Thank You Notes from RAGBRAI 2011,

Pork Belly Ventures


Each year, when it comes time to compile all these kind letters for the Testimonial Page, we feel overwhelmed by your warmth and appreciation. This year, especially so. In the fifty or so letters below from RAGBRAI 2011, the dominant theme is the helpfulness and friendliness of the PBV Crew, for which we are ever-grateful. Getting to spend the best week of the year with our hardy crew and our cheerful RAGBRAIers makes us feel like the luckiest people in Iowa. We say this every year, and it has never been truer: You make us want to be a better charter.

Tammy, Mike, Pete, Chuck, Yoko and the rest of the dynamite PBV Team, Can’t thank you enough for the excellent support you provided during RAGBRAI 2011. I did a reference check on PBV with friends from California. I’m sorry, but their testimonial was an understatement. After experiencing a week of your superb and friendly service, I will proudly wear my Pork Belly jersey and represent in my home state! I knew from last year’s RAGBRAI that the people of Iowa were very nice. What I didn’t expect was to find the true spirit of aloha alive in Pork Belly Ventures! Mahalo nui loa,
—Paula from Washington

Pete and Tammy, The minute I dipped my front tire on the last day of RAGBRAI 2011, my mind was already fast-forwarding to next year’s ride. I enjoyed my first RAGBRAI more than I thought I would, in large part due to the efforts of you and your team. Pete, I commented to you in Davenport that you had the operational process down to a science, to which you chuckled and suggested that it was mad-science. Whatever it is that you guys do to get from one town to the next and set up by noon or before each day is impressive at a minimum. Every day, I’d roll in at or around noon, and my tent and bags were always ready for me. Amazing! It appeared to me that there wasn’t much downtime for you or your team… Who knew a shower in a large trailer could be so great; or shaving in front of a mirror with the slimming affects of a month-long fast if you stood at just the right angle – could feel so good. Have a terrific year. I’ll see you in July 2012.
—Bob from Texas

Dear Tammy, Pete and Crew, We loved our stay with PBV! I truly had tears in my eyes as I read the farewell email. When you put forth so much effort and work through the struggle together, I believe it creates a unique bond. Kathy said it best, "I want to go back again to be with the Pork Belly Ventures Crew!" We spoke with a small group on Saturday in the meet up town. They had many questions about PBV. Kathy and I went on and on about all of your services. They kept saying "Really?" Thank you, THANK YOU for all you did to make our trip unforgettable.
—John from Louisiana

Not quite sure how to encapsulate the great experience, but wanted to pass on a sincere thank you to you and all your crew. I've had countless people ask "how'd you survive the heat?" Truth be told, it was the lousiest weather of all the RAGBRAI's I've ridden, but it was the funnest time I've ever had – really, really. I guess the best thing I can say is thank you. You all did a great job during a week of disconnecting from civilization.
—Dave from Wisconsin

Tammy & Pete, I just wanted to take a moment and send a HUGE thank you to you and your staff! This was my second year with the crew, and I was amazed how much more you had to offer plus the additional people that were with the charter. Amazed at the increase of numbers but just as amazed that none of the services were lacking due to the increased numbers. It never ceased to amaze me how chipper the entire crew was at oh-dark-thirty. I asked you previously what you were feeding them that early in the morning to make them that way. I can honestly tell you that the Pork Belly Crew set my morning off on a good note every single day. Getting into camp was always a high note, too. I could always expect to see smiles from the crew or someone willing to answer a question even though a majority of the time the answer was on the board. I couldn't imagine working that hard, for that long, in that kinda heat. I look forward to spending many more summers in Iowa with the Porkers of Iowa. Thanks again for an AWESOME and AMAZING time! HUGE HUGS!
—John from Illinois

People say that half of any enjoyable vacation is the planning and preparation leading up to the trip--and the pleasure of Pork Belly are the e-mails and the planning documents. I guess what I'm saying is that updates and the pre-trip e-mails are more than just about purveying information, they add pleasure to the entirety of the Pork Belly adventure. Personally speaking, knowing that Ragbrai is coming up helps me get through the spring semester and gives a sense of order to my life.
—Bill from California

