Team Avalanche

RAGBRAI 2009

blando — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:59:44 +0000

The route for RAGBRAI 2009 was released a few days ago. Check it out http://www.ragbrai.org/.

Team Avalanche’s attendance on RAGBRAI 2009 is still undecided. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

Day Seven – RAGBRAI 2008

jcook — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:43:34 +0000

AHHHHH. Ragbrai has come to its conclusion. I am home and will sleep in my own bed. Tomorrow i will wake up and not ride a bike for the first time in a week; I will not feel the pain of my bike seat on my rump; I will not feel the ache of my knees as yet another hill rises up before me; i will wake up AFTER 5:00am.

Our final day was all about speed, and we had plenty of that. The wind was not in our face for the first time in about 3 days and this contributed to an average speed of almost 20mph throughout the 2.5-3 hours of riding. So, i guess i don’t really have that much to talk about the today. We arrived in Le Claire around 10am and found Sherpa about 1/2 mile from the river. After the whole team was together we headed down to dip our tires in the mighty, muddy Mississippi.

After our tires were wet, the team headed back to the woody wagon and piled in ready to head west. All in all it was an awesome end to a terrific week spent eating a lot of food and getting to know friends and strangers better…it was also a great week of biking. We thoroughly missed having our team leader Darren “Papa Delicious” Johnson on the ride. His culinary skills and his hilarious comments to riders emerging from restroom breaks in the corn.
Another Ragbrai has come and gone and the next year may be in doubt for Team Avalanche as life begins to pull us in many directions. If this is the last ride of the team, rest assured that Ragbrai is an experience like no other, something that i would recommend everyone try at least once in their life.

Day Six – RAGBRAI 2008

jcook — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:20:01 +0000

It is the sixth day of Ragbrai already and man has this week flown by. I’m writing this at about 9:30pm, while all my other comrades have left to listen to the obtusely fractured take on life coughed up by comedian Tim Cavenaugh. We enjoyed the culinary expertise of Shawn and his amazing burgers this evening for dinner, along with corn on the cob cooked on the grill and green salad (not cooked on the grill). For Matt, Luke, and I the evening was spent at the local swimming hole shooting down an ultra-fast waterslide. On the advice of some of the life guards, we attempted to position ourselves so that we could glide along the water after coming off the bottom of the slide. Matt achieved the greatest distance, almost clearing the rope at the end of the slide area; probably about 30 feet.

I am sitting under a large tent-like canopy that provides protection from the myriad of mosquitoes that yearn to suck my blood just beyond its virtually invisible barrier. Kicked back in a sort of camp style Lazy Boy, I listen to the throb of my knees and the whining of my sore back. What these various parts of my body have failed to realize over the past week is that obviously, I am not listening to them.

We all are fighting the various aches and pains, but it has all been worth what has been a great trip (definitely a mental trip). The team left from North Liberty through beautiful treed hills under thick clouds and beautiful temperatures. This was some of the best weather that I and others on the ride had ever experienced on Ragbrai, as the ride time temperature never cracked 74 degrees. This day was happily uneventful compared with the previous day full of rain and other unpleasantness. In the town of Lisbon, George, Matt, Luke, Andrew and myself found a bar that sold an absolutely awesome ribeye sandwich that was big, rare, and covered in swiss, onions, and green peppers. Being as naïve as a big city boy (Ames, Iowa) can be, I foolishly tried to order 4 different beers that were not carried at the bar, which served: Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite…yes, this is the epitome of rural Iowa diversity. Eventually we did find some more exotic beers…

Overall, today could be considered an easy day. Legs ached and backs were sore, but the 65 miles covered were a relatively easy jaunt, with little head wind and the aforementioned awesome temperatures. Tomorrow is a meager 52.7 miles and as we approach the Mississippi River in Le Claire, are legs will still be crying and are backs whining, but we will be done and will have a lifetime of memories to look back on. But, for know, I have lit up a cheap cigar and will soon retire to the beckoning call of my stiff bedroll and ultra warm sleeping bag. The other team members have returned from a disappointing time with Tim Cavenaugh; a bottle will be passed around and a toast will go out to the final night of our Ragbrai 2008.

