“Last year it was so difficult with the heat, even though on paper it was an easy route,” Juskiewicz said. Only six RAGBRAIs since the ride began in 1973 were easier. The route is also the 15th-flattest in RAGBRAI history. “When they see how far Des Moines has come, and how much has changed, they’re going to be pleasantly surprised,” Juskiewicz said.Īfter a sun-baked RAGBRAI in 2012 that had riders sweating across Iowa on some of the hottest days of the year, organizers are going easy on participants with the second-shortest route in history, at 406.6 miles, including four consecutive days with 52 miles or less. (Juskiewicz said camping will be “close to downtown.”) With 70 percent of participants coming from out of state, Des Moines could be a brand-new city to many riders. The stop in Des Moines is significant because the city has transformed so much since RAGBRAI last visited in 1997, with major development in the East Village, Court Avenue District and along the riverfront. Juskiewicz estimated the ride brings an average of $3 million in spending to each town, with more for bigger cities that can meet hotel demand. This is the biggest event they’ll host this year, and in some cases, in their history.” “Plus, they like showing off what’s there to do. “There are some great little spots - good-size towns, large communities and diverse towns that RAGBRAIers enjoy,” he said. Juskiewicz described this year’s river-to-river ride as a chance to experience an eclectic sampling of Iowa that proves mutually beneficial to riders and hosts. The Des Moines stop is the first there in 16 years. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa - the world’s oldest, largest and longest two-wheeled recreational tour - kicks off July 21 in Council Bluffs and ends 406.6 miles later in Fort Madison.Īlong the way, riders will overnight in Harlan, Perry, Des Moines, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Fairfield. Interactive map of the 2013 overnight towns RAGBRAI is trading villages for some big cities in its 41st year, including a stop midway through Iowa that will have more than 10,000 bicyclists rolling into the state capital.
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