Dave Bikes America

Today was a short day riding from Perham back to Detroit Lakes- about 40 miles and 1,200’ of elevation gain. While we rode into a moderate headwind most of the day, it was all on bike paths and it was beautiful. Even with the headwinds we averaged 15 mph and I felt strong riding. Training … Continue reading BAM Day 4

Today was 65 miles and 2,100’ of elevation gain; we averaged about 16.5 mph thanks to some lovely tailwinds. Lots of the riding was on beautiful bike paths/trails. Yesterday we ended up in Fergus Falls and today we camped in Perham. I am using Pork Belly Charters- they set up my tent and put my … Continue reading BAM Day 3

Tough day- only 58 miles but lots of hills- some of the hills were long- and headwinds… Just under 1/2 mile of elevation gain. I am really enjoying riding with a small group from WI- two Tims and two Toms. We ride at a similar pace, about 15-16 mph, and all take turns leading. We … Continue reading BAM day 2

I rode the 62 miles at a very respectable (for me) 16+ mph. It was VERY hilly and every day promises to be VERY hilly. I rode with a fast group for the first half- we did 34 hilly miles and averaged 18 mph. It was hard for me. At the midway rest stop a … Continue reading BAM day 1

There was a short pre-ride ride scheduled for those of us with ADHD. It was just under 25 miles and I finished at almost 17 mph which is significantly faster than I will do the 65-70 mile ride tomorrow. I am now showered, checked in, on my third refreshing ale and surrounded by fun, likeminded … Continue reading BAM pre-ride ride

We left camp at about 5:30 this morning anticipating a moderately long (60 – 65 miles) and hilly day. We needed to be done by 2:00 so we could shower, change, and get our bikes boxed up for transport back to Sioux City. Our bus to Sioux City would leave no later than 4:00. We … Continue reading RAGBRAI Day 7: the final day

We had an easy day today- about 40 miles with a light headwind. It was nice and cool at 6:30 when we started and wasn’t that hot when we arrived in camp, around 10:00. Our first pass through town (Dunkerton) was 16 miles away. I had a “nosh” bowl, which is layered potatoes, peppers & … Continue reading RAGBRAI Day 6

After 2”+ of rain and big time lightning and thunder last night, we left early today under a heavy overcast and a beautiful, wonderful, lovely 5-10 mph tailwind. Our first stop was after 14 miles- Peter had coffee and 2 bananas and I had a cafe mocha with 3 shots of espresso and a huge … Continue reading RAGBRAI Day 5

Today, we left camp at 6:00 am and rode south 70 hilly miles to Cedar Falls, IA. And we rode into a very stiff headwind all day. Even so, the steeper hills blocked the winds while we were climbing and the wind helped us to keep cooler- when we finished at 2:30 it was 90 … Continue reading RAGBRAI Day 4