RAGBRAI L (50th): Embrace the Adventure (July 2023)

Рет қаралды 20,152

Күн бұрын

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RAGBRAI 2023 (the 50th, but my 1st!) was a 500-mile journey across Iowa from Sioux City to Davenport. As I discovered, this one definitely required some training (which I didn't do) and additional perseverance. The heat was a particularly challenging factor. Regardless, it was extremely fun and definitely an adventure in its truest sense.
It's hard to describe RAGBRAI: it's a bicycling event (duh!), a food festival, a mobile state fair, a string of small town parties, a bike expo and a concert series. There's A LOT going on. Two weeks later, I'm still recovering.
OVERVIEW:
0:00:00 Introduction
0:03:19 Day 0: getting to Sioux City
0:09:15 Day 1: Sioux City to Storm Lake
0:14:45 Day 2: Storm Lake to Carroll
0:18:22 Day 3: Carroll to Ames
0:27:07 Day 4: Ames to Des Moines
0:33:08 Day 5: Des Moines to Tama-Toledo
0:41:49 Day 6: Tama-Toledo to Coralville
0:50:53 Day 7: Coralville to Davenport
OTHER MOMENTS:
0:05:50 How to explain RAGBRAI?
0:12:43 Sometimes, it is the RAGBWAI: "...Walk Across Iowa"
0:25:19 Iowa State Stadium reception!
0:32:17 My lowest point of the entire ride
0:37:51 The HEAT wasn't playin
0:49:58 The STORMS are coming--TAKE COVER!!
0:51:11 University of Iowa Stadium reception!
0:55:33 One of my favorite moments (stops)
0:56:47 My new training beverage!
1:01:53 The Dip in the Mississippi
MUSIC SELECTIONS (in video sequence):
"The Dimming" Goldfinch
"Train Ride" Marscott
"Sunlight" The Wild Wind
"Rebels of Our Own Kind" Van Stee
"Away with You" Hotham
"Summer" Greg McKay
"Who Else Would Walk Through These Shadows With Me" The Soundkeeper
"Fever" Yellen
"And My Heavy Heart Found Its Wings Once Again" The Soundkeeper
"Never Die" Step Rockets
"These Moments Live" Abstract Aprils
"The Path" Pete James Johnson
and again..."The Dimming" Goldfinch
OTHER NOTES:
* I ride a Trek Checkpoint ALR5.
* This video was filmed on a GoPro 11 Black (4K/24fps, Linear mode), Insta360 One X, iPhone 13 Max Pro and edited in Final Cut Pro X.
* You can contact me at: bryanwehmeyer@ridealongadventures.com
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(Bryan Wehmeyer, @2023)

Пікірлер: 217

@pegwolf1637 10 ай бұрын

I did Ragbrai L along with you and my other 30,000 friends! This is by FAR the best video I have seen. Best narration, best editing, you captured the ride perfectly! Well done.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! I appreciate the kind words. It was a great event-congrats to you as well!

@jeffadrian7271 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the ride Brian. Brought back fine memories of my rides in '78, '79, '80 and '81. RAGBRAI was much, much smaller then. Rode with Lake Country Cyclist Club (Minneapolis). We were known for our kazoo playing of John Phillip Souza marches as we rode into each town. What a hoot! The best display of human kindness over the whole week. Thank you Iowans all.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Very cool! How fun. Yeah, it’s a special event and a special state. I’ve worked with quite a few Iowans over the years and after doing the ride, I finally understand. Good people.

@melissasinclair9303 10 ай бұрын

I’m just starting to watch now. I was supposed to ride this RAGBRAI until all my plans got cancelled in March when my MIL who lives with us fell and broke her pelvis. I’m originally from Iowa. (Now in MD) I’ve never ridden it and the 50th year seemed a great time to ride it. But now I’m glad I missed it. I’ve experienced the corn fields in summer in Iowa as I detasseled corn. It’s BRUTAL. Summers are always hot, but this year it was exceptionally so.

@melissasinclair9303 10 ай бұрын

Now I wonder if you’ll ever do it again? Or is it a one and done? It probably will be for me when I finally get to do it.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear about your MIL. That’s a bummer. Hope her recover goes well. I found Iowa extremely charming. Friendly people. And I really enjoyed the landscapes. The sunrises were fantastic. But…yeah, the heat was too much. Go figure the week before was like 15 degrees cooler. It was a great event but I think you’re right: one and done. Maybe if I was part of a group or something like that. Not solo. Thanks for watching!

@Rocketrecliner 10 ай бұрын

What a great video! First one I've seen where someone really spent the time to show you what the ride was like. So many times people focus on all the other activities. With the heat, long lines, and seemingly RAGBRAI really reaching capacity of what it can handle, I wonder what adjustments they might make for next year. Regardless, I really hope to do it. Always wanted to, but things never fell in place. We'll see. Thanks again.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, same here. The family calendar finally aligned. The capacity question is a good one. There were definitely cracks in the whole system this year and a lot of complaints. I don't totally get it all but I was also a newbie so I have no frame of reference. I had a good time and I'd do it again...AND hope for cooler temps. :) Thanks for watching!

@ecast1500 4 ай бұрын

thanks for taking the time to do this video, well done. I watch a lot of these and want to do this. What shocks me is the amount of food and types of food. It seems like people eat and drink stuff that would destroy me on a hot day, sausage wow, that has to make you thirsty, plus, I know by the end of it I would have gained 10 pounds, I salute all that ride this

@RideAlongAdventures 4 ай бұрын

lol…you are 100% right. It’s a food festival as well as a bike ride. Nothing like a pork chop and a beer and THEN ride another 30 or so miles!! 😂 it’s a great event. I’m going to sit out 2024 but I think I’ll be back in 2025.

