Coming in DFL on the No-Name Sunday (just like the old-days!) I caught an interesting tid-bit from a fellow late-finisher: This year's RAGBRAI Route is 'supposed' to be a Northern (Iowa) Route.

If so I aim to make it one of my Three Bicycle Tours this next year, namely Riding down to it, Riding it, and Riding home (but skipping the final day, or the final destination-town at the very least to avoid the orgy of motor-vehicles chained to the Ride's terminus).

http://ragbrai.com/

Self-contained, no sag, dragging all gear, entirely on Bike (or Trike). Let's start a dialogue, here...

RAGBRAI has announced this year's Route:

http://ragbrai.com/routemaps/2012-route-maps/

After a cursory look I'd say...

MSP to Mankato to Heron Lake to Sioux Center, then follow RAGBRAI until Animosa and head for home via Prairie du Chien, Merrick State Park (near Fountain City), MSP

12-days, about a thousand miles. Self-Contained Camping, no sag, the final 2-days are the only ones over 100 miles (each).

Fun? Agony?

Fun / Agony depends on the wind. I live between Mankato and Minneapolis, just outside of Henderson, you are welcome to stop here for the night if that helps.

Thank You for the kind offer, Fafnir, of a place to crash, en Route! Though to incrementally bust-up the Ride down, keeping each day at around 80-miles (130-kilometers) is optimum, especially as there'll be a hard-deadline to make the start of RAGBRAI in Sioux Center. Perhaps you can you suggest a preferred Route from the Twin Cities to Mankato?

Near Mankato is Minneopa State Park, which has a Campground:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ ... index.html

(Minnesota has a rule that if you arrive at a State Park Campground on a Bicycle and the Campground is full, they'll find a place for you to camp.)

Day 2: about 130-kilometers to...

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ ... index.html

near Belmont Township, Minnesota.

Making day 3 about 160-kilometers (100-miles) to Sioux Center.



Six Of One, Half A Dozen of the Other Department:

Registering for the Full Week of RAGBRAI costs $150, Daily it costs $25.

Personally I'd not ride the final day which seems to degenerate into a Giant motor-fest as all the support-vehicles and RVs and god knows what-all converge at the Ride Terminus. And then there's the mad-dash to flee in the personal-vehicles that brought most Riders to the weeks-worth of fun. So, morning of the Penultimate Day, I'd get a head-start on traveling Home and pass through Anamosa, after the shortest day of the Ride (68-kilometers), and make tracks for points North. Maybe everyone (depending on wind & weather) will be prime for a Double Metric Century to Prairie du Chien after 9-days on the road?

If anyone is considering RAGBRAI 2012, the Dealine for Paper-Registration via the U.S. Mail is in Two Short Weeks. Online-Registration gives you more time to procrastinate...

Traveling North from Anamosa, Iowa to Prairie du Chien there's an Iowa State Park just outside of the (Wisconsin) town, near McGregor, Iowa (122-kilometers):

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/Sta ... undary=203

(A little Research is in order for Iowa Policy on Bicycle-Tourists.)

Just South of Fountain City, Wisconsin, 166-kilometers North of Pikes Peak State Park is:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specif ... mping.html

Then it's just a skip, hop and a jump to the Twin Cities (175-kilometers North, give or take).

I can vouch for fafnir's wife's french toast.

So I've got the MNDOT Bicycle Map that (I think ) is out of print: the vague, color-coded one that beats the living-daylights out of google's Bicycling Directions that (in some instances) have you turning every 25-feet or so, to get me to Mankato and probably to the Iowa Border. It came in 2-sections/maps and was printed on paper not conducive to constant folding and unfolding. I'll also drag a gas-station or similar State Highway map along (or buy one en Route) for it's singular uselessness for intricate wayfinding, but good for infinite other uses: fire-starting, temporary rain-cover, ass-wiping (see my quip 'Save That Receipt'), puppy-training, or something to write my Last Will & Testament on if I fall down a well or an abandoned mine-shaft. Or something.

Plus I've got the oft-helpful iphone-applications "BikeNav" and the ever helpful "You Need A Map" which downloads the entire U.S. Road Map onto your iphone so you can view a given area, sans internet or cell-tower connection, AND I have a Shimano Hub-Generator and a B & M "e-werk" Power-Supply (http://www.bumm.de/) that converts the charge from the the Dynamo to recharge the iphone. I also have a Garmin Etrex Vista HCX that someone pimped on 'crazyguyonabike.com" as the shit, tho I've had some issues with it, ESPECIALLY in furschlugginer England. The only thing I lack is the advice and council of those who've boldly gone before me on this diagonal trek down to NorthWest Iowa, to say nothing of the trip North from Animosa (tho Eviljelly and I came up that way last Spring).

Anybody?

(Coming soon: What to Bring, What to Leave, and What to Mail Home after Carrying it around for days...)

I'd be down for this if I'm around, fo sho.

archiesturmer is a hard rider, but is pretty chill otherwise, btw. He really prepared me for the rest of my long touring.

Oh, also, archiesturmer, I might as well post these here.

