“RAGBRAI 50”

One of the things I know for sure about Golf is – it is very difficult both physically and mentally. No doubt about it. And it is probably one of the top reasons I really enjoy the game.

Hitting a golf ball well, or hitting a golf ball consistently well, has to be one of the most difficult things in the world of sports; maybe the most difficult thing.

The physical challenge of the game provides me great exercise, from walking from hole to hole, as well as through the repetitive movement of the golf swing, and let’s not forget carrying my clubs around the course. (Although I hardly ever do that – I use a trolly or golf cart!).

And without the right mental approach, it’s almost nearly impossible to play good golf (or to enjoy it nearly as much). While I’ve seen super talented players still score well with a “bad” attitude, they look miserable the entire time.

That just isn’t how I believe the game should be played.

It’s the mental and physical challenges when playing the game that brings me back over and over.

I guess you could say I look for ways to be challenged both physically and mentally. It’s why I climbed Grand Paradiso and Mount Blanc. It’s why I swam the Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim. It’s why I run half-marathons and it’s why this past week I rode in RAGBRAI 50.

New challenges give me confidence boosts I need and encourages me to push myself further in my personal growth.

Which brings me to RAGBRAI 50.

If you aren’t from Iowa you might not know what RAGBRAI is. RAGBRAI stands for the Register’s Annual Great Ride Across Iowa. (The Register is the Des Moines newspaper). It’s an annual event, that takes place the last full week of July. I first learned about RAGBRAI when I was in my teens and over the years always wanted to give it a go. But every-day life just seemed to get in the way.

In 2020 I registered for my first RAGBRAI but a little thing called COVID canceled the ride and I didn’t get to actually ride in my first RAGBRAI until 2021. That led to a second RAGBRAI in 2022. Which led to my third RAGBRAI this year!

And that just happened to be the 50th anniversary of RAGBRAI.

For me – RAGBRAI 50 was a test of my stamina. I cycled 500 miles and 16,000 feet in elevation, from Souix City to Davenport. I dipped my rear tire in the Missouri River, and my front in the Mississippi seven days later. It was a week full of very hot days, very high elevations (day 5 had an elevation of over 4,000 – contrary to belief, Iowa is NOT flat!), and a whole lot of mental and physical challenges!

And you know what?

I loved every single minute of it!

I mean come on – what can be more fun than riding along with 20,000+ other bike riders?  For some, that might sound like a horror story, but for me, it was crazy fun. 

There were riders wearing colorful jerseys and costumes, and either riding solo, in pairs, or in teams. Everyone is out for the joy of companionship and beautiful countryside for seven eventful days.

And it’s not a race! 

You see the thing about RAGBRAI is you can choose your own adventure.  Some riders are on the road at sunrise and in the overnight town well before noon. (I’m talking about you Scott!) Some start later and stop in every town to rest in the shade, grab a snack or a meal, or dance to a DJ or a local band in the park.

There’s no set way to start, no set way to finish. You can ride it any way you want to ride it – that’s what makes it so special!

I found everything I needed along the route – from food to bike mechanics. From parks to museums. And the ever welcoming American Flag hanging in every single town along the route. When I was hot I found lawn chairs set up in shady farmyards. I even found a cold bottle of water being sold at the end of a gravel driveway alongside a pasture.

I didn’t need to bring food. Every town along the route, no matter how tiny, had food. Along with friendly locals, Gatorade, music and always a beer garden! There were folks who let me stretch out on their lawn in the shade and church ladies who spent days and days before my arrival baking up some of the best pie you’ll find anywhere. Strawberry-rhubarb is my absolute favorite! Pie is, in fact, one of the famous foods on RAGBRAI. Oh yea – and pork chops cooked over an open grill fueled by corncobs. Sandwiches, rib-eye steaks from the local cattlemen’s association, sweet corn dripping in butter, ice cream churned with old John Deere farm motors, fruit smoothies, breakfast burritos and pickle juice to prevent my muscles from cramping at night. (It works – trust me!)

Although RAGBRAI is a camping ride, there is the chance to stay in private, in-home housing. On my first RAGBRAI we camped – and it wasn’t pleasant. Let’s just say, I am a glamper and there was NO GLAMPING to be had! But last year and this year, I was able to secure up residences and man what a difference it makes. Being able to take a shower and sleep in A/C after pedaling 80+ miles is something I will NEVER take for granted again! Plus the bonus of the friends I have made through the private housing option is something I am truly thankful for.

Along the silent times on the route when I was alone in my thoughts I found myself thinking about how riding my bike is so similar to life.

I realize when riding with my loved ones I need to ride when they want to ride even if it is in the rain or ride when it’s way too hot or there’s a terrible headwind.

I need to enjoy new routes and adventures, but also appreciate the same old routes day after day.

And I need to endure the climbs and keep out of other’s way on the descents.

RAGBRAI 50 was an amazing event, and I am so thankful I pushed myself to keep pedaling up every hill and every mile. I guess this year’s theme was right –

RAGBRAI 50 was one “L” of a ride!!

My Reads from the Reds – We are all tougher than we think – embrace the challenges!

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written by: Kathy Festa