@stevederr4927 10 ай бұрын

This year was my second RAGBRAI, also rode in 2021, both were extremely hot with heat advisories. I usually started by 6:30 in the morning, based on the RAGBRAI website saying that police, ambulance, SAG, etc weren’t available until then but I wish I had started at 4:30ish like you did, looks like plenty of folks got early starts. Any issues you saw with starting so early? Love the interesting facts you put in your video. You mentioned you didn’t train but I’d say from your other videos you were already in a good state of training and were physically ready for RAGBRAI (heat exempted). PS I also hope to ride the Erie Canal one day after watching videos by Ryan van Duzer’s, BBB Adventures and you. BTW although I’m retired and living in SC, I was originally from Delaware (graduated from Salesianum HS in 1972), it was great to see your video of the Delaware Gran Fondo.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

About the 4:30 start...yeah, a police officer actually stopped me on Day 5 leaving Des Moines but i was one of thousands so he just laughed and waved me on. It was definitely good to beat the heat but honestly I missed the crowds and talking to people along the road. Many times (as you could see in the video) I was all by myself. That seems counter to the spirit of Ragbrai. I also got to certain towns before they were even open...missed two days of breakfast burritos. :) Yeah, i try to stay in decent cardio shape in general but I wasn't prepared for the hills or the back-to-back high mile days. That's my fault though. I didn't read enough. I seriously drove out there thinking it would be flat. Erie Canal is totally awesome. I'm headed back there in a couple weeks to ride with a college buddy. If you like history, it's just one of those places where you can get swept up in the area, much of which has been preserved and documented all over the place (plaques, signs, statues, etc.) Just awesome. Can't wait to ride it again. I've been in Delaware for almost 20 years now and I think it's a great state. Sallies is a great school not to mention striking fear into the hearts of all cross country runners (like my boys), coaches and parents. ;) Thanks for watching, Steve. I appreciate it.

@chipsavaglio 9 ай бұрын

I am really glad I stumbled upon your Ragbrai Video. This is truly one of the best representations of Ragbrai that I have seen. I will follow your work, and great video work.....

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

Hey, thanks so much. I appreciate the kind words. I try to get better with each video so please feel free to share ideas for improvement. RAGBRAI was such a great event and provided a lot of great content to share.

@dennisspors5264 3 ай бұрын

I would try this but I hate camping. My wife showed me one from her home state, Kansas. It looked interesting as you pass through many, many small towns.

@RideAlongAdventures 3 ай бұрын

Ok, you’re like the third person to mention Kansas recently. I gotta look into that event cuz I bet Kansas is beautiful. Thanks for watching. 👍🏻

@forkintherode8236 6 ай бұрын

I well understand the fork in the road for home-made ice cream. The great Yogi Berra once said "when you come to a fork in the road- take it." What a tough tough ride!!!!

@RideAlongAdventures 6 ай бұрын

It's funny how the brain works. I only recall the happy parts of this ride. I actually watched this the other day and was thinking, 'what was so hard about that??' I totally love your youtube handle...you gotta use that to max benefit. :)

@forkintherode8236 6 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Thank you I took the fork handle in honor of Yogi. A truly great man

@markdrury 7 ай бұрын

Turned 60 in April of this year and did RAGBRAI L with a college friend, given it was a bucket list item for both of us. Rode every mile on the bike, suffered a great deal on several days given our relatively late starts, the heat and the distances, and swore I’d never do it again when I finally arrived in Davenport. About two weeks later, back home in California, I found myself daydreaming about returning to Iowa in 2-3 years as a bagger-such is the enigma of RAGBRAI. I only just discovered your KZfaq content-really like your work-else I’d have made an effort to say “hello” in July. Thank you for creating and sharing!

@RideAlongAdventures 7 ай бұрын

Thanks and congrats on Ragbrai. Funny similar experience…as I was riding into the finish I was thinking, ‘well, I’ll never see this again…’ and then the more I spoke with friends about the experience I kept ending sentences with, “well, NEXT TIME, I will…” 😂 it’s a contagious event. Thanks for watching. It’s a fun hobby to share these rides.

@JonPaul 10 ай бұрын

You're pretty good at this video and editing - well done and thanks for sharing. Take care.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, Jon. It’s a fun hobby. I enjoy learning more each video but mostly I’m just glad to get out and see the country like this. Thanks for watching and the kind words. 🙏

@longrider42 8 ай бұрын

I did RAGBRAI back in 2012. Only 8000 week long riders. And even then things where crowded. I cant imagine how bad it was this year. One thing I learned about RAGBRAI from the forums before I rode, is have a fan in your tent. I had one and it was worth the weight. I am going to try and ride next year in 2024. I just have to get into shape. P. S. I was up at 5am every morning and on the road by 6am, or shortly there after. Depending on where I found breakfast.

@RideAlongAdventures 8 ай бұрын

Good tip. I actually bought one, brought it, used it on the way to the ride (while sleeping in my car) THEN left it in the van prior to leaving for the start. :( yeah, I’m also thinking of 2024. Good luck.

@mikemrkacek5091 9 ай бұрын

Great video as usual. Yes the big established charters do get preferential treatment, shade is not necessarily one of them. Pork Belly has over 400 tents, they are forced to use football fields or similar to accommodate the number of tents. This means they are in full sun. I use Pork Belly to shuttle my luggage but I set up my own tent in a location I chose myself. If I get to camp early I have a better chance of getting a shady or soon to be shady spot. Just a thought.

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

Good idea. Hadn’t thought of that. It was the shady spot they had in Des Moines that got me riled up. 😄 that day was it low point. That field temp was up over a 100, showers were in a different state…not me at my happiest.

@fman4234 Ай бұрын

Great vid. I will do LI!

@RideAlongAdventures Ай бұрын

Go for it! Have a great time.

@k34561 9 ай бұрын

I road RAGBRAI 34, we learned get up early. We would start riding before 6 am. We made the mistake of starting at 8 the second day. Never again!!!

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

It’s the one time I was glad I’m an early riser by nature. The only drag was missing the chance to meet and ride with people. But…the heat…🥵

@Alex_Riddles 10 ай бұрын

I rode RAGBRAI several times back in the 70's. Thanks for reminding me of some of my early adventures.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Very cool! Happy to bring back good memories.