Folks: First off, thank you so much for a great experience. There is very little you could have done to have made me any more satisfied and content during those eye-opening seven days. You and your staff went out of your way to make us feel comfortable, a very challenging feat considering the weather. If I needed something, I could always find someone to help me. I felt that I was never just a number, but rather an individual. You didn't always stick to the "script." If I asked, as I did, for an exception to the rule that made sense, you went along with it. Throughout the seven days, I felt you folks targeted excellence in everything that you did or offered and projected an image of professionalism. I thank you for making RAGBRAI an incredible experience for myself and many others.
—Bill from Texas

Dear Pete and Tammy (and everyone at PBV), Thanks for a tremendous week at RAGBRAI. Sorry it has taken me so long to write. I just recovered from the train that hit me during the week of July 24-30. Having completed my 17th RAGBRAI (all of them with PBV), I think I can say it was really tough (the 2nd toughest after 1999). Everyone and everything associated with Pork Belly helped make this week OUTSTANDING! As PBV has grown, so has the cheerfulness, attitudes, and fun of the charter. The 2011 Edition of Pork Belly was the best yet! Your planning and preparation showed. Please tell your Mom and Dad hello for me.
—Joe from Kentucky

Tammy and Pete, We had a great week, and a big part of that goes to the excellent crew you hired and their leaders. It was wonderful to always be greeted with a smile. Just to illustrate, I will share my Saturday afternoon experience in Davenport. It was well after the crew was "off the clock" and I was a half block away from the PBV unloading zone. Cindi and I were rolling our bags and one got lopsided. So I had to drop the tent bag. One of your crew grabbed it and carried it the rest of the way to our car. Unsolicted, unnecessary, and unbelievably beyond expectations.
—Steve and Cindi from Indiana

Hi Tammy & Pete, Thank you for the hospitality during RAGBRAI. The organization was mind-boggling and your execution was spot on. Living like a pig freed me to enjoy so much more during RAGBRAI 2011. Pork Belly Ventures is a first class "pig pen." Hopefully, I'll join you again on another RAGBRAI, soon. May you be well, happy, and prosperous.
—Knox from Georgia

I got my wallet today. I want to thank you and everyone at PBV for finding and returning it. I would recommend Pork Belly for everything you do to make your "porkers’" experience the best possible. I am a large rider and with all the hills this year, I got beat up pretty good, even after a lot of mountain training. Having a tent, showers, meals, and everything else you do made the whole experience one to remember. You guys and gals are great!! Thank you.
—Jim from South Dakota

I want to thank all the Pork Belly crew for their excellent effort to accommodate everyone’s wishes, concerns, complaints, tears, jokes, and all around mass of humanity that descended on Iowa & parked their sore bodies under the big red & white tent every day. I didn’t see a cranky person or a sad face in the entire crew, and that alone says something about the quality of the Porker help. Thanks again to all of you. I hope you made it home in good shape with no problems & I also hope to see you again next year same time, same station, ok?
—Leo from Illinois

Pete, Tammy, Lori, Mike, Dave, and all the rest of you wonderful people, Every year RAGBRAI gets better and better, and it is because of what you hard-working, caring people do for us. The group is larger, but the personal touch is still there. You are always striving to make our week better each year, and you do. You guys make me feel like I am part of this big wonderful family. We will continue to come each year, as long as we can keep making it up the hills. Once again god bless all of you and thank you so much.
—Mike from Illinois

I just want to say thanks again for a great week of Ragbrai. The bike is back together. My legs are back to normal. The bag of dirty clothes has been washed free of ammonia. I've told all my stories and shown all the pictures to friends and family. The week was magic and you (ALL of you) were the magicians. Thanks once more and please save me tent for next year.
—George from New York

Tammy/Pete, I just wanted to say it was another tremendous time at Ragbrai and especially Pork Belly Ventures. This year we got to know several staff members on a personal level, like John Goodman, I mean Russ, and the lovely, hardworking Gracie (see attached photo). Glad to be an old Porker.
—Kevin and Sara from Texas

Tammy & Pete, Thank you for the great time with PBV! It was a wonderful experience! There were many high lights/positives to being a Porker. The best was you and your entire staff's helpfulness, great "can do" attitude, and wonderful smiles. At Altoona, the McGuigan brothers’ "Yesterday & Today" concert was great. That band was fantastic! They more than made up for the heat. Thanks again, you run a great operation! You can count on me to be a great salesman for you and PBV.
—Mike from Nebraska

