Well, of all the things I forgot, the phone cord to put my pics on the computer has been the worst…
So…a blog without pics, til I get home.
We left Murfreesboro on Friday at 4:45 (record time – we had planned on leaving at 4 – that’s our PR for late departure). We went to the south side of town to a truck stop for a fill up, and to see Jesse’s truck driver brother Ralph for a few minutes. When we got back on the interstate, we got exactly one exit before we had to pull off because of brake trouble. Super fix-it Big Jesse had us back on the road within about an hour. We drove through the night (my personal shift was 10p-2am, and my driving buddy was Jordan, who was adorable asking me questions to keep me awake) and arrived in East Iowa to meet Ben and Kirsten around 6am. They (and their crap) jumped on and we rode across the state and arrived in Sioux City around 4:00.
We had our riders’ meeting, assigned bus duties, and off we went to town. Most of the team watched the Ragbrai documentary, “A Million Spokes”. The town was festive and did a good job of welcoming us. Smashmouth was the concert of the night – some of the team went to that, and said it was good.
This morning started with the sun, and off went the team in their stunning Livestrong-colored Team Fly jerseys – try to imagine it, but pics will come when I resolve my camera issue. Aden is traveling in the kiddie-cart with Ben Daddy pulling him, with his squirt gun and DS – I’ve heard he was a little bored in the beginning, but I’ll get the complete report when they roll in.
I hate to do this to my Tennessee readers, but the high up here today was 84 degrees. It’s now shady and cool at our camp site, and we’ll slip on sweatshirts later to go into town to see the vendors, eat some fried s**t on sticks, and watch Glenda hoop. That’s the forecast for the week, with possible thunderstorms.
I don’t think I’ve done a very good job telling what a great time this. We may not get the kids home for Christmas, but everyone marks their calendar for the last full week of July. Glenda and I drove today, and even that was delightful. Tomorrow is the century day – it’s an 80-something mile day with an optional loop to make 100. Can not wait.
Stay tuned for more news, and maybe pics…www.ragbrai.org
Thanks for reading!
July 25, 2010 at 7:41 pm
thanks for the update, love the levi’s ,watching with great interest makes me want to go ride my bike
July 28, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Thanks for reading – we are loving having Caitlyn along! She’s been a beast on the bike! Plan to go next year if you can – too much fun!!
July 27, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Hi,
Nice writing! It is good to hear the description of RAGBRAI–I hope you get some pics online soon. Say “hello” to Sam for me, looking forward to meeting him in the Atlanta airport.
Frankly, I think Sam should be given the opportunity to do some extra work since he was gone in NZ for the Lesotho seminar class. If you could help me out on this I would be eternally grateful…something like wash and wax the outside of the bus, etc.! Just a thought! I think about two hours a day on this task would work out about right (I will need some pics for proof). Just trying to help you out, Sam!
Have a good ride. One of these years when I drop twenty pounds I may do that ride again. What fun it was back in 88.
Best,
Neal Eash
July 28, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Eash –
Thanks for the comment – we have Sam hard at work as the resident bike mechanic, I assure you! Weather has been awesome for the ride – we’re in Charles City tonight with 78 degrees and sunshine. Sam is excited about his trip, but I’m not guaranteeing his presentability in the Atlanta airport! Have a great trip, and we’ll plan to see you on next year’s Team Fly!