Are there cyclists on the forum who are planning or thinking about RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) in July 2013? I can't interest my lady wife in participating (she doesn't DO camping), and I'm looking to buddy up. I'm an experienced touring cyclist, but this will be my first RAGBRAI.

http://ragbrai.com/about/

Have some friends who did it maybe 10+ years ago and loved it. They came from S. Carolina to do it.

My husband and 6 friends did RAGBRAI this year--all first timers. I followed the blog--everything sounded like so much fun except for the biking 500 miles in 100 degree temps. I guess it was the hottest RAGBRAI ever but really Iowa in July is never going to be comfortable

It helped that they signed up (for an additional cost) with a bike club that transported their tents and equipment each day. Having a designated area to find their stuff was very helpful.

Also sign up early to get residents to house you. It is great to sleep in beds, have air conditioning.

They all are planning on doing GOBA next year but I haven't heard about them planning on RAGBRAI again. They do have some great stories though.

My son (32 years old) did his first Ragbrai this past summer. I think he's planning on doing it again. He went with a group that had a bus.

He had a great time, although, his group was more into the party aspect than he was.......

I did RAGBRAI in 2010 and hope to do it in 2013. I suggest you find a local club and find someone you feel compatible with. Joining a group of strangers could be tough. Everyone on RAGBRAI is super nice, but some ride fast, some ride slow. Some leave before sun up, some sleep in. Some are ultra healthly, some choose to never pass a bar in town. My group of 9 were compatible, but even we didn't ride every mile together. I do encourage you to do this adventure! National Geographic reported it as one of the top 10 adventures in North America. When I did it in 2010 it was to be a once in a life time event. I'm going back for seconds!