Hi Tammy, Just a note to say thank-you for a great job!! You and your crew were wonderful!! Everyone was very friendly and helpful, even on the hottest days. I hope to ride again next year and I will definitely be a "Porker" again!
—Leslie from Pennsylvania

Got my bike today. I think it was packed better than when I sent it. Thanks. Had another good time and thought things went as well as expected given the heat and humidity. You and your team were helpful and always willing to see if the problem could be solved. None of this “it isn't my job” stuff. Congratulations.
—Jeff from California

Pete, I am sorry this is late in coming your way but Adonia and I wanted to thank you for a fantastic first RAGBRAI experience. Having never ridden in the great event before we did not know what to expect. Not surprising to you I’m sure, but we were amazed at how easy you made life for us that week. Outside of the heat, the week could not have been more perfect. The locations were awesome, food terrific, facilities unbelievable, and your staff was phenomenal. Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you on our second RAGBRAI next year.
—Mike and Adonia from Illinois

Number 1 positive of PBV: The attitude of your workers. Several incidents stand out. Upon arrival, check-in was exceptionally courteous. You had a few folks around the bike box(s) shipment location offering to assist in locating the box, and EVEN find a shady spot to assemble. Many find this task stressful (Fern), and even she was very pleased with all the unsolicited help. In Davenport, having helpers at the ready for bike tear down, etc. left a great last impression.
—George from California

As I grow older, and my list of friends starts to dwindle, it is so great to meet all the people who do the same things I do and enjoy the same things. Thanks for introducing me to a host of new friends. Very Sincerely,
—Christopher from Kentucky

Tammy, Thanks for that day-to-day summary. Frankly, the memories were all running together by the end of the week. I enjoyed the week immensely, as did the others in our group (Forever Young). I was very impressed by how well organized you were. The staff was great and it made our vacation more enjoyable. Best wishes, and thank you,
—Jonathan from Pennsylvania

Pete and Tammy, I'd like to thank both of you and your crew for another outstanding excursion across Iowa! PBV provided another great week, thanks! Tammy, I looked for you yesterday at St A. but you were busy somewhere, LOL! Thanks and I'll see you next year!
—Michael from Kentucky

Thanks for a great ride. You and your staff did a great job and the services were more than I expected. The staff always had time to answer a question from a newbie. Pete, the shipping worked great and my bike was back in New Jersey on Friday. Good job done by all, and see you next year.
—Len from New Jersey

Tammy: Thanks so much for everything you and Pete did for us last week. The logistics of providing support for so many people has to require incredible patience and organization. Every Pork Belly representative we encountered was very helpful and proactive. I still cannot believe how you guys grow your hills in Iowa. I have never climbed so many long hills in my life. My granny gear is something that I rarely break out here in the Gulf Coast but I sure got comfortable with the gear last week. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your help on Friday night when my travel plans were turned upside down. Get some down time. You deserve it!
—Karla from Texas

Tammy, I just wanted to send a personal thank-you for all your help and support and the wonderful service you, Pete, and your entire crew provided at this year's RAGBRAI. It was my first and being with PBV made it an experience I'll want to repeat every year. Please let me know when I can fill out forms and sign up again for next year. Kudos to all of you for being the best at what you do.
—Linda from California

Hi Tammy, We had a wonderful RAGBRAI experience and good share of that should be attributed to our great time with Pork Bellies. The food, entertainment, and people were great! That all being said I have one favor to ask. When I got home I tried on my Live like a Pig t-shirt, and low and behold it was too small. Is it possible to scrounge up a Large?
—Carl from Wisconsin

Hi Tammy, Once again an outstanding job, especially with all of the heat and tough humidity to fight. We loved the band and danced even though we were sweaty. Such a great camp area! Food that night was the best ever and, well, I could go on and on about everything. We will look forward to seeing you next year. I swear Laura and I are walking billboards for Pork Belly all week long. There is no better charter than the Porkers.
—Sandra from Michigan

Tammy and Pete, Many thanks for the great support again this year. You, family, and crew did a great job again. This was my first year since you added the 'Shower anytime' and I must say that was a great addition. I also enjoyed the free lemonade. No complaints except maybe some of those bumpy roads - but there are some every year, it seems.
I missed seeing you at the hotel. I may try another state like Wyoming, Oregon, or Nevada. But then again, I may also live like a pig once more. ps. The best meal I had all week was the Pork chop dinner at the lake. Yummm.
—John from California

