A bicycle custom-built for RAGBRAI co-founder Donald Kaul sold for $8,500 during a charity auction Saturday night at the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party.
Dr. Bruce Hughes, a neurologist at MercyOne Ruan Neurology Care, bought the bike on behalf of his cycling group Team Culte Cycliste. Hughes said he and other members want to show off the bike on RAGBRAI. He loves the history behind the bike and views Team Culte Cycliste members as its caretakers.
The fact that the proceeds benefitted the Dream Team, "which is just a phenomenal success story unto itself," was an extra benefit, Hughes said.
"We're stewards of the bike. We're not owners of the bike," Hughes said. "That's how we look at it."