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx - shows elevation for routes
http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ - open source maps for Garmin (just select the regions and download - pretty easy to use, nothing to unlock)

"So you copy and paste and all you get is shit." Amen!

There's an Iowa State Park Campground somewhere South of Prairie Du Chein, on the Iowa side of things, and then the next one North, if you were making good time on your eleventh-day-on-the-road-legs, would be the Wisconsin State Park just South of Fountain City. Look 'em up-- evidently I'm too feeble, or the technology is too flaccid to hold your hand (or mine, for that matter) and you'll just have to D.I.Y.

At any rate, good old-fashioned Mail-In Registration for RAGBRAI 40 is now closed and you'll just have to Register Online, the Deadline for which is April Fools Day. If like me all you want to Ride for is the first 6-days, you have until June 1st to procrastinate until, as that's the "Deadline to register for Day Passes".

Aside from my old Touring Partner Eviljelly, I've yet to hear from any interested parties and as such I'll continue to fill in this Post, but with a jaundiced-eye towards yet another Tour, alone. If you're interested, put your two-cents in-- I certainly won't hold you to it as I'll be making this Tour in any event. It'd just be nice to generate interest with a 'critical mass', as it were...

I hesitate to toss this in here as it could come back to bite me in the ass:

http://ragbrai.com/registration/

Hey Chris, its Aaron from the no-names, I finally replied. My brother and I have both set aside 12 days for the trek to and fro.

So, Aaron (or anyone reading this who's in the know), tell me (and the folks at home) is there any benefit to Registering as a Team as opposed to as an Individual?

Do all/most Teams make the cut at the Lottery?

Do 'Daily Riders' have a leg up on 'Weekly Riders' getting a berth in the Lottery?

I was just going to go ahead and Apply/Register and take my chances, but if there's a way to job the system as a 'Team', then I'm all for it, especially as we'll be self-contained and using (much) less Resources than your average RAGBRAI Rider.

Plus, if we DON'T make the cut, what's to stop us from 'crashing the Ride', as pretty much self-contained Riders? Being self-contained we'd certainly be using far less resources than most other Riders: perhaps a toilet or a shower or a camping place, which are largely on/in public areas like schools and churches. (I have no problem Registering & Paying the fee, but if I'm unlucky in the Lottery, I still intend to make this my 2nd Summer Tour.)

Thought or Opinions?

http://ragbrai.com/forums/topic/non-registered-riders/

So I just "signed" the online Waiver to let me potentially hasten my own demise. You can read it here and decide if you're also a Danger-Fucker, but don't dawdle as the Deadline is Mid-Night on April Fools Day.

This takes you to the next level, entering you into a Lottery to be one of 8,500 Lucky (?) sanctioned-participants (I've heard various accounts ranging as high as several-thousand additional riders 'crashing' the ride on any given day), to rub-elbows (sometimes literally) with your fellow riders most of whom are pedaling contraptions that cost more than I make in a pretty substantial amount of time.

They'll announce the winners, and by extension the losers, too, on May Day. But never fear, there'll still be a chance to participate if you don't gain a berth by registering as a Day Rider at 25-clams a pop before June 1st.

Several points worth noting: My Brother the lawyer says these types of Wavers often get shot full of holes in Court, if not out and out get tossed out-- your Heirs can argue you were crazy and obsessed. It's interesting to note that you're willing to forgo your Rights even if any injury or damage is sustained through willful negligence. The monkey-business at the end, in a foreign-language, could say ANYTHING for all I know, but I "signed" it anyway.




AGREEMENT, WAIVER &
RELEASE OF LIABILTY RAGBRAI® XL
JULY 22-28, 2012
The Des Moines Register
FOR USE ONLY BY INDIVIDUALS OR MEMBERS OF A TEAM OVER THE AGE OF 18. IF YOU ARE UNDER AGE 18, PLEASE PRINT, SIGN, AND RETURN THE PAPER FORM.
I, the undersigned, know and understand that RAGBRAI and its related events involve potentially hazardous or dangerous activities and conditions. I attend RAGBRAI and all related events out of my own free will and choice. In choosing to attend RAGBRAI and any related events, I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL RISKS, whether before, during or after RAGBRAI and its related events, whether or not an event is listed herein. These include, without limitation, physical injury, mental injury, emotional distress, trauma, sickness, illness, death, contact with others, equipment failure, inadequate safety equipment, the effects of weather including extreme temperature or conditions, traffic, contact with motor vehicles of all types and descriptions, collision with other persons, or fixed objects, the conditions of and/or design and other defects in the road and facilities, including campgrounds, all risks along the route, and the negligence of others, including, without limitation, those persons organizing, sponsoring, or participating in RAGBRAI and/or events occurring in connection with it. I am aware that the risk of injury or death is always present in biking and RAGBRAI's attendant events and that this risk cannot be eliminated by RAGBRAI organizers, sponsors, and the government and private entities that host or assist in the RAGBRAI events. I know and accept that biking and road accidents may result from the failure for any reason (including negligence) of RAGBRAI organizers, sponsors, and the government and private entities that host or assist in the RAGBRAI events to correctly determine the conditions and safety of the road, surface, route or weather or to predict where or when an accident might occur. All risks are known, appreciated and assumed by me, and I waive any and all specific notice of the existence of them and further waive the obligation, if any, that any other person or entity has to advise or warn me of them. I assume liability for and agree to pay my own medical and emergency expenses in the event of injury, illness, or other incapacity regardless of whether I authorized such expenses. I authorize the use and release of personal and medical information in connection with any medical services provided to me.

