Team Skeptic and RAGBRAI
The idea for this site is to put together a group of individuals for RAGBRAI (Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). What is RAGBRAI? Alright, let me clarify. RAGBRAI is an event that I love. It is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It is the WORLD'S largest multi-day cycling event with 15-30 THOUSAND cyclists riding every day for 7 days! It is by no means a race, it is a social event. Well, you can make it a race if that is your goal. You can try to be the first person to the next overnight town, but in doing that, you will not truly be experiencing the real RAGBRAI.
In the past I have gone on my own. I am a social person, so I love meeting and riding with new people throughout the week. On my typical day for the ride I wake up at 6:00 am and have my tent and gear packed up to be on the road by 7:00 . I stop for breakfast (usually at a farm or small town) within the first hour of that days ride. Throughout the day I (or we, depending who I am riding with) stop at various farms, small towns and beer gardens. I eat, drink, ride and socialize throughout the day. I also tend to stop at most community pools (which are free for riders) and gatherings set up at local farms. I try to cut my fun short to make it to the next camping town by 8:00 pm, where the charter service has unpacked my gear. When I get to our camp site I set up my tent, take a shower and head out to enjoy the nightly festivities. I usually get home at anywhere from 12:00 to 2:00, get a little sleep and start over the next day. Oh, I know that does not sound like a lot of sleep, but if I am too tired during the day, I will stop off at a farm that is serving home made ice cream and amish pie, have a snack and take a short nap. By the end of the week I leave in great shape, with an amazing tan, and countless new friends that I hope on seeing the following year.
Why did I want to start a team of skeptics? I want to share my experiences that I have on this amazing event with similar minded people. This is a great chance to mingle and experience a unique event. If you are interested or just curious, join our online social network.
Is this community only for RAGBRAI? No, we plan on making this site for any similar minded person that is active in cycling, hiking, climbing, camping, etc.
Lance Armstrong Talks RAGBRAI
Fellow skeptic, Lance Armstrong, talks about the experiences of his first RAGBRAI.