Last day. Final 56 miles. Met Annette and her baby Hailey this morning. Annette is Darcy’s cousin and the last time we saw her was 15 years ago at our wedding. Jon and Stephanie made us a great breakfast before I left. I finally hit the road at 10:00. It was much hotter than when starting @ 6:00 AM and the winds came up some from the east and northeast.

I felt a mixture of sadness, excitement and joy as I left Dyersville. Sadness because we met some great people and had a great time there and I could have stayed longer. The first person I met as I crossed the sign for Dyersville and asked for directions said, “Stay right there, I’ll make you a Bloody Mary and we’ll get you where you need to be”. Thank you to the Sherman family. Excitement, because I wanted to complete this experience, and joy being out there pedaling on open roads with music in my ear. Before I even left Dyersville, there were two small children giving out free doughnuts and water. They were so nice I had to stop.

Another thing about starting late the last day, the vendors are closing up as you leave. I biked by and one yelled out, “free beer or coffee!” Great way to start the day. No, I didn’t stop.

It is a different ride seeing the people who started late and were having trouble finishing the race. The “sag” wagon was always near. That is the van with a trailer attached for those riders who have mechanical problems that can’t be fixed or who are just too tired, or hurt, to finish. Kind of a vulture, in my mind. Supportive, but a vulture. Talked to one woman who had given up and I felt pretty bad for her, I didn’t see if she was a “daily” rider or had started in Rock Rapids.

I also met Rachelle Fehring; she was about 16 years old and had started the ride in Rock Rapids. She rode with her sister, mother and her aunt and they wore the same outfits. As I was coming up a long hill, they were looking at the bike and said that they would have to call the “sag” wagon and end her ride. If you could have seen the look on her face it would have broke your heart. Her problem wasn’t that bad, her chain came off the inner crank set and since she was going up a hill she wrapped it around itself twice pretty tightly It only took maybe 10 minutes to get it unwrapped and 10 minutes to get the grease off my hands. Not hard to do, but her family was thrilled and took pictures with me. In reality, it was only common courtesy, but they made me feel like a hero. I really want to thank them for making me feel so good about doing so little.

The temperature got pretty hot and I started getting rolling hills but as I looked at the mileage it wasn’t that far to Bellevue . I knew that the elevation chart showed a big drop down the city, and then to the Mississippi . As I started down this hill it felt great to not only know I was getting close but also the speed felt good. It was a steep hill that was probably ½ - ¾ mile long at the steepest part. I was going as fast as I could and as my speed passed 30 miles an hour I thought, “Wouldn’t it be stupid to get this close and wipe out because I was going too fast and hit a rock or a crack.” Of course the wise thing to do was hit the brakes. No reason to be stupid. Speed is fun but I am almost 46 years old.

I got up to 45.9 miles and hour and was almost able to coast into town. Safety isn’t everything and I passed a ton of people.

The family was there to take a few pictures in town and see me finish. What a great feeling.

But I wasn’t finished. I had to go to the Mississippi and put my bike in. There was a line of people, but Darcy, Luke, Hannah, Jerenne and Al walked down with me. They took a few pictures of me and my mechanical friend for the last 477 miles and I included one.

If you want to experience the inherent good nature of people in Iowa – do RAGBRAI.
If you want a “rite of passage” with a young adult or just want to spend time with some friends – Spend a week doing RAGBRAI with them.
If you like riding on open roads, fairly flat and devoid of almost all traffic – RAGBRAI.
If you want to see beautiful landscape, the simply gorgeous creations of a loving Creator – ride RAGBRAI.

