The salient point of this podcast episode centers on the experience of a short yet fulfilling ride during Ragbrai 52, encompassing a mere 38 miles from Dunkerton to Fairbank to Oliwin. Throughout this day, I, Nicholas Cleave, alongside my best friend and my daughter, Maya, embraced a recovery-oriented biking pace, allowing us to recuperate from the challenges of the preceding days. The morning commenced with a pleasantly cool atmosphere, which gradually transitioned to warmth as we pedaled along. We took the opportunity to indulge in culinary delights, notably a slice of delectable church lady pie, which served as a delightful reward after six days of exertion. Ultimately, this episode reflects on the significance of cherishing small joys and the importance of companionship amidst the rigors of an arduous journey.

Day six of Ragbrai 52 presented itself as a brief yet significant respite amid a week of vigorous cycling. The day’s ride, measuring a modest 38 miles from Dunkerton to Oelwein, allowed for a leisurely exploration of the terrain while fostering a sense of community with my riding companions. The atmosphere was notably casual, characterized by a focus on recovery and enjoyment rather than the relentless pursuit of distance. As we navigated the route, the weather transitioned from a refreshing coolness to a warm embrace, which not only invigorated our spirits but also set the tone for a day centered around camaraderie and shared experiences.

The culinary interlude at Mr. Pork Chop was a highlight of the day, providing not only sustenance but also an opportunity for connection and enjoyment. The subsequent indulgence in church lady pies, including my cherished strawberry rhubarb variant, served as a poignant reminder of the joys found in simplicity and tradition. The act of sharing dessert with loved ones encapsulated the essence of our journey, as these small moments of joy contribute significantly to the overall experience of Ragbrai.

After our ride, we found solace in an open-sided shelter at our campsite, creating a space for relaxation and reflection. This fortuitous discovery allowed us to recharge both physically and mentally, as we prepared for the challenges that lay ahead in the coming days. Our evening concluded with a delightful meal at the Pizza Ranch, where the comforts of fried chicken and pizza provided a fitting end to a day marked by lightheartedness and connection. Day six stands as a testament to the power of community, recovery, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures, reinforcing the notion that the journey is as important as the destination.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode features a detailed account of day six of Ragbrai 52, emphasizing a short yet enjoyable ride under cool conditions that eventually warmed up.
• Nicholas Kleve shares his experience riding with his daughter and best friend, creating a casual and recovery-focused atmosphere amidst the challenging week of cycling.
• The significance of small joys, such as indulging in various types of pie, is highlighted as a means to find happiness during the rigors of long-distance cycling.
• Kleve reflects on the importance of taking moments to breathe and appreciate the journey, as he prepares for the impending longer ride scheduled for the following day.
• The episode underscores the camaraderie and shared experiences that enhance the joy of outdoor activities, particularly in the context of cycling with loved ones.
• Listeners are encouraged to embrace exploration and individuality, reminding them of the enriching experiences found in the outdoors.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Mr. Pork Chop
• Pizza Ranch

Hey, hey, funky fam.

Welcome back to the outdoor funky podcast.

I'm Nicholas Cleave and this is day six of ragbrarry52.

A short ride with good people, shelter from the sun and one hard earned slice of pie.

That's right.

Well today we had a very short ride.

Short, short, short.

Dunkerton to Fairbank to Oliwin is I think how you pronounce it.

Yeah, it was Oliwyn.

It super short ride.

It was only 38 miles altogether.

It did start with a, with a cool and overcast morning and then it started to warm up kind of by the end of that 38 miles it started to get super warm out.

But we had a nice start.

Cool to the day.

Of course my best friend from college still was riding with Maya, my 16 year old daughter and I.

The three of us riding together for, for the day and the vibe is casual, calm and we had another recovery minded type of biking today because we kind of had a challenging week with, with what we've done so far.

Yesterday was kind of a recovery day and, and today is even more of a recovery day because I know we have a big ride coming.

Big ride coming tomorrow with a 70 miles through.

Over 70 miles through the hills, Tom.

But you know, thinking about after the century day and some heat, this ride gave us another little bit of a breather.

Just enough to move but not enough to just.

It got us moving but didn't wear us down.

So once again recovery, another little recovery day.

Probably the easiest day of the week I would say.

Now we did have another stop at Mr. Pork Chop.

It's the last day to have Mr. Pork Chop.

So Steel and I got a Mr. Pork Chop.

Smoky, tasty, juicy.

Just a morale booster.

Maya wasn't feeling a pork chop and that's all right.

Steel and I also got a sweet and cold sashy slushy.

It's a lifesaver as it was heating up out there.

And then we had some dessert.

All three of us indulged in a delicious dessert.

We found some church lady pie.

Now still had raisin.

Church lady pie slice.

I had a strawberry rhubarb.

Church lady pie slice.

And Maya had a pumpkin bar.

Church lady pie slice.

Delicious.

It's that the pie that my strawberry rhubarb pie.

It hit different after six days on the road.

It's one of those little wins that tastes just like joy deliciousness.

Strawberry rhubarb might be my favorite kind of pie.

I wonder how raspberry rhubarb would taste.

I've never Had a raspberry rhubarb.

I bet it would even be better yet maybe something, maybe that type of pie will be in my future.

Well, you know, thinking about now we get a short day so we got to camp pretty fast here.

We, we did find an open sided shelter.

We got to our camp site spot, we set up our camp, our sleeping, sleeping tents and but right next to it was an open sided shelter there next to it and that was a game changer.

We sat under that as it was really the heat of the day that we were because we were there so early after the 38 miles we got our tent set up and we were able to sit under this open sided shelter and we just kind of sat there, we kind of let our gear dry out, we stretched, we kind of laid down on the tables, we just chilled, we just relaxed, chilled, took it easy, tried to stay out of the sun.

We ended up that evening sitting under the, after sitting under the open sided shelter we ended up going to the Pizza ranch that night eating some fried chicken, mashed potatoes, lots of pizza, sitting in air conditioning that evening all also did a outdoor funky podcast interview.

Once we got back to camp it was just a great, it was a great quick morning ride but it was a great afternoon of chilling, relaxing and just, just kind of being kind of together and relaxing and, and having that side of it too because I know we got a, we got a big ride come tomorrow.

Coming day six for me always has this feeling where you're deep in it but not done.

There's one more day to go, but today was a moment to breathe and take it all in.

My body's tired, my gear is gritty, but my spirit, it's still feeling solid.

Now whether it's pie, porch shade or pizza Ranch, these are small joys that make the, the big ride worthwhile.

And so I always look for those little wins that kind of bring a little bit of joy to my week and just, and then, and then going back to also experiencing with people I care about with my best friend from college, with my 16 year old daughter doesn't get much better than that.

So Ragbraai is going great.

We're having a great week here.

So I want to encourage you as we bring this episode to a close to go out, explore, be yourself, get outside, get funky.

Bye now.