I was a little anxious about going on RAGBRAI because I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was also very excited for a new adventure. While I have done back-to-back rides such as the MS150--which is 100 miles on the first day and 50 on the second-- I have never done 7 days of back-to-back rides. I didn't know what that timeline looked or felt like, but I was ready to embrace it.
Day 1 I woke up early and was ready to GO! Four of us got ready, loaded the trailer for our driver and then set out on our adventure. We split up early due to the mass amount of people. I embraced the day, took it all in, made new friends and thoroughly enjoyed the 77 miles. After the ride and lunch, I made it to the RV only to find out one of our riders had wrecked and was in the hospital. Fortunately, he would be okay but unfortunately, he could not go on. We spent the evening finding his bike so we could return it to him before moving on to the next town. Day 2 Lacy and I set out early. I had an absolute blast with all my new friends. I finished 62 miles feeling strong. After the ride, we met up at the RV, had a nice sit-down dinner and explored the convention. It was a fun day! Day 3 Lacy, Ken and I set out early. Another great day of riding. You could choose the 80-mile route or the 100 mile. Of course, I chose the 100! I did stop at mile 80 for a brisket sandwich and some live music before I headed back to the RV. We had a nice dinner and called it a night. Day 4 Lacy and I were up early and ready for our easiest day of the week. This day I took it easy, spun my legs out and enjoyed talking with my new friends I met along the way. We got done early so we went and ate while we were waiting for the RV to arrive. This night was the big concert we had been waiting for, Lynyrd Skynyrd. We went and it was an EPIC night. Day 5 I was up early and feeling strong. I knew it would be a hot & hilly day, and it was. I took my time, enjoyed my new friends and finished 90 miles. That evening, we went to a nice a restaurant in town where you cooked your own meat and it hit the spot. I enjoyed the company and had a lot of laughs that night--fun time had by all. Day 6 I was on my own this morning. I knew it would be hot and hilly, so I wanted to get an early start. I was still feeling strong and blissful. This was my favorite ride of the week. I spent a lot of time in Amana. Around mile 60 I took a break to have a brat & beer while listening to some good German music with my new friends. 85 more miles done. This evening the storms rolled in, so we hung out in the RV and just enjoyed each other’s company. Day 7 I was on my own again this morning. It was a hot day and I had to conquer the last 75 miles, which I did!!! Mission Accomplished. I received my award, put my tire in the river and then went to hang out with the gang to celebrate our achievement. The activity of pedaling a bicycle wasn’t the main attraction of this event for me. I’ve always maintained that the act of cycling many miles is only exercise, no different than jogging on a treadmill or swimming laps in a pool. But what makes it so special--and so addicting--are the bonds that are formed with the people while participating. RAGBRAI gave me that opportunity and I am so grateful for this EPIC experience. Thank you, Lacy, Ken, Amanda, Terry for taking such good care of me and letting me be part of the team. So many great conversations, laughs, good music, food and 539 miles of riding. I HAD A BLAST. "THE PURPOSE OF LIFE, AFTER ALL, IS TO LIVE IT. TO TASTE EXPERIENCE TO THE UTMOST. TO REACH OUT EAGERLY AND WITHOUT FEAR FOR A NEW AND RICHER EXPERIENCE." -Eleanor Roosevelt
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AuthorPollyann Keller Archives
October 2024
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