@mobilemiall 4 ай бұрын

Your videos are great! I'm a country mouse, I just can't get jazzed about bike riding with 40K people - the town I live in is pop.2800. So my 2024 epic ride will be 480 miles in West Central and Central IL, start and and at my front door. Hotels and ride my own schedule.

@RideAlongAdventures 4 ай бұрын

Thank you and I agree…it’s incredibly hard to go from near silent solo pedaling to 40k people. 😊 enjoy your ride!

@edinelsonramirez5656 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking us along!

@RideAlongAdventures 6 ай бұрын

you're welcome. it was a great experience!

@billysbikesbrews7183 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic Video 🎥 Well Done 🙂.. In RAGBRAI You earn every mile from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River 🚴‍♂️.. As I said earlier I’ve done 2 RAGBRAI’s last one was in 2018.. we also ended in Davenport🌽 I’ve watched a lot of RAGBRAI videos.. this is the first time. I felt like I was there.. made me miss it.. And made me want to do it again.. Bravo 🙌 👏 🙌 👏

@RideAlongAdventures 7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. It was a great experience. I hope to do it again someday. I appreciate the kind words. 🙏

@jimzene 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video I was there for the 50th and hadn’t remembered or misremembered so much

@RideAlongAdventures 4 ай бұрын

lol--maybe it was the heat! :) It's funny but I'm forgetting a lot of it as well. And perhaps that is stuff I WANT to forget. All in all, did you enjoy it? Despite the conditions? I almost signed up for this year so maybe that says something. I'm going to skip a year and come back in 2025. thanks for watching, Jim.

@derekdettler6552 8 ай бұрын

This looks like such a thrill, I'm really contemplating working up to this for 2024

@RideAlongAdventures 8 ай бұрын

Definitely! It’s a blast.

@Miniscapes515 4 ай бұрын

Great video. My son and i are doing Ragbrai this year. Im originaly from Dover Delaware.

@RideAlongAdventures 4 ай бұрын

Dover’s a great town. This is my 20th year in the state. I’ve grown to really love it here. Get those quads trained for RAGBRAI. I heard the new route is hilly!!!!!! It’s a great event. Hope you guys have a blast.

@cameronstoll5737 6 ай бұрын

Love your video of Ragbrai. I am hoping to do this in 2024 for the first time. Is there any chance you will go again? I hope to see you there if you do!

@RideAlongAdventures 6 ай бұрын

Hey, thanks. It was a great adventure. I’m going to sit 2024 out but I’m almost completely sure I’ll be back for 2025. Enjoy!

@longrider42 8 ай бұрын

No matter how long you would make, it. I would watch it all.

@RideAlongAdventures 8 ай бұрын

Lol. Thanks.

@briankimmel1349 4 ай бұрын

I was there too! Great to re-live it watching this. Cheers

@RideAlongAdventures 4 ай бұрын

Rock on! Great event even with the heat. 🥵 congrats!

@briankimmel1349 4 ай бұрын

I binged a few of your videos today. I live in Columbus Ohio and am often giving advice on navigating downtown to OTET riders. And I’m riding KARY this May. Maybe I’ll run into you on a trail. Cheers

@RideAlongAdventures 4 ай бұрын

@@briankimmel1349 can I keep you on speed dial for the next time I come through?? 😂 enjoy the KATY-great trail!

@briankimmel1349 4 ай бұрын

Ha! Sure! The trick is use google maps bicycle and route yourself to Fort Hayes once you can see downtown Columbus. From Fort Hayes route to Westerville using the 670 connector and then Alum Creek Trail. Or stop in one of the many breweries in downtown Columbus and someone will help lol

@daveoutdoors4949 10 ай бұрын

Great video and yes, I watched every minute of it.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@philandthedash1682 10 ай бұрын

Nice job! Really enjoyed your video

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thank you, Phil. Likewise, dude…I like your videos too. I watched your super helpful tips before driving west!! Thanks.

@matttheriac5611 10 ай бұрын

What a true, nice, thoughtful video. Hubby rode his 3rd he's 67. I rode Ragbrai #13 a few years ago. 😊 I think you're a terrific human being!! Safe riding ❤

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Wow…that is so nice of you to say. Thank you. It was a great event even with the heat…and, of course, the more time that passes, the more we all forget the temps. 😊 congrats on finishing so many - you’ve got me wanting to go back next year. While I’ve been saying “one and done”, I don’t know…maybe again. Thanks for watching and for the very kind words.

@scottyoung2095 10 ай бұрын

Awesome video Brian! RAGBRI is definitely on my bucket list!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, it was a very unique event. Bucket list worthy, for sure.

@dustysadventures 7 ай бұрын

Great video! This is on my bucket list. Maybe next year.

@RideAlongAdventures 7 ай бұрын

Thank you. It is definitely bucket list material.

@brianwillaman1776 7 ай бұрын

Great video. My wife and I rode RAGBRAI this year and I rode it with the Air Force Cycling Team in 2021. Where did you get the Iowa Facts map? Very neat.

@RideAlongAdventures 7 ай бұрын

Oh very cool. That Air Force team is impressive--seems like they ride the course twice looking for people to help. Are you referring to the graphic? Yeah, I did that in Apple Motion and final cut pro. I'm trying to learn that software--as usually, very powerful stuff that I understand about 3%. thanks for watching, Brian. Are you thinking of riding it next year?

@theaccountant1960 10 ай бұрын

A wonderful video that truly captures the various sights, sounds and emotions during RAGBRAI. Thank you for the many fond memories riding with you. -Turbo Tim :D

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Turbo Tim, you were a joy to ride with, my friend! Thanks for the memories.

@danielheideman576 10 ай бұрын

Well Done Sir 💯

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thank you, Daniel. 🙏

@OGDavidAlva 8 ай бұрын

Thankyou for sheriing!!!!

@RideAlongAdventures 8 ай бұрын

You’re welcome. Glad you liked it.

