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Carly
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The party started early in Coralville Friday. With only 48 miles to cover between Marengo and Coralville, riders on the annual RAGBRAI bicycle trek across Iowa rolled into town well before noon. Coralville's S.T. Morrison park was the ride's second to last stop before the cyclists dipped their front wheels in the Mississippi on Saturday in Muscatine.
On Friday, riders knew they had the worst behind them after Thursday's 77-mile leg, more if they opted for the century ride loop that rounded out the ride at 100 miles. And, with only 50 miles to tackle Saturday, it's easy to see why one young man I talked to said he thought the biggest party of RAGBRAI 2006 was going to be in Coralville Friday night.
I wish I could have stuck around for it. Despite the heat, the atmosphere at noon was already exciting. Riders pulled into town in spurts. Some bee lined for the food. Others set up their tents right away. Still others headed for the Coralville Recreation Center's showers. By 1 p.m. the line for the showers was longer than for the food. Given the choice, I'm not sure which I would have headed for first. In 90+ degree temperatures, a shower or dip in the center's pool sounded tempting and I hadn't just ridden more than 40 miles on a bike. But, then again, the aroma of kettle corn, turkey legs, pizza, gyros and more from the food vendors was awfully appealing as well.
It was all almost enough to tempt me to try a leg of the ride myself next year. But, I haven't been on a bike in years. So, don't count on it. I'll just show up for the party.
Next week I'll be checking out the scene at Jazz Under the Stars at Noelridge Park in Cedar Rapids. See you there!