of others 1-4 times per mile- So I have started to ride the city bike lanes and recently re-paved residential streets that are are lightly traveled. I am getting to know the…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic RAGBRAI & How Does Warm Weather Kill Off the Coronavirus? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 1 month ago

Thanks for your essay! haha

I’m on my third season with a Schwalbe Marathon studded tire for winter use on my front wheel on my 29er in Mpls. I’ve never had a flat on this tire and ride 125 miles per week on this bike from November > Early April. I have nearly 8000 miles on this tire and the studs are worn down a bit – but I still feel safe…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic RAGBRAI & How Does Warm Weather Kill Off the Coronavirus? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 1 month ago

I would give RAGBRAI a 5% chance of being held. Folks from all 50 states and multiple foreign countries converging on IA? Hmmm not a good idea. This won’t be over until a vaccine is ready for all.

skb-mpls replied to the topic RAGBRAI & How Does Warm Weather Kill Off the Coronavirus? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 1 month ago

Ken:

I’m mostly a lurker on this forum… You have mentioned your Trek 920. I too am wanting a bike with wider tires for comfort & safety on urban streets & RAGBRAI. I’m purchasing a new bike in April. It a 4130 chromoly Steel Frame Fairdale Nomad with 27.5″ wheels that come stock with 27.5 x 2.0″ tires.

Are your running the stock tires…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic RAGBRAI & How Does Warm Weather Kill Off the Coronavirus? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVIII – 2020 1 year, 1 month ago

I would urge caution – not panic. Many RAGBRAI riders are over 60+ years of age. This includes myself. Many of us have complicating medical conditions that put us at a much higher risk. I have cardiac disease and cycle to minimize my health risks.

Now, if you are under 40 years of age – you have little to worry about – except that you…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic 2020 Jerseys in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 4 months ago

Joseph Schlau:

Your verbiage is worth a new forum post. Not all RAGBRAI forum readers may read the 2020 Jerseys Post. You’ll think of a catchy title. (grin)

Thanks for your efforts!

Sheldon in Mpls

skb-mpls replied to the topic Show me the Money! in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 4 months ago

Perhaps the towns need to recalibrate what they spend. Is it necessary for them to spend $30,000 for a Hairball or similar band concert? I always need a 2nd pair of earplugs to get to sleep on those nights. Who are those concerts for? I’ve had many locals ask me “are you going to the concert tonight”? I always respond no, I’m up at 5:30 to…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Show me the Money! in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 5 months ago

I concur with the last few posts. Manufactured outrage and cover by JT all the while he has plotted to destroy something (RAGBRAI). Each and every points he has attempted to make have been discounted. He lost all credibility with me when it was published that he setup his LLC 14 months prior to his resignation and had his web site and…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Can the DMR replace the RAGBRAI staff in time? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 5 months ago

Thanks for the update. Positive news is much needed!

skb-mpls replied to the topic TIme to Make Peace and Come Back Together as 1 Ride in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 6 months ago

Not sure how many of you read the post by a fellow rider Kevin Ross (judge in mn) that was posted on the “We’re here to answer” button on the RAGBRAI home page…. I thought I would post in again here.

A Modest Radical Suggestion.

RAGRBAI is the oldest, largest, longest, and most beloved organized cycling tour in the world. We have reached a…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Which Ride Will "Win"? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 6 months ago

TJ could potentially have legal exposure if he is using his pre-ride work while an employee of the DMR (lining up overnight towns using the rider email list etc…) and now taking it to his new firm. I’m sure the DMR is looking into that now. Hmmm why did TJ choose the northern route? Betting money is that RAGBRAI would choose a northern route…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Which Ride Will "Win"? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 6 months ago

Ken:

Over the years I have enjoyed you well thought out posts. I concur with your analysis regarding TJ attempting to start up a new ride while an employee of DMR. It seems to me less than ethical given the remarkable success of this great ride. If he was that upset with management he should have simply resigned….

I’m surprised that the…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic Which Ride Will "Win"? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 6 months ago

I think both sides need to come to their senses and work this out. To paraphrase Karras “I don’t see how the competition is going to work” and Openheimer (sp?) also said that the split may doom RAGBRAI. One can look are nearby states and see rides across the state that have a few hundred folks riding. RAGBRAI is a wonderful gem that should…[Read more]

skb-mpls replied to the topic ATTENTION PIE LOVERS! in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 1 year, 9 months ago

Well I guess I’ll have to do the gravel loop to “earn” that pie!

Thanks Mark!

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