Four friends from Mexico said they are absolutely loving Iowa. 
The group’s biggest hits? 

The food and the hospitality. 

Michael Cullinan, 37, Ryan Flory, 39, Ryan Peseckas, 34, and Jeff Campbell, 31, all of Juarez and Nuevo Laredo Mexico, said their first trips to Iowa have left a lasting impression. Campbell is originally from Minnesota and said he’s been through Iowa before, but this is his first RAGBRAI. 

“(RAGBRAI) has been awesome,” Cullinan said. “Great people and great food.”

At the overnight town of Fort Dodge Monday night, the men were perusing bike shop booths and looking for some of that great food. 

Cullinan said he also enjoyed the many stops to explore different parts of the state and the hospitality and treats each had to offer. 

Flory said he liked the atmosphere and how the ride didn’t feel competitive. 

The men heard about RAGBRAI through their work: the U.S. Department of State. 

“It’s like ‘State Department represent,’” Cullinan laughed. 

The group rented a Winnebago and drove about 1,000 miles in almost two days to give RAGBRAI a try. 

All four said they would love to come back and participate in RAGBRAI again. 

But Peseckas said he’s got to worry about getting past the chaffing of this one first. 

Iowa has been what they expected, they said. Especially Monday’s flatness. 

Their next Iowa check mark they planned to cross off Monday night: an ear of sweetcorn dipped in a vat of butter. 

via RAGBRAI http://ift.tt/1OsSMwl