my brother just did that ride.
he's from texas.
his seat post snapped causing him to fall off and get scraped and ego bruised - but he made the paper.
did you meet him?
congrats on a big ride!
Hmmm ... I don't think so, but to put that in perspective -
There were a huge number of people on the ride. On Day 1 there were and estimated 20,000+ riders. On Days 3 & 4 (approaching/departing Des Moines) there were an estimated 30,000+ riders. Those days were more than a bit nuts. Fortunately the other days the numbers were a bit more manageable. The total number of weeklong riders is "limited" to 8,500 - that's how many wrist bands are issued - with another 1,500 so-called "day riders". The rest are called "bandits" in RAGBRAI-ese.
Still - even with the occasional crowds, heat, humidity, t-storms, possible tornades - it's a hoot! Amazing effort/party/experience.