I’ve talked before about wanting to do RAGBRAI; but oh, the logistics!

Even supposing I can train up adequately, I would still have a lot of other work to do! The logistics of a trip to the salvage store can seem quite a lot at times; and doing RAGBRAI would mean a great deal more than that! 

How do I get to and from Iowa? I’d have to find someone local who is also doing the ride; and pay for gas in exchange for transportation. If that fails, what are the options?

It looks like flying is the only one; the map of Amtrak’s routes looks like they only go across the southern part of the state. Or can I take the train to the westernmost station in Iowa; and get bus service to the RAGBRAI start town?

Flying raises the question of how to safely transport my bicycle. A good bicycle case is not cheap; and does it make sense to buy one, and use it for perhaps one trip?

The week in between getting to and from Iowa has its own logistics. To use a Camel-Bak, or not? They say, chances to refill your water bottles are about 10 miles apart; but if I just use a water bottle, I’d have to stop every mile or so to get my bottle of electrolyte drink. I’m better off taking a gulp of electrolyte drink every few minutes; not every 10 miles.

What about carrying food? There’s plenty to eat along the route; but I’d rather have a bite every 15 minutes than ride for an hour and more between towns; stuff myself; then start riding again. Maybe eat bars on the bike, in between breakfast; lunch; and supper?

And how about camping? And charging up my cell phone and cyclocomputer? Showering? Washing out my cycling clothes … I feel tired already!