Ragbrai: Everyone Pronounces It Wrong

by John Karras, Ann Karras

Book by Karras, John, Karras, Ann

Genres: Nonfiction

190 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[David Henkhaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

You've either ridden on RAGBRAI, or you haven't. I am of the former (though only within the past five years), and so much of the book resonates with me as one who shares much of the experience. It was fascinating to hear about early decisions and events, the aftermath of which resonate in how RAGBRAI continues to operate in 2021 and beyond.

But, if you have not ridden, or are not an Iowan, I'm not sure how helpful the book is. At times it detours into "in-jokes" that aren't easily grasped by outsiders. It is a bit dated (covering only the first 20-25 years), and so misses out on what RAGBRAI is today. And, Karras is an author whose writing is perhaps better suited to newsprint than a book.

With that all said, it is a delight to hear the words directly from one of RAGBRAI's founders. And it is with a bit of sadness, too. I grabbed this book because Mr. Karras passed away earlier this month. I did get a photo-op with him on a picnic bench a few years ago during a Karras Loop (optional route to bring a rider's daily mileage over 100, also known as a Century Ride)--I wish I would have had the time to speak with him at length to hear these stories first-hand.

Thanks for the memories, John. Tailwinds and downhills, and a cold one in the next meeting town.

[Melvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in only a couple days. I really enjoyed reading about the longest, oldest and biggest bike tour in the the world. Not only was it fun to find out how it started (by accident), but I loved meeting the unique characters of RAGBRAI, reading the ancedotes and even the explainations of how they tackled the huge logistical challenges was entertaining. If you are an avid cyclist you will enjoy this book, whether you have ever heard of RAGBRAI or not.

[Karah Spahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've never participated in RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), I thought I knew a lot about it since I've lived in Iowa for nearly my entire life! However, reading about the conception and evolution of the ride was really interesting and made me realize that I didn't know much about it at all. John Karras did a great job of writing a light and fun summer read that was written with humor and wit. He included tidbits from the first 25 RAGBRAI rides, and stories of riders, entertainers, and town celebrations throughout the years. I've always been tempted to ride a day or two of RAGBRAI and after reading this book, I'm even more tempted. In fact, I think it's something I need to do. Someday.

Favorite Quotes:
"What struck us first in those early rides was the beauty of the Iowa countryside when seen from a bicycle seat. In a car, it was mostly corn and beans, not boring, exactly, but certainly not spectacular..... True, in summer the state is pretty, even in it's rolling fields, but again, hardly anything to exclaim over. On a bike at 10 miles an hour, however, it was WOW!"

"This is not a bike ride, it's a Scout Camp for adults."

"It's been a marvelous gift, conceived in innocence, achieved thought happenstance and continuing in the unlikeliest of magical moments."

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in only a couple days. I really enjoyed reading about the longest, oldest and biggest bike tour in the the world. Not only was it fun to find out how it started (by accident), but I loved meeting the unique characters of RAGBRAI, reading the ancedotes and even the explainations of how they tackled the huge logistical challenges was entertaining. If you are an avid cyclist you will enjoy this book, whether you have ever heard of RAGBRAI or not.