Right from the top of this post I have to say that RAGBRAI is a very interesting experience. It was fun meeting new people, fun testing the bicycle (and its load) and the various systems of my body. It was fun to be able to eat so much for so many days in a row. That said, I'm not sure that I'll be too hep on doing it again ... but I have an open mind on that. One reason I would is that I've already been working on how to reduce my pack load to see if I can get everything essential for camping/riding into two pannier bags and the (rear) rack bag. It would be fun to try that out.
As for food, there was certainly no lack of that. My favorite was the homemade ice cream (Beekman's) ... of which I had raspberry and vanilla flavors. I have to give vanilla the nod here. The roadside food stops were pretty light on cantaloupe (one of my favorites) but there was plenty of watermelon (although not always seedless). In Fairbank, there was one stop with "all you can eat" cantaloupe/watermelon for $1. That was such a good deal ... for me!
My total riding distance was 490 miles with 40.9 hours of actual riding time during the 7 day period. The route itself was pretty benign except for the last day, which was fairly hilly. Overall, the weather was excellent with rain occurring only one night (in Independence) and that was a night I got an indoor room/bed to sleep in. And I must say that it is nice to not have to take the time to setup/breakdown the tent.
I saw one guy (Jean Oliphant) that I'd last seen in 1979 when we both worked in the CSSD group at Collins in Cedar Rapids. That was the year that engineering moved to Aurora, IL (outside of Chicago) and I chose to move over to Government Avionics (now Government Systems) and work on GPS. It was a good choice for me. Anyway, this bike was in front of me with its little identification form on the back and I recognized Jean's name plus his hometown of Aurora, IL ... so I pulled up beside him and introduced myself. He remembered me right away and we talked for a few minutes. But almost all the folks he asked about did *not* work in my area and I don't know what happened to them (Jim Sawyer, Larry Akins, several others).
I also ended up riding beside Terry Smith (one of the original GPS engineers) for awhile and we talked. He's over in Commercial Avionics and said he was riding in his 8th consecutive RAGBRAI. Cool.
Although Theresa Jasa was riding, we started each day at different times (I found out that I was generally the earlier starter) and I never say her on the ride. I did see Paul Adam and got a picture of him. One of these days I'll update the website to put on some RAGBRAI pictures of mine as well as (perhaps) contributions from others.
Physically, this ride was not a problem and I'll probably do another century ride up to Waterloo in the near future as it's pretty easy to do when you're in shape. My butt was in very good shape but I will say that I used the Chamois Butt'r and it did feel good. Most of the time, the outstanding issue was that the ride got a bit boring ... even though you had to keep your eyes open and your wits about you from time to time to avoid getting into an accident. Mechanically, everything worked on the bike except the cadence sensor on the speedometer. I'm going to have to return that unit as it seems Specialized has a batch of bad sensors and I've been trying to get a replacement for 3 months. However, it had been working acceptably until the start of RAGBRAI (of course), when it completely failed. My goal is to get a unit with reliable wireless speed and cadence sensors.
Best town ... probably Eagle Grove. They had a ton of old cars and also a BatCycle, plus a Mayberry theme with tapes playing and a jail with Otis available for photo op (although I didn't get any pictures here). This town was very fun and made me feel the most welcome.
Overall, the experience rates a big smile and, of course, a big thank you to Carol and to Larry for taking me out to the start and picking me up at the end, respectively, of the ride. I suppose I'll know I'm *really* in shape when I ride the bicycle out to the start and then ride back to Cedar Rapids after RAGBRAI is done. Well, just so no one gets anxious about when this will happen, it is *not* one of my life's goals. All I have to say is that there doesn't seem to be enough time to get things done ... even meeting people and/or going out on dates ... but there's still enough time to smile. More later.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Ready To Roll
Finally, time to relax after a hectic 10 days of finding a RAGBRAI registration for sale on the internet, actually buying it, getting it (yesterday) in the mail and getting all the rest of my riding equipment lined up. Well, I'm not going to use the Bob trailer ... opted for the pannier bags instead. Everything (just barely) fits and it makes for a more easily controlled bicycle ... I think that's important for me as a RAGBRAI rookie.
