PROFILE - JULY 2006

Posted Jul 2, 2006
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RAGBRAI

BIKEIOWA is proud to present the seventh profile for 2006. Each profile will consist of same fifteen base questions and answers with a gallery of pictures. This month's profile features the RAGBRAI – The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa!

Home Turf
RAGBRAI is based out the Des Moines Register building in downtown Des Moines. RAGBRAI takes place from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River each July.
The Scoop
RAGBRAI® is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 34th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI is sponsored by The Des Moines Register.
Who's Who
RAGBRAI invited all ages and all skill levels. People participate as individuals, with friends and family or with a team, club or charter. Some teams are as large as 500 people strong. RAGBRAI has representatives from all 50 states riding this year as well as 19 different countries.
Recent News
Lance skips France to bike in Iowa
Did You Know?
This year’s RAGBRAI will visit 3 new overnight towns (Sergeant Bluff, Waukee and Marengo)
Our History
The Register's bicycling tradition began with an idea (a kind of a challenge) between Des Moines Register feature writer/copy editor John Karras, an avid bicyclist, and Don Kaul, author of The Des Moines Register's "Over The Coffee" column. Karras suggested to Kaul that he ride his bicycle across Iowa and write columns about what he saw from that perspective. Kaul liked the idea but issued the challenge that he would ride across Iowa if Karras rode with him. Karras agreed and the plan was approved by the managing editor. Kaul and Karras then invited 'a few friends' (the public) to ride along. An estimated 300 people showed up for the start of the ride in Sioux City. By actual count, 114 riders made the entire distance that first year. The number swelled to 500 riders on the stretch of the route between Ames and Des Moines. And that’s how RAGBRAI started!
Mission Statement
To ride bicycles across the state of Iowa, enjoying the warm hospitality in the towns that we visit.
What's Hot?
Homemade pie. Yummy!
What's Not?
Pies with frozen, store-bought crust.
Favorite Iowa Event?
RAGBRAI, of course! Why? You will encounter the most wonderful people in the world.
Favorite Quote
Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa!
What's Next?
Each year we have to come up with a new and exciting route. Expect no less in 2007 as we celebrate our 35th anniversary.
Sponsors
The Des Moines Register, Kum & Go, Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa Telecom, Miller Lite, Verizon Wireless, Featherlite Trailers
Accepting new members?
Registration begins November 15 and ends April 1. We cut registration off at 10,000. The event has been sold out for months, but you can still register for day passes.
Dues/Benefits
$110 for the week, $25 for a day pass.
Contact Information
Contact the RAGBRAI office at 1-800-I-RIDE-IA Or info@ragbrai.org
Website
http://www.ragbrai.org