Tammy, Pete et al: Pork Belly was recommended to me by a friend who has done several RAGBRAIs, and I must say that it was good advice. So good, in fact, that I/we'll be back "living like pigs.” It was extremely easy to communicate w/y'all. If an email was sent, we got a reply almost instantly, and the question was answered. If a phone call was made, you answered the phone and took care of our concerns. The trip (your part) was well organized. You were visible in the campsites—you might be surprised how many "tour operators" disappear on some of the tours I have done. The Tuesday night meal, wherever we were, was the best meal of the entire trip. While you let it get hot at times, thank you for not letting it rain. People who [complain] about the weather should think twice. Things can always get worse. I love rural Iowa and see why you left Hawaii to come home. I would too. The Wednesday laundry was a blessing. My fellow travelers were really nice. That is the mark of a well-run trip - return customers. All of Dexters Delta Dons enjoyed our RAGBRAI w/Pork Belly. See you next year.
—Harris from Louisiana

Tammy/Pete, Just wanted to say I had a great week at my first RAGBRAI, and am glad I did it with PVB! You run a tight ship and are on top of all the details. Well done. Check out the video that our team (Straddle-N-Roll) assembled to summarize our week at RAGBRAI. There are lots of PBV highlights. I hope you see you all next year. Take care,
—Jeff from Illinois

Hi Tammy, Thanks to you and the whole PBV team for a herculean effort! You made my first RAGBRAI an unforgettable trip. Looking forward making the trip again next year. Regards,
—J.D. from California

Thank you for all you and your crew does during, before, and after RAGBRAI every year! I really enjoy the Anytime Showers! They make RAGBRAI much more bearable, no matter how hot it is. The meals are really nice, because we don't have to go in search of food. Thank you for making RAGBRAI a pleasant experience for everyone with Pork Belly.
—Coreen from Arkansas (but always a Nebraska girl)

Tammy, This was my 5th RAGBRAI and my daughter Alli’s 4th. It was our 3rd with PBV. You do a consistently great job. You are always incredibly well organized, your folks are exceptionally helpful and courteous. Given that you can’t change the weather or grow trees overnight, I can’t think of anything you should change. This was a particularly special RAGBRAI for me. It was the first time it was just Alli and me. I savored this one in a way I never have before. Thanks for the wonderful job you all did. I hope to see you next year but if not, will be back for sure in 2013. Best Regards,
—Larry from California

Hi Tammy! You need to write a book or publish these farewell letters all in a journal, for you articulate and express this unique journey through Iowa so well and especially bring those of us who missed the event, riding right along with you. When I scanned the below note, amazing memories popped back into my head (and heart) of my week spent with you in 2009. Congrats on another successful week. I know you made everyone’s week special. Now enjoy the rest. You all deserve it and one day I do hope to come back for another RAGBRAI. My best regards to you and the crew. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
—Gretchen from Wyoming

Tammy and Pete, Thanks for another great week in the corn with PBV. You guys have put together an amazing charter with an even more amazing crew. Good on ya! Here’s to both of you and your families!
—Jim from Oklahoma

Tammy, I just reviewed your 2011 windup email. PBV did a great job of providing information leading up to the ride. I thought the emails you provided were really helpful. This was my first Ragbrai and my first trip with PBV, so I have nothing to compare it to. But here are my observations: The transport from the Omaha airport to Glenwood worked great. Check-in was well organized. PBV's organization is outstanding. Finding my bags in the tent when I arrived in camp and leaving the bags in the tent every morning sure saved a lot of time and labor in the hot sun. The shower trucks with unlimited showers were really great. Wonderful folks running the showers, quick moving lines, towels, soap and shampoo included. I was very, very impressed with the showers. I thought this was far and away the best thing that PBV provided. The bike shipping service was excellent, running a very close third to the showers and tent service. I really liked the fact that my bike case was in camp when I arrived and I just had to break down the bike and pull the bike case a few yards to the FedEx truck in Davenport. It was very well organized. The fellow PBV riders I met were all great. The Beatles cover band and the Irish band were very good. Hearing "Freebird" played on a penny whistle may have been a once in a lifetime experience. You can never go wrong with Celtic music. In summary, you, Pete and your crew worked very hard all week under tough conditions and it was very much appreciated. I would highly recommend PBV to anyone who has never done a Ragbrai since you made the camping part of the ride, which in my opinion is the hard part, as comfortable as humanly possible.
—Pat from Mississippi

