Finding Rich (not to be confused with Finding Nemo)

Saturday, July 31, 2010
0 miles

We woke up early this morning and looked out our window to the 3rd street bridge - there was a stirring of bike riders already crossing to the "Dip Site" to dip their tires in the Mississippi River after finishing RAGBRAI. Those guys must have started at 4am to be here so soon.

Janel and I decided it is aerobic activity day and head out for a jog along the bridge and down to the RAGBRAI ending site. We hoot and holler our congratulations at the riders we pass on the way. They smile and are happy for the support. After a brief rest we make the jaunt back to our hotel to roust John-man and get some grub.

We end up at Cafe Manna Java - a small restaurant on Main Street where we can start to watch some of the riders as they come into town. We choose to sit outside and enjoy a pleasant breakfast.

Main steet scene

crossing the bridge

Cattle crossing

Since we don't know when Rich will be approaching, we make our way down to the ending site at the river and stake out a shady spot to listen to the jazz band and watch the hoard of bikers coming in. The scene is great with colorful jerseys, unusual costumes, exuberant families and happy bikers. We scan all the groups to get a glimpse of Rich. I overheard a waiting couple saying that looking for one rider is like looking for a "needle in a stack of needles."

Where's OUR needle?

almost there

Janel and John are excited to see the "Spirit of Dubuque" sternwheeler. . .

mass confusion at the dip site

the mighty Mississippi

Finally, Janel spots an Arizona jersey. It's Phil! And Jack is right beside him! Yeah!!

Phil, Jack & Lisa at the dip site

Phil, Lisa, Paul & Jack

I finally clamber up onto a high ledge where I am literally in the catbird seat to watch for Rich.

Where is he???

YESSSS!

He made it!!

Rich rolls in and we are elated to see him! We follow him while he dips his tire ceremoniously in the Mississippi - a proud moment for all. He looks no worse for the wear and has had a great ride.

I did it!!


end of the line

a hero's welcome!

After riding 442 miles he still has to carry his bike up the stairs. . .

Rich has to return to Pork Belly Ventures (the company that has taken care of his camping arrangements, etc. to pack up his bike for shipment to AZ. Suffice it to say that although Pork Belly has looked to be very organized on the surface, when examined at a closer level, they are severely lacking. Rich stood in line with his bike for almost 2 1/2 hours in the sun waiting to get it packed for shipping.

waiting and waiting

Rich's bike was almost the last bike to be prepared for shipping and we all waited it out with him. As we returned to our hotel, Johnny pack-muled Rich's bags to the room and told Rich that next year if he were paid the same $ as Pork Belly he would "pork pie" all of Rich's arrangements for him. Hmmmm

Johnny being a pack mule

We all went back to our luxury room for a bit where Rich took a much needed clean shower. We then headed back to where the RAGBRAI festivities were firing up for the evening. We had diner reservations at the Star Brewery right on the waterfront and there was already a band set up nearby. We grabbed some beers and sat to listen for happy hour. Great people watching.

making a beer run

There was an audience participation trivia game going on and I made quite the spectacle when I was the only one around who knew the answer to the question "Who was Paul McCartney's latest ex-wife?" (Heather Mills, duh). I was invited up to get my prizes which included tickets to some show in Dubuque and a losing lottery ticket. Fun!

collecting my winnings

yet another beer run

We ended up on the upstairs outdoor patio of Star Brewery for dinner where we could still hear the music from the lawn. While the food was not spectacular (a whole other story) the company was fantastic and we had a great time.

view of RAGBRAI festivities from our table

During the walk home I spied the Diamond Casino and convinced Rich to make a stop. The kids went on to the room while we entered the den of eniquity. I found a penny machine and gingerly stuck in five dollars. Within 15 seconds I had won $50 and Rich tried to convince me to walk away. Well. . . I was tempted by the Glitter Kitty machine that turned out to be very good to me for a while. 30 minutes and $50 later we walked back to the room.

Long drive to Evansville tomorrow. We can't wait to see family and relax and have some great home cooked meals.