The riders decided to do a morning ride to warm up. Meanwhile, the cooks headed out to lay in the basic provisions that we would need for the entire trip. We asked Joni if there was a produce stand anywhere nearby so we could start by seeing what local produce was available. She replied, “You are in for a treat – every Saturday, there’s a big Farmer’s Market in downtown Omaha. You will love it.”
Boy was she right! Several blocks in the Old Market area had stalls with vendors and it was clear that this was the place to be on Saturday morning! I’ve never seen such an array of vegetables, herbs, flowers and other delectable locally-produced products. It was so hard to resist the temptations to buy everything! But we strolled around the area and selected some basics – tomatoes in gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow; fat yellow and red onions; crisp string beans; and small red potatoes. But then we decided to experiment with some new vegetables: fennel, kale, leeks, exotic garlics (yes – more than one variety), soccer-ball size muskmelons and more. We piled bag after bag into Steve’s arms while he complained of being the pack-mule. Three trips to the car later, we told him we were done. The riders will feast this year!
Here’s a montage of the sights from the Farmer’s Market. Wish we had taste-a-blog…
While the bikers were cruising the hills of Council Bluffs, Richard Breininger had been at work for hours. He is a representative for the Specialized Bike company and this is his office.
He goes from bike event to bike event across the country and sets up a booth at each event to promote these high-end bikes. Riders who are interested in them can test-ride one for a day. He had to be in Sioux City by 7:00 am to set up in the big RAGBRAI expo, so he was on the road before 5:00. We all agreed that he’s one of the hardest-working young men we’ve seen. He’s also a very, very good on a bike – and a serious competitor in races when he has time to participate.
Before we headed out, the whole group enjoyed a beer from Terry and Joni’s outdoor keg – their friends who were participating in the ride had arrived and so we all toasted to a great week. Here are a few shots of their marvelous back yard, as well as one of Glenda (their good friend and our Farmer’s Market guide, Terry and Joni). We’re already planning to reconvene there next year for a RAGBRAI kick-off.
Then it was off to Sioux City for our first overnight stop. We stayed at the home of Linda, a local woman who works with special needs children from 1-3. The house was at the top of the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River valley. Getting the motorcoach up the hill and down the street proved a challenge. But Steve Brancheau was up to the task. And as he put it so beautifully, “Parking it in the driveway was a piece of cake!” You can look at these pictures to see the truth of the matter – the lamppost clears the back pop-out by about 1 ½ inches! And check out the size of the garage in comparison to the motorcoach. We are SO lucky to have the Brancheaus along – it’s like having a rolling palace at our service.
We enjoyed the afternoon , visiting with Linda, her two daughters and son-in-law and lovely mother, Adele. These host families are so gracious to let our regiment move in and bivouac in their homes.
Linda got the neighbors to let the Brancheaus put Maggie in their back yard so she didn’t have to stay cooped up in the motorcoach. We had a heart-stopping moment when Denise went over to check on her and the corgi was nowhere to be seen! Everyone fanned out through the neighborhood calling for her and asking anyone who was outside if they’d seen an out-of-place pooch. Just at it seemed bleak, Maggie was discovered safe and sound in the original back yard. She’d been snoozing under a lilac bush the whole time! What a relief! Here’s a picture of our disappearing doggie:
Dan Reinboldt and his brother-in-law, Mark Tillery, had to return a rental car at the Sioux City airport. It’s located near the site of a monument to Sergeant Floyd, the only member of the Louis & Clark expedition to die – a remarkable achievement when they say the only modern comparison would be a voyage to Mars. And he died of a ruptured appendix – a certain fatality in 1803, no matter whether you were in a civilized city like Philadelphia or the uncharted wilds of the Louisiana territory. Sergeant Floyd was buried atop the bluff near what is now Sioux City, so a large obelisk is placed there. Dan said that in honor of RAGBRAI, there was a minerals expert at the site demonstrating how the Indians made arrowheads and spears.
All the riders then headed to the Missouri River for the traditional “back tire dip” that’s one of the hallmarks of RAGBRAI. When they arrive at the Mississippi River, they will dip their front tires in celebration of completing the ride. Sioux City had a wonderful location at a park along the Missouri with a wide ramp/boat launch area that make easy river access.
Then it was back to Linda’s house for dinner and relaxing. While we cooked, fierce games of bocce and ladder ball were played in the back yard. Bocce is a game involving several balls, a lovely green lawn and lots of beer. Bill said that’s all anyone needs to know. In ladder ball, two small balls are tethered together with a cord and the object is to toss these balls and hook them on one of the rungs of the opposing team’s ladder. I understand this game also involves copious amounts of beer. Then Captain Bill held a team meeting and initiated the new riders with the official “Virgin” stamp – okay, scribble. Linda’s lovely home had sitting areas in the front and back yards and folks spread out to enjoy the delightfully cool evening.
The phrase from the movie, “Field of Dreams” comes to mind…Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.
Plz update when possible as former rebellous team members are waiting for the updates. I do wish I was causing trouble with the group and playing Bocci balls.
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