101 Guest Blog: Ragbrai from the Driver's Seat Part 8

Today, we come to the stirring conclusion of The Deb's Ragbrai Tale. I would have to nominate her "most improved" beaver for all of her accomplishments over the best week in the world.

Day Seven  

We tried to get you all to just pack it up and go home, not only in Independence, but also in Edgewood.*  

I finally got to taste some Toppling Goliath, but I am not so keen on IPAs.**  The one I had was certainly not worth the hype.  Sorry team, but that is my take on it.  

The Edgewood Locker had some great brats, and I still to this day wish I had bought a dozen to bring home.  I don’t know when I would ever get back up there, but that is a great hint for you Iowans – if you are near Edgewood, stop at the meat locker and pick up some of their chicken feta spinach and jalapeno brats for me.  Greatly appreciated.***  

On to the end: you could tell when we were on the last highway into town as the traffic southbound was horrible.  So was the northbound traffic. About five miles out, it was pretty stop and go. We just had to find a place for the Ark, hopefully near the end.  

Remember, The Dale took off the last day, so I had to drive so as to not freak him out. He had no idea what I had been doing all week, and that topic is something better left unexplored any further than I have done already.  

Well, we found the rider path to the river and ended up about six blocks up river. It was not bad considering the mess that poor town was in. We got to watch the locks work and started to stroll down to where the Beavers all would come in.  But the beavers beat us.  For the love of God, why would that happen on the last day?  I was there every other day when you ended your day but I missed that one?   

I will say that I appreciate the beavers's work in getting done so quickly so we could get Tasty Tacos.  I would otherwise not have had them on this trip to Iowa at all.  That is just wrong.

Conclusions

What did I get out of driving Ragbrai?  

• Confidence or just stupid luck in driving the Ark 
• A koozy from Team Awesomeness
• A home detox session in Arkansas
• Lots of fun and a great dose of visiting with countless strangers, which should not be underestimated in its value in life.  

I loved you guys and really felt like ‘mom’ to each of you, with the exception of The Dale, which would have just been way too weird.

I learned that beavers do not really like healthy food, their dens not correctly secured, and late evening excursions.

Can’t wait to see you all again, and don’t forget the FLAG!   

*I am pleased to see that this blog has become just an open letter to the beavers. And, I've said it before, and I will say it again, virgins, always wanting to get it over with. Bah!

**Fired.

***Shopping list.

Thanks to The Deb for all that you did for us, driving, moming, and partying. All of the beavers agree, you were ah.maze.ing. Love you!

PS The Deb's birthday is March 22, so give her a shout out!