@RobbTanner 2 ай бұрын

Really great video - thanks for capturing your experience last year! I'm planning on my first RAGBRAI ride this summer.

@RideAlongAdventures 2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you have a great time. Iowa is an incredibly beautiful place with extremely friendly people.

@RobbTanner 2 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures did you use a charter service for your ride last year? any recommendation?

@RideAlongAdventures 2 ай бұрын

@@RobbTanner ⁠I went with ACE and I thought they did a pretty good job.

@KeithOutside 10 ай бұрын

Fantastic video! Glad you made it. I tapped out in Des Moines. The heat was brutal.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Can’t blame you at all. Between you and me, I really don’t think it was healthy to keep going. I mean, yeah, I did but it took a good week and a half to recover. I had nearly every sign of heat-related illness. Not good. The early morning starts helped but sitting around in a 100-degree camp didn’t help. Anyway…congrats on the first four day. Those were STILL a big ole challenge!!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Btw, I dig your channel, dude. I’ve watched a lot of your vids. And, apologies, I just subscribed but I can’t believe I didn’t already. Your OTET journey was great.

@KeithOutside 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks I appreciate that! The OTET was a lot fun. Looking forward to more of your rides.

@JonPaul 10 ай бұрын

Same, I live in Des Moines so when I got there, I bailed out of the ride. I really enjoy the riding and while the heat is a challenge, it was really the lack of good sleep that was messing me up. I was camping in the RAGBRAI grounds, and that was rough.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@JonPaul can't blame you at all. honestly...I said this and I'm not trying to be overly dramatic, I still think this was the toughest physical activity I've ever done...and (not to brag) that's after 57 marathons, 150+ half marathons, adventure races, cycling centuries, long distance touring, etc.--some in crazy heat as well. I almost feel like I need to do a video just on this topic because I came across so many people (3 on Day 5 alone) who were just not prepared for the physical demands. I mean, I understand the organizers want to emphasize the fun (slip and slides, pie, beer tents, concerts, etc.) and it WAS fun for sure but--well, for example, I met a woman and her daughter along the road on Day 5, mid morning. The mother was crying. About 20 miles in. I turned around to help her because I thought maybe her bike needed a quick repair or something. She admitted that they had only started riding a few months earlier and sort of got sucked into the "fun" but then realized it was WAY beyond their physical condition. And to your point, I was getting 3-4 hrs of sleep as well. Sorry for the long message. I think I'm just still trying to understand what happened! :) And just for the record, I think the Des Moines camp area was the worst of the stopover sites. Nothing against Des Moines--great city. But that field sucked along with the brutal heat. I went to the expo and slept under a tree for about two hours to escape the direct heat. Sorry...this message has too much complaining. I enjoyed this event a lot but it was super challenging.

@greglong2784 10 ай бұрын

Great video. Good view of RAGBRAI L. I was tgere for first time as support driver. Enjoyed the experience and would do it again but the heat was brutal and i was not riding. Some of my group wants to try to do 2025, i hope to be able to ride, time will tell.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

I’m sure your team appreciated your hard work. I heard so many stories of the backups and delays…I’m assuming you had an extra dose of patience. When I finished I said “one and done” but now I’m already thinking about next year. ☺️ thanks for watching!

@rickm8456 9 ай бұрын

Great video! My dad is from Iowa (I’m in PA) and I enjoyed seeing some of towns I remember as a kid. Would love to do this someday, but man, that’s a hot ride!

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

Thanks! and glad you could reminisce a bit. I really enjoyed Iowa. It was really my first extended visit there (other than a few quick business trips) and I found it extremely charming. Of course, PA is a whole different, amazing story--I think it's the rail trail capital of the world. Every time I think I've seen it all, there's a new trail to explore. With regards to RAGBRAI, yeah, man--come out for it! It definitely requires some training and conditioning (something I didn't do enough) but it's just such a unique experience. Thanks for watching!

@rickm8456 9 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures thanks for the reply! Yes for PA. I’m looking to do Pine Creek (again) in the coming weeks.

@johnshaide6954 10 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks for sharing!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@mikeo.750 9 ай бұрын

We thoroughly enjoyed all the stats and the behind the scene thoughts. Loved you explaining the logistics. Thank you😊😊

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a such a great event. I’m just getting a new video finished on the training I SHOULD have done. 😊 stay tuned.

@mikeo.750 9 ай бұрын

I'm watching it now. Thanks😊😊

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

@@mikeo.750 good timing, huh. 😂

@rondickstein5676 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for an absolutely wonderful summary of your journey. I am strongly considering doing my first ride next year 2024 I will be 69 years old and hopefully will be able to complete this journey. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

@RideAlongAdventures 7 ай бұрын

That's awesome. I put out another video on what I believe to be the physical requirements (training) but, in summary, I think it's about getting a lot of time in the saddle, staying hydrated and rested. I think I got a fair amount of riding in prior to the event but I let myself get dehydrated and I just didn't come to the ride rested enough. Nobody could have predicted the heat, which was crazy, but it pushed me and many others to leave earlier in the morning to grab the cooler morning hours. All in all, it's a really fantastic experience--great food, great people. I'm also thinking of 2024. I hope you have a great time!

