Cool RAGBRAI Jerseys

Just some of the many, many team Jerseys we see every day. So colorful and many are so dang funny. Keeps you laughing all day long. The Reese's one is my Man's sexy chest...can you see the gray hair?

Oh wait, that last one's not a Jersey...but don't you like this team uniform? Hee hee...this one's for Shannon! DH caught me taking it and I said it was for you Shannon! ;)

RAGBRAI Day 2

Coon Rapids to Jefferson 27 miles
We took it easy this morning and drove the first half. We (well Sean really) had the fun experience of "dumping" the motor home this morning. We had to wait in line for a little while and dumping site was literally just a little connection to the sewer in the ground. It was a little yucky but we got it done and new we could poo and pee to our heart's content. Heehee.

So we spent the night in Harlan last night and Gavin was just running in a parking lot, tripped and scraped up his upper lip AGAIN! He had just done the same thing to his lip a month ago on his cousin's bike. Poor guy!

While we were dumping and on the road to Coon Rapids the kids were completely content making little crowns with wild flowers. Who knew a few weeds could keep kids so content?

Cousin George was an awesome co-pilot, he always scoped out the sleep over towns to get the best spot...usually as close as possible to the pool!

Finally George dropped us off in Coon Rapids and we were on our way, another smokin' hot day.

A cold glass of Iowa's Double Dog RootBeer ....sure hits the spot. We love this guy! Of course we all fought over those two glasses....especially the kids.







It's SLIP-N-SLIDE time! Bless the families that put these things on their front yards...I really don't think the kids would make it without them. They are always such a welcome sight on the ride and the kids are completely recharged after 20 minutes of cool play. It is always fun to watch the adults come try them too.



So I got to demo this super cool Giant TCR AW Roadbike today. The big bike companies bring a bunch of brand new bikes to RAGBRAI for people to try out. Compared to my 20 year old mountain bike...this baby flies! It was a little stiff at first for me but after about 20 minutes it felt like I was riding air. So sweet. The guys that were working at the Giant tent were so cool and friendly too. Some of the other big bike companies give you a bit of attitude, especially when you don't look like you ride 500 miles a week. Heehee. The Giant guys were the best.

Funny Stuff Day 1 RAGBRAI

You will never guess who we saw!!!

The front of this guy's shirt said "Your Mom Thinks I'm Hot."

Filling up Cousin George's bike.

Gotta love a man secure enough in his masculinity to wear a tutu.

More Day 1 on RAGBRAI

There is always a fire truck to play on, one of the kid's favorites. Most fire houses have a pancake breakfst that we like to stop for.

So these two dudes must have partied much too late last night. They were completely sacked out, dead asleep on this playground. The funny part was that there were about 7 or 8 kids running all around. Gavin went to the top of the slide and stood there for a inute before realizing that these guys were not moving!

Cousin George...our beloved driver and support team this year. He was so awesome to have with us, he would drive the motor home while we rode the bikes. He would either pick us up in the meeting town or find us a campsite and set up in the "sleepover" town depending on which half we rode. (Hoping he will do this again for us!)

People set up these awesome cool off spots along the route. You can just ride your bike right through them for a quick cool down. It was so hot on this day it was a very welcome sight...especially for Gavin who spent about 10 minutes running through it! Feels so dang good when you ar so dang hot and sweaty!

Tally Karma

So I'm standing in this crazy line for breakfast burritos at a farm along the route, the kids are getting a ride on a horse, and I think that it might be a good time to try to get in touch with Nicole. I knew she would be riding the first three days and we talked about trying to get in touch sometime while we were here. There are lots of people in line with me here but only a fraction of the 10,000 or so people who ride every day. So I call & leave a message on her cell...hey Nicole, I'm standing here in line at Farm Bros...just thought since there are so many people here there might be a chance that you are too....sure enough, 5 minutes later my phone rings and she says....I AM in line at Farm Bros! So here she comes up the line (don't tell anyone she budged) and we got to hang out in line and have breakfast together! It was quite amazing...to be in the same place on this 59 mile ride with 10,000 other people at the same time, exactly when I had the chance and the thought to call....I call it TALLY KARMA!

RAGBRAI Day 1

Missouri Vally to Neola 30 miiles.


We only do half days on RAGBRAI. There are a lot of families that do the 60 or so miles a day but we haven't figured out how to keep the kids happy through all of those miles. Hats off to those families that do!


We were off at 7am...earlier than any other year! It was a beautiful morning and we were trying to beat the heat as much as possible. 93 degrees today...phew! It is really hard to get used to the intense sweating on this ride. It is pretty cool when you are moving but the second you stop the sweat just starts to drip!

Heading out of the first overnight town, Missouri Valley. Everyone is really pumped up and so happy to be starting. It is such a cool vibe.







Hmmmmm. First timer?

Instinct

It's is amazing how that motherly instinct kicks in...when this Robin took over MY hanging basket I felt the sincere need to protect and defend her eggs and help her babies come into the world unharmed. Even when she and her mate dive bomb me every time I innocently try to water my flowers, I try to protect them. It has come to the point that I am so worried about stressing these new parents out that I have given up on the watering and will sacrifice my beautiful flowers in the name of parenthood. Sigh...

But isn't that the most beautiful blue in the world? I think I will steal one of the shells after they hatch and take it to the paint store for a match. :)

Trash Picker

Saw these beauties on the curb and had to have them...but I have searched and searched for inspiration for what the heck to do with them but I can't find anything...any ideas?? I need ideas! They are screens, not glass. I think maybe I was thinking about the old glass window projects I have seen when I decided to stop and pick these out of the trash. I love them so please help me figure out what to do with them. Thanks! K

She's Older Than ME!! :)

But only a little bit! :0 Please wish my wonderful friend Shannon a happy 40th today on the 3rd! Love ya girl! Hope you have a great one!

My Niece.

Is she not the most gorgeous thing ever? I had so much fun shooting her at her graduation party. I was actually giggling as I was taking them and seeing them on my camera.

Congrats girl! We are all so proud of you!