As the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) continues this week, the City of Jefferson did all they could to represent and make a splash with RAGBRAI participants.

Hospitality Committee Co-Chair Bonnie Silbaugh says her committee was charged with making RAGBRAI riders feel welcomed and creating fun ways to make their experience more enjoyable. The main aspects were creating themes for the different shuttles with: an “Arcade Brigade,” “‘Merica” and “Rockin’ Ride” as well as having cardboard cutouts for fun photo opportunities. She talks about her overall impression from Monday night’s festivities.

“The town in general was so hospitable. If we couldn’t answer a question as a volunteer, people sitting in their yards were happy to answer questions. And so everyone was part of this hospitality committee in a way because they got to really help people get where they were going and just share the town they love.”

Amy Milligan volunteered in the information booth and she described her interactions with the RAGBRAI riders.

“We’ve been just seeing so many people come in and telling us how great they’ve loved our town so far, how clean it was (and) how nice it was. So it’s been really fun to be able to kind of interact with them and get them to where they need to go.”

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse says there was one arrest for an OWI, about four ambulance calls for either falls or heat-related illnesses for cyclists, and only one minor argument that officers got involved with Monday. Otherwise, Clouse says everyone was compliant with the rules and laws in town. Working with several other law enforcement agencies went smoothly and he appreciated all of the donated food for the 26 officers that helped with RAGBRAI including Bet and Bev’s Barbecue, Hy-Vee and Subway.

Plus, there’s still time to purchase a piece of memorabilia with the official Jefferson RAGBRAI t-shirt and women’s tank top options available at ShineOn Designs for $10. All proceeds from the event will go back to the Jefferson RAGBRAI Committee to be given to local projects and non-profit organizations.