10 RAGBRAI Day 7 – Part 2

Lots of ups and downs through residential neighborhoods. Then almost like a mirage, downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi river. As the feelings of elation grew the sense of a huge experience coming to an end began to set in. Hard to believe it’s only been 7 days. At this moment it feels like we’ve been here in Iowa a lifetime. And yet, it seems like only yesterday that we set off from Dallas on our RAGBRAI or BUST Heartland Tour 2 months ago.                                                                               

Dubuque Below

Big Welcome

The street down is steep, we were flying. As we hit the level plain to the river a voice called out, “Pat, Cat”. It was Tom, Terri’s husband. He feels that she’s about 20 minutes behind us. She rode without bags today and made great time. We hoped to see her when we dip wheels in the Mighty Mississippi. We stopped for a picture and a fellow among the crowd on the side of the street insisted on taking one with us in it. Bad idea, he’d had a little too much to drink and couldn’t grasp the concept of the camera. At least he didn’t lose his grasp on it.

Riding down main street made us feel like celebrities. Everyone was clapping and yelling out words of praise. We found our team, Farmer John was trying to hold everyone there to make a triumphant entry but the group was disintegrating. Everyone was anxious to get to the river. He gave up so we rolled onward through the adulation and to the crowd, our final line we thought, waiting their chance to slip a wheel into the Big Muddy.

 

The dipping spot is on a narrow launching ramp. Though thick the crowd was friendly and courteous. After slowly shuffling down and those trying to get back up after their dip, it was finally our turn. We took a photo of the group next to us then they did the same for us. Then like fish struggling upstream, rather than the minnows we’d been for 7 days while streaming down the asphalt ribbon,  we wiggled our way back up the slope.Then another line as we began the process packing our faithful steeds. That, dear friends is another story in it’s self! Check the first chapter of our return, Iowa-Minnesota-California.  

Finish Line

Dippin Wheels

Wheel Dippers

 

This is not the END, just the beginning of another ADVENTURE!

6 Responses to “10 RAGBRAI Day 7 – Part 2”

  1. Susan O. says:

    In the words of a frustrated caller on a windy day many moons ago – “You people are nuts! Nuts, Nuts, ,
    Nuts! Hope to see you soon. Susan O.

  2. Rob and Suong says:

    You guys are amazing. Hats off to you. Have a safe trip home (probably home already). It was great following your travels through your e-mails.
    Suong says hi. Hope someday you make it back to Vietnam.
    Rob

    • Pat & Cat says:

      Not home yet, house is still rented. Just cruisin’ around in Minnesota. Will meet friends on Sunday then fly out for CA on Tuesday. Why don’t you stop over in So Cal on your way back home? We’d love to hang out for a few days. P &C

  3. Marian says:

    It was so much fun to come into the office in the morning wondering where you were today. Now I miss the anticipation. Thanks for the journey.

    • Pat says:

      Marian We’re in a car, curses! Well we’re just exploring MN. Will meet friends in Minneapolis this weekend then back to reality next week. Let’s get together!
      P & C

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