RAGBRAI - Road Side Vending

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Howdy Everyone,

Pardon me if this is in an inappropriate location. First post on the forum.

This year on RAGBRAI, I wasn't able to ride so I decided to partake by selling water and Gatorade on the roadside. Before you jump at me and yell about charging a fortune, I was told that I had the best prices(short of free) on the entire ride. My goal was to break even and I lost about $34. Not bad and it was almost as much fun as a beer slide. I've determined that anything you do on RAGBRAI is just flat out fun as long as the ambulance isn't related.

Anyway, my question is, what can I offer next year that would be of benefit to the riders beyond that of water and Gatorade? I have some ideas and plans but I'd like to hear it from the other riders as that's why I'm out there anyway. I'm trying to think of some way to have a cashless system but that's not too feasible for the riders as I'll only be at one location each day.

Feedback is certainly welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt Warfield
Robins, IA

small snacks


fried steaks

anything if there buying drinks why not add food

I did have Granola bars but they weren't very popular. I'm getting pretty sick of them myself. :)

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Real Iowa SWEETCORN! :D Mmmm...

I grew up just north of you in Southern Minnesota...

Good Call!! The only pain would be husking it but I'm well practiced. :) And it's definitely the right time of year for it.

A turkey fryer to heat the water and a vat of melted butter for dipping!!!

Thanks!!

The other thing I forgot to mention is that vendors who set prices so coins are given back as change should be shot!! All of my pricing is based on the dollar. Two waters for a buck this year. Next year, I want to have it be "fill all of your water bottles/backpacks for a buck!" I'm working on sources of bottled water in 55 gallon drums and run through a dry ice chiller. This will not only reduce everyone's cost but also get rid of the dreaded water bottle garbage. I've also been working on large cylinders of ice cubes that will fit in a water bottle. Just some of my thoughts so far.