19 Ragbrais down 19 more to go. (RL)

Every year , right before we take off on the first day of Ragbrai I ask Mike if he wants to go on a bike ride. This is what we have been doing since we were boys. We would ride around Ottumwa and southern Iowa solving mysteries and putting bad guys behind bars. I guess that was the Hardy Boys, but I digress. I'm not sure if I have ever asked Mike to throw a baseball around, I've never asked Mike to go swimming, I've never asked Mike to go to a Movie. All we have ever done is ride bikes, so we're pretty good at it by now. That being said; I HATE you MIKE JONES, I never wanted to see you again........ I KID, I KID, come on now.

We had another great krewe again. It's really odd what Ragbrai does to people. As my brother calls it "Camp Ragbrai", because you get a clear picture of a persons personality very quickly, and deep friendships can be made very quickly and trust gained with the gift of a simple banana.

Pam & Meg brought so much to the Krewe this year. From companionship on the bike, to the realization that you don't need to drink beer to have fun. Now, it's not that we didn't drink, because we did; ALOT. It's more that we saw those two not drinking, yet still having fun. So if we ever wanted to try not drinking, we know that it's possible to still have a good time. Let's just hope that day doesn't come anytime soon.

Our host were simply awesome this year. I think in all my 19 years, this was only the second time I have stayed in side. We were showered with, gifts, and feed like kings. We really appreciate all of the cleaning, cooking, and general preparation that went into having total strangers come into your house and mess things up for 16 hours.

To the towns that hosted us and let us pass though, THANK YOU so much for your efforts. I'm sure the sun burns we left you with, will serve as a reminder for the next couple of days, of the good times we had with you.

Northwood....YOU DID IT. You fed everyone, everyone had a place to stay, and your band kick ass. For a town of 2000, you showed everyone that the smaller you are, the more resourceful you become.

To the civil authorities out there. As always, I can only offer you thanks. Just saying "YOU'RE WELCOME" to the 1000's of rides that say thank you to you as they go by has got to be a daunting task.

I am always amazed that the some cop that is clearing out the beer tents at 1:30 am is the same cop that's telling me where to hop on the route at 8:00 am.

Thanks to my wife and family. I have a 20 month old that is a full time job for two adults, my wife has proved she is just fine without me, and world wouldn't fall apart.

My mom sewed 10 New Belgium shirts and Hats in 12 hours. Those are some serious efforts that are impressive even by Pacific rim standards.

I'll probably do a couple more recap Bloggs, so I'll cut this off here,
but I'll leave this first one off like this.

Just as I ask Mike if he wants to go on a bike ride the first day of Ragbrai, I ask Mike after we dip our tires if he thinks we should try it (RAGBRAI) again next year, Mikes always replies; Sure, what ever it takes.

We'll see you all next year.

- R.L. (Big Pimp)