Everything about RAGBRAI is impressively well organized—take the route, for example. After a challenging day yesterday, today felt almost like a rest day to help us recover. Almost. We still had 46 miles to ride, but the organizers thoughtfully built in plenty of time for breaks along the way.
The first stop came so soon after we set off that we nearly rode right past it. Luckily, we spotted the coffee stand just in time and pulled over—we’d been craving a cup! It was in the village of Whapaton, a tiny little place, but the locals had gone out of their way to welcome us and set everything up.
I was fair chuffed with the new Scottish cycling jersey Elaine got me, proudly featuring the lion rampant on the front. All day long, people were riding up to ask me about Scotland. I couldn’t figure out how they knew—after all, the lion was on the front. I mentioned it to Damian, who just laughed and said, “Dude, have you seen the back of the shirt?” Actually; no! I hadn’t.
For the first time in RAGBRAI’s 52-year history, the ride crossed the Iowa state line and ventured into Minnesota. Our destination was Brown Park, and by the time we rolled in at 9 a.m., the party was already in full swing. With it being a short riding day, those here mostly for the fun were making the most of it—DJ, dancing, and beers were all in full flow.
Our main objective, however, was to meet up with Damian’s daughter and his two grandsons, who had driven down from upstate to see him. But with so many bikes packed into the area, it was hard to imagine how she’d even manage to drive in. She stopped to ask a policeman where she could park. He simply said, “Right here, ma’am.” So she left the car with the cop and just walked into the park!
The lines were crazy for just about everything. We waited half an hour to pay for a breakfast burrito—only to be told we’d have to wait another two hours to collect it! So we bailed and joined a different line for a breakfast pulled pork sandwich instead. Honestly, is there ever a bad time for PPS?
I left Damian to enjoy time with his family and set off to finish the day on my own. At the exit of the park, when I could have—should have—turned left, I decided to turn right instead and take the optional gravel track, adding another six miles to my ride. I was well ahead of schedule and had the time, but in hindsight, the smarter move would’ve been heading straight to the end town to find that elusive bar with air conditioning and a flushing toilet!
After completing the loop, I passed by Brown Park a second time—this time with a clear view of the lake. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and though we only dipped into the state for a few miles, I still got to take in the beauty of one or two of those serene, shimmering waters.
And then back into Iowa, rolling past endless fields of corn and soybeans, marveling at the sheer scale of the industry that drives it all. Every town we pass through has a grain silo—a lighthouse rising above the sea of crops. It’s both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it shows you how far the next town is, and a curse because it also reminds you just HOW far that next town really is.
One big RAGBRAI tradition is Mr. Porkchop, reputedly the best pork chop in the country. Since it was a short day, I took the chance to check it out. I met Tony, the grandson of the original Mr. Porkchop—and quite possibly the hardest-working person on the entire ride, cyclists included! He’s set to cook 5,000 chops this week. I had one myself and am happy to report it did not disappoint!
So, day 2 is in the bag—a relatively easy 46 miles. Damian was still with his family, so I rode a couple more miles into downtown Estherville, where the party had moved from Brown Park. There was an excellent band playing and some really good food trucks to enjoy.
I didn’t stay long. The next two days are the toughest of the trip—the ones we’ve been nervous about ever since we signed up. Back-to-back 70+ mile days, with forecasted strong winds and temperatures soaring into the 90s! Get through those, and we’re confident we’ll make it all the way to the end.
What! Scotland Qualified!!! 