4,152 online surveys were completed (an impressive 40% response rate), producing valuable information that will help make RAGBRAI a safer and more enjoyable ride. 

We thank you for your feedback that will help make RAGBRAI safer and more enjoyable for all!     

 RAGBRAI PARTICIPANTS’ HABITS 

• 78% of respondents ride every mile of RAGBRAI (70% in 2008)
• 77% of respondents preferred starting time is 6:00 am to 7:00 am
• 72% of respondents prefer to ride 11-20 miles between stops
• 86% of respondents prefer to stop in most or all towns
• 13% of respondents prefer to stop in every town
• 33% of respondents rode the Karras Loop (25% in 2008) 

RAGBRAI ROUTE 

• 56% of respondents rate the signage for the 2009 route excellent or above average (3% rated below average)
• 79% of respondents rate their overall RAGBRAI experience excellent or above average (2% rated below average)

RAGBRAI WEB SITE, REGISTRATION
& ONLINE STORE 

• 92% of respondents registered for RAGBRAI online
• 83% of online applicants rated RAGBRAI’s online application procedure excellent or above average
• 77% of respondents felt the registration fees are set just right
• 73% of respondents visited the RAGBRAI online store
• 71% of visitors rate RAGBRAI’s Web site excellent or above average

 AGE OF RIDERS

• Under 19       6.8%
• Ages 20-24    5.3%
• Ages 25-34    13.8%
• Ages 35-44    18.4%
• Ages 45-54    28.6%
• Ages 55-64    20.8%
• Ages 65+      6.3%
• Average age of this year’s RAGBRAI participants is 44.4 years.

GENDERS OF RIDERS

• Males            65%
• Females        35%

 OTHER 

• 75% of respondents used personal/rented vehicles to transport baggage
• For 35% of respondents, this was their first RAGBRAI
• 70% of respondents first heard about RAGBRAI from friends or family
• 59 riders come from 17 foreign countries
• Only 33% of riders are from Iowa

TYPES OF BIKES

• 80.8% of riders use a road bike
• 10.3% hybrids
• 2.4% tandems
• 2.7% mountain bikes
• 2.1% recumbents
• and less than 2% all others

RAGBRAI SAFETY CHALLENGES 

• Erratic or unpredictable riding
• Riding left of center
• Communication and signaling intent
• New rider education
• Pace lines
• Riding in a large group
• Cell Phone / Head Phone Use
• Helmet use
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Large bicycles (quads, tandems, etc.)
• Early and late starts or finishes

We thank you again for your feedback that will help make RAGBRAI safer and more enjoyable for all, and we hope to see you July 25-31, 2009 for RAGBRAI XXXVIII!

 The Des Moines Register conducted these surveys from August 5-20, 2009.

In addition to welcomes from Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort (past co-chair of the Ankeny RAGBRAI committee back in 2000) and Ankeny business leaders, riders also heard updates from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Questions and discussion ranged from “riding left of center”, “drafting ambulances” and “making the meeting towns more accessible”.  We appreciate the feedback and suggestions that we heard at the meetings as well as on the bike as cyclists rode the High Trestle Trail (formerly the Ankeny to Woodward Trail).

A special thanks to the Uptown Association and the City of Ankeny for their support. 

One of the big attractions in Council Bluffs is the new Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge that spans the Missouri River to Omaha, Nebraska.  In keeping with RAGBRAI tradition, the committee wanted riders to have the opportunity to ride the bridge and also safely dip their tires in the Missouri River waters.  “We wanted to provide a unique and safe experience for riders to ride the new Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge,” said Larry Foster, Parks and Recreation Director for Council Bluffs and RAGBRAI Executive Committee member.  Foster came up with the idea of bringing the water to the bridge instead of having the riders attempt to dip their tires in the waters of the Missouri River.  Most of the nearby river banking was extremely steep and dangerous, so a plan was devised by Foster to pump river water up to the bridge. 

“It came down to just days before RAGBRAI of figuring out the right pump that would work for this project,” claims Foster.  The bridge engineering firm, HNTB, was charged with the role of devising a way to pump the river water to the bridge.  “I think it turned out just great!” added Foster.

