John and Rachel met at the end of RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) in 2015. Their first date was riding bikes around Des Moines. Riding bikes continues to be a treasured pastime for the two. And while they've taken the past few years off from RAGBRAI, they're looking forward to a 2022 appearance. When they aren't working or riding bikes, we also enjoy camping, canoeing, and spending time with our dog Hera.

Like many Iowans on August 12, 2020, Rachel & John lost power from wind damage sustained in the Derecho. The house was hot and sticky with no air conditioning. The food in the refrigerator was going bad. But they had made plans to go canoeing that day. Really what better way to spend it if you don't have electricity? John popped the question to an unsuspecting Rachel while packing for the day.