11 Strange Habits Every Iowan Will Defend To The Death

It's a 400+ mile bike ride across the state of Iowa, and anyone who says it's a bad idea should prepare to enter an argument. It's an Iowan tradition that is also the largest, oldest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world.

If you ask for "soda" you may end up with a box of baking soda in your hand. Do you call it soda? Well then you aren't really from Iowa. Clearly.

Were you born here? Where were you born? What high school did you graduate from? Have you ever lived anywhere else? Where were your parents born? We'll find out by asking a series of complicated questions whether you are actually FROM here, or not.

Hawkeyes vs. Cyclones, Democrat or Republican (or Independent or Libertarian), Coke or Pepsi; Iowans like what we like. We don't always agree, but opinions run strong among us.

The worst storms are the most fun to watch. Iowa has it all; blizzards, hail storms, torrential rain, and even the occasional tornado. Who wants to miss that kind of excitement?

We'll let you know when we are over UGG boots. That day is not today. Yes, the rest of the world adopts trends early and lets them go in a timely manner, but not Iowans. We are cautious, and when we like something, we stick with it.

A good breaded pork tenderloin sandwich should be large enough to BE the meal. Most Iowa towns have a place that is famous for the "best tenderloins in Iowa."

Rhubarb, dandelions, plums, strawberries, pomegranates...no fruit is safe from fermentation, here. In fact, there are a number of amazing Iowa wineries that specialize in fruit wine.

There's no need to stay in just because it snowed so much that school was cancelled. Playing in the fluffy white stuff is nearly mandatory. Don't worry about getting too cold. That's what hot chocolate is for.

The person on the right at a four-way stop goes first. Right? No, here in Iowa we like to wave each other through. So, the bossiest person at a four-way stop will decide who goes first, and they'll inform the group by signaling to that person with a subtle wave of the hand. You'd know how it works if you were from here.