After waiting a decade, Jefferson was recently selected to be an overnight location for this year’s Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).

Mayor Craig Berry talks about why he wanted to bring RAGBRAI back to Jefferson.

“One of the main reasons I wanted to have RAGBRAI back through is to show them what we’ve done to the downtown since some of those riders were through (here) in 2008. And just show the general public what we’ve got to offer in downtown Jefferson.”

The City just finished a $1 million project to renovate 13 downtown area buildings, plus the streetscape project is also complete. Berry adds that plans are beginning to take shape, but the main event co-chairs have been established.

“I’ve talked to Toni and Matt Wetrich and they’re going to be co-chairs of it this year. I’ve also talked to Chuck and Carla Offenburger. They will mentor the Wetrichs because the Offenburgers have done two sessions already with RAGBRAI being the co-chairs of it.”

Berry points out that on the day that RAGBRAI is due to come through Jefferson, July 23rd, the City’s population will grow by five-times, which will be a great opportunity to spotlight Jefferson.