If it's July in Iowa, it's time for RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), reportedly the largest mass bicycling event in the US (and maybe the world). For the past 36 years this annual week long movable feast has been a mecca for bike riders from all of the world and has inspired many similar events across the country. Though officially limited to 8500 riders the "day rider" count can be much higher with counts in the 12-14 thousand range.
But what has this to do with Antique Airfield and old airplanes? Well over the years RAGBRAI has been "Barnstormed" by the likes of AAA members Gary Lust, Jack Greiner and others. As well, the route for the ride passed by Antique Airfield in 2000 and did again this year on July 23rd.
While the ride in 2000 brought many of visitors into the APM there was no official "Barnstorming" planned. However APM Board President Ed Nedderman (deceased) and Brent Taylor did end up hauling airplane rides from 10am to 6pm that day. We hadn't planned to but an offer of a donation from one rider to see the area from the air snowballed into a day of flying.
Once news of the intended route for 2009 showed that RAGBRAI would again be going down the Bluegrass Rd. from Blakesburg to Ottumwa, Gary Lust was contacted to find if either he, or any of the other "American Barnstormers Tour" pilots and aircraft, would like to use Antique Airfield for ride hauling operations on that day. Though Gary would end up not being able to participate, Chris Price informed us that he would be bringing the New Standard D-25 to Antique Airfield to participate.
Flash ahead to July 23rd which was sunny and cool with light winds. Chris arrived with the New Standard late in the morning, just ahead of the throng of bicycles as they descended upon Blakesburg headed on towards Ottumwa. He quickly had his road signs and banners in place and was just as quickly taxiing out with his first load of passengers. And he would remain busy for the next 5-6 hours!!
Along with the New Standard we had the APM open for tours as well as several aircraft out on the grass for display. Several local members were also on hand, including Erik Edgren in his clipwing T-craft, Travis Gregory in his 11BC Aeronca (aka "Cousin Eddie") and Les Gaskill in his Piper J-2. The T-craft and Chief along with the APM's Ryan STA, could be seen often in the air that afternoon with there antics helping to attract the crowds of cyclists to stop, visit and take a ride with Chris in the New Standard.
A localized rain shower that turned into a thunderstorm put a damper on the days activities late in the afternoon. Though it did not move over Antique Airfield, it was close enough that airplanes were tied down, secured back into the hangars, or flown home. But the storm moved quickly out of the area and Chris, always eager to fly, offered rides those of us whom remained. He certainly did not have to ask twice and another four plane loads of Antique Airfield locals/volunteers were treated to a wonderful evening ride in the classic New Standard.
It was certainly a great way to end a really fun day here at Antique Airfield. Thanks Chris!!!