Soo Line: Highlights Shared by RAGBRAI Riders Are a Joy to Read

Soo Line By Soo Greiman

Again this year, I missed it. 

I’m talking, of course, about RAGBRAI — the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. 

Ever since it began in 1973 as the brainchild of a couple of Des Moines Register columnists, I’ve  considered pedaling along, if only for a day. Sure, I know I’m one of those people who would have to  walk my bike up every steep hill that appeared on the road ahead, but that’s part of the RAGBRAI  challenge. A real-life survival-of-the-fittest adventure. 

Maybe I wouldn’t fly up the hills, but I know I’d excel at one thing — eating my way across Iowa. I’d  happily enjoy every bite of pie, pork chop, Maid-Rite, walking taco, sauce-covered tater tots and root beer  float offered with a smile in the towns along the route. 

Alas, my dream of riding RAGBRAI remains unfulfilled. 

The closest I’ve come was serving food and taking photos during the two times the city on wheels rolled  through Hudson. 

During the ride — and especially after the seven-day event concludes with riders dipping their tires in the  Mississippi River — it’s always fun to read the many Facebook posts from participants eager to share  stories from their adventure. 

Here are a few of my favorites from this year’s ride: 

“While the names of the towns are a blur, we feel like we’ve taken in the real America and learned  what ‘Iowa Nice’ is all about.” 

“I love seeing the Air Force Cycling Team, as well as so many Air Force veterans rocking their  jerseys.” 

“I got a motivational boost from a fellow cyclist. I was riding up a steep hill, ready to call it quits, when  a bike pulled up beside me blasting the theme from Rocky. It got me right to the top — and smiling.  Thank you!” 

“Riders in their 70s and 80s inspire! Did anyone else notice how these bad-ass 70- and 80-year-olds  were crushing RAGBRAI? I was seriously impressed. Thanks for inspiring all of us to keep biking and  challenging ourselves at any age.” 

“Wow, did I break my fitness goal! Google Health tells me I exceeded my daily fitness goals by 800%  last week on the ride!”

“We endured the heat. Then we were pelted with summer rains. Then we cycled straight into the wind.  By the fourth and fifth days, it got easier. Amid all that corn and open space were small towns, and we  were welcomed by Iowans in every one!” 

“If you happened to like the ham balls at the first stop in Beaman today, they gave me the recipe. Call  ###-####.” 

“I want to thank the entire state of Iowa. The hosting towns went above and beyond to make our week  fun and amazing. I also want to thank everyone for being patient while trying to get to work or home  with so many roads closed. We appreciate it and thank you for sharing your roads. It’s very obvious  why they call it Iowa Nice!” 

“All I can say is Americana is alive and well in Iowa. I was struck by the patriotism on display. So  many flags. The giant flag at the Mississippi dipping site in Dubuque was the best! It made me proud of  America and everyone taking part.” 

“I can ride my bike anywhere at home, but it’s fun to come and ride with 20,000 new friends.” 

“Thanks, RAGBRAI, for my second awesome year. It amazes me all the logistics that have to happen to  move our ‘city’ of 20,000 cyclists across the state. Thank you for thinking of everything.” 

“Shout out to Iowa State Patrol Officer Bean for the roadside assistance after our support vehicle had  a tire blowout! Team No Plans appreciates all you do!” 

“In short, we learned RAGBRAI is both a celebration of Iowa’s natural beauty and a living  advertisement for its people. ‘Iowa Nice’ is not just a slogan, but a daily practice.” 

“Congratulations to the couple who got engaged at the Field of Dreams. May all your dreams come  true.” 

“To the guy who rode his bike backward all seven days — you are crazy amazing. I hope your neck  isn’t sore from having to look where you were going the entire time!” 

“It’s been really friendly and welcoming. I can’t say a bad word about this week. I love the smiling  volunteers and all the witty signs.” 

“People on the ride and people along the route are the reason RAGBRAI has lasted for more than 50  years, and they’re the reason I’ll be back next year to sleep in a tent for another seven days.” 

Congratulations to the RAGBRAI organizers. Once again, you created a memorable experience that  showcased Iowa’s scenic beauty, small-town spirit and unmatched hospitality. It’s no wonder RAGBRAI  has grown into the world’s oldest, largest and longest-running bicycle touring event. 

One of the most welcome sights along the RAGBRAI route is often an ample row of portable toilets. As  the huge crowd pedaled through Morrison, the tiny town of about 100 people south and west of Hudson,  riders were greeted not only by residents and food vendors but also by a memorable — and possibly  world’s largest — porta-potty. 

No one was allowed inside, however. It was actually a giant inflatable balloon.