Dear PBV, Thanks for the write up. As I knew it would be, the farther we get from the heat and humidity, the better the week was. And although I was wavering in my decision about next year, all the relatives that come to Amana and to pick me up at the end have all ready made their reservations for next year with new relatives joining the party. So SOMEONE is going to have to ride again next year and since I'm the only one that seems to have a bicycle that will go that far, I guess its going to be yours truly. See you in the corn!
—Dennis from Arizona

Hi Tammy! I endo'd in Altoona and broke a rib. Was able to complete the week on grit, cause I was not going to let that stop me! Still on pain meds but it's slowly getting better. If it weren't for Ron's endless supply of Aleve I never would have made it. I still can't believe it's over. Can we do it again soon?
—Barbara from Texas

Hi Pete & Tammy, No complaints, only accolades. It currently appears that a family reunion will prevent me from riding RAGBRAI in 2012. However, I am looking forward to 2013. At 76, I will need a good supply of Metamucil in 2013. During the week Mike, Rick & I hooked up with Randy, Wes, and of course Lynn & Linda. FYI, Wes rode both the Friday’s and Saturday’s routes on Fri., then ran the Bix-7 at 6:16 pace, finishing 11th in the 35-39 age group (at 39). Thank you for another really great week with PBV.
—Dick from Florida

Hi Tammy, Another great job. I loved just handing over my bike at the end of the ride. It was such a big help at the end of a long hot week. I would be interested in a PHAT room for next year!! Thanks again.
—Julie from Arizona

Hi Tammy, Thanks for another memorable week in the corn (my 2nd). I only have a couple small comments. I really appreciated Casey being at the pump thingy in the morning to air up tires. It's a small thing, but she really moved the line along rather than having a lot of us fumbling with the connections. The meals were great, too. Don't know if I'll ride next year, but if I do I'll be going with PBV. Best wishes,
—Bernie from Indiana

Tammy, Thanks again for everything you and Pete do for us. This was a tough year because of the heat, but I had just as much fun. Reading the farewell letter, I laughed out loud about the saplings in Altoona. I'm not sure if you already made your trip to west coast yet. If so I hope you had a great time, and if not I hope you enjoy yourself and forget about all of us for at least a few weeks!
—Chris from Connecticut

Tammy, Great newsletter. It's interesting to hear your perspectives and encounters with great Porkers. I had a great experience, and made friends with great Porkers too. The week's bike riding was exceptional, and my highlight was after the first day's tough riding, and after I found the PBV campsite, I set out to search for what RAGBRAI termed a world-class pie maker in Atlantic. The Farmer's Kitchen on 319 Walnut Street, which was about a mile and a half from the PBV campsite. Tammy, if you ever have a chance to go to Farmer's Kitchen in Atlantic, it is a fantastic place and the sour cream raisin pie is out of this world, with a moist meringue, and a wonderful filling. I was tempted to stay there and eat my way to bliss, but my practical nature kicked in and I knew I needed to shower, and get to dinner at PBV, and get ready for the next day's ride. Thanks to PBV, I was able to do RAGBRAI this year. It is a way for us bike riders to enjoy RAGBRAI and have the physical support we need for showers, food, electric re-charging, and professionalism and kindness so we can do our bike riding. So thanks to you and Pete and your staff for all you do.
—Mary Anne from Virginia

Tammy and Pete, On behalf of my friends, I want to thank you again for making the last week in July a very special time. Once again, RAGBRAI and PBV acted as a wonderful gravitational force to bring our group of long time friends from Boston, NY, San Francisco, Australia, Chicago, and Michigan together again. First-timer JD is already pledged to return, as well as second-timer John from NYC. We all love the state, the people, the PBV crew, and all the folks who support a great tradition and event. In addition, we have any number of friends who are gradually being pulled into the RAGBARI/PBV orbit; some are a year or two away from joining while others may take a decade given family and career priorities. We loved the room we had in “High on the Hog.” The beds, the air-conditioning, the attention to detail (the hooks, pull handles, reading lights, plenty of outlets for charging phones, etc.) were great. The daily “maid service” was much appreciated as was the cold water bottles. Only thing we’d change is the wastebasket; it was too small for all our refuse. All the best,
—Bob from Illinois

