Images courtesy of the Stuart RAGBRAI Committee.

Stuart organizers had their first little taste of the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa as officials visited town Monday on their pre-ride route inspection.

About 30 bicyclists stopped in town in the morning, where the Stuart Committee welcomed them with lunch provided by the Country Kitchen at the American Legion Hall. Chamber of Commerce President Kristy Lonsdale mentions some of the feedback they received, “They said we have a wonderful park in town, something that some of the stops don’t have. They will love to get off their bikes and lay in the grass under the trees and cool off on a hot July day and really take advantage of our wonderful park we have to offer.”

Lonsdale adds that RAGBRAI officials are also eager to check out other Stuart landmarks such as the Saints Center for Culture and the Arts. An official map for the route through Stuart has also been announced this week, with vendors and entertainment both at Lawbaugh Park and downtown, as Stuart will serve as the meeting town on Monday, July 22nd.