Thanks, everyone!
CC, I have a whole new appreciation for TdF riders. I ride solo most of the time, so being in the midst of a big group makes me realize how intense peloton riding must be! I think it would be a blast to ride some of the TdF course.
Suz, I bet your brother would love it. It requires a bit of training, but that shouldn't be hard if he's already into cycling. It's such a cool experience -- the camping, the people, the scenery, the towns, and the riding itself! If he is interested and has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them for him.
Rachy, the Baltimore jersey was a huge hit! The back says "Charm City" and has a big 410 (our area code) so we were really easy to spot on the days we wore that.
Nebraskim, we got a little of everything, weatherwise, but reallly we were very lucky. Only the last day was truly hot and humid. We had a big storm and headwinds on the second to last day, which gave way to quite warm and sunny. But most of the time it was really quite nice. One morning it rained on us, but even that wasn't unpleasant.
Robin, I definitely would do it again!
Kiwigal, since it was my first time and I was a solo rider, I went with a charter company. They transport camping gear each night, provide some meals, shower and bathroom facilities, bicycle repair, etc. They even had massage therapists (who were busy all week long!) and live music in the evenings while riders ate dinner and relaxed. I opted for tent rental service, which meant that each day when I rolled into camp, my tent was already set up and ready, so I didn't have to deal with one more thing. I would just grab my shower gear, get a beer (they provided free beer every day!), and get in line for the shower. The shower line moves much faster when you're enjoying a post-ride cold beer.
Isis, I would definitely do another state. I know Virginia has a cross-state ride, and much closer to home for me. I've been joking about how the only state I have not visited now is Alaska, but I don't think I want to bike all the way across Alaska!
UmmLila, I hope you're healing quickly!
Diana, a "rite of passage" is exactly how I've been thinking of it. I'm lucky I took the fall with my entire side of my body -- I think it prevented me from hurting any one part too badly. I've always been scared of falling, but the experience itself was not as scary as I thought it would be, once I knew I was OK.
BethAnn and Susie, maybe you and your families will be on RAGBRAI one year! I saw a bunch of couples and families out there, on tandems and on individual bikes. It was so much fun to see everyone from all age groups and all kinds of bikes and ability levels participating.
Thanks for all the good wishes. I'm feeling better today -- bruises and bumps are healing, and my cold is getting better too.
