Well, the planning phase of RAGBRAI is over. Sometimes the planning is the best part. Thinking about actually getting out there and pedaling is a little daunthing, but having ridden Tour de Kota already this year, I know I can do it physically, I'm worried about the mental part a little bit though.
We made it to Missouri Valley around 4:30 this afternoon and immediately found our hotel. The Rath Inn is a nice little motor lodge with very friendly owners. After figuring out our plan for the evening, we set out. We walked about a mile to a shuttle stop and waited. Once the shuttle finally arrived, we boarded a very packed, standing-room-only, very illegal and unsafe, shuttle. We took our dangerous shuttle to the 'Celebration Garden' where we had our choice of the usual suspects wherever food vendors gather. Some of us enjoyed a couple beers at the beer garden as well.
We then boarded the shuttle again and headed for our home for the night. After figuring out some last minute details with the bikes, Wags, Scott, Trisha and Kyle went next door the bar sponsored beer tent and enjoyed some more adult beverages ;-)
Meanwhile, Donna decided to lay low and stayed in the room, while Marilyn and Chad waited for Dennis to return from the expo area so they could take him to his pre-arranged housing location. Along the way, they got a preview of the first 5 miles of the ride tomorrow, and all reports seem to suggest that the hills are not nearly as daunting as we have been led to believe. That is great news, but we'll report our actual findings on the matter tomorrow after the ride.
5AM wake time and riding by 6 is our plan. 59 miles to Harlan. Ready or not, here we come!!
Kyle.
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