RAGBRAI Day 6

Friday July 26^th

RAGBRAI Day 5

42.2 miles

1,907 feet climbed

1 flat tire…on the hand cycle on the bike trainer at the support tent

1 busted brake cable

0 ambulance rides!!!

Today was (weather wise) the best day of the week. Since it was a shorter day, we were able to leave a little bit later out of Cedar Rapids. It was nice to have a shorter day to recover a bit. There were more hills on the route, but the cooler weather and shorter route made them very tolerable.

Mount Vernon was the meet up town today and it was hoppin’. People felt like they had more freedom to stay longer and enjoy the festivities since they didn’t have as far to go to the overnight town. The ASI support crew set up the tent with a hand cycle on the bike trainer. Putting a hand cycle on the bike trainer allows anyone to stop by and try powering a bike with their arms. This is extremely popular! Especially after other cyclists have been seeing the ASI team member completing the route.

So today when the hand cycle was set up on the trainer, a group of Marines went by and the support guys tried to get them to come over. They didn’t come over at first, so the support guys moved on to the Army. When the Army wouldn’t do it, our ASI team member said “Well I guess the Army is just like the Marines then.” Well that got them to come over! And before long the Air Force came to show their strength as well. Both the Army and the Air Force teams were there at the same time talking smack to each other as there cyclists tried the hand cycle. It was a lot of fun! We truly appreciate the service of each branch of the military and value their participation in RAGBRAI. We felt honored to have a little fun with them today.

As I sat at Mr. Pork Chop today looking at our team, it stuck me how many different states we had reporesented.  From Arizona, Florida, Missouri, and Iowa…all sitting in a farmer’s yard enjoying an Iowa pork chop sharing stories from the road. It was a very cool moment to observe and something that can really only happen on a ride like RAGBRAI.

Today we’re staying at the Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. This facility contacted us and invited us to stay in their building. They have gone out of their way to make sure we had everything we need. They catered in a lasagna dinner, brought in an accessible port-a-potty, we have a dedicated Wi-Fi signal and we can see the main stage from driveway. On top of all that, one of their employees is in a wheelchair, so we had the opportunity to interact with him and let him try one of the hand cycles.

And finally...photos from the day! 

The set up in Mount Vernon. 

A RAGBRAI'er trying the hand cycle. 

RAGBRAI Day 5

Thursday July 26^th

RAGBRAI Day 5

85.8 miles

3,576 feet climbed

0 flat tires

0 busted brake cables

0 ambulance rides!!!

First day without ANY equipment issues!  

Quote of the day:  “Wow, it’s hot today.” Said by cyclist who clearly was NOT on the ride yesterday. Are you kidding me???

We got another early start today. The first riders on our team rolled out of Marshalltown around 5:20am. When I rode out of town with Tai and her pilot, we noticed how the roads were not nearly as congested. At first we thought it was due to the storms, but after a while we figured that a lot of people went home after the heat yesterday. It picked up later in the day, but this year’s heat has definitely taken its toll.

We had to move pretty quickly into Vinton as we had a TV interview set up with KCRG. The reporter talked to Tai and then was able to see Alan roll into town and talk with him as well. We love being able to tell the story of Adaptive Sports Iowa as we make our way across the state.

Several of the riders took today off or only did a portion of today because so many were just wiped out after the wind and the heat of yesterday. The ride into Anamosa is a shorter day so many are trying to rest up with the goal of completely tomorrow’s entire route.

Tonight we are staying at Edgewood Family Fellowship in Cedar Rapids. We are one of a few teams staying here, but they are prepared! They have on-site massages, live entertainment and food ready for everyone. They really know how to make a team feel welcomed. Our team is using the showers at a senior living facility near the church. In fact, they gave us access to their spa rooms. Most riders have been able to sit in an accessible Jacuzzi tub. When they walk back from to the church to say they look relaxed is an understatement. We are spoiled tonight!

Overall today was a really good day. It was great to have some relief from the heat, rest up, soak some aching muscles and gear up for the final two days. 

And now...some photos from today...

A 5:00am start time comes early!!

One of the things RAGBRAI is famous for is the food. 

Our hand cyclists can be a little strange....

A woman at the church giving David a hug to thank him for his service. 

Mario on the home stretch into Cedar Rapids. 

RAGBRAI Day 4

Wednesday July 25^th

RAGBRAI Day 4

77.1 miles

1,997 feet climbed

1 flat tire

1 busted brake cable

0 ambulance rides!!!

Quote of the day: “Does every Iowa town have a water tower named after it?” said by a passing cyclist from California.

