Ragbrai

This year’s ragbrai did not disappoint. McKenna and I decided we just wanted to do a couple days this year. Between her busy schedule and my lack of training, this seemed like the best idea.

Kathy picked us all up at our house and drove us to Ames to set up our tent. There we purchased our day passes and she drove us halfway back the route for the day. We quickly found Beekmans ice cream, which is a favorite.

We made short work of the day, ending up in Ames and riding through Jack Trice Stadium. We rode to our campground and changed, then tode a shuttle to downtown Ames. We had a good time just goofing around, finding dinner at Olde Main brewery, and watching Kenna try on ridiculous thrift store finds. We met up with daddy and Auntie Em and Mark at different times during the night. I really enjoyed watching a band called the Spazmatics which sang 80 songs. We also watched some crazy acrobatics before we headed back to camp.

The night was less than comfortable. It didn’t really cool off and at one point Mckennas air mattress started leaking. I ended up giving her my air mattress and sleeping on the ground, which resulted in really neither one of us getting much sleep. Regardless, we got up early the next day and took off for Newton. The first part of the morning was a breeze, flat and fairly cool. We stopped for treats along the way and ran into some friends.

About 40 miles in it started to get a little more hilly and windy. At one point Mckenna was pretty frustrated and I give her some pointers on how to handle the hills. After she got it, she flew by me smoking me up all the hills. I lost her a few times which made me nervous, but she ended up stopping and waiting for me.

In true Ragbrai fashion we ran into a farmers acreage that was selling beer and playing music. She contemplated doing the zip line or the giant waterslide, but settled for just taking a dip in the pond before we head the final 8 miles to newton. It felt like we’d never get there because we knew grandma was waiting for us! 

We met up at the high school and then found the baggage truck. Seems like a mile walk but finally loaded everything in the car and headed home. So lucky to spend this time with my sweet girl! She continues to impress me, love her so much!!