I realize that RAGBRAI events require physical conditioning. I represent that I am in sound medical condition capable of participating in the RAGBRAI events without risk to myself or others. I have no medical impediment that would endanger others or me. I understand that a situation may arise during RAGBRAI and related events that may be beyond the control of the sponsors, promoters, organizers, government and private entities or others that host or assist in RAGBRAI and all related events, or may arise from negligence by them, and I accept and assume all risks of participation and/or attendance. I will be solely responsible for the condition and adequacy of my bicycle, safety gear and equipment. I will ride safely within the limits of my own abilities, my equipment and the riding conditions and in a manner that does not endanger others or me.

Knowing these facts and in consideration of my entry acceptance, admission to and/or participation in RAGBRAI and its related events, I for myself, spouse, children, heirs, next of kin, assigns and anyone acting on my behalf, RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE AND AGREE TO HOLD The Des Moines Register and Tribune Company and its parent company, subsidiaries and affiliated entities; RAGBRAI sponsors and participating clubs, communities and organizations; RAGBRAI officials, emergency and support personnel, volunteers and their representatives; official Friends of RAGBRAI; persons and entities that provide event recommendations, advice or services relating to matters such as, but not limited to, route selection, design or maintenance, risk management, safety and first aid; all property owners, law enforcement agencies and governmental or public entities, including without limitation the State of Iowa, its counties, cities and special districts; and the officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, assigns, and successors of all of the above, HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND ACTIONS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND, INCLUDING CLAIMS OF NEGLIGENCE, I have, may have or may hereafter accrue against the released parties directly or indirectly arising out of or relating in any respect to my attending or participating in RAGBRAI and/or any related events. My waiver and release of all claims, demands, actions and liabilities shall include without limitation, any personal injury, accident, illness or death and any property damage or loss that may be: (a) caused by any act, or failure to act, by the above-identified persons and entities, including without limitation, their negligence, errors, omissions, fault, failure to enforce rules, and conditions of the routes and/or event premises, and/or (b) sustained by me before, during or after RAGBRAI and its related events. I acknowledge that I am signing this agreement freely and voluntarily, and INTEND BY MY SIGNATURE FOR THIS TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. I further acknowledge that no representations, promises, statements or inducements have been made to me other than as set forth in this document. I will abide by all RAGBRAI rules and regulations. I understand that my name, address, photograph, voice and/or likeness may be used in news, promotional or advertising content in all media forms created or distributed by The Des Moines Register and Tribune Company, and its licensees. I consent to such uses and waive any rights of privacy or publicity I may have in connection with those uses. I also waive any privacy rights that may result from disclosure of information about me, including without limitation, in connection with provision of any medical services by RAGBRAI sponsors and organizations. I further agree to indemnify and hold the parties released above harmless from any and all losses, damages, injuries, claims and expenses, including attorneys' fees, arising from or relating in any respect to my attendance and/or participation in RAGBRAI and/or its related events or my breach of this agreement. If I am a minor, my parent or guardian also is signing on my behalf. We both agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement, waiver and release. I also waive all spousal claims relating to RAGBRAI, if any, that I hold or that may arise through me. I agree that no modifications or amendments to the standard Entry Form and this waiver and release shall be binding unless they are accepted in a separate writing signed by the President of The Des Moines Register and Tribune Company.

All matters arising out of this Agreement and my participation in RAGBRAI and any related events shall be governed by the laws of the State of Iowa, without regard to choice of law principles, and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and/or federal courts located within Polk County in the State of Iowa, and the parties hereby consent to such exclusive jurisdiction and waive objections to venue therein.

If special arrangements are required for individuals with disabilities to complete and submit this form or if translation to another language is required, please contact T. J. Juskiewicz at The Des Moines Register, 715 Locust Street, PO Box 622, Des Moines, Iowa 50306-0622 no later than March 5, 2012. The Register will take those steps reasonably available to accommodate your request.

Si arreglos especiales son requeridos por personas incapacitadas para completar o someter este documento o si se requiere su traduccion a otra lengua, notifiquese T. J. Juskiewicz en El Des Moines Register, 715 Locust Street, PO Box 622, Des Moines, Iowa, 50306-0622 antes de 5 del Marzo, 2012. El Register tomara las medidas razonablemente disponibles para acomodar su solicitud.

THIS FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN APRIL 1, 2012.
RAGBRAI is a registered trademark of The Des Moines Register and Tribune Company. All rights reserved. ©2011 The Des Moines Register and Tribune Company.

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. YES NO

I UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT, WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ACCEPT ITS TERMS AND TO BE BOUND BY IT. YES NO

I UNDERSTAND I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS. YES NO



One step closer...

You don't need to worry about that paragraph. It is simply the preceding paragraph translated into Spanish. Mostly, at least. For example it says complete OR submit, not AND.