In July 2023, I spent a week bicycling across Iowa. I wasn’t alone. I was one of the thousands of riders taking part in RAGBRAI — the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. This week-long bicycle journey across Iowa is more than just a cycling event. It’s a vibrant community on wheels, a celebration of fitness, friendship, and discovery in America’s heartland, drawing thousands from all corners of the globe.
This wasn’t my first time participating in RAGBRAI; it was, in fact, my third. Each ride has been a unique experience, offering new challenges, perspectives and insights. This time, as I navigated Iowa’s rolling hills and expansive plains, the journey resonated with me more deeply, revealing lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the crucial importance of perspective. The ride became more than just a physical feat; it transformed into a metaphorical journey through the world of entrepreneurship. Every mile, every hill, and every flat stretch provided a moment to reflect on the broader aspects of running a business and the mindset required to navigate its uncertain terrain.
In this series, I share with you five key insights gleaned from this remarkable journey. Each one is framed by a specific event during the ride, reflecting on how these moments resonate deeply with the entrepreneurial spirit. These stories, born from the rolling landscapes of Iowa and the camaraderie of RAGBRAI, offer a unique lens through which to view the challenges and triumphs of the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or a budding entrepreneur, you’ll find valuable lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of balance, all gleaned from an unforgettable 530-mile cycling adventure. So join me on this reflective journey as we delve into these entrepreneurial insights.
