The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) finished up yesterday and one of the overnight stops was in Jefferson this past Monday.

Jefferson RAGBRAI Executive Co-Chair Matt Wetrich said there were upwards of 25,000 bicyclists that rolled into Jefferson. They represented all 50 states and 25 countries. One of the participants, Primal Wear Owner and CEO Dave Edwards, whose Colorado company supplies RAGBRAI with the event apparel, 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.”

Wetrich pointed out at the recent Jefferson City Council meeting that he estimated about 500 volunteers helped with the event. One of those volunteers was the Jefferson RAGBRAI Hospitality Committee Co-Chair Bonnie Silbaugh talked 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.”

There was one reported vehicle crash related to RAGBRAI from the Greene County Sheriff’s office, along with Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse who reported one OWI arrest, and about four ambulance calls for either bicyclists falling or heat-related illnesses during RAGBRAI.