When an estimated 15,000 — or more — cyclists flood into DeWitt on July 30 for a RAGBRAI overnight stop, they’re going to want someplace to sleep.

DeWitt will provide, said Kim Broders.

Broders, who oversees the RAGBRAI organizing committee in charge of the campgrounds, said sleeping quarters will be located all over town.

“The main campground will be at the high school, which also includes the Intermediate School and the parking lots around them,” she said. “We’re taking every inch of grass space and parking space, even the practice football field.”

RAGBRAI riders primarily utilize two types of sleeping accommodations: sleeping in a tent, hammock or cot, or bunking up in an RV or some other vehicle. Both need places to stay.

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Once riders have a place to sleep set up, they seek a shower. That need will be accommodated by multiple showering spots across town, including five RAGBRAI-provided shower trucks and locker rooms at the high school and aquatic center. Broders said DeWitt car washes also are exploring the idea of turning their facilities into showers.

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Broders said the campgrounds will be staffed with volunteers as early as 6 a.m. As of last week, Broders had about 50 volunteers signed up; they will be in charge of directing traffic of the human, bicycle, and vehicle varieties to keep order the best they can. More help is needed.

“We probably need close to 100 more throughout the event, from Thursday night to Saturday morning,” Broders said. “There’s setup and cleanup. We would love to see our hometown gather.”

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With so many people descending on DeWitt, there will be garbage. Broders, who also heads the RAGBRAI sanitation committee, is working to ensure that trash is collected and contained. One area she says could be a boon for a nonprofit is can collection.

“We are looking for groups to help pick up recycling, and whatever cans they can pick up they can cash in and keep the money,” she said. “That could be a great money-making resource for a group.”

Dumpsters donated by AT Disposal, Republic Services, and Bin There Dump That will be available throughout the event to contain the lion’s share of the waste.

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Volunteers needed

Anyone interested in signing up to volunteer during RAGBRAI can do so by visiting the DeWitt RAGBRAI page. To access the portal, find the link on the DeWitt RAGBRAI Facebook or Twitter page. Or, visitragbrai.com, hover a cursor over the “XLVII” tab and click on DeWitt’s page.

The online form, created by Laura Miers with guidance from a bevy of event organizers, allows residents to sign up to help for one or multiple shifts in a variety of areas, including serving in the beverage garden, providing visitor information, cleanup, and general labor. The form also allows volunteers with physical limitations to sign up for volunteer positions that are less strenuous or have the benefit of chair access.