My first pilgrimage to Iowa was for RAGBRAI VIII in 1980. My 14-month-old daughter rode shotgun in her bike seat over my rear wheel (and had a blast as, at the time, the youngest participant to have completed the ride). We ended up befriending a group that would ride their bikes out from Chicago every summer to do the ride. One of those riders had first done RAGBRAI in 1974 when he was 11. (It was the second time it was held and was called SAGBRAI). He and I still return to Iowa most years for the ride (he from Wisconsin and me from Vermont) and, from those Iowa bicycling beginnings, we still bike tour together and consider each other among our closest friends. I really enjoyed your take on the ride as first time participants. If you do end up returning to Iowa again in late July, look us up. We are Team Roadshow (which includes the unicycling jugglers you may have seen in the overnight towns). Our group is an evolution of the RAGBRAI spirit that first captured me nearly 45 years ago. Have a blast, and thanks for your EXCELLENT portrayal of this cycling must-do event!
I've wanted to do RAGBRAI for 30 years.I finally got my chance this year. I retired last August, and ran out of excuses to not do the ride. Not this year, though! It was hard, no doubt! I spent a good deal of time on the bike before I went, and was pretty confident. But really, it was hard! Lotsa hills! All the hardship was overcome by the whole atmosphere of the event. I took my time every day, talked with the locals, struck up conversations with other cyclists on the road., ate stuff I would never eat at home.. the whole experience! It may not be for everyone, but I will be back! It's like running away from home to join the circus for a week!
Did RAGBRAI for the first time at 66. Talked my high school friend in to doing it. We had a blast. We're both out of state but originally from Ottumwa. His parents were from Eldon and his mom's dentist was the man painted in the American Gothic painting. So cool to have that connection on ragbrai.
I've done RAGBRAI a few times. Grew up in Iowa and live in Nebraska. I enjoy hearing about when people experience it for the first time (and love it!) I swore it off after back-to-back miserable years in 2011 and 2012, but then returned since 2021 to ride with a team.
As a fellow cyclist, and a descendant of the inventor of the bicycle, who also happens to be the same age as Ragbrai, I appreciate you guys covering this event.
The tickets go on sale at midnight Iowa time on November 15 for the ride in the next year. If you want to do this, do not wait. Several of my friends waited to the last day to register and then missed the registration. I purchased my ticket within a minute of the registration opening. In years past the quota has filled up even before the registration has closed (quotas might be necessary because imagine 60,000 people showing up into a town that normally has 5000 residents).
Ragbrai is one of the best ways to spend a week. We've done it twice and we love it. We were in Villisca (the Axe Murder town) one year and there were two pre-teen girls selling lemonade to buy a buddy bench. Besides being the best, coldest lemonade I had all week, it was such a wholesome story.
It was a rainy Sunday morning in Phoenix Arizona and I could not ride outside (comfortably). So I rode indoors, on my trainer, and rode across Iowa. What a great adventure! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure. Yes - it makes me want to do the ride (something I've wanted to do for so many decades), but your video made a for a great indoor riding. Thanks, again. PS - loved your choice of music. I've added Ben Rector to my play list.
I did the RAGBRAI several years ago. I made sure I was ready for the biking. But I guess I should have just practiced drinking. It's like Mardi Gras on two wheels. And if you want a shower, get there before 3PM or wait 45 minutes. The guy who collected money said they time everyone. Men average 5 minutes. Women 22 minutes!
Hello, I love watching Ragbrai videos. I rode it in 2017 and it was a blast. Did you get a new bike? Look forward to your next adventure. Carmen from Fargo
Back when I used to do this, I _always_ went with a charter run by my hometown club, with the excpetion of RAGBRAI III, but it was much smaller then. I would never go on the truck now. The charters vary from clubs to commercial outfits that will set up a tent for you.
It was fun watching your other fundraiser RAGBRI videos. I donated. I hope you reached your goal. I’d like to do it on my electric bike but I don’t think I can do that much seat time.
As a Kansas girl I've always known about this ride. In my younger days I used to cycle a lot, but never did it. Now, listening to you all, I'm sad I didnt. Maybe I'll have to get into cycling shape again and do it in '25. July is usually when I go to visit family.....we can make it our honeymoon!
I would totally ride with you all next year. I’ve been following RAGBRAI for a few years now as my wife is from Iowa. Rode day 7 last year to dip my toe in the water and loved it. I’m trying hard to make sure I get to do it next year. How do we sign up for Team Bananas/Chris and Sara?
