New RAGBRAI Logo for the Greenfield stop

Many months ago, Greenfield was named a midday stop for the biggest bicycling event in the state.

Nearly a month ago, Greenfield was hit by a devastating EF-4 tornado, and many didn’t know if they’d be able to continue to be a stop for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). RAGBRAI Ride Director Matthew Phippen says that when they did their pre-ride, they stopped in Greenfield to discuss what to do, and when those helping to organize the event said they still wanted to take part, everyone in the room cheered. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio what RAGBRAI is doing to help.

“They know we are supporting them 100 percent. We are behind the city of Greenfield. We’re trying to do everything in our power to take as much pressure off them as possible. So helping them with vendors, helping them with entertainment. Basically they know that anytime they need something, they just need to reach out and talk to us, and we have plenty of assets and partners that are willing to step in and help. They’re not alone. We have a RAGBRAI Nation that is willing to step in and support them any way possible.”

Phippen mentions that the original route has changed, with the new route still to be finalized. He adds that what they do know is that to keep the bikers from wandering off the designated route to see the damage done to the city, the new route will take them through two areas where damage can be seen. Phippen says it’s their responsibility to keep the riders safe and on track, and the easiest way to do that in this case was to adjust the course.