Geoff Butland
- Active 2 months ago
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Brancel Charter in the forum Miscellaneous 2 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about Brancel. I have used them twice and they went above and beyond my expectations. They will do everything possible to make your ride a success. Highly recommended!
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Awful Bike Expo Council Bluffs Ragbrai XLVII in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Bosch was there with ebikes, Selle Anatomica, Bianchi. I saw the same resellers as last year, and the prices didn’t seem out of line with local bike shops (read: not cheap). A woodworking show I have attended for years has rapidly declined….same story as you described…the big names are not coming out anymore. You mentioned Amazon….methinks…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic 8th Flattest Route? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 3 weeks ago
@BarryTantlinger – yes, a long last day can be problematic. Our group rides fairly slowly, and even with a very early start we weren’t sure half our team would make their 2pm (!!) bus ride cutoff back to Council Bluffs. We made it work, but a shorter last day would be welcome. My wife and I drove from CT and we only made it as far as Elkhart…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic 8th Flattest Route? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Rough data from my Garmin Fenix 3.
Sunday: 77 miles, 4624 feet (includes gravel loop)
Monday: 75 miles, 2631 feet
Tuesday: 44 miles, 2047 feet
Wednesday: 121 miles, 4928 feet (includes Karras Loop)
Thursday: 68 miles, 2553 feet
Friday: 72 miles, 2067 feet
Saturday: 68 miles, 2087 feet
525 miles, 20,937 feet
Ride estimate given was 427 miles,…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Thanks T.J. and crew for another fun year. in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 4 weeks ago
YES!!! This is the best post of 2019. You hit the nail on the head…..it’s a miracle it goes as well as it does, and that miracle comes in the form of hundreds or thousands of folks working behind the scenes. I had a blast again this year. Thanks to TJ, everyone in the towns that hosted us, and to all those riders who forgave the mistakes I made…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Who cheated? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Haha…on the Karras loop I was headed out from the resort after collecting my patch and was being passed by a tandem when a salmon swam by….there was a light-hearted “cheater!” from the tandem that gave us all a chuckle. It’s all good!
Geoff Butland started the topic Easy vendor ID idea in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months ago
I would rather spend my money locally on the ride. It’s the host towns that put up with the hordes and I would like to give back by buying my food and drink from town-associated vendors. But how to know which vendors are “local”?
Don’t get me wrong – I am still going to buy burritos from Jose’s Taco truck because they are world class good, but…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Observations about the ride in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months ago
I loved the gravel loop. Big climbs and downhills to match. The folks that passed me on a tandem deserve a medal for bravery.
The roads were pretty rough in spots, but nobody promised a velodrome experience.
Howell’s farm was a highlight for me. The snow globe, melon cannon, bubble bath ride, and the goat ladder were unforgettable.
The town of…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Showers? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months, 1 week ago
Brancel had two shower trucks last year, $6.
Geoff Butland replied to the topic What to pack that you cant live without in the forum Miscellaneous 7 months, 2 weeks ago
It takes up a lot of room but a pillow sure feels luxurious in a tent.
Fewer clothes. Stuff you change into after the ride is good for two days or more.
Ibuprofen!
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Feet Of Climb Variances in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months, 3 weeks ago
My watch uses a barometric altimeter and I never get the same elevation numbers twice on identical rides.
I was pretty stressed out leading up to my first RAGBRAI and it turned out fine…. back for my third this year. Take it easy, eat well, stay hydrated and before you know it you’re in Keokuk making plans for RAGBRAI 2020.
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Feet Of Climb Variances in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 7 months, 3 weeks ago
I’m guessing measuring elevation is like using hand grenades – you just need to be close enough.
Geoff Butland started the topic Tips to move old RAGBRAI bike tags? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 8 months ago
Any secrets to getting those rider bands to release without damaging them? I’m riding a different bike this year and would like to move my old tags to this bike. Thanks!
Geoff Butland replied to the topic What bike should I bring in the forum Training 8 months, 2 weeks ago
Comfort is king.
Gravel bike probably has wider tires – better shock absorption.
Handlebars? Drop bars offer more hand positions to let you use different muscles throughout the day.
Speed is really not the point here. I mean there is nothing wrong with speed, just that you won’t need it.
Roads are generally in good condition. You’ll cross RR…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Bike speed while training and/or on Ragbrai in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 8 months, 2 weeks ago
A 14 mph average is fine – that’s right about where I was on my last two RAGBRAIs. You will find plenty of people riding quite a bit slower than that. If you’re concerned about making it to the overnight town on time your best hedge is an early start. That gives you a time cushion to dial in a comfortable pace. The only prize for getting to camp…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Weather during RAGBRAI in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 9 months ago
I’m from New England with 2 RAGBRAIs under my belt. Which means I probably don’t have much to offer as far as Iowa weather advice, but a few clothing items have proven invaluable.
1. A wool pullover hat. Instant warm up, water resistant, small, light.
2. A rain shell. Won’t keep you completely dry but it will keep the wind off you which is the key…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic How's the training? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 9 months, 1 week ago
Close to 900 miles…long weekend ahead will help.
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Sleeping pad suggestions? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Hi! Considering you don’t have to lug it around (much) anything that fits in your luggage is fair game. I have a couple of therma-rest mattresses, but the one I take on RAGBRAI is a “basecamp” model that is wider and thicker than the one I take backpacking. Not quite plush, but plenty comfortable for a week, and it fits in my duffel with the tent.…[Read more]
Geoff Butland replied to the topic First timer trying to choose which bike to bring in the forum Miscellaneous 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Third RAGBRAI, first time on an upright bike. The advice to choose comfort over speed is wise. I am riding 38s – hello gravel! I have no trouble keeping pace with my wife on her Trek Pilot with 23s. I’m just hoping I don’t regret leaving the recumbent with the big comfy seat home this year 😁
Geoff Butland replied to the topic Fat tire bike on gravel loop? in the forum RAGBRAI XLVII – 2019 10 months, 2 weeks ago
No answers for you but the fat tire guys were flying on the gravel loop the year I rode it. Road bikes were making good time….I bet you wouldn’t even need to change the air pressure unless the gravel turned out to be exceptionally loose this year.