RAGBRAI Leftovers

Thousands of bottom-weary bicyclists dipped their front wheels into the mighty Mississippi this morning, grateful to have completed another RAGBRAI. What? You don't have a clue what RAGBRAI is?? Let me enlighten you...RAGBRAI is a yearly 400 miles+ bicycle ride across Iowa. In its 37th year, it's sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper...hence the name: the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. It's a ride, it's a party, it's totally Iowa. It always begins at the Missouri River and ends at the Mississippi, but the route is different every year. This year it snaked through central Iowa, up my county highway and into St.Charles on Tuesday. Main street was closed off, there were port-a-potties on every corner, multiple food and water stands, and plenty of entertainment to spur the riders on to their destination for the evening, Indianola. This farmer's field along the way welcomed riders for water and a rest at the picnic tables. I understand that Iowa pie is a big draw for a lot of riders; others ride for the opportunity to meet new people or to party along the way. And for those who party too hardy...there's always the Sag Wagon!