Sunday, January 30, 2011

First Ride of the Year

High in the 60s, clear skies, and just a little wind. After weeks of winter weather, including 3 days of being snowed in, yesterday was a welcome taste of spring. Now that the snows have melted and the trail is clear, it was the perfect day to take advantage of one of the best trails in Atlanta: the Silver Comet.

Monday, January 24, 2011

I am riding RAGBRAI

I just sent my money in today so it is official. I am riding RAGBRAI.

What is RAGBRAI? It is The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. And I don't mean North to South. It starts somewhere along the Missouri River, ends somewhere along the Mississippi River, and lasts 7 days. This year will be the 39th annual ride.

I have never ridden in RAGBRAI before. In fact, I have never ridden in any multi-day bike ride before. Based on the descriptions I have read, it sounds like a mobile week-long party on wheels. I'm not necessarily riding it to party: I'm more interested in the challenge. But I'm sure my fellow riders will make it a fun and enjoyable experience.

Each year RAGBRAI accepts up to 10,000 bike riders. The route is around 500 miles so it averages about 70 miles a day (for 7 days). RAGBRAI is not a race: it is a ride for fun. You can take all day to arrive in the next town if you want.

The ride starts July 24. If conditions permit I plan to blog about my trip every day during the ride. Hopefully I will even have a chance to post a few pictures.

Why would I want to do something this crazy? Well, I will be celebrating something. Those of you who know me will probably know what I'm celebrating. In the meantime, I need to ride some more so that I will be ready.