Logistics can be overwhelming. Particularly for someone embarking on a new adventure that combines multiple interests and activities.
In my case it is cycling and camping (which I probably haven’t done seriously since about 1990). Let the games begin!
Ok, seriously, in preparing for RAGBRAI one of the challenges is preparing a bag and a living strategy for 7-plus days on the road. Keep in mind that the organizer (and the charters who move you around) limit your luggage to a single 50-pound bag. In this bag you must put all of your essentials of clothing, toiletries, sleeping needs, and your overnight creature comforts. A tent is allowed beyond the weight limit and strapped to the outside of your bag.
Our group veterans suggested packing bags in Zip-Lock storage bags, labeled for each day (Monday, Tuesday, et al) to simplify the packing. Also included are a sleeping bag or similar, a sleeping pad, pillow, towel and any other basics you need to survive at the end of the day each day. The bag strategy allowed me to choose which day would be matched with which jersey (there will be college day and RAGBRAI jersey days) I would wear each day of the ride. To simplify things, the following apparel was recommended for each day:
- Padded bike shorts
- Jersey
- Socks (if you aren’t wearing clipped sandals)
The lighter the better. Fewer is better. This might be taking it a bit too far (thanks to my fellow RAGBRAI newbie, Terry Williams).
My bike packing buddies, Jody and Alex, came up with a list. Jody calls it “the go bag” list. This YouTube video has been a great source of information for me from Day 1. The whole point is that you need to think this through, especially if you are not a camper or outdoor person. Remember we will be sleeping in tents. And if you haven’t hired a charter company who is setting up a rented tent for you, then be prepared for “self service.”
Despite the tone of that last sentence, I am really looking forward to this adventure and reporting on it as I go.
We are 16 days away from the start, 13 until the driving trip to take us to the end town.
Relentless
(*photos courtesy of RAGBRAI, Paul Maynard and Terry Williams)
