Monday, August 4, 2008

RAGBRAI Day 4 - Ames to Tama - Toledo (76 miles, 3, 123 feet of climb)

Day 4, July 23rd - I was nervous about getting to the main route from our camp and through Ames and wanted to get out early to avoid traffic. Tim from Sioux City helped us out and the three of us left at 5:30 am. It took us about 45 minutes before we connected with the main route! It was probably a good thing we weren't on the main route earlier as the road had been covered in tacks! Many people were pulled over changing tires but I think the road had been swept by the time we came through. Good riddance Ames!
We stopped at Colo for a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, complete with entertainement as we ate. Next stop was State Center, a very pretty little town. We got our picture taken on the spot that marked the center of the state.
Again, very nice weather for riding. We enjoyed all of the remaining pass through towns: Albion, Green Mountain, LeGrand and Montour.
This night our camp was in a camp ground outside of Tama on a gravel road so they shuttled us to the camp and then gave us the option of shuttling us into town for the evening or going to the nearby casino for supper. Our whole camp opted for the casino buffet rather than more of the typical RAGBRAI food in town. It was a lot of fun! Enjoyed eating with Chantel from Kansas City and the food was great! Really appreciated the salad bar as I hadn't seen a vegetable all week!

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