From Iowa to Vienna and from the business of pleasure to the pleasure of business

by John Brunow, September 10, 2003

RAGBRAI in review

I have waited almost six weeks before telling you about how much I enjoyed riding across Iowa in July. I came back gushing about the fun, the people, and the vistas, so I thought maybe a bit of time would give me a more practical outlook. It may have tempered me a little bit, but my enthusiasm continues to be strong.

I grew up and lived in Iowa for 33 years. I am proud to say that I am an Iowan. It is difficult to convey to you suitably how RAGBRAI is an idyllic meshing of people and places — this small army of cyclists traveling and being welcomed by community after community with the best that they can offer of their hospitality, entertainment, and food.

The riders are on vacation. Their interests have been reduced to a simpler routine. Where can I fill my water bottle? How long is the line for the porta-potties? Do you have any rhubarb pie? How far to the next town? Are the showers nearby? Okay, do you have any blackberry pie?

My focus became narrower. Basic human comforts were amplified in their importance. I returned to Vienna renewed and appreciative. I want to ride again next year.

Check out John’s February 6, 2003, anticipation of the ride and a photo from a stop in Osceola (wallpaper available).

On the back of a tandem

Because of my size (and, some people would tell you, because of my need for control) I had always captained when I rode a tandem. I had a wonderful, expanding experience at RAGBRAI because I became a stoker.

We had an EZ Tandem and circumstances arose so I shared the captaining and stoking duties with Doug Gatchell. I had the most fun! The stoker was responsible for creating goodwill and I did my best. I’m waving to the people along the route. I’m chatting with other riders. At one point I picked up a Des Moines Register at one of our stops and started reading it to Doug. My focus was holding the paper steady so I could read and I did not notice that we had attracted a group of listeners: other riders were sticking around to hear the news. A lady pulled alongside and said that she had ridden on 28 RAGBRAIs, but this was the first time she’d seen the paper being read. She should have stuck around because Doug made several phone calls to his wife Sharon while he was stoker.

Pedals for Progress and the Vienna Jaycees

On Saturday, September 20, 2003, bikes@vienna is the site for a bike collection by Pedals for Progress and the Vienna Jaycees. The collection is from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is our third year of participating in this worthy cause.

Please look at those bikes in your garage, basement, or storage shed and think about their value as dust collectors rather than transportation for needy people. Take a moment and read up about Pedals for Progress. You’ll learn about an organization that is channeling unused bikes to help living conditions in less developed countries.

Start planning to participate in this event. I would have one request. Space is a problem that I wrestle every day at the store. This collection puts me to the test each year. This weekend a lady called and asked if she could bring in bikes because they were going out of town until after the event. We said yes. I ended up with six bikes. I would be most appreciative if you could bring your bikes in during the 9:00 am to 1:00 pm collection period on Saturday, September 20.

Guilt Reduction Ride

You are invited to ride Thanksgiving morning (8:30 am, November 27, 2003) from bikes@vienna to Herndon and back as part of our annual Guilt Reduction Ride. Please bring a donation of canned goods or some other food staple that can be used by the Committee Helping Others (CHO) food pantry. Dress for the cooler weather. You might even review the words to Over The River and Through The Woods (we have been known to sing as we ride).

This is the ride that allows you to enjoy the bounty of the holiday and not feel guilty. Who could ask for anything more?

Bike Info Expo coming

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, February 22, 2004. bikes@vienna will sponsor the Bike Info Expo at the Vienna Community Center. You’ll be able to see recumbents, trikes, folding bikes, car racks, upcoming event information, and sessions on bike maintenance. The Expo will run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. I’m working on a transportation link to the Vienna Metro station. The community center is on the W&OD Trail, so if weather is suitable you can make the trip by bike. (It’s shady on that stretch of the trail, so icy patches may remain even after a few days of sun.)

A thought

Few articles ever used by man have created so great a revolution in social conditions as the bicycle

—United States Census Report, 1900 [putatively]