RAGBRAI XLIX Day 3 – Emmetsburg (56.4 miles today. 180.8 miles total). Last night in Pocahontas was fantastic with the highlight being the “pro wrestling” matches in the town center. Unfortunately, they didn’t take volunteers or Natalie would have certainly been in the ring.
Natalie and I were up at 4:00 and took down camp fast enough to be on the road by 5:30 AM. It was still dark, but we have lights and all the other early risers were on the road with their flashing tail lights making the course easy to navigate. We made great time and ended up in our sleepover town with plenty of time to pitch our tent in preparation for the forecasted thunderstorms. Natalie took a hard fall today and got some road rash. Hit her head on the pavement but luckily her helmet did what it was supposed to do. No major injuries and she was back on her back shortly thereafter. We made it into Rolfe and found some EMTs that helped patch her up.
Tomorrow is our 104-mile ride to Mason City. Although I’ve done my share of centuries, I’m honestly a little worried about this one. I’ve been riding my heavier gravel bike weighted down with camera gear for the last three days and may need to pull off the extra weight tomorrow. Fingers crossed. Early to bed tonight as we will start all over again in the morning.