Before any water is added, the load on the bike is 52 lbs. Estimated 3 lbs. for water and it's 55 lbs. With me at 160, that still a respectably light 215 lb. load on a bike that weighs 30 lbs (including front and rear racks and aero bar. The main load (I heard that! I mean the main load apart from me! hehe) is split with about 3 lbs. more weight on the left than the right side and 29 of the 52 lbs on the rear wheel. I'll think a bit more about balancing that load and it may be as simple as swapping left and right panniers on the rear wheel (just need to make sure my heels don't hit the bags when they're swapped).
Wheels up for Rock Rapids at 7am tomorrow (July 21) and should arrive there between 12 and 12:30. I expect it may take awhile to get through the checkin line but I think that needs to happen before I can figure out where I'll be camping Saturday night. It'll be good to just have a little spot somewhere that I can call "home" for the night.
Well, I better get some sleep now as I've been dozing in my chair this evening. I'm pretty relaxed now that the preparation is complete ... and this is going to be quite an experience. I'll report on it after RAGBRAI is over since I'm not bringing a PC along. I should have at least some pictures to post also. Guess it'll be time to update my website again.
Later ...
Before any water is added, the load on the bike is 52 lbs. Estimated 3 lbs. for water and it's 55 lbs. With me at 160, that still a respectably light 215 lb. load on a bike that weighs 30 lbs (including front and rear racks and aero bar. The main load (I heard that! I mean the main load apart from me! hehe) is split with about 3 lbs. more weight on the left than the right side and 29 of the 52 lbs on the rear wheel. I'll think a bit more about balancing that load and it may be as simple as swapping left and right panniers on the rear wheel (just need to make sure my heels don't hit the bags when they're swapped).
Wheels up for Rock Rapids at 7am tomorrow (July 21) and should arrive there between 12 and 12:30. I expect it may take awhile to get through the checkin line but I think that needs to happen before I can figure out where I'll be camping Saturday night. It'll be good to just have a little spot somewhere that I can call "home" for the night.
Well, I better get some sleep now as I've been dozing in my chair this evening. I'm pretty relaxed now that the preparation is complete ... and this is going to be quite an experience. I'll report on it after RAGBRAI is over since I'm not bringing a PC along. I should have at least some pictures to post also. Guess it'll be time to update my website again.
Later ...
Monday, July 16, 2007
On To RAGBRAI XXXV
Well, I think it's gonna happen. I got word today that the registration from a gal in Florida that can't make it up for RAGBRAI is being sent to me and should arrive here by Thursday or so of this week. I also have all the information I need to transfer her registration to my name. Today I've been trying to figure out if I can eliminate the bike trailer I've been testing out and just use front/back panniers. It looks like I can do it if I strap the sleeping bag, tent and ground cover on the rack behind the seat. Thank goodness for bungee cords!
It's a much better deal if I can pull it off because the bike will ride better with the 4 bags and extra load on the rear rack than it will with the trailer in tow. The only thing I'm really missing right now is a good quality tire pump ... and I've got a Road Morph coming via UPS 2nd day air by tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.
I think I'll mail in the registration material as that will cover me if I end up not connecting up with the RAGBRAI registration folks on Saturday (not to mention that that place will be a zoo) ... it will definitely be an interesting week, with the ride starting on Sunday, July 22 and completing on Saturday, July 28. All I can say is that I'm very fortunate to be able to ride at all since I didn't register for this before the deadline. So thanks again to Kathie (from Florida) although I'm also sorry she didn't get to go on the ride ... at least she was able to put a smile on my face!
Oh, and if you want to check out the route, etc., just go to http://www.ragbrai.org/ and they'll have all the details. I'll get something in this blog when I get back and I also plan to update my website with some pictures ... but I will not bring along anything to let me do real time stuff. If I do this again next year that'll be something new to try, but no promises!
Time to get a good night's sleep ... zz-z-z-z-z-z
It's a much better deal if I can pull it off because the bike will ride better with the 4 bags and extra load on the rear rack than it will with the trailer in tow. The only thing I'm really missing right now is a good quality tire pump ... and I've got a Road Morph coming via UPS 2nd day air by tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.
