Day 4

Today's ride was the shortest on the route - about 46 miles. So the group got an early start (about 6:30) and cruised through the trip. The morning started out with a heavy fog and the riders were in it for nearly an hour. Bill Rutherford took this photo to give you an idea of what they faced. But everyone said it was also beautiful. The route ran through Mennonite country from Indianola to Chariton (pronounced Sheraton). The halfway point was a town named Oakley and Bob Mudie kept telling Bill Rutherford that it was the place where they made Oakley sunglasses. When they got there, about a dozen plainly dressed people were standing there selling baked goods as the cyclers passed by. Bill hasn't forgiven Bob yet.

The support crew got a later start and three trips into WalMart to get all the things we kept forgetting didn't help. But the surprise for us was that our route took us on US Hwy 69 - the same one that runs through Greenville. The riders reached the destination before we did - about 10:30.

Todays' accomodations were not as nice as we'd had up to this point - we weren't able to get a home stay, so the group was to be put in a former juvenile detention center with a couple of other teams. In fact, there were over 200 folks registered to stay there. They were packed in like sardines. Every possible space had a sleeping bag or inflatable mattress. Jerry Grady graciously gave us an extensive tour of his personal accommodations in the former juvenile detention center. The second photo shows one of the other rooms in the building - there was no room to move.

There was no place to park the motorcoach, so we went across the street to the parking lot of an abandoned factory at the recommendation of the mayor's wife. After a lunch of brisket sandwiches with brisket provided by Bill and Kathy’s car repairman (who insisted on smoking a brisket for them to bring on the trip), the guys enjoyed themselves with a game of bocce ball around the parking lot. Since there was no court, they sort of roamed from one end of the grass and gravel to the other and had a great time. Then they relaxed under the awning of the motorcoach. No one wanted to do a whole lot today because tomorrow is the longest ride this year – 108 miles. The rookies were all pretty anxious about their endurance and the veterans were assuring them they could do it.

Because we had so many leftovers, the cooks got the day off, so Kathy and I went to town to see the expo and community turnout. Everything was in the streets around the town square with the lawn of the court house a place for sitting and watching the bands and people. Bikes were parked everywhere. Down one side street, hundreds of bikes were parked in a row while their riders wandered around the square. On another street, we saw 8 bikes chained to one telephone pole. Hope those folks were all together because it was a tangled mess.

Down another side street there was a bike station set up. You could see the latest models of bikes and “test ride” one on another leg of the race. Repairmen were also available to help with any problems you might have – from a flat tire to gear issues.

At another station, chiropractors and massage therapists were set up to take care of aching muscles and joints. For $15, you could get easy. Riders were lined up, especially the older ones. Speaking of older ones, Kathy and I had a wonderful visit with a couple who were in their mid 70’s. This was their 16th RAGBRAI and they were riding a tandem bike.

The police and local sheriffs department were in evidence everywhere. During the day, their job is to direct traffic, give directions and answer questions. Tonight, however, when the big beer tent opens, it will be a different story. The younger riders have gone to check out that scene and promise to bring back pictures. We saw big farm wagons on the square with signs that said, “Recycle Your Bottles Here” so they were anticipating a bunch of thirsty riders to enjoy the band and drink. The beer tent (an inflatable device) moves from town to town to facilitate the partying.

Kathy and I also wandered in to Piper’s Meats, Groceries and Candy and felt we’d stepped back at least 75 years. Inside is an old-fashioned wooden floored, tin ceilinged establishment that sells meat by the pound or slice, homemade caramels and chocolates, crafts by local artists, basic groceries, antiques and gifts. In other words, a little bit of everything. We were enchanted and had a ball looking at the crowded shelves. Of course it was so packed with people you couldn’t move. At one point we got into what we thought was the check-out line, only to discover we were in the line for candy instead. So Kathy bought old-fashioned cinnamon gum balls.

We headed back to the campsite for a beautiful evening under the Iowa sky. It’s an early start tomorrow – the guys want to get on the road before 6:00 am. And Kathy, Bob and I are going flying!