Big Bird Tells Us How to Pack for RAGBRAI

Laird Big Bird has provided some ideas about how to pack for RAGBRAI.
Just a little over 1 week left.

What to Bring
See attachment for a list of things recommended to bring on RAGBRAI.  Use this for your packing check list and you won't be sorry.

Camping/Overnight Needs

You will need to bring:
  • a tent (make sure all the stakes are there)
  • sleeping bag or bedding/pillow
  • air mattress/pump or camp cot
  • flash light
  • camp chair (if support vehicles have enough room to carry along)
I will be bringing shade awnings for when we have to camp, and the flamingoloo in case we're not close to a KYBO.  We will also have standing air pumps along to keep your bike tires up.  We will have coolers along for chilling beverages or keeping yogurt, fruit, etc. chilled during the week.

Packing Tips
For those of you new to RAGBRAI here are a couple of packing tips that might prove useful.
  • Pack each day's set of clothing in a zip lock bag.  This helps keep everything safe and dry.  It also makespacking a little easier especially mid-week when the sleep deprivation and fatigue starts to set in and your brain functioning moves into slow motion.
  • Line your duffel bag with a plastic trash bag.  This offers additional protection against your clothing getting wet in case we encounter rain during the week.
  • Remember to pack sandals or shower shoes that can be worn in the showers at the public schools, etc., 
  • Shower gels are easier and less messy to carry then bar soaps
  • Camping towels (like large shammies) work fine and take up less space.
  • Camping toilet paper rolls are a great investment.  They are easy to carry for back up when you find yourself in a KYBO with no TP, or for emergency dashes into the corn fields.
  • Breathe rights are great to help control snoring (Leigh) during the night.
Packing List
Due to popular demand, Laird Big Bird shared a suggested list of items that are recommended for your RAGBRAI trip. You may have other items that you want to take, but please keep in mind that space is at a premium.  Try to limit your gear (excluding tent/sleeping bag/mattress pad/cot, etc.) to a medium size duffel and a carry on.
On the Bike:
___   Bike (computer, trunk bag, etc.)
___   Helmet
___   RAGBRAI rider's tag/packet
___   Spare tubes (2)
___   Tire iron/tire changing kit
___   Sunscreen
___   Chap stick
___   Handiwipes travel pack
___   Hand disinfectant
___   Credit card/cash (don’t count on working ATM’s in rural Iowa)
___   iPod/MP3 player/ear buds/bike sound system
___   Cell phone
___   iPod/Cell phone charger
___   Sun glasses

___   More money
___   Sunburn cream or spray/mole skin, band aids
___   Camera if phone doesn’t have one.
___   Roll of camping TP or mini-Kleenex packs (for dashes into the corn fields)
___   Pink feather boas/flamingo adornments and accessories

Clothes:
___   Sun visor or ball cap
___   Cycling jerseys (2)
___   Cycling shorts (2)  (keep separate from Al’s)
___   Socks (7 pairs – wear 1 pair after ride/on ride next day).  Adjust if you wear sandals at night and/or sandals to ride in.
___   Bike shoes or sandals, or shoes with hard sole.
___   Shorts for evening wear (if you can find travel shorts with liners you can eliminate undies)
___   Undies (you be the judge of number needed)
___   T-shirts (one for each night/ each day you ride if don’t have jersey)
___   Hoodie, sweat shirt or windbreaker in case temps dip
___   Pair of long pants in case temps dip (optional)
___   Sweat band or bandana


In Camp/Overnight:
___   Sleeping bag/bed roll/cot/bedding (whatever you plan to sleep on)
___   Tent (in case we have to camp or housing breaksdown)
___   Shower shoes or flips
___   Toiletry kit
___   Pocket flashlight
___   Pocket knife
___   Ink pen, post card stamps, mailing labels

___   Muscle rub (i.e., Perform or Biofreeze)
___   Towel

See you in 15 days.

Mike "Big Bird" Knapp

2 comments:

firebird said...

Please Leigh. Invest

Anonymous said...

This is a great article - very helpful! I love the checklist and will for sure be using that, so thank you! I read an article on http://www.braceability.com/blog/ describing 10 interesting facts about RAGBRAI that many people don't know: http://www.braceability.com/blog/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-ragbrai/. They also have a couple blogs about the preparation process and how to correctly put your seat to reduce injury: http://www.braceability.com/blog/cycling-knee-pain-seat-height/. Thanks for your helpful blog!