RAGBRAI... (Part 8)

DAY 8 (Saturday) - Dyersville to Bellevue 56.23 miles
Well, the end has finally come. This was the last leg of the journey called RAGBRAI. The proverbial saying, "Save the best for last" holds true for this route in more ways than one. If anyone is looking for a great training route this is it. There were the right number and mix of hills and enough flat stretches to keep it interesting. The scenery was exceptionally wonderful in the morning sun too.

About halfway through and at the top of a really steep climb a little boy was setting up a water and lemonade stand. This kid was no fool, this was the most ideal place to setup. I am willing to wager, at the end of the day, that he walked away with a nice mint or two.

The next interesting thing on this stretch occurred at the end. There was a descent of approximately 400 feet, which if entered correctly could produce some really fun speeds. I hit the top of the hill at a rather nice speed to start out and began screaming down hill. The speedometer was clicking up the MPH, there was a left bend halfway down the hill, 38, 39, 40. Images of my rear tire sliding out on me at high speeds and my flesh mixing with metal and concrete were flashing through my mind. I didn't care. 44, 45, 46. I came into the bend, my common sense got the better of me, I stopped pedaling and came through the bend. Then I started pedaling again, 46, 47, 48. The bottom was achieved. I think I could have hit 50 but I was exhilarated just getting near that mark. Oh yea, I love adrenaline. I was even considering climbing back up the hill and trying it again. Then I decided I didn't want to do the climb.

Tom and I pulled into Bellevue and found the outfitters. The baggage had not arrived at this time, which wasn't surprising. I decided to head into town and get some breakfast. No, I did not dip my tire into the Mississippi. I know it's a tradition, but I just wasn't feeling it.

There was a little restaurant at the bottom of a hotel every one was raving about. It seemed rather popular as there was a line waiting to be seated. There were two little old ladies running around taking orders, busing tables, and cashing out checks. They were swamped. There were a couple of table available but they hadn't been cleared. I felt for the ladies working, so I ran back to their kitchen, grabbed some bus buckets and began clearing and cleaning the tables. One couple decided to join in and help me. We eventually got the tables cleared, coffees refilled, people seated, and got ourselves seated. There weren't enough tables so the couple that helped me joined me for some breakfast.

This was the best breakfast I had the whole week. If ever back in Bellevue, I will eat there. The bill was paid and so I journeyed back to the outfitters location at the school. Still the trucks had not arrived. Apparently they were stuck in the traffic that had been building up outside of Bellevue. While waiting for them I started looking for my brother. We had arranged to meet at 10AM across from the high school, it was 10 and he wasn't there. Still I waited, 11AM, still not there, but the trucks were arriving. Got my luggage, said my goodbyes to everyone and went to wait and look for my brother. 11:30 there he is coming from the west side of town. I signaled him to turn into the school. He too got caught up in all the traffic, so I think I can cut him a little slack this time. hehe

Well, that is the end of that journey. It was a fun and interesting experience. Would I do it again? Probably. If I do RAGBRAI again, I think it would be a lot more fun if I did it with a bunch of regular friends. The whole thing is definitely different than BRAN. Definitely many more interesting people on RAGBRAI, I had such fun people watching the whole time. A psychologist could probably do a thesis paper on the people that do this ride.

Hope you have enjoyed reading the stories of my adventure; I sure enjoyed sharing them, and hopefully it will motivate someone to have their own interesting adventure in the future. The big adventures have ended for now and it's back to my little mini adventures around Nebraska and Iowa, when I can get to visit my niece and nephew.