RAGBRAI Day 5 – Marshalltown to Cedar Rapids (84++ miles)

Sunrise after the storm

A thunderstorm during the late evening last night made for a relatively cool start for the cyclists. With a long and hilly day ahead Joe and Theresa were fueled and ready to go by 6:20am. Kevin did not plan on riding so he only had the logistics to navigate today (which have proven to be quite a challenge as he arrives into the next town). With an estimated elevation of 3500 feet of climbing the hills started right away. Joe began to estimate each climb and Theresa started to count it down. 

Band playing in Garwin

The first town of Garwin had a band playing countryish music and several stands. The 2^nd breakfast was sugar laden to power up the next set of hills. The hills were not steep as each was 2-3 tiers and totaled maybe 100 feet of elevation to subtract of the total for the day. A long 17 mile stretch to the next town was made easier by NE winds that made it a bit easier to crest the top of each rise. Clutier was a disappointment as it had very little on the main path of the route and cyclist had to descend into town then climb back out to get back on the path. Joe and Theresa sat filled their water bottles and sat in the shade for a bit. Theresa called Kevin to check in and got the skinny on where the RV was at the end.

Bikes in all directions

The next town was another long 17 miles to Garrison that included a northern segment with deja vu from yesterday. Signs for steak sandwiches were posted 5 miles out of town to entice the riders. It worked as Theresa was determined that is the lunch choice for her today. She was pleasantly surprised to find there was no line and the sandwich was tasty. Relived that the next town was only a 10 mile gap, Joe and Theresa set out to conquer more hills! 

Hills, hills and more hills

Vinton was the meet up town and was crowded with vendors and bikes. St Mary's advertised a float that sounded good to Theresa. She was surprised to find that it was just $1 and delicious, but she did need a Dt coke to follow it. One more 11 mile segment into Shellsburg where Joe could not resist a park sandwich and corn on the cob plate. Theresa got ice and water in her bottle and was set. More climbs where left (Joe's countdown was at 800 ft remaining now) but it was all with strong tail winds. 

As they descended after a long climb there was a sign welcoming us to Cedar Rapids! Theresa's odometer was at 83 miles so she was thinking 5 more miles to the RV. The route wound around next to the Cedar river and seemed to go on forever! They finally hit downtown and saw all the pot a potties set up for the big party there. The signs for the Blue Camping (Rvs) continued on for another 3 miles until one last short steep climb to finish into the Sports complex where we located the TNR banner draped across the front of the Smitanic. Theresa's odometer registered over 90 miles, Joe's had 89.5. (Theresa's is optimistic!)

Cedar River

We will need to hop on a shuttle bus to get any dinner tonight. Tomorrow is a recovery ride of 42 miles. Temps look nice so we are really looking forward to a pleasant ride!