I think I'll mail in the registration material as that will cover me if I end up not connecting up with the RAGBRAI registration folks on Saturday (not to mention that that place will be a zoo) ... it will definitely be an interesting week, with the ride starting on Sunday, July 22 and completing on Saturday, July 28. All I can say is that I'm very fortunate to be able to ride at all since I didn't register for this before the deadline. So thanks again to Kathie (from Florida) although I'm also sorry she didn't get to go on the ride ... at least she was able to put a smile on my face!
Oh, and if you want to check out the route, etc., just go to http://www.ragbrai.org/ and they'll have all the details. I'll get something in this blog when I get back and I also plan to update my website with some pictures ... but I will not bring along anything to let me do real time stuff. If I do this again next year that'll be something new to try, but no promises!
Time to get a good night's sleep ... zz-z-z-z-z-z
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday the 13th ... New Best Time
Good weather again today! About 80 degrees and light breeze from the north. The result was a new best time of 46:46 on my regular route. Average speed about 18.2 mph.
In other biking news, I hooked up my Bob Yak bicycle trailer today and it seems to work OK. I'm considering riding RAGBRAI ... if the logistics stuff gets set up right. I've gone from about 25% positive to maybe 70%. I've also arranged to get a weekly pass from a rider in Florida who unexpectedly can no longer make the trip up here to Iowa. So if I don't go I'll be out $100 (for the weekly pass) but the trailer is a good investment and will allow me to bring along some tools, a sleeping bag, tent, etc., along with extra stuff in my panniers, if needed. My primary concern is good nutrition during the ride as the physical part will be a challenge, but one that I'm very prepared for.
Anyway, if I do end up riding then I'll be sure to take pictures, although I don't intend to bring along equipment that will let me do uploads on a daily basis. I'll probably add a page to my website for any pictures I would get.
I've also become aware of a neat flavor treat (and it's also, as is my usual requirement, easy to make) called a banana smoothie. There's a powder package I picked up at Target and you simply add ice cubes, a large banana and 10 oz. of milk. Blend well ... and it makes a quart of very tasty and very "smooth" stuff. Looks like dancing and singing are on the agenda tonight ... with tomorrow perhaps being a night off ... as I don't think I've been getting enough sleep in the past few weeks and it would be good to catch up this week. Especially if I end up going on RAGBRAI starting next weekend.
Finally, I sent out my eldest son's birthday present today. I'm sure he'll find a surprise in the packaging as well as the contents and ... he'll probably smile about it all. That is, after all, the goal for every day ...
In other biking news, I hooked up my Bob Yak bicycle trailer today and it seems to work OK. I'm considering riding RAGBRAI ... if the logistics stuff gets set up right. I've gone from about 25% positive to maybe 70%. I've also arranged to get a weekly pass from a rider in Florida who unexpectedly can no longer make the trip up here to Iowa. So if I don't go I'll be out $100 (for the weekly pass) but the trailer is a good investment and will allow me to bring along some tools, a sleeping bag, tent, etc., along with extra stuff in my panniers, if needed. My primary concern is good nutrition during the ride as the physical part will be a challenge, but one that I'm very prepared for.
Anyway, if I do end up riding then I'll be sure to take pictures, although I don't intend to bring along equipment that will let me do uploads on a daily basis. I'll probably add a page to my website for any pictures I would get.
I've also become aware of a neat flavor treat (and it's also, as is my usual requirement, easy to make) called a banana smoothie. There's a powder package I picked up at Target and you simply add ice cubes, a large banana and 10 oz. of milk. Blend well ... and it makes a quart of very tasty and very "smooth" stuff. Looks like dancing and singing are on the agenda tonight ... with tomorrow perhaps being a night off ... as I don't think I've been getting enough sleep in the past few weeks and it would be good to catch up this week. Especially if I end up going on RAGBRAI starting next weekend.
Finally, I sent out my eldest son's birthday present today. I'm sure he'll find a surprise in the packaging as well as the contents and ... he'll probably smile about it all. That is, after all, the goal for every day ...
