The City of Jefferson has been preparing since it was first announced as an overnight stop on the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) and Monday night was the big night.
It was anticipated that upwards of 30,000 bicyclists would be ascending into Jefferson from Denison, which would multiply Jefferson’s population by nearly six-times. They reached from all 50 states and represented over 25 countries. Raccoon Valley Radio caught up with Ron Blanton who was with Team Backstops, which supports St. Louis first responders. He talked about why he has returned to RAGBRAI every year since 2009.
“I always find people all over the world and have interesting conversations. I find all of the mischief that there is out here. Like today I was kidding around on Facebook and I ran across the guy, he’s from England, and I said, ‘Yeah he’s my new BFF. He was the guy that was in the wedding dress. He had me in stitches.”
There were also others that just casually join RAGBRAI like Snus Hill Winery Owner Chris Hudnall who told Raccoon Valley Radio that he just joined RAGBRAI Monday as he made his way up the Raccoon River Valley Trail and was going to be on RAGBRAI for a couple of days while he camps on his own and enjoys everything that each town has to offer.
Even Primal Wear Owner and CEO Dave Edwards, whose Colorado company not only supplies RAGBRAI with the event apparel, he is participating in his seventh RAGBRAI as a rider. He pointed out that Iowans are some of the nicest people around and he enjoys the state’s landscape. He also spoke highly of Jefferson.
“I think it’s a great town. All of the towns in Iowa have these incredible Main Streets and businesses, just (have a) vibe and feel. I’m happy to be in Jefferson.”
One of the highlights was the musical lineup. It started with a performance from Adam Pope and ended with headliner Hairball.
Jefferson RAGBRAI Executive Co-Chairs Matt and Toni Wetrich thank all of the volunteers, law enforcement, first responders, fire departments, to the City crews and all other entities that were involved in the planning to the execution of hosting RAGBRAI.