For three decades I have ridden my bicycle across the state of Iowa. If the ride was a “go for 2020” I could say four decades. I miss that I will not be able to say this until 2021. I think of the world today and the world only one year ago. So much taken for granted, the ease of being together and able to visit; travel, shop without thought or mask. I also felt that the divisions would fade; and ways to goodwill would rise like a morning sunrise with ease… all would simply have a new beginning.
No Iowa ride this year… but in my thoughts and mind I see and reflex on all the kindness and fun I found in Iowa each year. Each year people from all over the United States and the world would ride bikes. It seemed to me this was “America at its Greatest”. The rider’s from the Air Force would be offering a helping hand. Bike repair workers, police, fire department, health care workers, people ready at all times; to support all. As sure as the sun comes up in the morning a good time could be found on the ride. Regardless of what is happening today I know that the best of America is in people’s goodwill and kindness to others. Just thinking about it makes my day hopeful.
I may have commented before that back in the summer of 1988, my wife-to-be and I biked across half of Illinois and half of Iowa — making it to Pleasantville in time to spend the 4th of July with her grandma. That’s the first I heard of RAGBRAI, and I’ve wanted to do it ever since then. You’re lucky to have cycled it so many times, and I trust there will be more for you. I appreciate the hope and good will in this post as in so many others that you write. Let’s keep hoping and dreaming.
Richard:
The mindset I found on RAGBRAI was against “complaint” and for “joy” and it has stayed withme. From the first day on my first ride across Iowa someone had written “Lie to me” on the back of their tee shirt… so people did.
Nicely put, Gerald. Fingers crossed for next year and maybe a few rides before then.
Rob: Thank you…