Clearly lots to do in rural Iowa on the weekends...
Monday, July 28, 2014
The Wenie-ator
Clearly lots to do in rural Iowa on the weekends...
The Day the Music Died
February 3, 1959. . . Clear Lake... that's where Buddy Holly died. Check me out on the stage of the Surf Ballroom...
REO Speedwagon
I made tons of clips of music. This one was wonderfully over the top. The lead singer begins singing "America the Beautiful"... the crowd starts chanting "USA...USA" and then they launch into Riding the Storm Out"...
The Animals
Nothing like biking with your bird...
I saw lots of folk taking their dogs... including one very large retriever pulled in a car carrier.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Home
Hi – family and friends. Have safely made it back home. Major IT problems prevented me from additional posts on the road. Check the blog for further updates later today
- bjw
- bjw
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
My First Century
I finished my first century yesterday... 106 miles total. The Karras Loop is named for the RAGBRAI rider who started the tradition of adding miles to a RAGBRAI route in order to bring the total to 100. You get a cool patch for the extra effort :-)
- bjw
- bjw
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Classical Blast
Fun band last night. That's not an electric upright bass...it's an electric cello. Also featured an excellent drummer and violin player. Think: classically trained musicians doing classic rock covers (and some originals). More at http://www.classicalblast.com/
Burt, Iowa Toilet Toss
Yep, it's true: Burt has a potty toss. I visited this while doing the Karras Loop...my first century...
Monday, July 21, 2014
Volume
This picture doesn't fully do justice to the vast numbers of people who travel through these small towns. Had lunch in Graetenger. People everywhere. Bands playing music. Great time.
- bjw
- bjw
Hairball
Music was a hoot. It got started by with Flash Mob, this great cover band from Minneapolis doing Prince and other covers. They were followed by Hairball, devoted to glam metal covers. It was perfectly over the top with a video screen, confetti drops, fire bursts. The singer went through multiples costume changes in order to look like Dee Snyder, Freddy Mercury, or Ozzy Osbourne. The musicianship was amazing... They had every song down note for note. And crazy stage antics, of course.
Here are some clips...
Here are some clips...
The IT Needs in the modern era
The IT demands of a army of 10K+ riders all of whom use cell phones and bike computers is demanding. The extended network runs down my battery quickly. I recharge using solar and, in camp, a generator for all the cell phones. Upload speeds are slow but generally I can find wifi in the small towns I pass through... Most have small public libraries or wifi through local businesses.
- bjw
- bjw
Location:S State St,Terril,United States
The "tent"
I am sleeping using an Eno hammock and fly. Since trees are scarce -- we are camping in baseball fields and city parks -- I am using a hammock stand. I find sleeping in a hammock much more comfortable than a camping pad.
The Food
Let's call it the best comfort food going. Beats carnival fare hands down. For lunch I visited the renowned Mr. Porkchop who has been serving ridiculously thick pork chops to RAGBRAIers for decades.
In May City I sampled the Bucawich--half of a baguette sized piece of bread, hollowed out and filled with a tasty "Cajun" steak. I also had a strange doughnut like thing called a "Kringla". Think of it as a round sweet pastry.
I did pass on the peanut butter hamburger. But I bet if you made using a Tai Satay sauce you'd be on to something.
Here's a shot of Mr. Porkchop's van...
In May City I sampled the Bucawich--half of a baguette sized piece of bread, hollowed out and filled with a tasty "Cajun" steak. I also had a strange doughnut like thing called a "Kringla". Think of it as a round sweet pastry.
I did pass on the peanut butter hamburger. But I bet if you made using a Tai Satay sauce you'd be on to something.
Here's a shot of Mr. Porkchop's van...
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Leaving Rock Valley
The crowds here are just amazing. American flags and flags from every state lining the departure city.
Pictures here of the giant bike Expo
bjw
Pictures here of the giant bike Expo
bjw
Saturday, July 19, 2014
G'berg Music
A local classic rock band was entertaining riders in Guttenberg night. All their songs are on the Lost Dog set list. I got to hear "Gimme Three Steps" and "Proud Mary" as I got into camp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa9J_gons-k
Guttenberg bar scene
I spent last night enjoying a few beers here in Guttenberg. Very amusing. Met a number of riders who have been doing the ride for many years. Today I take a charter bus to Rock Valley where the ride begins.
- bjw
- bjw
Thursday, July 17, 2014
The Bike
My Jamis Quest.
With some minimal baggage so that I can carry rain gear, repair flats, etc. while on the road.
- bjw
With some minimal baggage so that I can carry rain gear, repair flats, etc. while on the road.
- bjw
Packing
Packing has been challenging – no more than 50 pounds in one bag.
The before shot:
And the aftershot:
That's one big bag – thank you, Amazon Prime
--bjw
The before shot:
And the aftershot:
That's one big bag – thank you, Amazon Prime
--bjw
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