Thank-You Notes to PBV
2009
One of the best jobs during our off-season is making this compilation of thoughtful letters sent to us over the fall and winter. We especially appreciate so many of you taking time to commend the strong, generous people on our crew. You can trust that we’ll share these words with them. As we say every year, you make us want to be a better charter.
Hi, Tammy, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your staff, the people I dealt with on a daily basis. I hardly know any of their names, but know all their friendly faces. The coffee guy in the morning always got my day off to a good start, and the beverage guys usually capped it. I expected the services provided by Pork Belly, listed in detail on your website and in your postings. You delivered. What I didn't expect was the over-the-top sincere friendly service from First Light to Way Past Dark. There, you over-delivered.
-Ray from Tennessee
Tammy/Pete, I feel like I’m a pretty good “project manager” but the two of you put me to shame. You were wonderfully organized and incredibly efficient. I enjoyed watching the PBV machine at work. We are actually giving some serious thought to heading to Ireland to hang with The Elders for a week. Again, thank you for a great time on RAGBRAI. I can’t imagine how I got along without you in the past. This year was so much easier and enjoyable by leaving all of the logistics to you to handle.
-David from Arizona
Tammy, after my third RAGBRAI with Pork Belly, I have a real soft-spot for PBV now, sort of like a member of a family. You guys are the best buy in mental health there is today. Mick is a wizard with the baggage. Almost psychic. Dave is a solid asset for PBV. Real behind-the-scenes hero. Jason in baggage is as nice a human being as has ever existed. Never anything but a smile and a kind word from him. You and your crew are so lucky since you obviously love your jobs or you would not do them so well. You know the old cliché – do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m just glad I’m the recipient of so much happiness. Your friend,
-Phil from Texas
Tammy, thanks for a flawless week at RAGBRAI. I’d made up my mind not to complain about anything, but there was nothing to even consider complaining about. You and the PVB crew did a wonderful job in every way. For me, it was a perfect week.
-Bill from Maryland
Dear Tammy and Pete: I’m still absorbing what went on last week, but I thought I’d share some immediate thoughts. You two are the greatest. The crew was outstanding. Rex was super; Bam was unfailingly helpful; Mick was available; Martina was, as usual, wonderful; the young guys, many of whose names I have yet to learn, all performed like graduates of Disney Customer Service Training. And it goes on and on. No one can help you recover from the day and get you ready for the next as well as Stacy. Dan and Doug saved my bacon on two occasions, and were bound and determined to make sure I got back on the road. (I did.) They are terrific. The Lutheran Church campsite was the most beautiful I’ve seen in my eight years of RAGBRAI. Lines? What lines? You’ve got that part fixed. Bottom line: The only discomfort I felt was that my cheeks (the upper ones) hurt from smiling so much all week. Helen is already actively recruiting for next year, and so am I. Bob and Ahmad send their regards. Get some sleep!
-Frank from New York
Greetings from tent #33! We just wanted to let you know what a great week we had with PBV and our fellow Porkers! Loved the organization and attention to detail. That's what makes you a success! Your staff were friendly and pleasant at all times and we certainly looked forward to arriving each day to find dry luggage, a cold beer, and a paper to read! Thanks again for all your hard work!
-Laurie and Dean from Ohio
Tammy and Pete, I purposely waited for your farewell letter, knowing you'd be inundated with the closing details of RAGBRAI. The Bonita Bay Bike Club members had a magnificent experience with you. You're getting better and better every year. Your conveniences can't be beat. Thanks for taking such great care of us. Have a great year. Some of us will see you again next year.
-Wil from Florida
Why am I crying? I cannot adequately put into words what Ragbrai means to me, but you sure can and I thank you for that! I also want to thank you and your fabulous crew for another great year! Love, love, love the video! I had so much fun with Spencer watching it! Enjoy your year and before you know it we will all be together again!
-Lynnann from New Jersey, aka Pig Princess to her friends and family
Dear friends, You work so hard to create an environment of friendship that makes us want to return again and again to see our friends (you), and endanger our safety with 14,000 of our closest friends weaving back and forth for days on end, and chance saddle sores (ouch!), and sleep in a tent, under a sky of lightning strikes, and eat stuff on the side of the road that we would NEVER eat during the other 51 weeks of the year (Kyle and I paid for DEEP FAT FRIED CROISSANTS in 2008, and they were wonderful), and in general just relax and have fun because we know that you have everything under control for that week. I hope you all have recovered from that saintly thing that you do. We all appreciate it, whether or not we convey that to you in the heat of back pain and lavish applications of rump butter. Thanks again for a grand 2009.
-David from Oklahoma
Tammy, this is to thank you and everyone else from Pork Belly Ventures for the great time you provided to us during this year’s RAGBRAI. I had always wanted to do the RAGBRAI but was reluctant to do so because of camping. I had not camped since I was in the Army in 1968 and swore at that time I would never camp again. My friend Donn convinced me that camping with Pork Belly was not really like camping. I gave in to Donn and I am glad I did. I had a great time. Thanks again.
