As the summer draws to a close, I’ve been determined to make the most of the remaining weeks, and RAGBRAI provided the perfect opportunity for some memorable experiences. One such adventure took place in Des Moines on Thursday when Andric and I attended a country concert. It was a special moment for both of us, as it was our very first concert experience. Armed with lawn chairs, we sat back and enjoyed the music.
Amidst the excitement, we have also been dedicated to our research project. Our focus has been on finalizing our poster, putting in the last-minute touches to ensure it conveys our findings effectively. As part of this effort, I’ve taken on the task of writing research memos, transforming our research into a concise and readable format that emphasizes our key discoveries. Our poster is shaping up beautifully, and we’re eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present it at the upcoming research symposium.
As we approach the end of this remarkable summer program, I can’t help but feel grateful for all the valuable experiences, from the thrilling RAGBRAI activities to the growth and learning that came from our research endeavors. The camaraderie with my peers and the knowledge gained throughout these weeks will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on my life and I’ll always remember this summer in Ames.
As the weekend passed, I found myself eagerly looking forward to the remaining two weeks of the program. To kick off the week, the RAGBRAI activities added an exciting touch to the days ahead. On Tuesday, we were lucky to get off work at 3:00, which allowed me to take full advantage of the festivities around town. I hopped on my bike and explored the town, starting at the campground, where I was greeted by a bustling tent city as riders arrived and set up their camps.
Joining the bike route, I had the opportunity to ride through the ISU stadium. Later that night, a friend and I cycled to downtown Ames for the Hairball concert. The concert was an absolute blast, filled with performances of classic rock songs, a rare sight that you don’t often come across in Iowa.
The fun continued the next day as I headed to Des Moines for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. The organizers had been hyping up the event, stating that up to 50,000 people were expected to attend the concert and the route. While the actual turnout might not have been as massive as anticipated, the experience was still thrilling. The band built up anticipation until the final two songs, Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird. As Free Bird echoed through the air, the crowd erupted with excitement, and it was the perfect way to conclude the concert on a high note.
Overall, this week was a whirlwind of fun and enjoyment, between the RAGBRAI activities and the incredible concerts. It’s been an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to see what the remaining weeks of the program have in store.