The RV requires more logistics if you're trying to find a site with water and electric hookups. Also, it broke down on day 2 and that lead to some scrambling. 😂
I've never heard of RAGBRAI...and I'm from Iowa. Of course we moved from Iowa in about 1968 after my father finally graduated college (also: like father, like son), and I only went back a few times in all the years, but only because my maternal grandmother lived there. Ironically, at one time, I was an avid bicyclist. It was my only transportation for many years in San Diego, until it became no longer feasible. Hey, you know what I.O.W.A. stands for? ID10Ts Out Walking Around. Okay, that's bad. I don't care. Did you Cedar Falls? No, but I Cedar River. In fact, we canoed down the Cedar Rapids. Yeah, I know; there's probably millions of Iowa jokes, puns, and CORN-ball humor. It can get a little EAR-irritating after a while. SOW glad you both had a good time, in my home state, though. Oh, by the way: I nearly went to Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa, but that never worked out for me. I just couldn't get my HANDS (okay, that's a stretch) on the tuition, back then. Okay, this is better: it was the '80s, with the Government interfering in the free market, trying to MANIPULATE the economy, which only made it worse. Did I mention people from Iowa tend to be pretty corny? Still, Iowans tend to be outstanding in their chosen fields. In fact, that's where you'll find most Iowans; out standing in their fields. I know, I'm a card; I should be dealt with.
My first pilgrimage to Iowa was for RAGBRAI VIII in 1980. My 14-month-old daughter rode shotgun in her bike seat over my rear wheel (and had a blast as, at the time, the youngest participant to have completed the ride). We ended up befriending a group that would ride their bikes out from Chicago every summer to do the ride. One of those riders had first done RAGBRAI in 1974 when he was 11. (It was the second time it was held and was called SAGBRAI). He and I still return to Iowa most years for the ride (he from Wisconsin and me from Vermont) and, from those Iowa bicycling beginnings, we still bike tour together and consider each other among our closest friends. I really enjoyed your take on the ride as first time participants. If you do end up returning to Iowa again in late July, look us up. We are Team Roadshow (which includes the unicycling jugglers you may have seen in the overnight towns). Our group is an evolution of the RAGBRAI spirit that first captured me nearly 45 years ago. Have a blast, and thanks for your EXCELLENT portrayal of this cycling must-do event!
I've wanted to do RAGBRAI for 30 years.I finally got my chance this year. I retired last August, and ran out of excuses to not do the ride. Not this year, though!
It was hard, no doubt! I spent a good deal of time on the bike before I went, and was pretty confident. But really, it was hard! Lotsa hills!
All the hardship was overcome by the whole atmosphere of the event. I took my time every day, talked with the locals, struck up conversations with other cyclists on the road., ate stuff I would never eat at home.. the whole experience!
It may not be for everyone, but I will be back!
It's like running away from home to join the circus for a week!
Did RAGBRAI for the first time at 66. Talked my high school friend in to doing it. We had a blast. We're both out of state but originally from Ottumwa. His parents were from Eldon and his mom's dentist was the man painted in the American Gothic painting. So cool to have that connection on ragbrai.
I've done RAGBRAI a few times. Grew up in Iowa and live in Nebraska. I enjoy hearing about when people experience it for the first time (and love it!) I swore it off after back-to-back miserable years in 2011 and 2012, but then returned since 2021 to ride with a team.
Did RAGBRAI in 2018 with my girlfriend and her son. Best experience of my life. A bucket list, for sure.
As a fellow cyclist, and a descendant of the inventor of the bicycle, who also happens to be the same age as Ragbrai, I appreciate you guys covering this event.
The tickets go on sale at midnight Iowa time on November 15 for the ride in the next year. If you want to do this, do not wait. Several of my friends waited to the last day to register and then missed the registration. I purchased my ticket within a minute of the registration opening. In years past the quota has filled up even before the registration has closed (quotas might be necessary because imagine 60,000 people showing up into a town that normally has 5000 residents).
Ragbrai is one of the best ways to spend a week. We've done it twice and we love it.
We were in Villisca (the Axe Murder town) one year and there were two pre-teen girls selling lemonade to buy a buddy bench. Besides being the best, coldest lemonade I had all week, it was such a wholesome story.
Registration for '25 is open! Gonna complete the journey this year
Liked both videos so far. Been on RAGBRAI on the road, as support, and multiple times on the event committee in my local town in Iowa. Nice job!
Very helpful information. Thank you. Can you please link your packlist when you have a moment?