-Charlie from Arizona
Tammy, I remember sitting in Karen's hospital room during her final hours last November wondering, "What am I going to do?" Through the fall and early winter I remember very little. It was almost like having amnesia. Anyway, to make a long story short, on the final day of RAGBRAI as I was riding into Burlington, it was like a light switch went off and I got a little emotional in the last few miles (thank God for sunglasses). I stood there alone with my front tire in the river for about 10 - 15 minutes. I had such a good time with so many great people during the week. I fed off their hardships and struggles and thought, "If they can do it, I can do it." Then the week was over and I did not want to leave. The people I met made the entire trip. When I got home, my friends noticed something different about me. The fog was gone. I am back! The PBV tent sherpas kicked butt! (Put me down for a tent next year!) The Elders, awesome! PBV will always have a special place in my heart. I shared my honeymoon with the perfect bride and said goodbye to the perfect bride with you guys. You are the best! July of 2010 can't get here fast enough!
-Kevin from Maryland
Hi Pork Belly Pete and Team! Thanks for a great RAGBRAI last summer. I am singing your praises extensively. I wanted to make sure you saw the "shout out" that you got from my friend, Bob Sutton, in the latest Road Bike Action Magazine. I already know that I want a tent rental from you in 2010, and I bet 3 tents for my buddies, too. Now that you are going to have a flurry of email requests, I am soooooo getting my name to you early! Sure hope you and the crew are now fully recovered. You must have slept for weeks after all the work you do! You are fabulous!
-Jean from California
Tammy and Pete, I hope you and your crew have recovered from the hectic week of RAGBRAI. I can’t thank you enough for making my week a camping pleasure. You run a top-notch service, and I can assure you that you are the envy of all. I have enjoyed telling my story about being a “Porker” for a week. I look forward to using your service again on my next RAGBRAI adventure. Best regards,
-Janet from New Hampshire
In writing my journal review for 2009, riding my first RAGBRAI was surely one of the highlights of the year. I made the right choice by choosing your charter company! It was a special week in seeing the back yards of others and in this case, a true American heartland of numerous backyards. The hosting towns came out in all weather to greet us and welcome us as if we were long time friends and when we would arrive to our next PBV campsite, you all welcomed us in just like family. Thank you again for an amazing week. I look forward to joining Pork Belly Ventures for another ride of a lifetime.
-Gretchen from Wyoming
From the very start of the experience with Pork Belly Ventures it was a pleasure. You and the people in the organization couldn't have been more helpful. I was lucky enough to get in with the tent rental group and that is definitely something I would recommend to anyone new to the ride or who just doesn't camp other than for RAGBRAI. I can imagine the planning and preparation that has to go into an effort that goes this smoothly and is run so efficiently. The increase in inquiries I'm sure is from word of mouth and also the great write up that PorkBelly got in Road Bike Action magazine. Your organization does some amazing things during that week to make all of the riders’ experiences on RAGBRAI one to remember for a lifetime. Looking forward to joining you for what has to be the best ride in the US. I'm just a little bit psyched and there are still six months to go!
-George from Connecticut
Hi Tammy, I just wanted to thank you and all the Pork Belly Venture riders, family, and support members for letting St. Mary's be a part of your RAGBRAI journey. We enjoyed meeting all of you and it was a great event for our parish. Everyone was pleasant and after you pulled out on Monday, you couldn't tell you had even been here. Everything was picked-up and the yard was free of trash. Thank you again for letting us host you one night of RAGBRAI. We hope your trip across Iowa was pleasant and we hope you consider us again if RAGBRAI ever comes through Red Oak.
-Cindee of St. Mary's Church in Iowa
Tammy and Pete, I am remiss in that I didn't write sooner, but I just wanted to thank you and your entire crew for another great year on RAGBRAI. I don't know how you all manage to stay so cheerful and helpful with the workloads you have for the week. As usual a great job by all, thanks again. I am already looking forward to next year, as I haven't had enough Midwest hospitality. I hope your and your families have a relaxing and peaceful interlude between now and July 25th.
-Ralph from Florida
Tammy and Pete, Wonderful trip. The suggestions I mentioned last year, you guys covered magnificently. More Pale Ale - you guys delivered. Tire pumps with the pressure thing that took the mechanic about 10 seconds a bike. Terrific job every day. In short I had the best ride yet. (The cool nights were an added unexpected treat, too.) All those music nights were awesome. I really have no more suggestions after this year. Terrific job, terrific staff, terrific people.
-Luther from Colorado
Pete, Tammy, Mike, and the PBV cast of characters, Thanks for a good time in Iowa last week. Maybe it’s old age, but I thought the week went really fast despite, or maybe because of, the minor adversities. It has been hard getting back into the academic chemist groove. As always, couldn't have done it without ya! I got the attached picture in Indianola, an especially magical night in my opinion.
