An Emotional RAGBRAI Ride: Dedicated to Grandpa Nelson
Later this week, Krissy and members of the Nelson family will be taking part in RAGBRAI (an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state of Iowa). But even though she has ridden it several times in the past, this one will mean more than all the rest combined. Please join me in reading Krissy’s emotional story about how this year the Nelson’s will be dedicating the ride to her inspirational cycling Grandpa.
Why I Ride: RAGBRAI 2012 Dedicated to Grandpa Nelson
I remember the first time he said it out loud to me, “I have Alzheimer’s.” I already knew this, but for some reason it felt like the first I’d heard the news when Grandpa was the one saying it. We were in his workshop and he was telling me all about some of his old hand crank drills and carpenter’s tools he enjoyed using so much in his earlier years. Grandpa could fix anything, but he could not fix this fate. He hugged me tight, told me he loved me, and that he was proud of the person I’d grown up to be.
Grandpa was one of the first people who got me into long distance cycling. When I was younger I would hear all about this thing called RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) that he and a few other family members, including my Dad, would go on in July. I thought they were crazy – I mean, who wants to use their vacation time to ride their bike across a state?
This year will be my 11th RAGBRAI…yep I caught the same cycling bug my family had, and Grandpa was right there to lead the charge! How many people can say they’ve ridden across a state with their grandfather? I’m lucky enough to say that I have several times. I share this story a lot because I apply to all parts of my life now, but the best piece of advice my Grandpa ever gave me was: “As long as we’re pedaling, we’re moving forward.”
This came from him on my first RAGBRAI as we were riding up a hill. I was in too high of a gear and Grandpa told me to just spin up the hill – get in an easier gear. As soon as I did that, I was good to go. Grandpa didn’t believe in being a speed demon or killing your legs. He was very much the “slow and steady wins the race” type, but he pedaled every last mile and finished every RAGBRAI rode. Because of Grandpa, I actually enjoy the hills now. I sit up, relax, and just pedal. I enjoy the view from the saddle of my bicycle. There is no hill I climb that I don’t think of him.
Sadly, on April 18th this year, my Grandpa Nelson passed away. To put it lightly, I was devastated; I still am. Grandpa had been in a nursing home for a few months and I am so blessed that I was able to see him the day before he died. While that was a very difficult day for me, I am so glad I saw him. Grandpa always knew that I loved him, but being able to tell him again how much is something I will never forget. My sister, and cousin stood by his bed for a very long time and I squeezed his hand….and he squeezed it back. Without a doubt, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life was to tell my Grandpa goodbye as we left the nursing home, knowing it would most definitely be the last time I’d see him. I leaned to give him a hug, and with every ounce in him, Grandpa lifted his arms and hugged me back.
At his memorial service, we had set up Grandpa’s bike in the front of the room and it became quite the topic of conversation. It was right then that my cousin, Matt, came up with the idea that we needed to give Grandpa’s bike One Last Ride – we would each take turns and alternate riding his bike to get it across Iowa for the final time. Since that moment the plans have been in the works and now we are ready for RAGBRAI. In addition to riding in honor of Grandpa, we will also be riding to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease. In the seven days that we ride across Iowa, an estimated 160 Iowans alone will die due to Alzheimer’s. There is NO cure, NO way to stop it or slow it’s progression….but the end of Alzheimer’s can start with YOU.
We have teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association and have set up a fundraising page on our team blog – http://TeamUffda.blogspot.com, in which visitors to the site can donate. We will also for the first time ever, be selling Team Uffda merchandise. Since my family stated Team Uffda, we have never sold anything with our name on it, but this year we’re changing that. We will have for a limited time, special Team Uffda shirts that people will be eligible to purchase for $25 (includes shipping costs) after making a minimum $25 donation to the Alzheimer’s fundraising page we have set up. Fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association is ultimately our goal, so if you would rather just give to them and not buy a shirt, that option is of course available. The plan is to update our blog daily, so please check back regularly during RAGBRAI to see our progress and stories from the road.
While the RAGBRAI route is one of the “easier” ones in recent history, there is no doubt that this will be the most difficult RAGBRAI for my family. I’m going to cry; I know I will. But behind those tears will be joy. Joy for the memories I have of riding all those miles alongside my Grandpa on RAGBRAI; joy for the opportunity to share his story; and joy for the chance to do some good in honor of someone who did more good in his lifetime than anyone I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. When I feel the wind at my back, it will no doubt be my Grandpa giving me a push.
