JOURNEY TO BETTER

HADLEY MAN IS HAPPY TO BE IN A BETTER PLACE AFTER BICYCLE TREKS ACROSS IOWA

By Jeff Erickson Back in 2017, local farmer Eric Dahlgren figured it was time for a life change. After a phone call from the clinic regarding his A1C, a test that measures average blood glucose levels, and an upcoming school trip to Europe with his daughter Vanessa, he knew that something had to give. He didn’t want to hold anyone back on the trip when it came to getting around and just knew it was time to get healthier overall. So, he bought a bike.

It started with a simple mile or two trip down the county roads near home. The trips lengthened a bit through time but early on they were just a short distance and then right back home. If he felt good he’d head back out on the that loop again. But as he strengthened, the trips became longer and longer. Now, it’s not uncommon that he takes off before sunrise and does a 30 plus mile loop back to the farm as a ”warmup” to the day. That led him to Iowa, where recently he completed his third “RAGBRAI” (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).

Dahlgren chose a bicycle as he wasn’t getting any younger and didn’t want something that was going to tax the joints. A trip to a bicycle shop literally put everything in motion. RAGBRAI, the largest and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world, is approximately a 500 mile weeklong journey across the Hawkeye state. Iowa is special to the family as Sioux City, where the original route began 50 years ago, was home to his grandmother. He originally wanted to give it a go in 2020, but the pandemic stopped the wheels from turning on his first attempt. A year later, he was more than ready and brought his daughter Angela along for the experience. She joined him again in 2022 along with wife Sarah. A few weeks ago, his third time around, brought those two back along with son James and his friend, Sam. The growing support “team” includes not only those riding along, but the support of those cheering him on. His wife, three kids and daughter-in-law, Jessica, have all been behind him from the beginning.

Dahlgren lost his father in 2016, so never witnessed his son as a bicyclist. Eric said, “Dad always lived by and installed in us, desire, dedication and determination.” He certainly needed all of those to complete the grueling trek and said his mind will wander from time to time thinking about his father and his travels across the Midwest. Perhaps thinking about Stan hauling a great machinery purchase home, no matter how slow the pace. Eric feels he would have been proud and understood the journey he’s currently on.

When asked if he’ll return in 2024 for another RAGBRAI adventure, Dahlgren said, “Probably. But I’m learning from other people on these trips that there are other challenges and opportunities out there so, we’ll see. I just know I want to keep challenging myself.”

Since he started, Dahlgren is down 90 pounds. He breathes better, he doesn’t suffer from sleep apnea, he’s reduced a few medications and his mental health is better too. Eric said his “overall load in life is lighter”. While some friends and neighbors may have thought it was crazy for a farmer to be riding his bike around “the neighborhood” for no particular reason, he’s hoping the example and results could maybe inspire someone else to” journey to better”, in whatever way is best for them.