RAGBRAI Is Irrational

I like to think of myself as a rational being. RAGBRAI, however, is not rational. At least not for me.

1. It's expensive to get to RAGBRAI from Southern California.

2. It's hot and stormy in Iowa in Late July. (I'm still dealing with the idea that you can have both at once.)

3. Living conditions on RAGBRAI are primitive. (I'm a big fan of solid walls and indoor plumbing.)

So why do it?

1. It's not just a long bike ride. It's a happening. They number RAGBRAIs with Roman numerals, like Super Bowls or Star Wars movies.

2. It's a rolling piece of Americana. Church ladies bake homemade pies. Small town mayors personally greet the flood of strangers. Riders wear funny things on their helmets.

3. But most of all, it's a meeting of the tribe ... Bicycle Nation's annual convention ... a week where the road ahead is a sea of bicycles.