Day 51 of tour
Day 1 of RAGBRAI L
Miles: 72.2 – Total accent: 3,577 – Hours: 5 hours, 10 minute
Totals:. Miles- 2,529.38 – Accent- 84,406 feet climbed
192 hrs 6 minutes in the saddle
Sioux City to Storm Lake, Iowa
Day One and you can feel the nervous tension in the air. New riders are uncertain about what to expect and return riders are excited for new experiences and memories! We were blessed with great weather.
Off we went and the group flowed easily. After about 20 miles, things seemed to settle and everyone was in a groove. Drew and I are on cloud nine riding the bikes unloaded. They feel so fast now!! And being at around 1,100 foot elevation versus over 7,000 foot elevation, it’s so easy to breathe!!
Today’s tradition to share with
Zachary: Spoke Man. There is a cyclist who makes bracelets out of spokes. They are very unique and when you see someone wearing one, it’s a connection very special. While riding to Sioux City yesterday, the man in front of me had one on. I said “Nice bracelet” and he said he put it on 19 years ago and hasn’t removed it since. It’s a bike thing.
As we approach the Pork Belly camp in Storm Lake, we stop at Casey’s for ice. We’ve learned that ice in camp is a perfect treat. It’s so much more enjoyable to rehydrate with ice water after a hot, sweaty day. Last year, we carried the ice in the bag back to a battery box we used to transport fans. This year we have the perfect collapsible ice chest that fit perfectly into the trunk of the bike. Boy. Does that get the attention of others!!
We thought there was a camp dinner this evening but learned otherwise. While we have snacks, eating real food and not getting behind on fuel is crucial during consecutive day rides. The guys were able to get chicken sandwiches by a vendor on site but I don’t eat bread. Luckily, there was a service station nearby. The next challenge is to find gluten free food. I’ve learned when I eat food with gluten, I get really sleepy, like narcoleptic. I know this can’t be good and my body is fighting the substance so I just don’t eat it. 2 hard boiled eggs, 2 sticks string cheese and a bag of Fritos and I’m all set.
Back to camp, we run in to Brentley of BBB adventures. Poor Brently broke his collarbone a few weeks ago while preparing their tandem bike. He rode a recumbent tandem and had a really hard day. I know he was quite disappointed.
The sun is beginning to set and we hang out by the tents for a bit. The Kybo’s (PortaPotty, PortALoo) are just 50 feet from our tents. And as the evening winds down, many visit for their final time before turning into for the night. And the people watching goes to the next level!!
So a little Kybo observations:
1. The enclosure is not sound proof. All the noises can be heard by others in the Kybo next to you including your conversation with yourself, breathing and well…how many times you roll the paper.
2. There is a reason the door locks. Do it. Even after knocking, I opened the door to find the inhabitant in a compromised position. What has been seen cannot be unseen!
3. The venting system of a Kybo as well a pit toilet works when the seat/lid is closed. It also helps with insect control.
4. Lost leader. When using TP, tear off the paper leaving a tail so the next person can get ‘rolling’. Otherwise, it’s like trying to find the beginning of the scotch tape and particularly difficult when it’s dark.
5. Cover your ‘treasure’ with paper. No one wants to see that you had corn yesterday.
6. Check the area before exiting. I found wallets, water bottles, protein bars, phones and sunglasses in Kybos.
7. Please don’t let the door slam close, especially at night. Just grapnthe outside handle and close it gently. Those set up nearby will thank you! And if you stand holding it for the next person, wait till they get there rather than letting it go 2 seconds before. Unless, of course, they cut you off on the road.
8. And last but not least- do not walk in front of everyone in line pretending you don’t see them. You’re liable to get lynched!!
Photos? Well not many. My hands were on the bars, feet in the pedals.
Maybe tomorrow.