011 - RAGBRAI 2025 - The Grind, The Heart
In this episode of the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast, Ruha and Bekah hang out and chat about RAGBRAI—the wild and wonderful bike ride across Iowa that Bekah has braved more than once, fueled by heart and more carbs than a human can comfortably consume. They’re joined by a special guest: Great Freaking Guy and Bekah's husband, Joe Rodgers, who’s got tons of RAGBRAI miles under his belt and plenty of stories to share. Listen to how he rode with Lance Armstrong!
Bekah and Joe kick things off with how each of them first crossed paths with RAGBRAI—Joe with his runner-to-rider glow-up, and Bekah schlepping gear from a follow vehicle before hopping on a bike herself, and later being the best kind of Midwest cheerleader. Joe brings the background on the ride (which started way back in the ’70s thanks to two newspaper columnists), and the group unpacks how RAGBRAI grew into a beloved non-race celebration of Iowa, bikes, and people.
They swap stories about wild weather, mismatched bike paces, and joyful moments that sneak up between miles—like cheers from townsfolk in lawn chairs and running into big names on the ride (shoutout to Lance Armstrong and Jim Cantore). The random encounters and surprise friendships are part of what make RAGBRAI such a magical, sweaty, hilarious experience.
Naturally, food takes center stage, with the legendary Mr. Pork Chop and pancake ninjas like Chris Cakes flinging breakfast with precision. Bekah shares her devotion to Farm Boys breakfast burritos, and revisits her funniest food-related moments—like surviving on corn and Gatorade while chasing down pie and turkey legs. It’s a whole midwestern vibe.
But the real heart of the episode is all about community. Bekah and Joe talk about the emotional connections made while riding, how towns along the route go all out, and how RAGBRAI feels like a rolling celebration of resilience and joy. Whether it’s giant greeting signs of their faces, cousins hopping on board, or strangers offering encouragement at just the right moment—it's all heart.
To wrap things up, Joe, Bekah, and Ruha share what they’re currently loving—nostalgic books, fun pens, and yes, walking tamales (security at the airport had questions). They transition out of bike mode and into cozy everyday life, reminding listeners that even the wildest rides end with good snacks and soft pants.
Whether listeners are considering their first RAGBRAI or reminiscing with their own bike tales, this episode is a warm invitation to roll with Ruha and Bekah—through joy, chaos, chafing, and connection. Please let us know what you think in the comments or on Instagram @midnightcheesecake.
Find Ruha & Bekah: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake/ and https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527/
