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Charles City chosen as RAGBRAI stop

RAGBRAI route 2005 Press Photo By Thomas Nelson
RAGBRAI route 2005 Press Photo By Thomas Nelson
By Thomas Nelson, tnelson@charlescitypress.com

Charles City was announced Saturday as an overnight stop along this year’s route for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI. Riders will arrive July 26.

The route is going north this year, starting in Orange City. The route is:

Saturday, July 22, Orange City

Sunday July 23, Spencer

Monday July 24, Algona

Tuesday July 25, Clear Lake

Wednesday July 26, Charles City

Thursday July 27, Cresco

Wednesday July 28, Waukon

Friday July 29, Lansing

This will be the fifth time that RAGBRAI has gone through Charles City, the last time was in 2010.

“We’ve been through this several times before,” Steven Diers, Charles City administrator said. “It’s a really neat route.”

The city plans to call on the same folks that have helped in the past to assist with RAGBRAI again this year.

“Certainly there will be arranging of some entertainment, a musical act of some sort will be involved,” Diers said. “One of the neat things about this time through Charles City is now we have the white water course.”

At 411.4 miles, the route is the third shortest, flattest and easiest route in RAGBRAI history.

“We’re going to be excited to host it,” Diers said. “I’ve already had people text me, wanting to be able to camp in my yard.”

RAGBRAI brings thousands of tourist with it every year.

“The hotels should be full in about a half hour,” Diers said.

Charles City will be an overnight stop for RAGBRAI riders to travel to and stay on Wednesday, July 26. There should be other parallel communities and routes for the support drivers of RAGBRAI to travel through during RAGBRAI.

There are typically several different departments for a RAGBRAI town to prepare including entertainment and logistics, Diers said.

A lot of former camping spots for RAGBRAI riders have been developed since 2010.

“Fortunately we’ve had development,” Diers said. “Certainly a good problem to have.”

There will be spots for RAGBRAI riders to stay all over town, around downtown Charles City, the river front, the school, and the I.C. field, Diers said.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a great way to showcase your community and we’ve got a lot to show here,” Diers said.

RAGBRAI is celebrating it’s 45th anniversary this year.

“It’s a real neat event, it’s pure Iowa,” Diers said. “People come from all over the country, all over the world really to ride their bikes across Iowa.”

–20170121

 

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