DES MOINES – The RAGBRAI bike ride is coming through North Iowa and making stops in several are towns – including Mason City – it was announced Saturday night in Des Moines at a special route announcement party.
The towns selected for the 418 mile Register’s Great Bike Ride Across Iowa are Rock Valley, Okoboji, Emmetsburg, Forest City, Mason City, Waverly, Independence, and Guttenburg. Selection as an overnight stop is coveted due to the thousands of bicyclists and others who take part in the week-long party. Those thousands of people who pass through communities offer those towns a chance to showcase themselves – and make a pretty penny along the way serving food, drink, lodging and other goods and services.
In Mason City, a town that has only hosted RAGRAI once – in 1985 – the Main Street organization tweeted “We are so excited to share our community with RAGBRAI! We will be looking to our awesome community to assist in making this happen and give everyone an incredible experience!”
In Forest City, Winnebago Industries said in a statement “Exciting news….we’re glad you’re coming!”
Thus year’s RAGBRAI is from July 19 through July 26.
RAGBRAI Director TJ Juskiewcz
“sad but true” hey lets give Jodee and her group a chance, as for the cops I feel they will do a great job. But as usual there will be the bad eggs that seem to come out of the deep crevice’s that MC has and these will be the ones that the POPOS will need to deal with. I’m just hoping that Jodee gets some decent bands.
I feel bad for the riders, they like to listen to loud music, drink a few beers, and have some fun. Every cop, highway patrol, sherrif, etc will be here making sure that does not happen.
At least they have Forest City and Waverly to have fun. These towns (like Clear Lake) understand to make money, you have to let people have a little fun
Also, to the riders, you may be able to set your bike down and walk away in most towns, but not here. Turn your head and you will spend the rest of your Ragbri on the shag bus
Get your BBQ grills fined tuned as this is the same week as UP in Smoke, Bikers love some BBQ, Turkey legs are a favorite. Been there and done it. Legs and breasts and a good cold beer is all a rider needs.
I fear the organizer won;t be able to handle these events if they all happen at once. It will be mayhem.
One day…big deal. It will pour money into all of North Iowa! Get a permit and sell some ice cream and pie! Rejoice!
Be forewarned. You will not be able to get from one side of town to the other. The bikers have the right of way, and use that right. Be prepared to find another route and stay away from all of the major roads they choose to ride on. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
I know what you mean. I have been in some of the neighboring areas when it has gone through. It is much like waiting on a train at some of the intersections.
I mentioned before that I think this is a good thing for MC. Like everything there are pros and cons. Yes problems tend to follow this tradition and not everyone will be excited about so much ‘commotion’ on a Wednesday. This should be embraced and the city of Mason City NEEDS to use this opportunity to sell MC and put on a great event.
This is a good thing. Finally something that everyone who wants to can participate in.
This is a good thing for Mason City. I plan to volunteer!
Time to schedule that porta potty for my yard.