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Bubba's Pampered Pedalers

Bubba Barron is one of bicycle touring's bigger-than-life characters. Not only is he a big man, he also has a big, gregarious personality to go along with it.

It was only fitting that Bubba began his own business in 2002, Bubba's Pampered Pedalers. After a 27-year career with the St. Louis County Police Department, he noticed the biggest complaint that people on weeklong cycling trips like RAGBRAI, the West Shoreline Tour and TRIRI have is having to put up their tents after a long day of cycling and having the tear down their dew-soaked tents first thing in the morning. That's when he decided to start a service in which he would provide a tent and an air mattress, put the tents up before they arrive, , tear them down when they take off the next morning and provide clean towels, beverages and a comfortable seat so cyclists could relax after 50, 60, 70 or more miles on the bike.

Bubba has announced the rides he will be servicing in 2005, including Cycle Zydeco in Louisiana, Bike Florida and Cycle North Carolina. You can see the full schedule here.

Bubba says "it's all good" in his Pamper Zone. And he is absolutely right. While I don't have any problems with putting up a tent and tearing it down, I have to admit it's a whole lot easier when someone else is doing the work. But the best part of the Pamper Zone is being able to bond with a group of fellow cyclists and develop some good friendships.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bubba in 1993 on the Cycle Across Missouri Parks ride, his first weeklong tour ever. He got a little tired of me and other cyclists saying "on your left," but Bubba has been a good friend of mine ever since. Since that first ride, Bubba has more than proven himself as a cyclist, having done a solo trip across the country and a difficult Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure ride.

Here's hoping I get to meet some of you in the Pamper Zone during 2005!

Roger 0 comments 3:52 PM