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Lucky Saturday-7/7/07
OK, well, they say that this day is the luckiest of the century and it only occurs once. True enough that it only occurs once (as, by the way, does every other single day of a century). However, I submit that there is a luckier day ... namely (in the 20th century) July 7, 1977. Since years are generally represented with 2 digits, this results in the date 7/7/77. Again, it won't happen for another 70 years, so it's unlikely that I'll see it in the 21st century (but, I suppose, not impossible ... I'm sure they'll be able to rebuild me ... well, everything but my smile ... after all, how could you improve on that, eh?).
So, based on the preceding, on this *second* luckiest day of the century, I decided to do a total cleaning of my chain, off the bike. This means breaking the chain, of course. For the rejoining, I had previously purchased some KMC Super Link III quick connect pins (for 6.6 mm wide 9 speed chain) and those things really worked well. At any rate, I cleaned the chain by first dumping it in a plastic bottle of solvent and shaking it as well as letting it soak. By the way, I realized (again) that I need a shop apron to keep the oil off my jeans ... but too late for today (I ordered one for next time though). Next I got the chain out and used the solvent to also clean the chainrings and the rear pulley wheels as well as the cassette gears. Then I repeated the chain cleaning in the bottle and also spent time reaching inside the links to clean out stubborn grease. The reason for this really good cleaning job is that the lube I am trying (called Dumonde Tech Original) is a polymer based lubricant that bonds with the chain metal. But it cannot do this if there is any contamination (oil/dirt, etc.) at all on the chain.
Of course, I inadvertantly routed the chain incorrectly at the rear derailleur so I had to sacrifice a Super Link (they are not reuseable) and put it on again after correcting the problem. Fortunately, I'm luckier with mechanical things than with women (hehe) and so everything worked the second time and I'm very satisfied with the results. The chain and derailleurs are very quiet and smooth. I'll wipe the chain down in the morning but I don't expect too much excess with this lube (and I was careful to put exactly one drop on each of the 114 rivets). The goal is to have a quiet, well lubed chain that is maintained by simple soap/water cleaning (Dumonde recommends against using solvent as it defeats the polymer bonding process) and regular light lubrication (perhaps every 100 miles or so).
In other news, I stopped over at Pei's today and had lunch with my friend Bob (retired from the post office). He usually goes to a movie on Saturdays after lunch and today's choice was the new Bruce Willis movie Live Free or Die Hard. Of course, much of it was unbelievable, but it was a great action flick. After it was over, I gave Bob a ride home (he doesn't drive) and then started working on the bike. It was much more fun to work on the bike than to mow the lawn (which actually doesn't seem to need it) ... although it was tougher to *not* go play some golf at St. Andrews (where I have a free season pass but have only used it once this year). Well, maybe tomorrow ... when it will also be interesting to see how the bike holds up with the "new" chain. And if I really like this lube then I'll use it when I actually do put a new chain on the bike (not sure how soon that will be).
Thinking I might go out to sing tonight ... although I see there are dances at both Dubuque and Grundy Center tonight. Also, I have to look at re-doing my picture sometime tomorrow ... have to smile for that, eh? Well, tonight I think I'll celebrate 7/7/07 with a nice bubble bath soak by candle light.
So, based on the preceding, on this *second* luckiest day of the century, I decided to do a total cleaning of my chain, off the bike. This means breaking the chain, of course. For the rejoining, I had previously purchased some KMC Super Link III quick connect pins (for 6.6 mm wide 9 speed chain) and those things really worked well. At any rate, I cleaned the chain by first dumping it in a plastic bottle of solvent and shaking it as well as letting it soak. By the way, I realized (again) that I need a shop apron to keep the oil off my jeans ... but too late for today (I ordered one for next time though). Next I got the chain out and used the solvent to also clean the chainrings and the rear pulley wheels as well as the cassette gears. Then I repeated the chain cleaning in the bottle and also spent time reaching inside the links to clean out stubborn grease. The reason for this really good cleaning job is that the lube I am trying (called Dumonde Tech Original) is a polymer based lubricant that bonds with the chain metal. But it cannot do this if there is any contamination (oil/dirt, etc.) at all on the chain.
