Last week, about 20,000 people from all over the country rode their bicycles for 391 miles as part of RAGBRAI ([Des Moines] Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa). They ended in our town, dipping the front wheel of their tire in the Mississippi River, after having dipped their tire in the Missouri River to start the ride.
What comments did we hear from riders? “Iowa is so hilly. I thought it was flat, but there were so many hills.” It’s a common misperception from people who think they know, but haven’t experienced it for themselves.
I was guilty of a similar false pre-judgment when I visited Detroit this summer. I lived there 25+ years ago and wasn’t anxious to go back, but went with my sister to check another MLB stadium off her quest. The city was amazing! We were so impressed with the cleanliness, free attractions, world-class art museum, beautiful miles-long riverbank, and innovative spirit. It was not the Detroit I knew before.
Information from others can be slanted or outdated and, consequently, very inaccurate. Before you make up your mind about something, try to experience it directly.
