Before I set out to the starting town of this week’s RAGBRAI I decided to do a little pre ride. I ventured out this morning for 40 miles and about 1400 feet of climb...which to be honest I didn’t even know existed around here. Muncie is flat! On my ride I saw a snake, horses, cows, dogs, and cornfields. So almost like RAGBRAI! There were no roadside pancake places or pork chops....how disappointing. There was an Amish honey vendor but he didn’t appear to be open. I did meet a young Amish man riding his horse down the road. They were just galloping away. I also saw a man picking raspberries from his garden. I’ll admit though he seemed to be eating more than what was going in the bowl. I wonder if his wife will figure that out! Maybe I should head back there for raspberry pie later this week.
So the trip to the starting town was way shorter this year. I think it took about 3 minutes to grab my tent from the garage and go out back. I didn’t even need bus snacks it was so fast! I was able to find a nice open spot for my tent that is mostly shaded so that was nice. Setting up the tent this first time is always a bit stressful because it’s been awhile and you’re just not that efficient. I was able to get it up pretty quickly and then realized that I never unpacked it and cleaned it out from my Bourbon Country Burn trip in October...whoops. Dropped a bit of Kentucky in my Indiana back yard. I’m sure you’ll be shocked to know that I had to put up my tent myself. Gabby just sat in the shade and watched. I see how this week is going to go already.
It was pretty hot when I set up the tent so I decided to pay homage to Le Mars, IA where RAGBRAI was supposed to start. It’s the home of Blue Bunny ice cream and I know I would have eaten my share of ice cream today. Unfortunately I didn’t have ice cream at home, but I did have this Blue Bunny bomb pop! Nothing like refreshing with a popsicle after a day of riding and setting up the tent. Thanks Blue Bunny...it was almost the same...almost!
The expo didn’t have any vendors this year...it was really a drag. No free Honey Stinger, no free chapstick, no free stickers. I hope I can at least find some decent food tonight.
I’ve never had a roommate in my tent on RAGBRAI so tonight could be interesting. I think there’s a reason everyone sleeps in their own tent. I have a feeling my roommate will pant a lot, howl at police sirens, and generally be unsettled the whole night. Maybe I should just let her sleep in the house by herself! The good news is I shouldn’t hear any snoring from a nearby tent. I’m fairly certain there are no other tents on my street!!
I think I’ll get a shower before trying to find some food. I’m sure there’s something around here that will fuel me for the week! I’m hoping the shower line isn’t too long!
Victory...no wait in the shower line! The water was hot, and it was a private shower! I didn’t even have to carry my shower stuff. I could get use to this!! The kitchen was making lemon chicken piccata tonight so I had that over some spaghetti. It was pretty tasty, but let me tell you something. When you’re virtually doing RAGBRAI, virtual dishes and clean up are not a thing. This is a part of the week I will not enjoy.
I got in the tent and Gabby immediately claimed the air mattress as hers. This is not going to go well. I think I’ll have to bring in a small bed for her too. Anyone want to take bets on how long she lasts in the tent tonight?? Or maybe I should say...how long I last before I kick her out? Thankfully even though it says it’s still 88 degrees there is a decent breeze. Maybe she’ll enjoy sleeping in nature!
Tomorrow starts the ride...which I’m not doing! So stay tuned for Day 1 adventures!!!
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