Hi, Tammy – Thanks for the interesting and informative wrap-up. I knew it was hot on Wednesday but had no idea it was perhaps 118. I’m glad I didn’t know it at the time. The night at Runnels Church was a life-saver. If you could organize a second night of church camping, that would be great. I would certainly sign up. The free root beer floats were awesome. You have a whole lot of amazingly nice people on your crew. I wish I wasn’t such a sieve-head and could remember names, but here’s a picture of one crew member who unfailingly went out of her way to be kind and encouraging. [Editor’s note: It was Martina.]
—Don from Pennsylvania

Hi Guys, Just wanted to say Thank You for Your Support during our first RAGBRAI. I felt like I was getting stronger as the week progressed. I really did enjoy myself on the ride, and it was nice coming back to your place knowing a shower and a hot meal would be waiting! The pork chops on Monday were just great! I pedaled all the way with no Sag, slow as a turtle but very proud of myself, and it makes me want to come back for sure. I just have to say Thank You again, and you have an A+ in my book! P.s. I have ridden every day since getting back, including the Sunday after. I love my bike!
—Randy from Illinois

My second RAGBRAI and my second time with you. I cannot imagine a better shuttle service! Don't EVER change!
—Shelley from D.C.

Tammy, Loved the 2011 video!! We had an awesome time on our first RAGBRAI trip! We know our great experience had a lot to do with Pork Bellys! You guys are top notch! Can't wait until next year! Thanks again for all the work Pork Belly does. Everyone was so helpful and nice! I have been telling all my cycling friends not only how great RAGBRAI was, but recommending Pork Belly as the group to join! See ya next year!
—Lisa from Pennsylvania

Dear Tammy & Pete, Just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic week in Iowa. It was my first RAGBRAI, and my first visit to the state, but not the last for either. You and all the PBV crew did a great job and it was a pleasure to travel with you. I've pasted a link to my photos. The first one in the album is a group shot of what became my team for the week. From left to right: me, Pam, Rob, Greg and Tim. I've also attached a panoramic photo of the Altoona campsite taken from Mount Pork. Thank goodness for the sweet, sweet swimming pool. That was one HOT day. Hope you all are enjoying a well-deserved break. Thanks again, and "warmest" regards!
—Adam from Maryland

Dear Tammy, Pete, and all those who were the face of PBV this year, I have come to expect that the last week in July in Iowa will be relaxing, challenging, a little crazy and, above all, fun. Thanks to all of you for making that the case again this year. My initial response to your request for suggestions was along the lines of "Our cup already runneth over..." but if something springs to mind I'll pass it along. Certainly, what was provided in 1996 (our first year) was enough, although I can't say that I really miss the cold showers in car washes or the long schlepps to UPS at the end of the ride. Best wishes to all for the year ahead.
—Tom from California

Hello Tammy! So good to hear from PBV. Sean & I are thinking that maybe the heat & humidity of Iowa are a bit like labor pain, that the memory of them dissipates over time and what remains is just how good it felt to hop on our bikes EARLY in the a.m. after our quick PBV coffee and then hope to find the pancake man somewhere in the first twenty miles. We really thought we'd be one-year riders and then move on to other rides in other states, but there is nothing quite like RAGBRAI (or PBV). We heard from our new RAGBRAI friend Larry that he's already signed up. Regardless of whether we make it, please know that your team did an awesome job of handling the heat & humidity last year. I may have grown up in Sioux City but I honestly had NO IDEA what "heat index" meant after so many years in Wyoming. It's hard enough to manage it on a bike where you can at least generate a breeze but you guys were WORKING in it. Totally impressive. Best wishes for 2012,
—Mia and Sean from Wyoming

Dear Pete and Tammy, We were on RAGBRAI last year and went with Pork Belly Ventures. Your charter service was beyond phenomenal. Other than providing free foot rubs at the end of the day, your organization anticipated everything and made the ride absolutely fantastic. If you could work on the 100 degree heat, you would be true superstars. Last year was our first year with RAGBRAI and we are planning to do it again, but not until 2013. So please, can you keep us on your e-mail list, even though we will not be participating in 2012. And once again, thanks for the great job you did. We are proud porkers.
—Gretchen from Ohio