Great Episode. Hopefully we see you next year.
It was a rainy Sunday morning in Phoenix Arizona and I could not ride outside (comfortably). So I rode indoors, on my trainer, and rode across Iowa. What a great adventure! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure. Yes - it makes me want to do the ride (something I've wanted to do for so many decades), but your video made a for a great indoor riding. Thanks, again. PS - loved your choice of music. I've added Ben Rector to my play list.
Sara your dress is beautiful, but the happiness on your face for the love of your husband is wonderful
I did the RAGBRAI several years ago. I made sure I was ready for the biking. But I guess I should have just practiced drinking. It's like Mardi Gras on two wheels. And if you want a shower, get there before 3PM or wait 45 minutes. The guy who collected money said they time everyone. Men average 5 minutes. Women 22 minutes!
From the UK love this 😊
Hello,
I love watching Ragbrai videos. I rode it in 2017 and it was a blast. Did you get a new bike? Look forward to your next adventure.
Carmen from Fargo
Sara your dress is so pretty today!
Oh thank you!
She's always pretty, FYI ♥️
Back when I used to do this, I _always_ went with a charter run by my hometown club, with the excpetion of RAGBRAI III, but it was much smaller then. I would never go on the truck now. The charters vary from clubs to commercial outfits that will set up a tent for you.
It was fun watching your other fundraiser RAGBRI videos. I donated. I hope you reached your goal. I’d like to do it on my electric bike but I don’t think I can do that much seat time.
Thanks for donating! Also, you could totally do it. It’s more eating than riding 😂😂
RAGBRAI is a blast
We hosted 47 at our house in Winterset
As a Kansas girl I've always known about this ride. In my younger days I used to cycle a lot, but never did it. Now, listening to you all, I'm sad I didnt. Maybe I'll have to get into cycling shape again and do it in '25. July is usually when I go to visit family.....we can make it our honeymoon!
Chris needs a Banana Guard 😂
Yes, they're available on Amazon 🙄
Great video, beautiful dress!
Thank you! 😊
I would totally ride with you all next year. I’ve been following RAGBRAI for a few years now as my wife is from Iowa. Rode day 7 last year to dip my toe in the water and loved it. I’m trying hard to make sure I get to do it next year. How do we sign up for Team Bananas/Chris and Sara?
Watch Field of Dreams! It's a great movie! Oh, hand great post! Thanks.
If you guys ride next year I would love to ride a day or part of a day with you!!!!!!🎉❤
Hi yall love the video. You should come and try the ALC (Aids Life Cycle) ride from San Fransisco to LA
The RV requires more logistics if you're trying to find a site with water and electric hookups. Also, it broke down on day 2 and that lead to some scrambling. 😂
My brother and I will be first timers for RAGBRAI 2025 by way of Ga/Fl. I will be riding and he'll be vehicle support. See ya there.
Is this travel insurance in addition to my usual health/medical insurance?
I've never heard of RAGBRAI...and I'm from Iowa. Of course we moved from Iowa in about 1968 after my father finally graduated college (also: like father, like son), and I only went back a few times in all the years, but only because my maternal grandmother lived there.
Ironically, at one time, I was an avid bicyclist. It was my only transportation for many years in San Diego, until it became no longer feasible.
Hey, you know what I.O.W.A. stands for? ID10Ts Out Walking Around. Okay, that's bad. I don't care.
Did you Cedar Falls? No, but I Cedar River. In fact, we canoed down the Cedar Rapids.
Yeah, I know; there's probably millions of Iowa jokes, puns, and CORN-ball humor. It can get a little EAR-irritating after a while. SOW glad you both had a good time, in my home state, though.
Oh, by the way: I nearly went to Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa, but that never worked out for me. I just couldn't get my HANDS (okay, that's a stretch) on the tuition, back then. Okay, this is better: it was the '80s, with the Government interfering in the free market, trying to MANIPULATE the economy, which only made it worse.
Did I mention people from Iowa tend to be pretty corny? Still, Iowans tend to be outstanding in their chosen fields. In fact, that's where you'll find most Iowans; out standing in their fields.
I know, I'm a card; I should be dealt with.
I moved to ipwa for the cycling culture
Sleeping tip: eye masks and ear plugs, a fan if needed.
Yes! Great tips
@@rossseymour5223 you didn’t drink enough
This looks like fun…….but not in July/August.🥵🥵🥵
Ragbra, not ragbri
RAGBRAI according to the website
Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa RAGBRAI.
@@veggiechowder8877 they didn’t get it,