@donwasinger6654 10 ай бұрын

Love this guy's laugh. Despite the ups and downs, I admired your attitude. Hoping to do my first RAGBRAI next year. Thanks for sharing your ride. I laughed out loud at the root beer float hack hahaha

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, Don. Hey, listen: that rootbeer float was magical. First of all, I got a “large” which by Iowa standards was gigantic. I filled my bottle and had a “small” left over. But, it lasted about a half hour. Amazing. Enjoy next year! It’s a great event, even with the heat and other challenges. When I finished I said, “one and done” but now I’m fondly remembering it and thinking I might return. Thanks for watching! 🙏

@katherinefisher6847 10 ай бұрын

Find a team and return to RAGBRAI.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@katherinefisher6847 good advice. 👍🏻

@user-it5xt8qd1g 10 ай бұрын

I enjoyed the video. If you could do another video of everything else, that would be cool. Morning routine, evening routine, more footage of the pass through towns and entertainment at the overnight towns.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks. I'll try to pull more together. With regards to evening entertainment, there were just several nights when I was collapsed in my tent. I watched about half of the Foghat concert live and then the other half from my tent--we were right next to the concert area so I got to half sleep, half smile at the lengthy version of "Slow Ride". :)

@cyvor7999 10 ай бұрын

Three Thumbs UP... Thanks for taking us along,

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Lol…glad you enjoyed it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@HuntersCyclingAdventures 7 ай бұрын

This was my first year and it was pretty hot and I’m from Florida

@RideAlongAdventures 7 ай бұрын

Congrats on your first. Yes, that was crazy. Now, I’m on the Florida coast to coast trail right now, getting rained on! 😂

@HuntersCyclingAdventures 7 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures you must be dealing with the two days of rain we just had in NW Florida near Pensacola

@TylerandKari 10 ай бұрын

Very enjoyable video. Liked the editing and the intro a lot. Captivating.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@OurJourneyProject Ай бұрын

Hey Brian, love your videos! Question for you. Let’s say you’ve never done RAGBRAI and you’ve never completed the Katy trail. You have a week off in July scheduled for a weeklong bike tour. Do you ride RAGBRAI or do you ride the Katy Trail? I’m in this very predicament. I’m not going to lie, the tranquil peacefulness of the Katy Trail and lack of crowds sound appealing, but at the same time the bucket list factor and the experience of RAGBRAI are also attractive. WWBD? (What would Brian Do)

@RideAlongAdventures Ай бұрын

Wow...that's a helluva question. I'm not sure how to approach it. This might be a year when RAGBRAI attendance is less than average. Maybe. There seemed to be a lot of vocal discontent last year over the crowds. I think you clearly get the difference. RAGBRAI is loud, chaotic, crazy at times but a great chance to meet a lot of like minded cyclists, see a beautiful state and meet some of the most friendly people you'll ever meet (Iowa Nice). The Katy is beautiful, quiet, scenic...also populated with super nice people--just not in crowds like Iowa. I guess the good news is that neither is going anywhere so you could probably do the other one the next time you get a week off. This year's RAGBRAI is supposed to be one of the most hilly and statistically speaking it will be HOT and/or raining. You get to dictate your day on the Katy. I don't know. I enjoyed them both. I'm skipping RAGBRAI this year because there are so many other trails waiting to be ridden.

@hawkwrangler1950 10 ай бұрын

Estimated we had around 60,000 riders on Wednesday from Ames to Des Moines. Glad I stayed ahead of most. People from All 50 states and at least 8 different countries.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Wow…was that the official count? Amazing. Yeah, I started early too! 😊

@hawkwrangler1950 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures the Des Moines PD estimated that. As for all 50 states and at least 8 counties I asked that question on a RAGBRAI facebook group about a month before and people started commenting where they were from and someone actually took the time to go through it all and that’s what they came up with.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@hawkwrangler1950 that’s really cool. Of all the things the organizers pulled together, I really enjoyed those little “license plates” where people wrote their details. So much fun to pass the time shooting the breeze about different areas. Thanks for following up on that. I don’t do Facebook much anymore so I guess I’m just going to miss certain news and updates. I feel really fortunate to have gotten to see Iowa up close through this event. What a beautiful state.

@hawkwrangler1950 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures thank you. I’ve lived here all my life. I live in Des Moines so when I got to Waterworks Park I hopped on the bike trail and headed home. I was able to do the same in 2019. This years ride was the 4th hardest. As for the heat it was definitely warm but not the hottest.

@havebikewilltravel3698 10 ай бұрын

Excellent job!! Looks like you were 1-½ to 2 hours ahead of me most days as I NEVER saw the kind of space between riders in some of your footage. But it was a great time! Over the last 28 years I've done 15 OK FreeWheels, 2 Ride-the-Rockies, another smaller CO ride, 1 BAK, Border Raiders (the last year they had it), 2 tours in MI that we organized ourselves, and now 1-⅓ RAGBRAIs. It never gets old.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

LOL. Yeah, I enjoyed the cool mornings but I missed the crowds. Seriously. You've got quite a list of accomplishments--congrats. Thanks for watching.

@stevehayslip5975 9 ай бұрын

Great video, Brian. Sorry my boys and I didn't see you on the ride, but it looks like you got off to a much earlier start than we did. We were on the road each morning about 5:20, as soon as we could get our bags dropped at the Ragbrai semi's. You were smart to leave out early, since the afternoon heat was hell (especially Wednesday/Thursday) . Your video summed up our feelings perfectly. It was awesome, exhausting, exhilarating, fun, challenging, and the best bonding experience I've ever had with my two grown sons. You were correct in the level of sheer exhaustion: I, too, have done a marathon, and this was so much harder. To know my 61-year-old body made it without ever walking up a hill (even the nightmare coming out of Colfax), to know I did the century loop and celebrated at the Iowa Beer Stop to celebrate afterward,, to know my sons were gritting it out together with me while building memories the two will share long after I'm gone; THOSE are the greatest gifts I could ever hope for. Thank you for reminding me of our tremendous week in the corn. I don't think I'll ever wipe the RAGBRAI smile from my face.

@RideAlongAdventures 9 ай бұрын

Well put, Steve. Congrats. How nice to know you have also given memories to your sons that they will never forget.

@TheBlindAcorn 10 ай бұрын

Second post to say congratulations! Love your videos.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! Glad you like them.

@cherj960 10 ай бұрын

… and how could I forget …… the PIES! The wonderful, glorious, homemade PIES! I’m not sure there are any better pies on the planet than those you can get on RAGBRAI!!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

lol...I had four pieces on day 1. The little church ladies reminded me of my dear, departed Aunt who made the best pies. I liked to hang around the table/booth and just rave over how great the pies were because I knew they had made them. I loved their smiles. Rhubarb!!!!!!!!!!

