Each year, bicyclists from across the country and globe flock to Iowa and ride 400-plus miles over the course of a week from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. However, amid some desolate hours, I was able to share some amazing moments with my family — and some complete strangers. Once the ride was complete, I found myself smiling — but yet surprised that I didn’t feel a more complete sense of accomplishment. The weight of seven days of emotion hit me and helped me understand that RAGBRAI is not just about cycling. The bond between father and son is magical, and my dad says next year he’d like to ride RAGBRAI with me.