35th Annual RAGBRAI Crosses The Finish Line

Sun July 29 2007
Posted Jul 29, 2007
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RAGBRAI rider crossed the finish line on Saturday, after peddling their way across the state. It's a journey that has taken the cyclists from Rock Rapids to Bellevue, Iowa. The reward... to dip their tires into the Mississippi, days after doing the same thing in the Missouri River last Saturday at the start of the race. It's a tradition that started 35 years ago with the very first RAGBRAI. The riders say the more than 470 mile route was flatter than past years. Mike Shea, Iowa City, IA, says "Ah.... Fulfillment. We got it done." Susie Scott, Columbus, OH, says "The best ever. I'm just thrilled. It's just the best feeling in the world. You work really hard. You've pedaled every mile all on your own. I got to pedal every mile this year and it's just the best ever. The best ever." Every state was represented this year in RAGBRAI, along with 22 countries. Organizers say the rise was a smooth one, with few problems. Bikers say this might have been the best year ever for the ride.