8/13/2007

Today we were able to connect back up to where we started with RAGBRAI. It was no easy task getting back to Rock Rapids either. Along the way, we had to hit some terrible headwinds, tired legs following Dad’s century, and poor weather on top of the normal things we have to deal with concerning a bicycle. All said though, when Dad managed to push through and get there, it was a nice feeling to be truly to the Mississippi. And not only that, we got to see the meeting spot for those West of the Mississippi for their post-church brunch. Apparently the pizza buffet is the place to meet up after church, with plenty of people dressed in their Sunday best matched with all you can eat cold, and beyond that mediocre, pizza. Makes perfect sense to a kid from the East who follows no religion and eats pizza for the most part when its free (or from Antonio’s following McMurph’s, for those who know).

When we got through it though, it was onto the Kansas City Royals. We got to experience a KC Baseball game, knocking another stadium off of our list of places to see. To date, this has been the first stadium that has made me consider being a season ticket holder outside of Fenway. And the only reason for that is my very American values. Bigger is more often than not better. And this is certainly one of those cases. In KC, we can get a great seat by simply walking up to the ticket counter when they are open for that day’s game. I’ve been able to do this once in Boston, but the line I had to wait on for in Boston was absurd, whereas showing up in KC put me at the head of the line. Not only that, but with the ticket prices, I was able to sit 3 rows from the field on the first base side, one section away from the infield, and all for the price of $25 per seat. That wouldn’t get me into the standing room in Fenway for any purpose. And its not only the price and quality of the tickets. Beers in KC were not only affordable, but large enough to where you almost want a smaller one for the heat you experience while drinking it. With six beers, you get all the effects of a 12 pack, and at an affordable price. In Fenway, I would have to choose between leasing a Benz and going for the effects of a 12 pack. Its not what I’m looking for all that often at a ballgame, but you know what, its nice to have the option. All together, the experience almost makes you question whether all these factor up to being a larger experience than can be gotten from within Fenway.