We left this morning at 5:00am again trying to beat the heat that we knew was coming. The morning was amazing, it felt a little cooler with a light breeze. The hand cyclists, for the first time this week, worked together as a group to move along. At one point, we had 7 hand cyclists all drafting off each other. We held that draft line from Webster City to Story City, the meet up town. Think of it like a flying V of geeze; each one helping to bring the wind to move the whole group. Everyone that got to see the draft line was impressed by all the hand cyclist, lead by the tandem of Deena and her pilot. Very cool way to start the day.

Hand cycle draft line. 

The second half of the way, the weather took a turn for the nasty. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any hotter, the mercury rose a bit more. Many of the riders decided not to finish the entire ride because the temperature was so extreme and the winds were picking up to about 30 mph. The ones that did finish are an inspiration to every rider that sees them cycle into the overnight town. 

I am happy to report that everyone arrived in the overnight town safely with no medical emergencies. That was a relief to the entire team after losing two team members in town days. We stayed at the Marshalltown Senior Center and they didn’t hold anything back. When we arrived they were working in their kitchen preparing a meal for us. We didn’t pay them a dime – they covered it all for us! A penne chicken alfredo pasta with veggies, a cup of fruit, orange juice, milk…talk about a spread! A welcome site after such a hard day.

The building we were in was an old, brick building, so when the severe storms rolled in we really didn’t have any idea. Needless to say, we were thankful not to be in the campground as many were moved into evacuation centers due to high winds.

Lastly, we want to give a special thanks to a local Marshalltown upholstery shop for giving one our cyclists some memory foam that he needed for his hand cyclists to alleviate some back pain. He was able to get a large amount of memory foam at no cost. What a HUGE HELP!!! 

On the road to Cedar Rapids

The ASI RAGBRAI team is on their way to Cedar Rapids today. Here are some pics taken along the route.

Tai and her pilot.

On the route every day there is one town that is the designated "meeting town." This is a town where support drivers can drive in and park in order to meet up with their team. The ASI Support crew sets up a tent with these flags each day so the team can take a break, refill their water and have a snack. Our support crew is definitely THE BEST on the ride!

Tai giving an interview to KCRG. We'll post a link to this when we can! 

Alan giving an interview to the same KCRG reporter. 

Most of the team is half way done with today's ride. Stay tuned for a report of yesterday's ride and today's ride!

RAGBRAI Day 3

Tuesday July 24^th

RAGBRAI Day 3

85.23 miles (109 with Karras Loop)

1,657 feet climbed

0 flat tires

1 busted brake cable

1 ambulance ride

Quote of the day “Sunscreen is my best friend and Goldbond is my lover.” Said by a passing cyclist on the route.

Today was another hot day, but a little bit cooler than yesterday. They say that RAGBRAI isn’t a race, but when you’re expecting triple digits by noon, it becomes  arace against the heat. This morning our team left at 5:00am, an hour early than our normal 6:00am start time. It’s impressive to see how RAGBRAI continues to motivate our team to get up so early, get their gear on, bikes checked and ready to ride all in less than an hour. All of this without coffee and before the sun is up.

This morning was an especially memorable ride for one of our blind riders, Denna. As she rode tandem with her pilot Richard, he was able to describe the sunrise as they rode out of Lake View. He described the stars, the rolling fog and sun as it rose above the clouds. Denna commented that she could even feel the warmth of the sun on her face as he was describing the scene.

Just two days in and you can already see many of our riders beginning to strategize their individual rides. They are recognizing their strengths and weaknesses and planning their rides accordingly – keeping their pace, where and when are the most efficient places to stop for water (and pie!!!) and how long they can afford to spend on their stops. All of this in a constant race against the heat as the day gets later and more unbearably hot.

Today was the longest, hardest and hottest century ride in RAGBRAI history. With a mileage total of 109, yet still had one hand cyclist and 2 support riders complete the Karras Loop.

Unfortunately one of our handcyclists, who also planned on complete the century ride this year, a 17-year RAGBRAI veteran was hurt today. We are sad to send another team member home, but happy that he will be okay.

Due to all the RAGBRAI riders, it it difficult to hold a strong internet signal. Blogs will be posted as quickly and timely as possible.

RAGBRAI Day 2

Monday, July 23

RAGBRAI Day 2

68.7 Miles

2,173 feet of climbing.

5 flat tires

1 broken chain

1 lost wallet

1 ambulance ride

Quote of the day: “it’s stifling out here!” said by everyone on RAGBRAI

Last night we stayed in the Wellness Center in Cherokee. Hands down this overnight facility was the best our team has ever had. The staff went out of their way to ensure we were taken care of. And with this heat an air conditioned space of any kind is appreciated.

There’s no getting around it… IT IS HOT. Our support team is working overtime service the needs of our team and they are doing a fantastic job under the circumstances.

First and foremost our riders are all in an accounted for. Unfortunately one on our team has succumbed to the heat and needed medical attention as a result. They will make a full recovery, however we are now down one rider. I’m grateful everyone is safe tonight.

