7 days, 700 kms later....

Well, after months of preparation, and expectation, it’s all over now – I’m not quite sure what to do with myself! Back to my golf game?!

I’m proud to say that I completed the entire ride without major incident(!), and had an absolute ball doing so! It was an amazing experience… we met some terrific people, enjoyed wonderful American hospitality (pork chops & all!), faced some interesting challenges (including heavy rain & lightening!) and loved every minute of it.

Quite happy that Flora & Fauna International were able to benefit as much as I did from the ride. I’m delighted to have raised more than $70,000 for FFI (over target!) – all thanks to your support and generosity. Thank you.

And so, goodbye! This will be my final blog entry…. Until next time…?!

Day Seven: Manchester to Dubuque

76kms, 2,591ft. All done! 7 days, 700kms. A few challenges along the way, but mainly had a ball!

Day Six: Waterloo to Manchester

100kms, 2,340ft. Rained heavily today. A few tactical skills helped avoid the lightening and the potential chaos from tumbling riders!! Quite a slog riding to Manchester.

Day Five: Charles City to Waterloo

132kms, 2,635ft. With only 20km to go for the day, I took much pleasure in taking a pit stop at the local pub with Doug, fellow rider and good friend. Can't remember the last time I was served beverages in red plastic cups...

Day Four: Clear Lake to Charles City

83kms, 1,180ft. Camped at Clear Lake last night (yes, I camped). Great little town. Interestingly, the towns compete to have RAGRAI's 10,000 riders come through - just like the Olympics!

Day Three: Algona to Clear Lake

Glad for the shorter day today - 110kms, 1,068ft climb. It's hard to ride past the best pork chops you've ever tasted! "Mr Pork Chop" is a RAGBRAI legend, who has been serving inch-and-a-half thick Iowa chops to the riders for 25 years.

Day Two: Storm Lake to Algona

135kms, flat and lo-ong. My feet started to hurt but at least it was a welcome distraction from the other aching part of my body...!