Day Five – RAGBRAI 2008

jcook — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:17:38 +0000

Day 5, Tama to North Liberty can be summed up in one word: rain and wind…wait, that’s 2 words; it’s hard to determine what was worse on this 73 mile slog. Let’s look at the ride up close. Well, it started out with rain in the night, soaking tents and making for an unhappy pack up of gear in the morning. After everything was put away it was time to start the actual ride; oh wait…I didn’t mention that it was between 55-60 degrees. So, beginning in a cold steady rain we left Tama; and then the wind picked up.

Anywhoo, the ride went ok as we went towards the “halfway” town of Belle Plaine, where we met Sherpa, who had procured an awesome spot for us to meet next to the railroad tracks. He was able to get to the spot by moving several road closed signs and pulling the wagon completely across the lane of traffic…well, just look at the photo.

Things got kinda weird in the miles after Belle Plaine. We all stopped at a Habitat for Humanity cookie stand, after summiting a massive hill, into the wind, with rain spitting out of the sky. As we lounged around, eating chocolate chip cookies, a cry came from right across the road asking if anyone had a cell phone. A woman pulled hers out and it became apparent that somebody was injured; on the other side of the road, a man laid on his side, obviously having collapsed. Quickly others rushed across the street, one of them an ER doc, and the woman with a cell phone called 911. In a matter of minutes as the sound of an ambulance began approach, it became obvious that the man was in serious trouble. The doctor was frantically performing chest compressions while another woman performed mouth to mouth on the man. After the ambulance arrived, we were told that the man had suffered a seizure and had stopped breathing; the ER doctor had resuscitated him and that at the time the ambulance left, the man was alive.

We began to arrive in North Liberty around 4pm after a slogging, and at times leisurely, ride. The word arrived from Matt at around that time that he and Shawn had averted a potentially disastrous wreck. Swerving to avoid another rider, Matt bent his rear rim and gave his rear end a good thump. He was able to purchase a new rim from a local bike shop and finish out the ride without the shame of having to use the Ragbrai sag wagon services to advance him along the route.

So, was today a tough day? Darn right it was. It was a taxing day on the mind and on the body. It was also a great day spent riding, eating, laughing, weezing, and eating. We have finished off our day with an awesome dinner of soft shell tacos, eaten in the front lawn of the Snyder family, people we only met two days ago. Let me tell you, this was a day that had EVERYTHING that Ragbrai has to offer; the good, the bad. The good, almost without exception is the people that are along the route that you meet who are riding, waving, and selling things to you. The bad is mostly the struggle against weather and fatigue.

As I close this blog for the day, I would like to leave it on this note about a conversation that I had with a man from Australia. He is from Cairns, which is in the tropics in the state of Queensland, a place that has weather similar to Hawaii year round (trust me, I’ve been there). I asked him verbatim: “why would you leave such a beautiful place to ride across Iowa (he has done the ride many times)?” And he responded: “I come to Iowa because here, the people are beautiful.”

Day Four – RAGBRAI 2008

jcook — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:27:31 +0000

Disclaimer: This blog is a paid advertisement

Ragbrai is a cycling event providing entertaining challenge for thousands of people from around the world! An event such as this requires an individual to consume large quantities of quality (pork chops and chocolate pudding) food and gallons of delicious energizing drinks. Along the grueling 78 mile trek from Ames to Tama, a typical male, weighing between 50 and 600 pound would consume between 5 and 10 gallons of these delectable combinations of caffeine, water, secret artificial chemically enhanced ingredients, and copious amounts of sugar; 5-8 pound of pork and 10-15 pudding cups (or respectable alternative) would suffice for food.

Now where and how would someone be able to acquire all that he needed to make it to Tama!? One of the best ways to do this is through the numerous vendors handing out free drinks. These beautiful people give out AWESOME goodies to weary drivers; products that can only be found on Ragbrai! What are these amazing products? Perhaps the greatest of all is the flavored water-like beverage Metromint™ which comes in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate mint and raspberry mint. Sporting virtually no flavor and an harsh aftertaste of something resembling mint, this is an essential supplement to any Ragbrai riders diet. Another in the beverage category is Activ© water, a blander alternative to actual water, which is distributed by overly eager young women throwing the multicolored bottles of liquid-lightning at riders.

