Two major pieces of RAGBRAI history are coming on the market.
John Karras’ primary RAGBRAI bicycle and jersey, which have been on display in the Riding Through History exhibit at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, will be going up for sale after the Karras family’s loan agreement with the state ends in December.
Edie Karras, John’s daughter, is finalizing exact plans for the sale and may defer for other still-developing exhibition possibilities.
“We have been so honored to loan my father's RAGBRAI bike and jersey to the Iowa State Historical Society for the last eight-plus years for the general public to view and admire,” Edie Karras said. “We consider these items — along with another Des Moines Register jersey I keep at home — to be virtually sacred objects; not to be ridden or worn, but sheltered as iconic symbols of legacy, history and tribute.”