I will forever ride for you Grandpa.
*I’d like to thank those of you who have been so supportive to my family and me during the past few months. Anyone who has ever taken a few moments to tell me that they are thinking of my family and me or write a little note of encouragement, I am forever grateful. And thank you to Darryl for letting me post this on the Loving the Bike site. You are a true friend.
THIS is a long shot! My name is John Spike. I found this blog because I was Googling “Storm Lake Kiwanis Zauer Kraut Band.” I remember Dave Nelson from our church and his funeral home when I was growing up in Storm Lake. I am so sorry to hear of his disease and passing, and what fun to read of your family’s tribute to him! My father, Harold Spike, was the drummer in that band. I remember a picture of them around a statue in the park in their uniforms, but I do not have a copy. I am a drummer myself, and I would LOVE to have a copy of that picture. If anyone sees this and is a relative of Dave’s, would a family member still possibly have that photo?
Please, if possible, reply to me at [email protected], and thank you so much!
I saw your dad’s (Uncle Jon’s?) letter in today’s Cedar Rapids Gazette. I grew up in Storm Lake a year or two behind Jon and knew your grandpa and other family members. Your tribute is quite moving and I wish you all a safe ride and great experience. Maybe you’ll see me when you pass through Mount Vernon, where I now live. My own RAGBRAI story is bittersweet too; after finishing RAGBRAI III as a rising hs junior, a week later my mother died of cancer. Nelson’s did the arrangments. Tim Wilson SLHS ’77
Hi Tim, thanks for the note. Yes, Jon is my dad and had written to the Gazette to thank those who make RAGBRAI happen for all their work. What a small world that you grew up in Storm Lake too and know my family. It’s really been neat hearing from people that knew my Grandpa. I’m sorry to hear that your RAGBRAI experience years back was followed by the passing of your mother. I am honored though that my grandparents played a small role in her memorial. Grandpa always respected and cared for the families he worked with and I’m sure you knew that.
Go well. You have been well served by ayour Grandpa and in turn your grand children will prosper. Cheers.
Wow that was incredibly powerful. What a wonderful storye, and a wonderful thing you are doing in his memory. He sounds like an amazing person and it is so great that you recognize that you were blessed to have known him. I am sure he will be very proud watching his bike ride RAGBRAI one more time.
Wow! Thank you all SOOOO much for the comments and support! Without a doubt I’ll be thinking about you all (my friends) this year as well. My family is so lucky to have people like you to cheer for us. Thank you!!
Your Grandpa will be proud, Krissy! What an awesome tribute! Love that y’all are riding his bike for him.
What a great tribute, Krissy! I am really hoping to get out to RAGBRAI myself next year…hopefully I can put in a few miles for Grandpa myself. I know you will all enjoy your ride! Safe travels to you and the family <3
What a wonderful tribute Krissy, doing this speaks volumes about the man he must have been. Like you, I bet he was just as humble about his awesomeness. Great big giant Joel hug for you and all your family…God Speed
This will be RAGBRAI number 6 for me. It looks like I have a long way to go to reach your record. Good luck this week.
Good luck Krissy.
I support the Alzheimer’s Association and nice to see you doing the same. I know many people who work for this organization and they will appreciate your support and dedictation to your grandfather. Good luck in the ride.
Up until last year I had never heard of the RAGBRAI but have since been seeing a lot of mention about it. This is a ride I would be interested in doing one year as well. Good luck to the Nelson family and they ride with a cause this year.
@c7925ddebbe5a6facb97f9823a972f6b:disqus Thank you SO much for sharing that prayer. I will definitely be thinking about it as I ride.
@julesmpg:disqus Thank you for reading. We are really looking forward to the ride this year and sharing Grandpa’s story.
@e55d4729f79ed3358d146db89729315a:disqus I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Thank you so much.
What a fitting tribute to your cycling grandpa. I wish you and your family a great ride at RAGBRAI next week
Beautiful blog tribute. What a lovely family to read about. Have a great ride.
A great post Krissy and one of the many reasons I love to ride RAGBRAI. Cheers to our Grandfathers. I lost mine several years ago and I am sure they will both be looking down at us next week and smiling with pride. I am reminded of an old Hopi Indian prayer that says:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there, I did not die.
You will face challenges in the coming months as family gatherings are celebrated with one less voice. However, perhaps this Hopi Indian prayer has a message for us all. As long as we keep our departed loved ones alive in our hearts, they will not die. They endure for a lifetime in our memories. And that, is a very special place indeed.