@digitized4u 10 ай бұрын

Very well done keep up the good work !

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot!

@mitchhastings9578 10 ай бұрын

Excellent video Bryan, and a fantastic accomplishment in absolutely brutal conditions! Nice touch channeling Carl!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, Mitch. I was thinking about you at one point with your “death ride”…wasn’t that 500 in one go??? I still think you’d enjoy this one. 😊

@user-jd7ru2yn4e 10 ай бұрын

Great video and lay out of the trip. I always dreamed of this ride but got old

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

glad you enjoyed it. keep fighting the good fight...I refuse to let the grim reaper gain ground on me. :)

@cakeklein 10 ай бұрын

My husband & I did Day 4; our first taste of riding RAGBRAI. Great job pushing thru those hills and hot heat indexes. You are an inspiration! ❤

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Hey, good for you. That was a beautiful day. Hope you enjoyed it as well. Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.

@norwegian_travellers9166 10 ай бұрын

Great video and great editing 😊🇳🇴

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😁

@margem4754 10 ай бұрын

Nice video. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@frankmarchetta2120 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for this great record of the ride. This was the best depiction yet. Thanks to you, I can relive this great event that I participated in for the first time. Yes, it was tough but so worth it. Thanks again.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Congrats to you! If you care to swap stories, I’d love to hear your experiences…bryanwehmeyer@ridealongadventures.com

@frankmarchetta2120 10 ай бұрын

Sure. My experience was as as a solo Newby. Always wanted to do the ride and was turning 60 in Oct and this was a bucket list gift to myself. I was lucky enough to plan the ride out with no issues. Got my 1990 Peugeot Hybrid totally rebuilt as a Gravel bike and it worked with no issues. So I drive from NJ with one stop over. Got to Davenport on Fri to drop off bike with my charter(Brancel. Good charter) for transport. Parked in VIP garage and rode bike up to St Ambrose then walked back to car. Next was getting my stuff to camp ground in Davenport so I took Uber and did my first camp out which was interesting since I never did that before but I had 7 more nights of it. Next day took shuttle back to St Ambrose and rode bus to Sioux City. Plan was working. From there, Sioux City expo, camp again and get ready for the ride the next morning. I absolutely loved the ride and the pass through towns. For anyone doing this, know its the logistics of packing, transporting, unpacking, putting tent up everyday that is the tough part. The heat was the major issue as when you finished riding 80+, 90+ to 100 miles you then have to find your luggage and put up your tent in direct sunlight and heat of the day(not much shade to be found). Then sleep in that little thing and usually woke up at 4:00 am to beat the heat then get dressed, take tent down, pack everything up, and bring to transport truck.I have to admit that I did not even get to enjoy the end towns much because my main focus was to make sure I rode every mile and was ready for the next day so rest and prep were my peiority. Best memories were definitely the Iowas St. Stadium ride, pie, pie and more pie(Strawberry Rubarb turned out to be fav), hitting all the iconic Ragbrai food vendors, and experiencing the great people of Iowa. Iowa nice is a real thing. Day 5 and 6 will also stand out because of the heat and hills. Anyone says Iowa is flat don't believe them. So yea it was tough but that's what made it all that much more rewarding and memorable. Your video does a good depiction. Oh and the storm cell and tornado sirens were a little scary. We took cover in a parking garage. Plan is to do it again in 5 years at 65. Just a great experience.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@frankmarchetta2120 thank you, Frank. Great summary. Sounds like you had a super memorable experience. Funny, like you, I also found myself just crashed in my tent in the evenings just trying to save strength for the next day. I really wanted to hear Foghat but I was also just dead so I was happy our campsite was right next to the concert area so I could half sleep, half listen to "Slow Ride". :)

@ReimaginedAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Love love this !!! What a fantastic ride gosh thats a ton of people, root beer float on the road oyeah !!!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Lol…that was pure magic at the end…I needed something to keep going and it was SOOOO good. I think you two would really enjoy this event.

@kidgiven 10 ай бұрын

Hey! Thanks for the video. This year was my third. I am usually out in front so I don’t see a lot of the crowd and games. I enjoyed watching your video and remembering some of the sites

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Wow--so what time were YOU leaving? I feel like I didn't wake up until about an hour after I left. What a great event. Thanks for watching.

@kidgiven 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures I was riding by 5:10am most days and I don’t really stop for much.

@massorongsapeda 10 ай бұрын

great adventure

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@AaronQuinnn 10 ай бұрын

You mentioned you did not do any training. I’m interested in doing RAGBRAI within the next few years and curious what your training would have been? I do ride a decent amount but nothing really more than 20-30 miles at a time a couple times a month. Thanks!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Aaron, believe it or not, I’m doing a follow up video on this topic because a lot of people have asked the same question. My initial response is that you’ve got to be prepared for longer distances (I’m used to about 50-60 a day on my tours) and hills (I’m a flat rail trail guy). The other practical advice is that you should get as much sleep and rest prior to the ride as possible because camp life isn’t conducive to good sleep. Stay tuned…I hope to get to this video soon.

@IRydeBikes 10 ай бұрын

That was a great video, I didn't make everyday or every mile but I had fun and will ride it again. I found you while searching the GAP and C&O videos which I will be doing next fall.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks. Glad you had fun and I hope your Gap C&O is a blast. I hope to get out on it before winter this year. I had intended to ride it back in June but the Canadian fires sidelined me. Enjoy! Thanks for watching.

