Get ready to ride RAGBRAI

In a few weeks, I will be one of more than 10,000 bicyclists who will spend a week riding across Iowa as part of RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).

 

 It will be the fourth time I've done it, so I've learned a little about how to prepare and a lot about how not to. (This is a picture of me at the end of last year's ride, at the Mississippi River.)

 RAGBRAI, usually a shade under 500 miles, is seven fun but long days on a bike followed by nights in a tent.

 In the coming days I'll be posting some tips about how I get ready. Even if you have no intention of ever riding so far, what I've learned can help just about any cyclist. For instance: You think Floridians can't train to ride hills? I'll show you how.

 For background on RAGBRAI, go to the official site or read a piece I wrote two years ago about the experience .

--Jim Verhulst, Times staff writer

Comments

[Joanie Flahertry]

I have a lot of friends who are going to Ragbrai this year, and some that have already been.
It sounds like a lot of fun. If I can get it together(money & time off) I think I will go next year.