As one travels through Colo, State Center, Albion, Montour (and the famous Rube’s Steakhouse), take note of the various opportunities that exist. Through the rolling hills, past the throngs of screaming children with garden hoses, one would be foolish to pass up the delicious, potentially nutritious options that abound all along the route. As these pictures vividly show, traveling on Ragbrai is not as much a trip across Iowa, as a trek through flavor country!

Day Three – RAGBRAI 2008

blando — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:39:23 +0000

The most exciting news from Day Three was the birth of Papa Delicious’ son, Samuel! Congratulations Papa on being a papa. This blessed event is better than a thousands RAGBRAIs with tail winds and down hills!

Our ride today covered about 55 miles over the spread of about 3 hours of riding time. It was quite a treat to be riding on our home roads and sharing the ride we experience so often with the hoards of RAGBRAI riders. Being able to answer those all important questions of how many miles left or how many hills till we get there was a wonderful extra to today’s ride.

We departed the Stroburg’s home around 8am after enjoying a wonderful egg casserole prepared by our hosts. Their level of hospitality was a wonderful addition to the RAGBRAI 2008 experience. After setting down the road again we headed for Grand Junction, Dana, then the halfway town of Ogden. Ogden was very well prepared giving riders many great attractions and of course food vendors to fill our tanks.

The Dude talking about the excellent riding conditions for today, Lukestep also seen in background

Shepherd listening to The Dude

Spam giving the thumbs up on his first RAGBRAI

Most of our ride was slowed by a steady east headwind which frustrated our journey, but never-the-less, the thought of sleeping in our own beds kept our pace fast and our resolve strong. After the steep descent into the Des Moines River valley, we labored up the long climb out the other side of the valley and into the town of Boone. Boone is a popular halfway point for many of our training rides so we were already feeling at home.

In Boone we found The Dude’s brother, who happens to be a paramedic, and got an update on the happenings along the route and enjoyed relaying all of our fun adventures to him. Hassel-half and the The Dude hooked up with Shepherd and Spam who then all proceeded to draft the remaining 15 miles into Ames passing a huge throng of riders along the way.

What happens to a town of 2,000 people when 20,000 people ride through it?

Team Stephenson was missing Reidstep again today as he took a second round of rehabilitation hoping to join back up Wednesday leaving Ames for Tama-Toledo. The Stephenson gang formed a draft line early in the ride leaving Team Avalanche in their dust. Only to be seen again waiting in the long queue of hungry riders at Mr. Porkchop. What happened to you guys anyway?

Arriving into Ames was a thing of beauty, especially knowing that a warm shower and our own beds awaited us after the day’s journey. Tomorrow brings a 78 mile day to Tama-Toledo and will also create a hole in Team Avalanche as Hassel-half returns to work. Have a great ride guys!

Day Two – RAGBRAI 2008

blando — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:32:11 +0000

Day two of RAGBRAI proved to be a challenge. The day begun at 2am with the sound of a blaring horn by the local authorities preparing us for an oncoming thunderstorm. We chose to brave the storm instead of seeking shelter. The storm blew over with only five minutes of rain and a couple lightning strikes. We were unaware how lucky we were as many places near by experienced 60+ mph wind and many downed trees.

Today boasted the most vertical climb of any day of RAGBRAI ever totaling about 6,000 feet. The Dude and Hassel-half left base-camp at 6am while the teammates left about 7am. Reidstep opted out of the ride today after a quick trip to Harlan hospital Sunday evening showed he had a bronchial infection.

Our total riding time was five hours and fifty minutes covering ninety-four miles across western Iowa. It was a fairly hot day presenting us with eastern head winds which hindered our journey on several occasions.

Tonight we are staying with the Stroburg’s who are also hosting Team Gourmet. Team Gourmet hires a small team of cooks to prepare gourmet meals for their entire team and their host household in the evening. It’s been quite a spectacle to see their setup. But the truth be told, in our humble opinion it doesn’t even remotely compare to Papa Delicious’ exquisitely tasteful meals.