@amylipkin2116 10 ай бұрын

Your intros are the BEST!! The heat looked unbearable, I don't know how you and the others survived! That storm looked wicked!! Glad to hear y'all survived! That heat looked unbearable! I want to try Mr Porkchop!! Will you try another support service next year, if you go? That heat looked unbearable! More Ragbrai videos, I would love to hear how they pull all of this together THAT HEAT LOOKED UNBEARABLE Keep up these ride along videos, I absolutely ADORE them, so entertaining!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Hi, Amy! Thanks for the comments. Yeah...the heat was a challenge. I lost count how many times I said "brutal" in the video. But, it is Iowa. In July. I definitely had heat-related issues: confusion, fatigue, soreness, nausea, etc. I think it took about a week to rehydrate. At the end of Day 6, I was sort of wondering if I was doing something unhealthy. Just being honest. And the storm was intense. Funny...the Iowans were outside enjoying the lightning while the out of staters were huddled inside. :) I'm not sure if I'd do this ride again without a group of friends. I made a lot of friends along the ride but it just felt like a group sort of event. If people can afford the extra $, the charter services are the way to go. I read that the general riders had an hour or more wait to drop off their bag in the morning and then waded through thousands of bags at the arrival town each day. I just walked up to a truck which was right next to the campsite for the day. But the convenience came at a cost. All in all, a great event. Thanks for watching!

@JeffRevell 10 ай бұрын

Glad to see that you were finally able to check this one off your list. I was seriously looking at riding last year but they made the century ride a mandatory distance and I just have zero interest in riding that far. I was going to go this year but the dates just didn't work out for me. Instead, I visited Texax and enjoyed some 100+ degree days. Maybe next year will be the one for me. I'm still planning some rides for this year and the Delmarva peninsula is looking like a likely choice. I'm still contemplating a cross-country ride as well from DC, up through Pittsburgh, across Ohio and Illinois, and then picking up the Route 66 Adventure Cycling route from St. Louis to LA. The planning is always half the fun. Stay safe out there.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Yeah, it was a "bucket list" sort of event. Not sure if I'd ever do it again. Maybe as part of a group. When the century option popped up, I didn't even hesitate to ride right past it--it was so damn hot. I've been looking at that Adventure cycling Rt 66 route as well. You always have great adventures, dude. I really enjoy your videos. I'll be watching!

@IowaNinersFan 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Century day wasn't as hot as day 5 and 6. I actually rode 2 century days on RAGBRAI this year - Carroll to Ames and Des Moines to Tama-Toledo. The gravel route was fun (until we had to rejoin the rest of the crowd.)

@joes971 10 ай бұрын

Well done, sir, in the doing and in the recording.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly

@cherj960 10 ай бұрын

M OMG Brian! What a fabulous video! I have done Ragbrai at least a half dozen times and watching your video, brought back so many wonderful memories Mr. pork chop, cuddling a piglet, Beekman ice cream, the towns people hosing you down, monster waffles and burritos, the unrelenting heat, frozen Gatorade. And I know there’s lots of things you didn’t talk about.. like the guy in the tent next to you snoring, the long lines for the showers, no matter what you do you can’t get cool in a tent, but that’s all part of the event it’s all part of the adventure, although I will admit on my past Ragbrai’s I never had stadium tours, so I’m jealous. And you are correct … no matter how many videos you watch you don’t understand Ragbrai until YOU DO IT! Congratulations, it is a tremendous accomplishment. I can’t wait to see your follow up videos.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

lol...you are so right. hilarious. Snorers. the breakfast burritos were so damn good. My favorite expression was "the children of the corn" when riders would just emerge from the cornfield after doing their business. It's just such a unique event, so much going on, ALL THE TIME. I was so dead at the of the day...I listened to Foghat's concert from my tent. ;) I'm wondering: did it get easier each year for you? I keep wondering if I'd be more prepared if I did it again and less deer-in-the-headlights, stress, etc. By the end of the week, I felt like more in a rhythm. You sound like you had the right attitude. Tempers were flaring on Day 5-6 but most of it was complaints about stuff that couldn't be changed (weather, running out of beer, etc). thanks for watching and thanks for the comments. I'm going to do a video on tips to make it more enjoyable--would you be willing to help me with the script for that? I'd like some more heads on that one since I've only done it once. No pressure.

@cherj960 10 ай бұрын

I would love to assist with the script @@RideAlongAdventures

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

thanks, in advance. I actually started to write some thoughts the minute I got back. If you don't mind, hit me up with an email at bryanwehmeyer@ridealongadventures.com so i can send you some thoughts. Again, I appreciate it!

@frankmarchetta2120 10 ай бұрын

Lol..3 snorers surrounding my tent. Texted my wife "I'm in hell". Also I was a child of the corn many times😂

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@frankmarchetta2120 😂

@TheBlindAcorn 10 ай бұрын

A friend also did this this year and her daily strava and Facebook posts all included the heat. I am seriously impressed at the people who do this. My question, is all of the food included? All of those wristbands had to be hot too.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

No, the food was extra. Often times, it benefited the local communities…pie, ice cream, spaghetti dinners. Lol…I thought the wristbands were funny to collect until Day 5 heat came crashing down.

@bikesandbeyond618 10 ай бұрын

Excellent video and recap of your experience. Rhubarb pie is among my all time favorite things - but will eat about any flavor of pie. I have the calendar blocked off and plan to RAGBRAI in 2024. Had a family vacation edge it out in 2023. Maybe I'll see you there., Subscribed to your channel. If you'd return the favor, I'd be greatly appreciative.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

You got it. Subscribed. Yeah…same here. Our family vacation in Florida has always been the week just prior to Ragbrai, making it almost impossible to get out there in time. The hurricane last fall made it work this year. It’s a great event. Next year is definitely a possibility. Safe riding!

@kellir.747 10 ай бұрын

Congratulations on your accomplishment! Great video! My bike is also powered by ice cream, and like you, I giggle like a kid when I encounter baby farm animals (especially goats).

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

I'm glad I'm not alone in that. :) That pig totally energized me--I was laughing for miles.

@gorrdd 10 ай бұрын

Top notch production, Bryan!! Very entertaining and informative. I really liked the new video format wrapping you used... just over the top excellent. One thing that amazed me was the absence of any portapotties along the way to accommodate 30,000+ people need to relieve themselves. How does that work? Clearly, one fork you don't want to miss.😅 Gord

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

lol. yeah, they were out there. I may have just missed recording them but there were a lot. And when all else fails, there was an expression: "the children of the corn" to describe cyclists just magically emerging from the cornfields after doing their business. thanks for the kind words, Gord, and for watching!

