Im in an article in the Waterloo paper

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2007/07/25/features/ragbrai/doc46a76f5544ca0246069261.txt

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 7:55 PM CDT
Blind RAGBRAI rider learning smells of Iowa
BY EMILY CHRISTENSEN, Courier Staff Writer
CEDAR FALLS --- Clark Rachfal is like many first time RAGBRAI riders.

He's still getting used to the long days. He is enjoying the people, the food and communities that welcome the riders along the way.

But, Rachfal's experience is also unlike many others. The Maryland man is legally blind. He is riding the route with the Verizon team and his tandem partner, Andy Masterson. Though both are riders this is their first real outing together.

"We trained for about 100 miles, but that's nothing," Masterson said.

While many riders are taking in the sites of rural Iowa, Rachfal said he finds himself relying on his sense of smell to clue him into his surroundings.

"We'll be going down the road and I can smell corn, or pie," he said. "I can now distinguish between the smell of a cow and a pig."

"The pig is much worse," Masterson said.

Though the ride is only halfway over they both say there are plenty of tales to tell. Like the one about the 71-year-old man who has completed every RAGBRAI on a 1941 Schwinn. Or the tandem team who tried to ride with them Monday. Masterson and Rachfal couldn't keep up.

"We have youth, strength and good looks. They have the experience," Masterson said.

But it is the food that will live forever in their memories.

"You can eat anything at any time of day. That is one of the biggest selling points," Masterson said as he finished a gyro. "You can have a pork chop or pie at 8:30 in the morning."

3:30 p.m.

Armstrong greeted like a rock star on Hardball

Some of his team members had just rolled into Cedar Falls when Lance Armstrong took to the stage Wednesday afternoon.

The seven-time Tour de France winner joined Chris Matthews of Hardball on the University of Northern Iowa campus shortly after 3 p.m. A small crowd gathered around the stage awaiting the star of this year's ride.

A few of Armstrong's teammates, wearing the yellow and black Livestrong jerseys, were on hand to show their support. Rob Gray of Chicago was only three years old when he lost his father to colon cancer.

"Lance has been very supportive of our team and very encouraging," Gray said. "I wanted to come out and support him. He's done so much for cancer. He has supported us 100 percent and I want to support him, too."

The 150 team members raised over $350,000 for cancer research and education.

Gray also addressed the rumors that Armstrong may leave RAGBRAI early to cheer on his Discovery Channel teammates in the Tour de France.

"I think it's just that, rumors," Gray said. "I think he is committed to us and will stay. But, if he decides to go, that's his choice."

Armstrong was greeted by everyone from sweaty and tired RAGBRAI riders to the Peet Junior High cheer team. His interview with Matthews covered everything from stem cell research to politics to doping scandals.