OhWood: RAGBRAI DAY ONE

DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES (No phone service or internet service in smaller towns) THERE WAS A SLIGHT DELAY IN OUR RAGBRAI POSTS. SORRY TO KEEP YOU WAITING! : )

Introducing Team Tablegater!

This is our group shot for our sponsors who have been generous and supportive of our RAGBRAI efforts. Notice the creative artwork on the jerseys…they were created by Scartlet Nonne Design Company, with none other than our own Sarah Lenger orchestrating the design. Many kudos from other teams have been received. Thanks, Sarah!!!

RAGBRAI DAY ONE:

Up and at-em early—leaving the comforts of our RV at 7:30 AM. It was amazing to witness the constant flow of riders who are taking on the challenges of our Iowa hilly highways and roads. Everywhere we looked there were bikers! Backward, forward, and in-between. Bikers literally filled the streets of each of our “pass-through towns” and invited the quiet—laid back-- and uninterrupted lifestyle of each of those communities. In spite of our intrusion, the townspeople were gracious and welcoming to their RAGBRAI guests.

Team Tablegater rode our first day with 58 miles of hilly road and interesting comments/incidents. We thought we could share some with you:

While traveling to Shelby, Jeff’s spoke broke, leaving him rattling and off-centered for several miles—therefore limping into Shelby – in search of a mechanic or repair shop. Tony was dispatched with the golf cart to pick him up, but Jeff manned up and finished the ride on his own. Atta Boy, Jeffie!! No ride needed for you!
Kevin was approached by a woman on the route, asking him “what is Tablegater?” While attempting to explain, the woman deduced that Tablegater was something that served food. Kevin responded with, “No, its not! Are you hungry?”
We were 20 miles out today, when Karen was passed by two male riders who commented that she was a nice looking rider. We were not sure if they were delirious or serious, but rest assured Karen will be wearing her smaller sized biking shorts tomorrow.
Vern was being a Good Samaritan, going back to help a desperate rider fix a flat, when he turned too quickly, and fell off his bike, scraping his knee. Now he is commonly referred to on the bike trail as St. Vern, the Patron Saint of Broken-down Bikers. Holy trading card are now being passed out at each pass-through town.
There was an Elvis sighting in Neola, IA, as a King-Wanna-Be poured out his heart, while being all shook up with the entire RAGBRAI experience.
We were fortunate to be traveling with the Banana Man on RAGBRAI….do what you will with this information.
Kevin was traveling up a significant hill while sporting his Team Tablegater jersey, with the slogan “Hitch a Ride with Team Tablegater”—when another rider grabbed his jersey and said, “is this what you mean by “Hitching a Ride with Team Tablegater?” Kevin turned to the man, as he was pulling him up the hill and countered, “Only on the flat-roads, Buddy.”

The women of RAGBRIA have been found to be rather loose, unpretentious (Team Tablegater women not included) . Jeff was fortunate to find his dream girl at a local Beer Garden, and coaxed her back to the RV (Ether was no doubt involved). Kevin, Steve and Karen were miffed that they had to vacate the RV for a while, and protested at his request. The tryst was short-lived, as Jeff found out that she/he was a female impersonator from Omaha…and it has been agreed that what ever happens at RAGBRAI, stays at RAGBRAI.

Stay cool….ride hard…..and we’ll talk to you again tomorrow.