The day is finally here, it’s RAGBRAI day in Jefferson.
The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is said to be the largest bicycling event in the world. Executive Co-Chair Matt Wetrich says upwards of 30,000 cyclists, representing all 50 states and 25 countries, are coming into Jefferson for the overnight stop tonight.
Here are some last minute reminders for everyone to be aware of. Cyclists will be arriving west into Jefferson on Lincoln Way and Executive Co-Chair Toni Wetrich says the support vehicles like RVs will be traveling on Highway 30 and then south into Jefferson on Highway 4. The downtown square will feature a variety of vendors and musical entertainment, which will be from 4 until 11:30pm. Toni points out that local residents are encouraged to come and enjoy the free music and fun atmosphere of the square.
“We wanted to create a fun day for everybody. We hope that everybody in town, they’re not scared away by the masses of people. We want them to come up and enjoy some food and some friendship and community, and enjoy the music. Our hospitality group also has a lot of fun things planned (with) different fun photo opportunities and things like that. So we want the community to come out and meet these people from all over the world and take part in the fun.”
There will also be north and south shuttle routes in Jefferson for riders to go from the campgrounds to the square, designated shower areas and places to eat. As a reminder tomorrow morning, cyclists will be leaving Jefferson around 4am to head to the next overnight stop in Ames. Cyclists will be leaving east on Lincoln Way to Highway 144. Then they will head north, across Highway 30 to 170th Street, where they will turn east and travel into Boone County. A heads up for motorists that use Highway 30 for Tuesday morning’s commute, Iowa State Patrol will be out providing traffic control at the intersection of highways 144 and 30 to allow safe passage for the cyclists.
Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio will also be broadcasting live today from 1 to 7pm on the square in Jefferson. For more information on RAGBRAI and the festivities in Jefferson, click the link below.