Some low points:
Looking into my water bottle the last day and seeing a small worm rolling around. Hopefully his friends weren’t my protein intake the day before.
The red Dodge pickup truck with a trailer that ran me off the road in Cascade, Iowa on the last day. The California Tom would have rode up to him to discuss “common courtesy” and the possible physical coercion to have him admit the error of his ways. Ask my training partner in California , Sherry. She’ll tell you. But I didn’t. I was in Iowa . He was the only bad person I met.
And to think, I wanted to quit on day 2 because the wind and the hills were too hard. I thought, really seriously, about stopping, buying a motorcycle and finishing the race that way. It sounded better than just quitting and it would make a better story. My foot hurt and so did my saddle. The apostle Paul faced hardship ever since he accepted Jesus as Lord. He wrote in Philippians, chapter 4, verse 14, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” I didn’t think that. I tried to gut it out. I finished that day but I didn’t exactly show my best character. But I did finish. And I went on.

Thanks to all that helped who I’ve mentioned. Thanks to those who loaned me equipment, encouraged me, trained with me and who prayed for me. I thought, of those that prayed for me, that someone, anyone, would have said that if I had prayed for wisdom before this ride, I wouldn’t have spent almost 500 miles in a week, on my bike. Camping. Smith’s don’t camp. We “hotel”.

And here’s to my personal support crew. They drove me to the start, brought a trailer for me to sleep in three nights in Rock Rapids, Hampton and Dyersville, then drove to the end to be with me when I finished at the Mississippi in Bellevue.

Hannah - who cried when she knew I was camping out in the rain
Luke - who waited patiently for his dad.
Darcy - who had the kids all week and spent time in an RV and had to follow me across the state. She supports all these things I try
Jerenne was happy and supportive as we dragged her across the state.
And Al, who took my good-natured ribbing and coordinated the support activities.

Thanks again for all of your comments. No, I do not know if I’d do this again. It took a lot of sacrifice by those around me.

But if I had a fast tandem……and a really nice RV……….and I was thinner… and stronger… and someone really needed me to go with them………maybe.

With Iowa firmly in my heart.
Take care,
Tom

RAGBRAI - Day 6 - "Is this heaven? Yes, it's Iowa "

More trouble trying to get some sleep. We were hit with a thunderstorm (1 – 2” of rain) last night from 9:30 PM till the middle of the night at the campsite. The good news is the tent didn’t leak much and the rain stopped by 3:30 AM. I hit the road at 6:15 and grabbed a giant breakfast burrito. Another great ride, cloudy the whole way, maybe as good as day 3 and even a faster pace. I met Stephanie and Jon Thomas and they let Darcy and the kids, Al and Jerenne stay at their home. Elaine and Valere also came so we had so we had a full house. Stephanie is Elaine and Valere’s oldest grandchild. They are both amazingly nice and cordial hosts. They barbequed chicken and had dinner for us. We really imposed on them and they were so gracious and kind. I truly hope they will come out to California so we can visit with them again and try to repay them for all that they have done for us.

For desert we had Aunt Elaine’s homemade peach and rhubarb pie. Now I’ve never had rhubarb. It looks green and has a silent “h” in it. None of my favorite pies have silent letters. If everyone wasn’t looking, I would have had the peach pie. Rhubarb almost looks green, perilously close to a vegetable and I don’t like vegetables. Al has wanted Elaine’s rhubarb pie so much he forced her to make him one (with Hannah’s help). Well I had to try it. What a great taste. Creamy smooth and sort of sweet. Another thing I should have tried earlier in life. I have to really thank Elaine and Valere for their kindness, warmth, graciousness in lending us their trailer and cheerfulness in our disruption of their lives for this event. I always picture Elaine with a smile on her face.