The heat of the summer of 2012 will likely go down in history as the hottest summer on record. This ride is already being labeled the hottest RAGBRAI in its 40-year history.

Though the day ended in some extreme heat we were welcomed this morning with very pleasant weather and a cool breeze. As we worked our way through the first half of the day it truly was a gorgeous morning with the rolling hills Iowa corn capped with white blades of the spinning turbines. The out of starters are always impressed with Iowa and it’s fun to watch the stereotypes of our great state be broken constantly on RAGBRAI.

A common occurrence for our riders has been the interaction between our riders and the military teams.  It seems that all branches of the military have teams of riders on RAGBRAI and each one has made a point to talk to the Adaptive Sports Iowa team as they encounter each other on the route. On one occasion a member of the Air Force team used the example of one of our handcycl-sts  to motivate their son to keep going. Upon making the comparison for his son the father realized after hearing his words that that same example can be applied to himself.

Due to all the RAGBRAI riders, it it difficult to hold a strong internet signal. Blogs will be posted as quickly and timely as possible.

Sunday, July 22

RAGBRAI Day 1

56.99 Miles

1,675 Feet of climbing

2 flat tires

2 broken Camel Baks

Quote of the day: “it’s like they’re canoeing across Iowa” – overheard by a passing cyclist after seeing a few Adaptive Sports Iowa team members

Our evening in Sioux Center was pleasant and our hosts at the Dort College Recreation Centre were extremely accommodating to all of our needs.

Davind, Allen, Mike and Eric talking about Adaptice Sports Iowa to at the RAGBRAI Expo

The Adaptive Sports Iowa RAGBRAI lined up and ready to hit the road for the first day of the event

Today was a great first of RAGBRAI! The weather was calm and cool as we left Sioux Center this morning. A light shower had passed through the area just prior to our departure making for a perfect start to our week.

The Adaptive Sports Iowa RAGBRAI team starting out on their first day

The Adaptive Sports Iowa RAGBRAI team hitting the road for the first day of the event

As our team pulled out of town this morning we experienced an abnormally high amount of breakdowns. Before we ever reached the first town we had 2 flat tires, 2 broken water packs, tangled straps in spokes and a few thrown chains. After we passed through Orange City, however, things settled down and everyone found their rhythm.

As we progressed through the route today I couldn’t help but notice how supportive and honest the other cyclists have been. It’s obvious our team plays a larger role in RAGBRAI the goes beyond just a team of physically disabled athletes. From a public awareness standpoint our riders break many stereotypes that society has placed on the physically disabled demographic. Even the term “physically disabled” is a stretch to apply to the members of the Adaptive Sports Iowa team. Cycling across Iowa with and hand powered bike is a feat that few from the “able-bodied” population could complete.

Tai and Collin, one of our blind/piloted tandem teams like to add a touch a technology to their bike. Tai has a blue tooth connection for her iPhone and wireless speakers. This lets them listen to all the songs she has on her phone. At one point they were listening to the song, Beast of Burden by the Rolling Stones. The song appropriately has a lyric that says “I’m not too blind to see.” Although Tai would tell you the quote of the day for her was when another cyclist rode by her and said “The scenery doesn’t change much for you, does it?” If only he knew she was blind!

The team is resting up and getting ready for a ride into Lake View on Monday.

RAGBRAI City Profiles - Anamosa and Clinton

If the heat in Iowa continues through RAGBRAI week, but the time you get to Anamosa you'll be ready to ride like you stole it! Home of the Anamosa State Penitentiary and the National Motorcycle Museum, this small town has big things to offer.Find information on the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum and the National Motorcycle Museum here.

Once again there are several entertainment options all day long. You can take part in prison games at Main St and S. Ford St or enjoy a variety of music options. For more information on what Anamosa will offer, go here.

LAST DAY!!! RAGBRAI'ers will ride from Anamosa to Clinton where cyclists will have a chance to dip their front bike tires in the Mississippi River. This last day will be anything but a trip to the beach with the most hills to climb of any day the entire week. 

While Clinton will have activities to offer, the main attraction will be whatever parking lot your team is assigned to. After a long, hot week of cycling there's no doubt you'll be ready to trade in your bike for a comfortable seat on an air conditioned bus! 

RAGBRAI City Profile - Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids

Day 4 of the Great Bike Ride will bring riders into Marshalltown. Not only will Marshalltown offer the traditional RAGBRAI activities (main stage music entertainment) but they will host a varity of family friendly events on Main St. Keeping with the theme, these events will include several cup games. Some try your hand at a round of Minute to Win It or Golf Putting!

If cup games aren't so much your style, then make your way to the main stage at the Marshall County Band Shell. Approximate times for the different bands that will perform throughout the event is located here.

