RAGBRAI
RAGBRAI is an acronym for Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. It is a non-competitive bicycle ride across Iowa that draws recreational riders from across the United States and overseas. The ride is from a community on Iowa's western border to a community on Iowa's eastern border, and stops in towns across the state. RAGBRAI is limited to 10,000 registered riders, but thousands of unregistered riders ride each year. The length of the route averages 472 miles. Eight "host communities" are selected each year; two of them are the beginning and end points, while the other six are overnight stops. The distance between host communities is usually sixty-eight miles. At the beginning of the ride, riders traditionally dip the rear wheel of their bikes in either the Missouri River or the Big Sioux River (depending on the starting point of the ride). At the end, the riders dip the front wheels in the Mississippi River.
In 2008, RAGBRAI will begin on July 19 and ended on July 26. The 2008 route will start in Missouri Valley and will continue to Harlan, Jefferson, Ames, Tama/Toledo, North Liberty, Tipton, and will end in LeClaire which is part of the Quad Cities. Riders come from all over the world, and many ride as clubs or teams. There are dozens of organized teams on the ride; some of the notable are Team Skunk, Team Butt Ice, Team DAWG, The Killer Bees, The Whiners, Team Pink Floyd, The Subtle Savages, Team Budweiser, Team Stiff, Team Half Fast, Team Trousermouse, and Team Ska. Team Skunk is notable for their black shirts with a white stripe down the back and their greeting call Skuuuuuuunk. Team Gourmet travels with their own chef, and Team Dragbrai rides in drag. Team Ska rides self-contained the entire route and has come to be known as a spirited and very friendly group. All come to Iowa to celebrate summer on two wheels.
RAGBRAI teams are a unique part of the experience. While some of the teams have a well-earned reputation for hard partying and heavy drinking, most are serious well behaved bicyclists.
Teams create a social and support system that adds a non-cycling dimension to RAGBRAI. Teams customize old school buses and vans. The team buses serve as transportation to and from the ride, and a combination clubhouse and sleeping quarters during the ride. These buses typically sport enormous custom stereos, roof mounted, rail-equipped platforms which serve as bicycle racks and a place to relax, and interior bathrooms. Several carry large 50 gallon plastic barrels full of water, which become warm during the day. Attached to a gravity-fed hose, these barrels provide teams with a spartan shower at the end of the day's ride.
Since this is Team Skeptic's first ride, we will be using a charter service. We have elected to use Ron Oman Charters for our transportation to the first town, baggage service throughout the week and transportation at the end of the week. They will pick us up at the airport in Omaha and drop us off when RAGBRAI is over. If we have a strong number or people interested, maybe we can put together our own team bus in the future.
If you are interested in joining us for RAGBRAI or just want to discuss anything about our group, venture, etc. please join our community or contact us and we will be happy to assist you.