Originally Posted by
Bahnzo
I'll give you my advice, based on me being in the same order as you...only last year.
After riding bikes all my younger life, I finally got back into it last year with a free MTN bike that I received. First, I'd forget about RAGBRAI. You haven't ridden in years and that bike and RAGBRAI (from what I've read) aren't gonna happen. BUT: use that bike to get back into riding. If you are riding mostly on roads, then get a pair of city/road tires to help with the ride and enjoy yourself. Check out some shorts (trust me, I tried to tough it out, but bike shorts rule) and etc. Proper clothing makes a big difference in cycling.
If you like it (and I'm sure you will) then a true road bike is in order. Consider what you can afford and go from there. In my first year (starting in June) I clocked 1.5K miles and plan to double this year. RAGBRAI is a commendable challenge, just don't worry about it right away. Get yourself acclimated and make sure it's something you like, then upgrade as much as you can and don't look back.
Depends how old OP is- when I was about 19, after already having not been on a bike in years, I rented a c. 50 lb. steel 3-speed monstrosity, and rode the approximate course of the NYC Marathon. You can do anything when you're young. OTOH, if he's 50.....he'd do well to heed your advice.
Good catch on it being a MTB all it's life... I noticed after posting, that DT shifter bosses were also missing- which kinda made me think that also. (Would've actually been handy for OP if it had those bosses!)