Ragbrai 2016
 

The route for 2016 was just announced, and I've been eyeing this event for the last few years and I'm about to pull the trigger and sign up for it. Maybe solo or accompanied by my 13 year old son. (14 by the time of the ride).
I would like to hear some experiences, what did you like, what didn't you like? Tips for pacing with a teenager? How to prepare for the overnight stays etc.

So stereotyping - maybe your son is different - but besides my son racing I've done lots of group rides with junior high groups. In general they take off like rockets and run out of fuel fast. They don't plan for weather other than what it is like when they start.

Slow them down in the start. Have him eat early, then have him eat a bit every 30 min or so. Be sure he's drinking.

Is he up to that many days of riding in a row? It seems like a pretty manageable daily workload for a reasonably fit cyclist.

Get yourself a bike intercom if you want to be able to chat without riding side by side - Cardo used to make a thing called the BK-1 duo, which you can probably find on ebay for about 200 a set. Terrano bought the product recently, see it here - Terrano

My extremely chatty 13 yr old son enjoys being able to talk at will. :)

My son is the quiet type, We do chat quit a bit but I want to use this week aloe with him to keep it simple. No garmin, no go pro, cell phones just for emergencies. I want to teach him to listen the sounds of the road, the wind and his thoughts.
Momma bear may be doing the whole support car thing so she will be around if needed. He does have the physical stamina for sure, does he have the mental will? That's what we need to find out. But he is excited with the idea so far.

Go for it, it will be the best time you could ever spend with your kid.

I ride as much as I can with my 13-year old daughter locally here for up to 70 miles, and those hours are priceless, even without talking.

He's not old enough to drink alcohol, so no. Only kidding. I have friends who have done it regularly and from all the crazy stories I hear, it's less about riding and more about drinking and having a good (crazy) time.

If you want to get really serious for back to back days (and I assume you don't - but just mentioning it).

Have him take leg only 5 min ice baths every day after the ride. So tub 6in deep water, 1 pac of purchased ice. Wrap towels around upper body/heat room. 5 min, even two is good.
Start him taking Beta Adenine (Google).