John Washburn's blog

With all the snow we have hanging around, it is a stretch to think we will be biking outdoors soon, With the hope that the snow will leave us eventually, we have started our indoor training schedule. Through the end of March, we meet twice a week at the Downtown YMCA for ninety minutes of workouts and training.

In may we were able to make most rides with helpful weather. Our evening rides get a little longer due to more daylight and faster riders.
Our Saturday rides get longer and hillier as we prepare for whatever RAGBRAI may offer.
We had a successful ride to the Boone YMCA camp and back after a night in the tents. It was successful in that we learned about head winds on the way up and on the way back we had winds and rain.

We have now been riding outdoors since the first of April and have chalked up 250 miles. Rain and cold weather always cause some ride cancellations in April.

We are very pleased with the progress of riders this year.

We have a favorite hill by Sleepy Hollow Park that tells us how capable the riders are. Very few times have riders stopped. The ones who have, got back on the bike and made it to the top.

We participated in the Mayor’s Annual Ride for Trails where we had a rain experience at the end.

I am writing this entry after two weeks of indoor training. Last night we offered a break from the routine and took the riders and mentors to the Brenton Skating Rink across the river from the Downtown YMCA where we meet for indoor training. Fun was had by all.

We usually meet at the YMCA and form into three groups which cycle through the training stations.
On Mondays we cycle through:

• Spin Class
• Running on the track
• Resistance Band Training

On Thursdays we cycle through:

• Spin Class
• Running on the track

This entry will let you know what has been going on since the finish of RAGBRAI 2008 and what is ahead for the 2009 version of the Dream Team.

A week after RAGBRAI, we held the year end recognition dinner. Riders and mentors were recognized for the accomplishment of our ultimate goal, finishing RAGBRAI with a great sense of accomplishment.

Food and awards are two of the riders favorites.

All of the Saturday riders made the trip to St. Claire and arrived at the home of mentor Steve Reinders parents to feast on goods and refreshments supplied by them
We enjoyed the shade and waited until we were all in before heading to a local country club a couple of miles away to form into our arrival formation.

I missed the Internet station last night so I am catching up here.
Yesterday was a nice ride again. We started in light rain and drizzle which went away and left a cool windy day for the rest of the ride. As always there were interesting sights from the road and the pass through towns welcomed us with food and drinks.
North Liberty was ready for a crowd. Zydeco music was available for those that can stay up after 9:00 PM. Our crew must be in the campground at 9:00 so they listened from afar.
Today was cloudy and pleasantly cool as we rode and ate our way across the route.

Today we had a friendly headwind that eliminated many chances to coast. We worked strongly all day. Tonight we eat in camp to simplify our lives.
Tonight's showers were colder than Harlan's and the young riders were quick. If you are an optimis, you might say that they were refreshing.
Tomorrow is another 76 or so miles with a chance of rain most of the day. The winds will be in our faces again.
We are working on our great experience for RAGBRAI 2008.
Temperatures are cool so sleeping today should be great.
Most riders aree doing great.

Later --

I found the Iowa Telecom trailer in Nevada and just after a breakfast rhubarb pie smile session, I will enter this short bit.
Last night was a pleasant time with many parents visiting and other riders and mentors finding adventure.
I went with a group of seven to Reiman Gardens for exploration. We toured the butterfly dome and were thrilled enough that we were the last ones to leave. They let us stay past closing time.
Then we toured the indoor plant room and then the acres of horticulture outside. It is a beautiful place.
Now I am off to ride more of the Lincoln Highway.

Later---

Today's ride was a friendly, short, and mostly flat ride. Riders had fun today with more relaxing stops on the way to Ames.
We are camping just east of the remaining South Tower dorms on a soccer field. Plenty of nice dry breeze to dry out clothes and towels. That is one of the simple victories on RAGBRAI.
Tonight we will dine at the fraternity of one our mentors to give the riders an experience of college life.
Many riders parent's made the short trip up from Des Moines to see their childern and spend an evening with them.
It looks like another good sleeping night with cool tents.