@gorrdd 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Wow... you remember that movie! I always knew corn cobs were valuable... now I know why. 😋 Yeah, I was looking for the P-o-P's after I heard the numbers of people participating. It's always comforting knowing that there is a seat waiting for you that is not perched on top of a seat post.💩🌽🙈 I thought you really did a great job of documenting this event, considering the conditions you were enduring. This is by far the best production you have done so far. Some of the cuts you included were really beautiful and the intro was very well done. Honestly, I was surprised. You always do a very good job but this was like head and shoulders above all the others you have published. It's going to be hard to top this one... The early morning light, the foggy mornings, the evening sunsets, the quality of lighting that picks up the tell tail traces of dense humidity in the air. It was all there buddy. Gord

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@gorrdd thank you-your words mean a lot me. Those morning sunrises were amazing and, I agree, the camera did a great job picking up those colors. The funny thing was how hard it was to take video because I was so damn scared to take my hands off of the handlebar. Especially the first day which was probably the busiest…I pretty much missed the first 10-20 miles. Iowa was beautiful. So many people told me I would get bored with the landscape, cornfields, etc. Not so. At all. And the people were so warm and friendly. I’ll never forget the little girl who helped me hold her pig. 😉 As always, thanks for watching and the feedback.

@gorrdd 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Yeah... the way Iowa came across in your video was great. Too bad you didn't get the baby pig in the video. That was a wonderful happenstance... just like a box of chocolates. Yes, I noticed how close you were to other cyclists on the first day. Apparently, there were some accidents. With that many people, something is bound to happen. This is clearly an annual commercial enterprise. With that much service being offered, it has to be a money maker. Still lots of people donating they time and talents to make it an event. What was the entry fee? Just curious. Huge outlays for all those buses at the beginning. They don't come cheap. Gord

@Rideurbikenkma 10 ай бұрын

Great video, the ending was funny. What's the earliest you can leave in the mornings?

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

You know...I thought I was leaving SUPER early but then I'd see people already on the road while I was packing my gear. The drawback was the pitch black roads with a headlamp...missing bumps in the road, etc. The other drawback was not having as many people to talk to during the ride. I think the police got antsy when people were out earlier than 4am. Thanks for the comment on the ending. Carl Sagan was always a favorite...the cheesy special effects took WAY too long... :)

@brentcollins9727 6 ай бұрын

Why do they have it during the hottest part of the year? Why not April or May?

@RideAlongAdventures 6 ай бұрын

That is an excellent question. And I have no answer. I would assume it’s just tradition at work.

@markhill2279 10 ай бұрын

Another great vid...glad you got to ride the 'brai and check it off your list....before you travel, do you ever consult any of the WPA guides for the state your riding in?

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, Mark. Well…I almost always try to read up on the local history or some historical fiction but I’d never heard of these guides until you mentioned them. Very cool. What a great idea. Thanks.

@markhill2279 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures some are findable at a well stocked library, used book store or on the internet.

@flaeuro 10 ай бұрын

💪💪👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🚴‍♂️🌴💪

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@charlesstepp2083 10 ай бұрын

A rich man's game.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

You may be right. It wasn’t cheap.

@hawkwrangler1950 10 ай бұрын

It’s not to bad. Just a few hundred is all. But I don’t pay for a wristband. I bag everything with me. Catch a ride to the start and catch a ride home. Plenty of very nice people to lend a hand.

@ronhoover5516 10 ай бұрын

Bryan, obviously it was a physical challenge; how did your bike hold up?

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

yeah, the bike was great. i took it in for a tune-up prior to the ride. it was funny riding 43s in the midst of so many skinny-tired roadbikes. i got in a pace line on the 6th day and, man, was I sweating!!!! :)

@cherj960 10 ай бұрын

I would to assist!

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

thanks!

@alanwilliamson6421 10 ай бұрын

Chilly 85 degrees 😅

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

i must have said "brutal" a hundred times in this video but...it was.

@davidfarm8095 10 ай бұрын

would you do it again?

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

that's a great question. Maybe with a group. Not solo. I made a lot of friends along the way and it was a blast but but I think it's more conducive to "hanging out" with a gang.

@ronhoover5516 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Seems like the ultimate "gotta have a buddy" ride. I'd have a hard time riding that one solo. Props for a great ride and video.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@ronhoover5516 Absolutely. There are tons of people to meet and talk to during the ride but at the end of the day when you're sitting around the tents or scrounging for food somewhere, you need a buddy. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

@ronhoover5516 10 ай бұрын

@@RideAlongAdventures Of course! You are my riding hero Bryan, a great role model. I sense we are similar ages and I am semi retiring and looking for these type riding challenges. Like you, RAGBRAI has been on my radar since the 90's - but working full time with a demanding career has in its own way prevented that from happening. Maybe one year I will do this. Thank you for making it seem a little more possible, albeit very difficult, for us all.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

@@ronhoover5516 thanks Ron. Happy to share my experiences and thankful that you are willing to watch! The retirement thing is a whole new world. I'm adjusting slowly. I'm enjoying the riding A LOT but I also feel antsy to keep my grey matter engaged. I'm feeling the pull to get back into consulting this winter. Regardless: stay in touch, Ron. If I can help you, please reach out. bryanwehmeyer@ridealongadventures.com

@IowaNinersFan 10 ай бұрын

Best description I give people is that RAGBRAI is "Sturgis" for cyclists.

@RideAlongAdventures 10 ай бұрын

Ahh...just looked that up. I've also heard "Burning Man" or "Woodstock" for cyclists. :) I met a guy in Tama-Toledo who was just following RAGBRAI from his motorcycle, using the support routes so he could party with the cyclists at night. Funny dude.