[BlazingPedals]

Originally Posted by Freemason Cyclist

The reason why someone should ride it before they judge it is because it is like judging a book by it's cover or a movie by it's title.

There are a ZILLION rides out there -- too many for a person to do them all in one lifetime, which means people have to winnow their own lists down to a manageable size. They generally do that by starting with rides near their homes and fanning out from there as desired. There's no reason why RAGBRAI should occupy a special place of reverence that would require all riders to make the pilgrimmage, and I find it ludicrous to suggest that it is that special. To restate my impression of the ride, the only things that separate it from the myriad other rides being offered to us cyclists is the crowds and the lack of included support. I don't consider "crowds" or "lack of support" to be compelling reasons to do a ride.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

There are a ZILLION rides out there -- too many for a person to do them all in one lifetime, which means people have to winnow their own lists down to a manageable size. They generally do that by starting with rides near their homes and fanning out from there as desired. There's no reason why RAGBRAI should occupy a special place of reverence that would require all riders to make the pilgrimmage, and I find it ludicrous to suggest that it is that special. To restate my impression of the ride, the only things that separate it from the myriad other rides being offered to us cyclists is the crowds and the lack of included support. I don't consider "crowds" or "lack of support" to be compelling reasons to do a ride.

You obviously had a bad experience on RAGBRAI. somehow found the most expensive place for food and drink, there are less expensive options, you just have to know where to look. In udnerstand how one bad experience can turn you off. And obviously your mind is made up that it is a horrible ride and it seems you recommend no one do it. For that I have pity for you.

Is the ride all wine chocolate and roses? No, it isn't. I have had my share of problems on the ride and there were times when I felt like packing it in, giving up and returning home early. I didn't, instead I made the best of it and figured one bad day will not spoil the rest of it for me. Guess what happened? After chanigng my strategy and attitude I had a great rest of the week.

Let me ask you this. Did you ever ask advice from RAGBRAI veterans? Did you attend the meeting held before the start in the start town where RAGBRAI veterans answer questions for those that have never done it before?

Perhaps you should give it another chance.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by Nigal

Oh hell no! You all can keep it.

I have yet to even do a group ride, much less a crowd ride.

Nigal, don't let his bad experience cloud your decision on whether or not to do RAGBRAI.

[Nigal]

Originally Posted by Freemason Cyclist

Nigal, don't let his bad experience cloud your decision on whether or not to do RAGBRAI.

I didn't get that his experience was negative. From his description I can tell that MY experience would be negative based on my personality and my preferences.

[Nigal]

Originally Posted by Freemason Cyclist

The reason why someone should ride it before they judge it is because it is like judging a book by it's cover or a movie by it's title.

Believe it or not there are guys out there who enjoy having a woman stomp on their testicles while wearing high healed shoes. I've never done it myself and I don't think i will. Color me judgmental but I'm still going to say it'd suck. I don't care how great Industrial Hacker says it is.

[BlazingPedals]

Originally Posted by Freemason Cyclist

You obviously had a bad experience on RAGBRAI. somehow found the most expensive place for food and drink, there are less expensive options, you just have to know where to look. In udnerstand how one bad experience can turn you off. And obviously your mind is made up that it is a horrible ride and it seems you recommend no one do it. For that I have pity for you.

Is the ride all wine chocolate and roses? No, it isn't. I have had my share of problems on the ride and there were times when I felt like packing it in, giving up and returning home early. I didn't, instead I made the best of it and figured one bad day will not spoil the rest of it for me. Guess what happened? After chanigng my strategy and attitude I had a great rest of the week.

Let me ask you this. Did you ever ask advice from RAGBRAI veterans? Did you attend the meeting held before the start in the start town where RAGBRAI veterans answer questions for those that have never done it before?

Perhaps you should give it another chance.

So, first you say that unless I experience it, I'm not qualified to say whether or not I like it. Then, when I detail a few (of many) of my experiences -- most of which are directly related to having (IMHO) too many people to properly support on the ride -- you discount them and say I should give it another chance. Are you being paid by The Register or something??? Just for the record, my main issue with the ride is that there are too many people, which detracted from the ride. Almost all of my other issues would have sorted themselves out if the ride was a reasonable size.

BTW, this thread renewed my curiosity at least, so I logged in (I didn't go to any meetings the week before the event, but I participated in the forum, and my login is still valid.) I don't see your nickname anywhere there. If you're so into RAGBRAI, how come you're not participating on their forum?

[SUX VR40 Rider]

The Q&A with the RAGBRAI veterans is the Saturday before the ride in the start town. No I am not being paid by the DMR. What is your definition of properly supporting the ride? What do you think the size of the ride should be?

I am not trying to discount anything. I am sorry you had a bad experience. How many RAGBRAI's have you ridden? Just the one?