So now we’re in Dyersville, the famous home for the baseball field in the movie, “Field of Dreams”. Al was as excited as a little kid because he is a lifelong White Sox fan and loved the movie “Field of Dreams”. Jon drove us over to the field. We were able to take pictures of us coming out the corn fields, meeting with the players, just like in the movie. Darcy, Luke Al and I also took a turn at bat because there are always people playing baseball on the field. Luke hit the ball, even though he doesn’t really like baseball. Darcy got up and ripped, truly ripped, a single past the shortstop. Now the pressure was on. I had to hit it farther than Darcy. First pitch - whiff. The second pitch I hit into the outfield so at least I was on. Then, the life-long White Sox fan, the left-handed Iowa farm boy was at bat. The fielder’s moved back and into the same “shift” they put on for Barry Bonds. A steely grin was on his face. The 10-year old pitcher was nervous. Al hit the ball. We’ll leave it at that. We’ll just say that we both walked back to the dugout after this play. We’ll mark this down on our scorecards as a “Sacrifice/double play that moved Darcy to third. Don’t see that often. He did hit it the ball though.


This was a great day for the family, but I think Al and I had the best time. He coerced his sister to make a rhubarb pie for him. He finally got to Dyersville to see the “Field of Dreams”, play catch with his grandson and take a turn at bat.

Leaving late on Saturday so that we can see Annette and her new baby, Hailey. This will give everybody time to meet then I’ll leave at 9-9:30. I’ll finish the last 56 miles off and meet Darcy and the family in Bellevue . That will end it. 477 miles across Iowa . I’ll pick my bike up and walk into the Mississippi . A picture moment to show the end of the ride.

Then on to Plymouth , Indiana to see our friends, the Barden’s.

Thanks for everyone’s time reading these. If I missed sending you a day and you want to see it, send me a note.

I can’t wait to get on my bike and head out for these last 56 miles.

Take care.

Stronger, with an appreciation of Iowa , it’s people and now, rhubarb.

Tom

RAGBRAI - Day 5

OK, The theme from yesterday's city, Cedar Falls, was "Living Large in Cedar Falls" hence the attached picture. In attempting to finally get a good night sleep after the "train" incident, I headed to my tent at 9:00. Unfortunately, they were having an outdoor concert about 200 yards away from my tent. Actually a pretty good band called the "Nadas". Which means:

NADA lot of sleep.
NADA lot of reading.
NADA chance of leaving early.

Hit the road by 6:30 AM and had another great ride. Physically, I feel great and it was only 63 miles today with just rolling hills. Almost as fast as day 2, but who's keeping score (besides me). The key was ice on the foot and the use of "Chamois Butter". Basically this is a Vaseline type product that you put on the inside of the bike short - chamois everyday. Without being too graphic, at 5:00 in the morning, it's like sitting on a cold jelly sandwich. Enough said. But the stuff is great through 360 miles of biking. That may have been too graphic.

Great cities were passed through today but my favorite is the city of Denver, Iowa. The local art teacher set up the following picture so I had to attach it also.

Independence, Iowa is where I am now. Neat small town with a river running through it. I had a great meal at the Catholic Church of Beef and Noodles, Lemonade, chocolate cake and strawberries for $7.00. Can't beat that. The family will be traveling to Dyersville tomorrow to meet me. As you remember, that is where "Field of Dreams" was filmed. Darcy, the kids and Darcy's parents will travel to Bellevue, Iowa to see me finish on Saturday. I will finish.

50% chance of rain tonight and possible rain showers until 9:00 AM. If that is the case I might sleep in and wait it out. "Nada" problem pedaling a bike in the rain, stopping is an issue. I'll check the weather again tonight.

Yesterday's e-mail was a little long so I'll leave you with the hope of a dry morning, a good nights sleep and safe travels for all. I also need to check on my laundry that is hanging off my tent to dry. I look like the "poor white trash" in a tent city. Maybe a photo is in order for next time.

I'm 75% of the way as of today. The last two days are about 60 miles each so they seems pretty easy ..........and I can't believe I just said that.

Take care and thanks for the kind comments.

3/4 of a RAGBAI Man,
Tom

Trivia - average age in RAGBRAI - 43 years old. 45 countries are represented. There are some very large men and women who do this race and I can't imagine how.

The big riders pass me also.

