JEFFERSON, Iowa, July 20, 2008 — The number of bicyclists on the Raccoon River Valley Trail has jumped dramatically the last two weeks, as people use the trail for training rides for the Des Moinese Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).

And Monday, July 21, is expected to be a very busy day on the RRVT for bicyclists riding from the Des Moines metro area to Jefferson, which is the host town for RAGBRAI that night. 

Many cyclists plan on doing only a day or two of RAGBRAI, usually when it is closest to the Des Moines area. So much of the trail traffic on Monday is expected to be cyclists who plan to join RAGBRAI for its Tuesday ride to Ames, Wednesday ride to Tama-Toledo and then perhaps on east.

Because of the anticipated increase in the number of trail users on Monday, July 21, officials of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association have been encouraging businesses along the trail to be ready for good crowds.

Velda Groover, one of the coordinators for the Redfield Depot R&R stop, said the depot would be open from 9 a.m. Monday with its supply of cold drinks, fruit and snacks.

RAGBRAI XXXVI started Sunday morning in Missouri Valley with the overnight stop in Harlan. Monday’s ride is 84 challenging miles from Harlan to Jefferson.

Then it’s Tuesday night in Ames, Wednesday in Tama-Toledo, Thursday in North Liberty, Friday in Tipton and finishing Saturday in LeClaire on the Mississippi River.

Article Published: 07-20-2008