Tomorrow we ride to our stomping grounds, Ames. We shall all enjoy a hot shower and sleep in our own beds. Hassel-half will also be dropping off the roster in Ames to return to work and to witness the ultrasound of his baby-to-be!

Day One – RAGBRAI 2008

jcook — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:36:04 +0000

Day one was a hot and hilly day. It began auspiciously in a veil of fog shrouding our bucolic farm surroundings 9 miles west of Missouri Valley, Iowa. The crew rode under along, braving the fog, defeating fear itself, conquering the fog. By the time we arrived in Missouri Valley, the fog lifted revealing bright sun and a hoard of spandex wearing riders stretching to the horizon. The teams confidence lifted as the mass of riders slowly but surely began to thin out; some opting to stand in lines 100 yards long to purchase breakfast burritos, standard RAGBRAI fare, and others falling by the wayside, perhaps in shear fear/awe of the spectacle presented by the mighty riders from Ames and Minneapolis. The teams heroic constitution was no doubt buoyed by an excellent Saturday night with team Kum and Go, spent listening to a man in a banana costume sing custom lyrics, set to popular pop, rock, and country hits.

The midway point of day one was the medieval hamlet of Neola, which consisted of a tattered and unused rail line and a volunteer fire department selling brats and pancakes at 10am. The team met up with Stephenson Sherpa, who had procured an excellent spot in the shade allowing for a much needed rest and an opportunity to consume large quantities of applesauce and cashews. Stomachs satiated, for a little while, the team continued pushing eastward, while dark clouds built to the west.

Showing the strength of character only evident in the most experienced and gifted riders the team attacked the hills of Western Iowa experiencing a significant deluge of rain that dampened the pavement. Some succumbed to the sirens call of the Mr. Porkchop stand, heeding the wafting scent of grilled Iowa meat. Others felt the pull of their Jamaican brothers, and stopped at Pastafari for a heaping bowl of pasta, veggies, and drug induced philosophy.

As the riders neared the overnight town of Harlan, it became evident that the heat of the day was wrenching every last drop of moisture from the tanned and hardened faces of these men, who live their life so precariously on the razors edge. Knees ached under the strain of monstrous rolling hills and cries of agony rose from the chapped and cracked lips of the brave road warriors. But, as the modern day gladiators pushed on ever forward, it became abundantly clear that defeat could not possess them, its iron jaws of malice would never know the sweet taste of there toned, muscular flesh. And triumphantly they summited the final hill rejoining their faithful guide, who had made camp next to a bountiful water source that included an awesome waterslide. But, our faithful crew will face the task of Harlan to Jefferson, one hundred miles of back-breaking hills and heat, will the make it…?

RAGBRAI Eve in Missouri Valley

blando — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:14:08 +0000

This year Team Avalanche will be greatly missing our Team leader and chef, Papa Delicious. Our prayers and thoughts are with Darren and his wife as they await the arrival of their child. We will ride this year in honor of our great friends.

The rest of the team this year will be Hassel-half, The Dude, Shepherd (George Stagg), and new member Spam (Shawn Murray) from Minneapolis. We are also riding with Team Stephenson (Consisting of Sherpa (are long time driver and RAGBRAI mentor and his four sons: Andstep, Reidstep, Mattstep, and Lukestep). Sherpa is driving a “Woody” station wagon and pulling a trailer of our gear.

We arrived in Missouri Valley safe and sound and setup camp nine miles out of town almost right on the Missouri River. After dunking our tires today we then proceeded to head into town and found ourselves an All-We-Could-Eat Spaghetti Dinner. Nine of us were driving around town in the “Woody” and were declared to be “Team Clown-Car” on more than one occasion.

This picture appeared on the Des Moines Register’s Website. Don’t we look awesome all piled into the “Woody”.

Team Avalanche looking for hosts

blando — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:54:49 +0000

Team Avalanche is looking for hosts for RAGBRAI in the following cities:

Missouri Valley (July 19)
Harlan (July 20)
Jefferson (July 21)
Tama (July 23)

We are looking for a shady place to pitch a tent and possibly a warm shower and would require real estate for about eight individuals (Team Avalanche plus some Stephenson Boys). If you or someone you know might be willing to put us up for the night, please contact us at avalanche@needssalt.net or leave a comment below.