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Pedaling in the Precip


They should change the name of the ride to RAINBRAI.

I don't know why I would be shocked or surprised or caught unawares or anything by the fact it has rained nearly every day of the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa this year -- given our pathetic luck with the weather during the past six months or so.

I don't think I'm even shocked that my husband, the 100-miles-on-his-birthday-wacko, wanted to get up at 5 a.m., drive an hour an a half to Tama, get on his bike there and ride 75 miles with thousands of other similarly "unique" folks. In a downpour.

He'll end up in North Liberty (we desperately hope), where the tour is overnighting it. Then I guess, since I'll be working, he'll ride a few more miles home. In the rain (according to the forecast, which has been surprisingly spot-on this week).

And then there was some talk we'd take Henry up to NL tonight to catch the carnival-like festivities that accompany this annual ride, including a set by a fantastic Zydeco band from New Orleans. (You know what's coming)...In the rain.

Right now, I'm nervously counting down the hours until I hear Tim is safe and sound, fed and dry, and not hydroplaning into a muddy ditch at 25 miles an hour.

Our last words to him as we closed our car doors and sent him on his way this morning: "Be careful. Have fun."

And, Henry added, mimicking me from a few minutes before when I thought he wasn't listening:

"Don't die."

Edited to add: I want to make it clear that, despite my merciless teasing that may suggest otherwise, I am immensely proud that my husband is so dedicated, determined and passionate about his many interests -- cycling being just one of them. Wanted to point that out...just in case anyone hears grumblings later...

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