RAGBRAI - Day 4

We'll start from having Darcy and the family meet me in Hampton , Iowa . Great courthouse in the middle of town, built in 1892 and massive. Their theme (every city has a theme, it is so cool) was "Hot Fun in the Summertime". They had beach balls in all the trees and they painted beach balls and sandals on the roads and other places. They had the center of the city roped off and they had a concert, games and food. Yes, more food.

We played in the square, grabbed some food, relaxed and headed back to the trailer. I was still feeling great, and upon further reflection and talking with other people on the ride, I had to realize that those 77 miles were my best day of biking. Ever.

Hannah, Luke, Jerenne, Sally and Roger headed back home while Darcy, her father and I stayed in the trailer for the night. That was great of them to do that for me. We talked and played Rumikube then went to bed.

The Good news - I spent some time with Darcy and her dad relaxing. Got to sleep in a real bed.

The Bad news - The RV park is next to some train tracks. Active train tracks. Where engineers use horns. A lot. I sang Johnny Cash songs all night.

But off in the morning for a leisurely 68 miles. Started to get rolling hills and it was a little hotter today but still got through with "steam" left at the end.

Since I'm past the half way point, I'd figure I'll do an review of things I've learned or become aware of:

• Hannah - you can't have a horse
  


• Luke - You cannot bring a cat back home from Uncle Roger's no matter how many times Roger says you can.
  


• Roger has a cruel sense of humor.
  


• Aunt Sally is an extremely talented artist. I'd love to spend some time talking art with her.
  


• Chicken is the other white meat. Pork is THE white meat. And Darcy can cook it better. Case closed.
  


• Ipods are the greatest invention for long distance bike riding.

Start off with some Praise music, Then the Mavericks, then some Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins. This is a great CD that played as I entered town today. I've added the lyrics at the bottom.
The people in the towns of Iowa are some of the nicest people you ever want to meet. Every little town would pick a theme and decorate. You'd see people in their front yards at 6:00 AM waving and saying hello and asking where you were from. They also tried to sell you water, Gatorade, pie, "the best pork loin sandwich in Iowa ", bananas and everything including Root beer floats.

Darcy's family in Iowa , are now my family also. They have treated me so nicely and been great with the kids, I am ashamed I didn't get here before. We are going to get together again in Dyersville (home of the "Field of Dreams"). I'm looking forward to it. Everyone is nicer in Iowa . My father-in-law even offered to get me a drink.
Cedar Falls seems pretty nice. It is the home of Northern Iowa University . I swam at the new Aquatics center then went to the mall to buy some sandals because I lost one of my bike today. That is another story.
I'll close here because there's always tomorrow. Now, If you remember earlier, I listened to the Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler song, "The next time I'm in town" as I was entering town and thinking of my day and my update. I'll close with their words.

Though I Won't Be Back Here For A While

or Hear Your Laughter, See You Smile

I'll Remember What Went Down

I Can't Tell You How Or When

But I'll Be Seeing You Again

The Next Time I'm In Town

Tom

RAGBRAI - Day 3

Less pain, less wind, more pork products


Ok, I can tell you now, yesterday was bad. Took me 8 hours including naps. But I had a great meal at the Catholic church. $6.00 for Spaghetti, roll two desserts and an Ice cream. Best deal around. The Methodist church had chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes which I would have like to try, but rumor has it there wasn't much chicken involved. I'm casting no aspersions on Methodists here.

Walked the town, ate a great taco, walked some more, at a 1/2 a piece of pizza. Good life.

Was on the road by 5:30 after consuming pancakes and sausage. I figured that breakfast bars and fruit weren't working so why not? No wind and I averaged over 16 miles an hour over the 77 miles of the course. Stopped for a bratwurst at mile 65. Pork is the other white meat. I think somebody ran over the "third white meat" by accident. The possum never had a chance. Got into town at 10:45 AM.

