RAGBRAI Day 5

Knoxville to Oskaloosa
52.0 Miles-2,808 Feet of Climb

To risk being redundant, yep, more hills. But we were getting into a rhythm with waking, eating a snack, getting our bags packed for the day, packing the trailer and heading out for the challenge of the day. It wasn't something we were dreading as much and it was the time of the day most people were singing, talking dancing on the bike seats to the music strapped to random bikes along the way. It was getting to be an enjoyable time that lead into the rigors of the day. Mornings seemed to bring out the best in everyone.

Most of the hills were at the beginning of the day and we found a breakfast stand that we all LOVED! Farm Boys had AMAZING breakfast burritos and because we weren't too worried about the calories and needed protein, "sure", we said, as they offered eggs, sausage, bacon, sour cream, potatoes and salsa that filled a fresh tortilla. (Jalapenos for those - Aaron - who like a little extra kick in the morning). There are a few things that are "traditional foods" on the ride. Mr. Pancake, for example, homemade pies, Mr. Porkchop, and Beekman's Ice Cream. Food becomes an incentive to get on the bike and continue on to the next bake sale. The kids were super adorable with their lemonade stands and cookies as well as the fresh watermelon and the bananas offered on roadside stands. Really the RAGBRAI is one big picnic broken up by a long bike ride. Over simplified? Missing the point? Not understanding the rigors and the technical aspects of gears and aerodynamic riding? Have you ever eaten Mr Pancake for breakfast or a super generous portion of amazing pie or dare I say real home made ice cream?  I rest my case...

At the crest of a hill we noticed a big black blob of riders, smoke, and tell tale trailers. We knew nirvana was close at hand. Whatever genius was working that day paired Mr Porkchop AND Beekman's Ice Cream on the same hill... BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!! If you don't believe in God, than you are wrong. So wrong. We alighted our souls from our bikes, nearly floated off the ground as we waiting in line for the bliss that awaited us all... AMAZING! RIDICULOUSLY INCREDIBLE!!   It's an experience that would be above par if eaten on a normal day, but when you are punishing your body daily and are weary from exertion, there is nothing like sitting on a grassy knoll,  under a big leaf laden-ed tree with a slight breeze as you let the sweet cream slid down your parched throat. It was that good! That was the highlight of the day, it really was.

We rode through Pella and had Dutch Letters, a light, really yummy, almond filled pastry shaped in the letter "S". Pella was beautiful. It began as a Dutch settlement so there is so much from the motherland and it's beautiful. We had a great time eating then it was on to Bussey, Beacon and ending with Oskaloosa.

The route was getting noticeable flatter and straighter. Jessica grew up near "Oskey" and she assured us that it was going to level out. She was right and we were thankful. We had a huge bonus of having a house for the evening. Jessica's cousin owned a house that was vacant but had running hot water, flushing toilets and electricity. We could take a BATH!! We hauled ourselves to a local church that was hosting a spaghetti dinner (with fresh pie) and after that, we went to the Walmart across the street to get some supplies including Epsom's salt to soak in that evening. Aaron was busy at the laundry mat getting our jerseys and clothes washed and we cleaned the supplies and relaxed. Aunt Mary and Anna, Jessica's mom and daughter, joined us that night and Anna would stay with us the rest of the trip. With all these things together, it was great it really was like having a reset button pushed.