On my second full year of Ragbrai, I decided to upgrade my photographic weaponry. As you can see from last year’s photographs, the quality was a little below par. This year I brought along a mid-level dslr camera with a basic walk-around lens and my new waterproof/crushproof Olympus point and shoot for the Ragbrai moments when I was afraid to damage my dslr.
Ragbrai 2008 began on July 19 and ended on July 26. The 2008 route started in Missouri Valley and continued to Harlan, Jefferson, Ames, Tama/Toledo, North Liberty, Tipton, and ended in LeClaire near the Quad Cities. Recently, within the state, the ride has gained the name “The Great Race Across Iowa.”
While, it is not officially a race, many riders find their own way of making it a competition. While some riders try to be the first to the next over-night town, many are more proud of the amounts of Amish pie or corn on the cob they are able to consume each day. Many other riders come mainly for the social aspect. You may see them hopping beer gardens as they come through town. As usual, this year of Ragbrai was filled with the most friendly people and amazing hospitality. Thanks Iowa! See you next year.
