RAGBRAI... (Part 4)

The question has been asked so it must be answered. Why 4:30AM? Well, several reasons. One of them being that once I wake up I cannot get back to sleep for several hours. Secondly, it is much less crowded and I can get a consistent ride without the stress. Thirdly, it's a heck of a lot cooler in the early morning and I won't feel like I am in an oven at 350 degrees until done. Fourthly, nothing beats seeing a sunrise while pedaling.

Of course these are all excuses; but, hey, they work for me psychologically. hehe

DAY 3 (Tuesday) - Humboldt to Hampton 72.69 miles
The same morning routine was had at the same time. After chowing down a cliff bar for breakfast I was off. My water supply was a little low, one bottle, so I was keeping an eye out for a kwiki mart. There was one on the edge of town but they weren't opening until 7AM. The first town was Eagle Grove, so I was hoping they would have something or I would be spending 18 humpbacks for 3 litres of water.

I arrived in Eagle Grove and fell in love with the place. This is the type of town you find in Country Living. The proverbial "picket fence" community. Everyone was out getting everything setup for the big crowds. They were lining up antique cars on the road. They even had an old bubble gum topped car which looked a little like the one on the Andy Griffith Show.

Then down one of the streets I spied a Kwiki Mart, so I diverted off course and went to replenish my supplies. At this time too, I realized I forgot to bring along any gels or bars, so I needed to get something to munch on. It was then that I spied the Rice Krispies Treats. My brain was reasoning it by saying, "Hey, it's cereal and it has marshmallow for quick energy." This seemed like logical reasoning so I grabbed a couple of those too. Refilled my camelback and bottles, then I was back on the road.

As I was getting back on the route I met up with a fellow early riser. A 64 year young gentleman by the name of Jack; sorry, can't remember his name. He was pedaling one of those suitcase bicycles with an 83T front crank. That man can really move on that thing. We were averaging 21mph. Wait until you hear about this man and the hills, but that is for later in the week. As we entered Clarion, Jack said that his Metamucil was kicking in and had to stopped. I told him it was fun riding with him and look forward to it other days, but I was going on.

Lake Cornelia was a beautiful community with a really nice golf course. After discovering the joys of pedaling, I no longer enjoy golf. I digress though. The next pass through was Alexander and only a few more miles to go to Hampton.

Once in Hampton I was hungry for some breakfast. The locals were telling me about this place called "7 Star Family Restaurant". So I headed there and it was delicious. I had a Belgian waffle with strawberries and whipped cream, a couple of sausage patties, and a large orange juice. All for under 8 Washington's including the tip.

The next adventure began, trying to find the camp site. In all the pamphlet the outfitter supplied said that all we had to do was follow their distinct signs to the camp sites every day. Let me tell you, I never saw a single one the entire week. I'd spend almost an hour riding around town finding the place. Anywho, I found the campsite, it was an old historical place just east of downtown and a few blocks south of the fairgrounds. I think I liked this place the best of all. They even had portable showers setup, though it cost 5 singles. It was hard for me to take only one shower a day, but I survived.

Camp was established, shower was taken, and it was into town for some lunch. Found a good deal, 5 clams for a buffalo burger, bag of chips, potato salad, and a cookie. The meat came from a gentleman who runs his own buffalo farm just outside of town. He sat down with us and treated us to stories about his buffalo farm.

Then it was time to wander around and see what was going on. Got some free t-shirts from a local stand, had an ear of sweet corn for only 8 quarters this time; the proceeds were going to the local school so I wasn't upset paying, heck I even had another one too. That's what I thought this was all about.

It was back to the campsite for a little nap. Ran in to a lot of locals on the walk back and they were very friendly and willing to start up a conversation. Needless to say I didn't get the nap in. Back at the camp the Pork Chop Man was going to be serving up dinner for 10 dollars. I figured I would go for it since everyone was telling me that it's well worth it.

Dinner was on. Let me preface this by saying they cook the pork chops over corn husks and I think I may have to add that to my next smoking endeavor. They were 2 inch thick chops two hand widths wide, served with baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and lemonade. It was delicious. Now I have seen the pork chop man setting up along the routes every day. I cannot understand how someone could stop riding, eat a pork chop mean and pedal some more. If I was to try that, I know I would spread sick all over the road and my fellows riders might not appreciate it.

Good times were had that evening. Meeting more people, listening to an Irish band that played at the camp site, and just relaxing. Bed time had approached in no time so I went to crash. Around 11PM the band that was playing downtown could be heard in the camp. It wasn't that I could hear them that bothered me, I can sleep through almost anything, it's the fact that they sucked. They covered the AC/DC song Thunder and it was so hideously done I don't know how anyone wasn't disturbed by it. Thankfully they only played one more song. Then I was back in the wonderful land of slumber.

Tomorrow, I win a contest, get humiliated, get on tv, and get to bed late...