Day 1: Missouri Valley to Harlan

Miles: 59
Feet of Climb: 3,797
High Temperature: 101 Degrees
Sky Conditions: Sunny early to mostly overcast by early afternoon

Day one was a nice short day, but what it lacked in distance, it made up in hills! We had been hearing varying reports of how awful and horrible the hills were on this segment. I usually try not to worry about such matters until I'm under way, but the talk was absolutely everywhere! Well, I'm happy to report that in my humble opinion, the hills were way better than I expected. They were hills to be sure, but nothing like what they were 'built up' to be.

The pass-thru towns were great host communities and I have to say it is absolutely great to back on RAGBRAI again! The number of cyclists is always mind numbing. As far as you can see in front of you, and behind you, the line of cyclists stretches, seemingly ad infinitum.

We saw some RAGBRAI oddities today: a gentleman riding a unicycle with a 36" wheel, another gentleman roller blading the entire route, and a family riding a five person cycle! We saw the myriad team buses, colorfully painted with bicycle cages welded atop the two decade old chassis. Team names spotted today ranged from Team Wind to Team Me-Off, Team Checker to Team Pirate, and Team Kwetchersnivlen to Team More Cow Bell. I talked to people from California to New Jersey, and passed a couple from Germany. However, we haven't had a "Lance Sighting" yet. We will keep you posted.

I should mention that we had one breakdown even before we were underway this morning! Scott Colwill's front tire completely blew out, destroying the tire, probably due to heating up while in the trailer the day before. Luckily, he was able to replace the tube and ride about 3 miles to a bike repair stand along the route where they promptly sold him a new tire.

Another problem happened with Marilyn's bike later in the day. She rode her bike to the meeting town, and then trailered her bike so she and Trish could drive the rig to Harlan. The fork mount must not have been tightened properly because when the trailer was opened at Harlan, her bike was lying down, and her fork was bent severely enough that her front wheel could not be attached. Luckily a bike stand at the main campground was able to straighten it, and gave the green light for use, at least for the rest of the week. She's only had the bike for a few months, so she is very glad that it was not worse!!

Once at Harlan, we regrouped and ate at the high school where they were serving a baked potato bar and all-you-can eat taco salad bar. We then shuttled to the main campground to check out vendor row, and the downtown area, before returning to the Forrest Inn (yes, there are two R's in this Forrest - we must be in Iowa), where we made our plans for tomorrow.

We're still having fun, and we're hoping everybody in Sioux Falls is dried out after hearing stories of an inch of very rapid rain fall on Saturday evening!!

Kyle.