-Tom from California
Tammy: Yes, you guys are the BEST! The beer was terrific, but you are INCREDIBLE. Please note the attached photo. The Des Moines Register captured me in red, white, and blue on Century Day. Up, Up, and Away!!! Thanks for being you.
-Donn from California
Tammy and Pete, Thanks for another wonderful RAGBRAI experience and for helping us figure out what to do after Randy's injury. Melissa had a wonderful time and we both really appreciated the extras that you and the PBV crew provide to make it all a great experience! LOVE the boulevard! Randy and I are definitely in for next year and we wouldn't do it any way but with Pork Belly Ventures. Randy had his knee surgery last week and is on the mend, but he still doesn't want to hear too much about my RAGBRAI experience this year. In time, that will pass. Hope you have a wonderful year and we look forward to hearing from you early next year!
-Pam from Kentucky
Thank you both for all your hard work in making PBV such a success year after year. (at least the last two in which I participated). I had a memorable and enjoyable time again this year in a large part due to you and the crew. I found very useful the credit-card-sized list of host town and campground info. That was a super idea. I happened to bring a folding umbrella this year and was asked by a few 'What kind of RAGBRAIer brings an umbrella?'. The answer is 'a dry one.’ Have a great year and I hope to see you again next year.
-John from California
Tammy and Pete, this was our first experience with PBV on RAGBRAI. We had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed touring with you all! Thanks so much for a wonderful experience during the week. You and your team are top-notch and fun at the same time. We hope to join you again another year.
-Steve and Tim from Michigan
Tammy, Pete and the whole Pork Belly crew: Rolling with PBV makes it so easy. Simply, it couldn't be easier. Thanks for another wonderful week.
-Ed from Kansas
Dear Tammy, I want to thank you (and Pete and the whole crew) for everything you did and put together for all of your riders. My experience was better than I had hoped it could be. I imagine plenty of riders are sending you pictures and stuff. Here's my slide show, and if there are any photos you like, please feel free to use them online or wherever. Again, thanks for your part in my RAGBRAI experience.
-Jay from Arizona
Pete & Tammy: I had a great time, and PBV was so well organized with team leaders and all that everything seemed relaxed. Believe it or not, I think the Shower Thingy has become iconic. Wouldn't be the same ride without it. The church stays were great. Left a little extra $ with the Lutherans, I hope they did well. I might call them back and see if that lady would make another quilt, it was great. Thanks for all you do, sign me up for next year.
-Terry from Iowa
Tammy & Pete: For all the Team Breaking Wind members (Tom, Elaine, Rob, Henry, Kirt, JR, Wendy, Ilse and myself) we’d like to say THANK YOU for the great service on RAGBRAI this year. You guys, and your team did a GREAT job! The organization was exceptional, tents perfect, meals great and your “thingies” outstanding. I look forward to joining Pork Bellys again the next time we do RAGBRAI!
-Greg from Colorado
This was my first RAGBRAI and I think Pork Belly did a lot to make it a memorable trip. You and your staff did a great job.
-Jack from Minnesota
As a long time porker, I can only tell you it is important to note that this charter has become the biggest and in my opinion the best, simply because the folks that run this care about each and everyone of you. It is exciting every year to come back and see old friends, meet new and interesting people, and remember those that couldn't come along or are no longer with us. The crew that is assembled each year is first class and they will do damn near anything to make this week as good as it can be for you.
-Steve from Illinois
Tammy, Thanks for a great time at RAGBRAI 37. I just wanted to let you know that I was treated very well by you and your staff. While I am sure everybody would have liked more kybos from time to time, I think everything went as smoothly as could be expected from the perspective of a first-timer. After all, you advised in advance to keep enthusiasm high, and expectations low. I would like to compliment your staff on one problem they resolved immediately. Upon advising your staff that my tent had a leak, they were there in a heart beat with a new outer cover, and, although I was willing to do so, insisted upon toweling out the water themselves. I hope you and staff have had time to recover from the hectic week, and thanks again.
-Art from New Mexico
Hi Tammy, Hope you are recovering from an incredible RAGBRAI week. I can only imagine how exhausted you must be after taking care of all the Pork Belly folk. What a great experience; biking, camping, eating, drinking, sharing stories and listening to the Elders. You all make the week a wonderful event! Thanks so much for taking great care of Larry and Mary after their accident. They are both on the mend and have been to their doctors. I am hoping that you might have enough requests to make an order for Roll With It t-shirts. I'd love to get four more. Boy, does that slogan say it all! Thanks again, and have a relaxing August.
-Carla and Andy from Colorado
You have done it again. The PBV staff was knowledgeable, always ready to lend a hand, and able to answer any question I had. The entertainment provided was fantastic. As always, the campsites were perfect. Because of this (and many other reasons) I look forward to returning for many years to come. Thanks to everyone at Pork Belly for making this RAGBRAI another fantastic memory. Stay in touch. And let us know if you head this way. Hugs from the desert!
-Bry from Arizona