RAGBRAI virgin

What do you get when you combine 20,000 cyclists, 65 miles of blacktop in a day, 102 degree heat index, small Iowa towns, and fields upon fields of corn and beans? That's right - it's RAGBRAI.

I was inducted into a new culture this week - I went in a RAGBRAI virgin and came out, well, a veteran I suppose. Matt and I rode day 3 of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa this year from Algona to Clear Lake. My first experience with this ride was something! Despite the fact that I was about the keel over and die on the last 20-some mile leg from Garner to Clear Lake (I am kidding, barely), we made it together. Matt wouldn't leave me, though I kept telling him he could go ahead and I'd meet him there. Against the wind, he rode right in front of me to make it a little easier for me as we crept along at 8-9 miles an hour. Lessons learned: 1) Maybe I should train for this next year? 2) My husband is the best and we stick together! 3) Even when working really hard, one can have a great time and make fabulous memories!

For the record, Matt also rode on day 4 from Clear Lake to Charles City too. He said it was easier and I would have been fine. Me? I was glad that Claire needed me on day 4. ;) Thank you Omi for babysitting on day 3!!

Ready for the day! At the start just outside of Algona with Mark and Brenda.

This isn't so bad! At the first stop in Wesley. About 14 miles into the day and still cool.

Look at the thousands of cyclists!! This picture doesn't really even begin to tell the story.

.

A yummy french toast breakfast in the first town! We chose this because of the short line, but it was tasty too.