RAGBRAI Shuts Down Roads! Cyclists Flood Iowa Towns – Here's What To Know!
RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, is in full swing, bringing thousands of cyclists and a wave of activity to Iowa towns. The event, spanning from July 16 to July 26, has seen cyclists travel across the state, impacting local communities along the way.
Forest City Welcomes Thousands
On Tuesday, July 22nd, Forest City welcomed around 20,000 cyclists, their families, and friends. According to Julianna Burkholder, executive director of the Forest City Chamber of Commerce, the city experienced a surge in tourism in the week leading up to the event, with teams scouting the route and preparing for their riders. "People have been coming in to look at Forest City... It's been a big economic development, more than just today," Burkholder stated. A committee of 30 volunteers worked for about a year with the RAGBRAI team to ensure everything was ready for the arrival of over 100 teams from across the United States and 20 other countries.
The town's courthouse square hosted live music, showings of Forrest Gump, community fundraisers, and around 36 vendors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the cyclists.
Cedar Falls Announces Road Closures
As RAGBRAI continues its journey, Cedar Falls is preparing for the influx of cyclists with road closures and detours. Police Chief Mark Howard announced that downtown Cedar Falls will experience road closures and detours starting at 5 a.m. on July 24th, remaining in place until noon on July 25th. Officers will be stationed at key intersections to manage traffic and ensure safety.
"From Sixth Street to First Street, Main Street will be a hard close. From State Street to Washington, Washington will be a soft close just from Sixth down to Third. From Third on, Washington is closed all the way to First Street also," Howard explained.
Despite the road closures, Chief Howard encouraged the community to enjoy the planned activities, including a concert starting at noon on July 24th. He also cautioned residents to be mindful of the heat and potential weather concerns.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Ride
RAGBRAI continues to impact Iowa communities, bringing economic development and community engagement. Whether you're a cyclist or a local resident, be sure to stay safe, stay informed about road closures, and enjoy the ride!