After a few hot, long days you might be ready for an easy ride. You won't find it here! Just like Cedar Rapids says, you'll be "Survin' the Ride" after riding the 84 miles and climbing over 3,500 feet from Marshalltown. The city of Cedar Rapids will be ready for you though. Many RAGBRAI'ers will be in a hurry to get in and rest up before the big Counting Crows concert that evening. For a list of all the activities in Cedar Rapids that evening, please go here.

Perhaps the most unique thing that Cedar Rapids will offers happens as riders head of town. Make sure you ride by way of the Czech Village/New Bohemia District for Breakfast on the Bridge. Beginning at 6:00AM on the 27th riders are invited to enjoy their breakfast near the Bridge of Lions in the Czech Village/New Bohemia District.

RAGBRAI City Profile - Lake View and Webster City

After riding 62 miles of Iowa hills, the town of Lake View will be a welcomed site. Most riders will gladly "Take a Brake at the Lake" as the Lake View theme suggests. Situated alongside beautiful Black Hawk Lake, this small Iowa town boasts that it is a bicycle friendly town that is ready for RAGBRAI.

The main entertainment stage will feature 4 different bands, the headliner being The Johnny Holm Band. Riders that want to enjoy the entertainment will finda band on the stage anytime between 4:00 and midnight.

This would not be a good time to rock and roll all night though! The ride from Lake View to Webster City will give you a chance to complete the Karras Loop.

If you were happy to get into Lake View after riding 62 miles, then you'll be overjoyed to ride into Webster City if you choose to complete the Karras Loop. The Webster City RAGBRAI website promises that riders will find a place to sit a while, soothe their aching muscles and fill up on great food, beverages and music. What sort of music you may ask? Well if the lyrics Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog make you want to get up and dance, then you'll want to check out the Three Dog Night show beginning at 10:00pm. Details on that concert are located here.

RAGBRAI CIty Preview - Cherokee

After 54.4 miles of riding, cyclists will ride into Cherokee. Cherokee is also a seasoned RAGBRAI town, having hosted four time previously. Riders will find everything from a planetarium to a haunted movie theater to fill their time. Hungry? Looking for pie? The Cherokee website already has the food listed out for you here.

The entertainment in Cherokee will bring something for everyone. Of course, the beverage garden will be available with live entertainment beginning at 4:00pm. But if that's isn't your style, you won't have to wonder far to find something to your liking. The Cherokee Symphony will be playing at Washington High School or take in a photography exhibit at the Sanford Museum and Planetarium. Entertainment details can be found here.

Need more information? Maps? Details on the bands? Make your way to the Cherokee RAGBRAI website found here. It's full of information that will be useful as you make your plans.

Rest up while you're here! The ride out of Cherokee will be a tough one with over 2,000 feet of hills waiting for you to climb on your way to Lake View...

Inspirational? You tell us.

Oscar Pistorius. Photo courtesy of http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

By now you've no doubt heard of the "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius. This bilateral below the knee amputee first earned his place in the history books when he ran in the Paralympic Games in Athens. Today he is making news for a different reason. He will be running in London this summer, but as part of the Olympic Games, not the Paralympics. In fact, he is the firstamputee ever to run in the Olympic Games.


The success of this athlete has not come without controversy. Many have argued that Pistorius' j-shaped blades, called the "Cheetah Flex Foot" give him an unfair advantage of able-bodied runners.


So we want to know what you think. Watch this ESPN video and read this USA Today story to learn more about him. Then give us your opinion. Is he inspirational? Do you wish he would continue to compete in the Paralympics or is he breaking new ground for disabled athletes? If he really wants to change things, does he have to medal? We want to hear from you!

RAGBRAI City Preview - Sioux Center

Sioux Center is proud to host RAGBRAI for the 4th time in RAGBRAI history, although it's been 10 years since cyclists have pitched their tents here. This town of 7,000 is the home of Dordt College and many other comforting amenities. The city's website boasts that it's a clean, family friendly, attractive city. The 2.9 mils recreational trail through town will make getting around to all the activities a breeze.

The host committee has been busy planning for the throngs of RAGBRAI riders that will roll in on July 21st. To kick things off, the RAGBRAI Expo bring together exhibitors and bike shops. Specifically the expo gives RAGBRAI a chance to spotlight the official bike shops of the ride. In addition, more than 70 exhibitors will be there to demonstrate new gear and give riders a chance to pick up some last minute items for the ride. Rest assured you can find everything there from water bottles and socks to demo bikes. More information on the expo can be found here.

What's RAGBRAI without a chance for some entertainment? The stage in the beverage garden that evening will feature Highway 124 beginning at 6:00pm followed by Dirty Word Band at 9:00pm. But don't stay out too late. While the Sioux Center theme is "It's Downhill From Here," the first day of riding has 1,583 feet of hills to climb!