I'm in Hampton , waiting for the family to show up. 68 miles tomorrow to Cedar Falls .
Sorry for the quick update, but I'm on my way out of here. There's got to be a pulled pork sandwich and a piece of pie with my name on it.

Thanks for the prayers. Today was a great, flat, fast ride with negligible pain in the saddle. Left foot is still sore but it sounds like I'm whining now, so no more injury updates.

Rollin', rollin', rollin' Though the feet are swollen Keep them 10-speeds rollin' RAGBRAI!

Tom

RAGBRAI - Day 2

OK, Day 2 is done.

Head winds for the first 37 miles, but at least it was semi-cloudy. After that the sun came up and we headed south west, so the wind wasn't as bad. My new strategy is to leave earlier, ( I was riding at 5:45 AM today) stop at every town, get off the bike, stretch, buy some unhealthy food then go on. Maybe a nap.

Last night started reading at 9:00. Tried to sleep but at 10:00, the city of Spencer put on a great fireworks show. 4:30 AM was way too early to wake up after that.

Today was 77 miles which took me about 2 hours longer than yesterday. I stopped and ate with the famous "Mr. Pork Chop" http://www.mrporkchop.com/ . Nothing better than eating pork chops in the middle of a bike ride from a man who drives a pink bus decorated like a pig. He's been serving RAGBRAI for 26 years.

Took a 20-minute nap under a tree in the city of Rolfe , Iowa .

A Smoothie from a roadside vendor, Oatmeal and sugar cookies from some girls scouts, some bananas and apples and that is my culinary update for the day.

Got into Homboldt and headed straight to the Aquatics center for a dip in the pool. Great pool with a water slide.

My new phone charger does not work at all so I'll only be able to get messages later in the day. Iowa Telecom provides a trailer with free internet and free long distance phone calls.

Darcy and the kids, Elaine and Valere, Roger and Sally and I'm not sure who else are meeting me tomorrow in Hampton, Iowa, population 4,221. They said that there were an additional 40,000 people that travel daily with RAGBRAI, that includes 10,000 riders. Actually I'm looking forward to knocking off the final day of over 70 miles. After that the daily mileage start getting lower.

Try to keep everyone updated as I head towards the Mississippi .
Keep praying for me, I need it.
Two-wheeled, Sore-left footed, saddle sore and hungry
Tom

RAGBRAI - Day 1

Ok, the family and are in Iowa . We were in Minnesota and stayed with Darcy's cousin Gary and Sally. Luke played with their two boys, Grant and Jack and had a great time. We went on their boat and tried water Skiing and tubing. Sally's daughter Jessica took Hannah out several times on their horses and now Hannah wants to move to Minnesota .

Darcy, Hannah, Luke and her parents took me to Rock Rapids, Iowa and stayed the night in Aunt Elaine and Valere's trailer. This morning at 5:30 AM I left for Spencer , Iowa . That is where I am now after 75 miles on my bike. Tomorrow I go to Humboldt , Iowa , a 77-mile trip. Highlights so far:
Lots of corn and soybean fields.
No sign of Lance Armstrong yet. He may be trying to avoid me, I'm still friends with Cheryl Crow and he may be upset
Had a breakfast hamburger in Melvin , Iowa . They said it was the best one in town. All people in Melvin are liars. People I know who are named Melvin are suspect.
Had some Iowa corn from a group called the "Looney Lutherans. They are much more honest then the people from Melvin. The corn was great. Where else but Iowa would you get a group like that.
Heading into "downtown" Spencer right now to see the sights.
As we headed south today on the ride, the wind came from the south. Girth and Gravity plague me.
50% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow, but as fast as I ride, no lightning could catch me. Small children on tricycles pass me though.
There are some pictures of the Moose in Melvin. Iowa , that may have to wait. I also was able to attend a small, quick church service, but at this time it's all a blur of haze and maize.

Try to keep everyone updated as I head towards the Mississippi .
Keep praying for me, I need it.
Two-wheeled,
Tom