COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: On the road at RAGBRAI, Day 3 (updated)

Editor's note: Dale Bieber and David Sojka of the Bicyclists of Iowa City have agreed to send us daily reports from the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, which will make a stop in Cedar Rapids. The ride started  Sunday. Here is David Sojka's report from Day 3:

6:35 a.m.: Today's start earlier than I expected as the camper next to me was up at 3:45 a.m.. I do not have a headlight so I waited to hit the road at 5:30. Just pulled into Auburn for some turnovers at St Mary's. Trying to get some miles in before the heat returns. I could use a Starbucks.

8:05 a.m.: In the town of Lohrville, 30 miles (down),  52 to go. I forgot what the day was, which is a sign of a good vacation.

10:08 a.m.: Strong headwinds have decided to make this more of a challenging day. We have the heat and humidity so why not some headwinds. Few hills so far after 43 miles.

2:11 p.m.: A stiff headwind has slowed everybody's progress today. A couple short jags to the north have been some relief. I am skipping the Karras loop, which gives riders the extra miles for a century ride, 100 miles in 1 day. No need to over achieve today. 14 miles to go.

3:38 p.m.: That was a tough one. Heat and head winds combined for a long day. Hills we can handle but strong head winds are relentless. It was still fun and we get to do it again tomorrow.

From Jerry Ask of Cedar Rapids:

Lake View - I attempt what's supposed to be the most difficult "Karras Loop" in RAGBRAI history, named after RAGBRAI co-founder, John Karras. Picture is of Mr. & Mrs. John Karras, Mike Beutner of Denton, Texas, and Jerry Ask, members of Team Wimpy, who will attempt the 100 mile ride tomorrow.