Of course, I inadvertantly routed the chain incorrectly at the rear derailleur so I had to sacrifice a Super Link (they are not reuseable) and put it on again after correcting the problem. Fortunately, I'm luckier with mechanical things than with women (hehe) and so everything worked the second time and I'm very satisfied with the results. The chain and derailleurs are very quiet and smooth. I'll wipe the chain down in the morning but I don't expect too much excess with this lube (and I was careful to put exactly one drop on each of the 114 rivets). The goal is to have a quiet, well lubed chain that is maintained by simple soap/water cleaning (Dumonde recommends against using solvent as it defeats the polymer bonding process) and regular light lubrication (perhaps every 100 miles or so).
In other news, I stopped over at Pei's today and had lunch with my friend Bob (retired from the post office). He usually goes to a movie on Saturdays after lunch and today's choice was the new Bruce Willis movie Live Free or Die Hard. Of course, much of it was unbelievable, but it was a great action flick. After it was over, I gave Bob a ride home (he doesn't drive) and then started working on the bike. It was much more fun to work on the bike than to mow the lawn (which actually doesn't seem to need it) ... although it was tougher to *not* go play some golf at St. Andrews (where I have a free season pass but have only used it once this year). Well, maybe tomorrow ... when it will also be interesting to see how the bike holds up with the "new" chain. And if I really like this lube then I'll use it when I actually do put a new chain on the bike (not sure how soon that will be).
Thinking I might go out to sing tonight ... although I see there are dances at both Dubuque and Grundy Center tonight. Also, I have to look at re-doing my picture sometime tomorrow ... have to smile for that, eh? Well, tonight I think I'll celebrate 7/7/07 with a nice bubble bath soak by candle light.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Front Rack ... Resolved
Well, in the ongoing saga of getting a front rack for the TriCross, I found a place in California (I think) that makes one that should work. And rather than just ordering it, I called them (toll free, nice) and talked about the bike and my woes on this issue. At first I was dismayed to find out that the guy (John) wasn't aware that the 2007 TriCross now has mounting screws on the composite fork. But he did have a picture to examine after I informed him and then he agreed. So they have a lowrider rack that should work just fine (and I don't want to carry anything on top of the wheel, just on the sides) so I ordered it *and* I took the one that doesn't fit back to the bike shop for a refund.
That reminds me, when an internet order comes in that charges sales tax, are they charging the local county (6%) amount, which was effective on July 1, or do they charge the standard Iowa state value (5%). I bet it's the latter but will have to check it out.
Not much happening this weekend, for me anyway. Maybe I'll look around to see if there are any dances that are reasonably close and maybe worth going to. I think I'll also look in to building a shop bench on one wall of my garage. It will need to "fold up" against the wall, so I'll need to get some fairly heavy duty hinges, but I think I may use deck planks for the surface and probably 2x4's (again, on hinges) for the supporting legs. Another approach is to add on to the north side of the garage and build a workshop/storage area out there. I've thought about that before. That's not a bad idea, given that I'll likely be in this house forever. And even if I do move, it should add significant value for sale purposes. H-mmm. Well, first things first ... I know I can get a bench built pretty easily and that will only cost me about $50 (plus maybe some tool pegboards, a bench vise, etc.). Of course, all this is so I can work more easily on the more difficult issues regarding bicycle maintenance ... as you might have guessed. And I can tell that you're all out there with a knowing smile when I say that ... later.
That reminds me, when an internet order comes in that charges sales tax, are they charging the local county (6%) amount, which was effective on July 1, or do they charge the standard Iowa state value (5%). I bet it's the latter but will have to check it out.
Not much happening this weekend, for me anyway. Maybe I'll look around to see if there are any dances that are reasonably close and maybe worth going to. I think I'll also look in to building a shop bench on one wall of my garage. It will need to "fold up" against the wall, so I'll need to get some fairly heavy duty hinges, but I think I may use deck planks for the surface and probably 2x4's (again, on hinges) for the supporting legs. Another approach is to add on to the north side of the garage and build a workshop/storage area out there. I've thought about that before. That's not a bad idea, given that I'll likely be in this house forever. And even if I do move, it should add significant value for sale purposes. H-mmm. Well, first things first ... I know I can get a bench built pretty easily and that will only cost me about $50 (plus maybe some tool pegboards, a bench vise, etc.). Of course, all this is so I can work more easily on the more difficult issues regarding bicycle maintenance ... as you might have guessed. And I can tell that you're all out there with a knowing smile when I say that ... later.
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