Nighttime Gravel Hundy

I met Steve Fuller around 5pm for a gravel grinder. We picked flat roads to make good time and headed north to Ogden. I probably should have actually gotten on the bike at least once since last Tuesday. I might have felt better. Lots of leg and saddle issues tonight. However Steve kept the pace up and I almost made it under 7 hours (7:02 ride time). I finished just as my light was going dead. Too much water loss on this ride. I drank 200oz of water and two 16oz Gatorades and still lost 4.5lbs., not good.

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Shopping trip

You have to have the proper attitude to shop the Plaza in Kansas City. Madison puts on her shopping face.

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RAGBRAI - day3

CY LIKES THE GRIZ!!!!
Today's ride was to Ames, home to ISU and the Cyclones. A quick 58miles, the majority with favorable wind. A nice ride to spin the legs out from yesterday's 100mile ride. Holly and the girls picked Bob and I up at 1pm and our 3day cycling vacation was over.
Somewhere near 220miles in three fun days (good food as well). Someday I'd like to do the whole week as a bagger vagabond.
Day 3 pics on Flickr.

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RAGBRAI - day2

Monday was the century loop option day. It was also supposed to be the longest and hardest day of the week. The hills weren't as steep as yesterday, but the were consistently there. Jason and I kept each other company at the stops, but he was on his "bagger" so he was slower on the open road. We also stopped alot to stay hyrdrated. My ride time was a little over 6hrs, but we were on the road all day.
Check Flickr for more photos.
I almost forgot to mention the picture. Making ice cream the old fashioned way.

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RAGBRAI - day1

We rode from Missouri Valley to Harlan today. 58miles, hilly, hot and humid. Bob and I rode ahead to beat potential storms and snag a tent space for the group.
Missouri Valley last night was packed. The locals were expecting 35k for the start. I suspect a majority were from Omaha for the party. See more pics and text from the FLICKR link on they right.

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Getting back in the groove, plus another bike trip

We made it home safely from vacation in Montana. A quick side trip through Mt. Rushmore which I think the girls enjoyed, otherwise just a quick 20hr drive. We had a blast on vacation. It was nice to see Ron, Laurie and the boys (Holly's brother). They live in Anchorage and we only see each about 2-3yrs apart. Two long to not see family....

I did a lot of mountain biking (see previous posts) and we went to the pool a few times. Otherwise, did a lot of visiting and watching the kids play together.

Here are a few random images that I had forgotten about:
Holly and her brother Ron at our final night's dinner.

The view and sunset from her parent's house. It sits up in the southern hills that overlook Missoula (Miller Creek for those that know the area). We spent a lot of evening time just sitting on the deck and staring down into the valley.
This is Brennan's Wave. A friend that I knew from college in Missoula. Brennan Guth was a world class kayaker and unfortunately lost his life in a river accident in South America. A great kid, awesome athlete and someone that I was fortunate to know.

I am leaving tomorrow morning for RAGBRAI. Just riding the 1st three days. For those from out of state, check out the links at RAGBRAI for the past info and follow the action at the Des Moines Register. This is an amazing event in Iowa. Last year was my first year and I was immediately a convert. I'm not sure I would want to do the whole week (it's like being in a traveling county fair (in a tent)), but these 3 days are fun. Look for daily posts and Flickr pictures from the road.

Lastly, I have to give a "shout out" to Tom senior and my "little bro". My dad still actively rides his dirt bike. I think he gets better each year. He and Tim went to Washougal to race the Oregon Old Timer's events. Dad took home the overall for the 60+ Amateurs and Tim took 3rd in the 30 Experts. Great job guys!!!!

Last day in Missoula

Last day in Missoula and we are at the city waterpark(2nd time). Hannah tried to butter up daddy by getting cookies-n-cream dippin dots. It worked.