RAGBRAI first-timer hoping for an ouch-less ride
- 20 July, 2010
- RAGBRAI
This post is by Des Moines Register reporter Mike Kilen, mkilen@dmreg.com.
Peggy Curtis
Meet Peggy Curtis, 58, of Ottumwa.
Because: She had six surgeries in the past four years but is still ready to take on her first full RAGBRAI.
Ouch. I was snow skiing in Canada near Lake Louise and coming down the ladies Olympic run and I crashed. I was a ski instructor when we lived in upstate New York for 17 years but it was one of those freaky accidents. I broke my shoulder in several places.
And more ouch. I had a problem with the first surgery. And the second. And third. Eventually, I had two more surgeries before a joint replacement. Because of nerve damage, either from the fall or treatment, I lost some use of my left arm.
The recovery. I started riding with friends a couple years ago. I just had to adjust the handlebars and do exercises to keep strong. Last year I rode one day on RAGBRAI between Ottumwa and Mount Pleasant. I loved it. So I decided to do the whole thing this year.
Sounds courageous. My biggest fear is if I fall and mess up (my shoulder). I’m just going to get out there and ride. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
An ouch postscript. It might also be of interest to note that I have broken bones on at least seven different occasions – the result of accidents roller skating, playing basketball, tennis, skiing, moving big rocks in my yard and biking. Sounds like I’m a clumsy athlete – or a slow learner – or both.
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You go girl!
After riding 5 RAGBRAI’s in the early to mid 90’s I ended up having Bi-Lateral Total Knee Replacement. Mostly due to sports and snow skiing. Had both replaced on the same day. That was an ouch. I then retired from snow skiing, biking. After three years of that I said to heck with it and have since skiied the Swiss Alps, Colorado, and Galena. As for RAGBRAI, this will be my second year riding the entire week since my Bi-Laterl TKR. I ride a Vision recumbent. I believe it’s a sweet ride.
Keep spin-in’ Peggy.
Wow, Ottumwa! We went through there last year! Great waterpark there near the river. I remember it well. Also I have skied down that downhill run at Lake Louise — although I was more lucky. Wishing you all the best. Hope to see you out there!
Douglas
Great story Peggy! Stop by the Spenco Ironman Gloves booth at the Expo on Satruday and we can get you a free pair of Spenco Gloves for you to use at RAGBRAI. Our gloves have a patented design that takes away pressure from your median nerve so your hands don’t go numb on a long ride.
Good for you Peggy.Don’t stop for nothing I wish you all the best
You inspire me! All SEVEN DAYS!
Have a good one. Wish I was out there this time. You look good. Can’t tell you have a problem from the picture. D.
Way to keep biking!!
I’m taking on my first full Ragbrai this year, and my biggest fear is crashing too, so let’s just get out there and stay vertical!!!
-Alicia Rau
http://www.aliciarau.com
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. Day three of RAGBRAI and I’m loving it.
Hope you had a great ride Peggy and that your Spenco Gloves protected your hands all the way across Iowa!
Patrick,
The gloves are great!! Thank you very much. Could tell a huge difference in my hand after just the first day of RAGBRAI. Had less numbness than when I started and after 3 weeks, the numbness is almost completely gone. For the record, rode all 7 days of RAGBRAI, including riding to the top of Potter’s Hill. My hands were the most comfortable they’ve been riding – they felt good. Can’t believe that gloves could make such a huge difference.