Episode 398: The Tour of the Mississippi River Valley Weekend Ride
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In Episode 398 of the Just Go Bike Podcast, hosts Murph and AP kick off a springtime-themed episode with practical bike maintenance tips and enthusiasm for the upcoming cycling season. They emphasize the importance of pre-ride checks—air pressure, brakes, chain condition, and cleaning—while encouraging listeners to bring their bikes out of storage and prepare for the summer ahead. The episode then shifts focus to the Tour of the Mississippi River Valley (TAMRAV), a challenging two-day ride returning in 2026 with new leadership and an all-Iowa route due to construction in Illinois. Hosts and guest Tina Reyes from Tom Robb detail the scenic, hilly route along the Mississippi River, highlighting new SAG stops, river views, gravel detours, and a unique lunch stop in Bellevue near the Lock and Dam. Riders can choose from a full double-century route or a one-day option, with lodging options including free camping, dorms, and hotel luggage drop-offs. Tina shares her excitement about improving rider experience through better food, volunteer support, and personal involvement. She also offers advice for first-time riders: train consistently, eat and hydrate regularly, and reach out for support. Registration is open now via the QCBC website and Get Me Registered platform, with active updates on the Tom Rav Rider Facebook page.
Perform the ABCs of bike safety: Air, Brakes, Chain before riding in spring.
Wash your bike properly to prevent paint damage and maintain performance.
Use spring as a time to upgrade accessories and donate unused gear.
TAMRAV 2026 is a challenging, scenic two-day ride on an all-Iowa route with over 10,000 feet of climb.
New features include river-view SAG stops, gravel detours, and a unique lunch stop in Bellevue.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Spring Cycling Season
Hosts Murph and AP welcome listeners to the Just Go Bike Podcast and kick off the episode with excitement for spring riding in Iowa, setting the tone for seasonal preparation and community connection.
Spring Bike Maintenance Tips
The hosts share essential spring maintenance steps—checking air pressure, brakes, chain condition, and cleaning—emphasizing safety, performance, and the joy of getting back on the bike.
Introducing TAMRAV: The Tour of the Mississippi River Valley
The episode transitions to a deep dive into TAMRAV, a classic two-day ride returning in 2026 with a new all-Iowa route due to construction in Illinois.
TAMRAV 2026: Route, Terrain, and New Features
“We're going to have the same amount of climb as you would in Illinois, in the Illinois side, traditionally it's called Blackjack Road. It's a very long, it's like eight miles of slow roll to the top.”
Rider Support, Lodging, and Food
“I promise everyone there'll be soda at lunch. Okay. All right. I am making that promise. There's something about a can of Coke, of real Coke. When I'm riding a bike, I will.”
“I promise everyone there'll be soda at lunch. Okay. All right. I am making that promise. There's something about a can of Coke, of real Coke. When I'm riding a bike, I will.”
“If you're on the fence, call me. Let's talk. I'll share my personal journey.”
“We're going to have the same amount of climb as you would in Illinois, in the Illinois side, traditionally it's called Blackjack Road. It's a very long, it's like eight miles of slow roll to the top.”
Hosts
Guest
Tina Reyes
person
TAMRAV
other
Mississippi River
other
Quad Cities
place
Loras College
organization
Dubuque
place
RAGBRAI
other
Bettendorf
place
Davenport
place
AP
person
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Episode 399: Spotlight on the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective
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Episode 400: Butts, Bikes, Dude Wipes and RAGBRAI
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