COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: Are you ready for RAGBRAI?

Editor's note: Sharon Doak is editor of the Bicyclists of Iowa City newsletter.

By Sharon Doak, community contributor

IOWA CITY - If you've gone on RAGBRAI in the past, you're probably still amazed that you can box up your bike, put it back together at the starting town and successfully pedal down the road the next day.

If you've never been on RAGBRAI, you'll probably be amazed just learning that your bike could (and should) fit into a cardboard box.

The Bicyclists of Iowa City will hold its annual packing and boxing meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library's meeting room A. There will be a demo by an experienced rider showing just what you need to do. It's easier than you think.

Another part of the night's events is a presentation of packing secrets by a seasoned RAGBRAIer. You'll discover it really is possible to fit a week's worth of clothes, plus a tent and your bedroll into just two bags (OK, so they're really big bags).

You'll also learn how much underwear to pack, why a battery-powered fan plus a bowl of ice equals air conditioning (sort of), why you might be happy you brought a set of earplugs and a blindfold and why zip-lock bags can be your best friend.

n For more information about the Bicyclists of Iowa City and RAGBRAI, go to wwww.bicyclistsofiowacity.org