RAGBRAI XLIX Day 5 – (July 28th, 2022) Charles City (47.9 miles today. 332.2 miles total).
It was a quick ride for all but the last ten miles when we entered absolutely brutal headwinds about 10 miles before entering Charles City. Our stop-over towns were Rockford and Marble Rock. We left early and beat the crowds and Natalie left me after about 20 miles because I was hurting a little more than I thought.
The most inspirational moment of the day for me was a moment heading uphill into the winds barely able to maintain 12 MPH and having someone yelling “On your left” behind me. As I turned to see the guy pass me by at an awe-inspiring speed, I realized he was at least 75 years old, a double amputee with artificial legs riding on a traditional bike. He flew past me like the 20 MPH headwinds were nothing.
Natalie and I ended up in town early and enjoyed a brewery, some local and not-so-local food, and listening to music while sitting in Central Park. Tonight we listen to a little more live music on the main stage and then head back to camp and prepare to start all over again before the sunrise. West Union is our next sleepover town. 63 miles to go.
