All signs point to this being a fairly hilly route, which should quickly dispel any rumors that Iowa is flat. Nebraska is flat. Kansas is flat. Iowa has hills and sometimes the Ragbrai route finds them.

Take Burlington for example. Burlington Iowa’s placement on the Mississippi River mean that a part of the town is built along the bluffs. This has led to some interesting road design, exemplified by the infamous Snake Alley.

Yes, this road is in Iowa.

Think Fremont Street in San Francisco. Except steeper.

There’s a good chance that even if the actual route doesn’t goup or down this street, there will be a hill climb challenge, or something similar planned for the last day. I think I have a hill that approximates this one near my house to practice on.

The rest of the route will take us through river valleys, open farm territory with corn fields on both sides, and many small towns. Ragbrai veterans say that you are guaranteed one chilly day, one rainy day, three really hot days, and one perfect day. I really hope that this year gives us a few extra perfect days.