Police Chief Ralph O’Donnell was a bit concerned when RAGBRAI was first announced to start in Council Bluffs.  The chief called on Capt. Scott Milner, Lt. Dan Flores, Sgt. Chad Meyers and Officer Darren Budd to dive into the planning process for RAGBRAI.   Sgt. Meyers and Officer Budd put together an action plan that addressed all the safety concerns.  Lt. Dan Flores added invaluable insight as an experienced cyclist who had ridden many RAGBRAIs.  They also lined up help from several law enforcement agencies such as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office and Pottawattamie County 911 Center.

Lynn Rollins headed up the Council Bluffs RIDE RIGHT Committee, but he credits the local bicycle clubs and cyclists for the success.  “We did several training rides on the actual route from Council Bluffs to Red Oak to have cyclists ride the roads and report on them,” said Rollins.  The Bellevue Bike Club, Omaha Pedalers and area cyclists heard about the training rides on Facebook.  In early June, the statewide RIDE RIGHT committee held its official inspection ride that was joined by over 30 area cyclists.  “I give the Law Enforcement Committee a lot of credit for really taking the time on picking the safest route out of town,” adds Rollins.  He claims much debate was had on selecting the safest possible route.

“We are very proud of the efforts of our RIDE RIGHT Committee.  They worked very hard to ensure safety as their first priority,” said Council Bluffs Executive Committee member Tricia LeSieur. ”Our Law Enforcement Committee worked for months as well to cover every detail – again, to ensure safety first!”

The RIDE RIGHT video showing is a staple of starting town.  Charlie Schilling, Director of the Mid-America Center, wanted to make sure the riders would be comfortable during the educational session.  Schilling offered the use of the arena and the jumbo screen to show the RIDE RIGHT video on as well as the driver’s safety meeting.  So many riders remarked about the wonderful way to host the safety sessions in the arena.

Congratulations to Council Bluffs on making RAGBRAI as safe as it can be!

“We are just happy to be a part of RAGBRAI,” states the club RAGBRAI coordinator Mark Hamilton.  “We appreciate and value what RAGBRAI means to our state and we gladly take the role as ambassadors to the ride.”  The High Wheelers had a larger than usual team this year, doubling the size of their team to 30 as the route came through the Mount Pleasant area.

Hamilton rides each year with his family and says he is “stunned” that some people question if RAGBRAI is a family event.  “My wife, son, daughter and son-in-law all rode with us this year.  It’s a family vacation,” says Hamilton.  “It is also a great geography lesson for young people to learn about our state.  My 20-year old son has been on 9 RAGBRAIs and actually knows where quiet a few towns are outside the big cities of Iowa.”       

This year the club had four volunteer RIDE RIGHT ambassadors on the ride.  Mark and his wife Barb, along with Randy Wright and club President Tim Bell served as RIDE RIGHT ambassadors for the first time this summer.

Bell rode with the Air Force Cycling Team for years and fell in love with Iowa while on RAGBRAI.  After retiring from the Air Force, Tim and his wife Jane decided they wanted to live in southeast Iowa and relocated to New London.  They were originally from northwestern New York.  This past year Tim became president of the Henry County High Wheelers.

“I learned from my days riding with the Air Force Team that we all have a responsibility to help people and represent our state well,” claimed Bell.  “So if it is helping with an accident or just asking if someone with a flat needs help, we are trying to be good representatives.”

The Henry County High Wheelers also played a role in the route inspection rides in June.  Riders from the club rode two of the days of the week-long route looking for potential hazards.  They rode the Ottumwa to Mount Pleasant day, followed by the Mount Pleasant to Burlington day. 

Congratulations to the Henry County High Wheelers!

PAST RIDER CUP AWARD WINNERS
2008:  Air Force Cycling Team
2007:  CUBS (Chicago Urban Bicycling Society)
2006:  The Dream Team
2005:  Team Navy Cycling
2004:  Siouxland Cyclists
2003:  Marion Road Hogs
2002:  Team Achin’ Knee
2001:  North Iowa Touring Club
2000:  Huff ‘N Puffers
1999:  Riverbend Bike Club
1998:  Pottawattamie Pedalers
1997:  Team Gnarley
1996:  Siouxland Cyclists
1995:  Bicyclists of Iowa City
1994:  Huff ‘N Puffers
1993:  Team Skunk
1992:  The Killer Bees

Henry County High Wheelers’ Group picture, 2009.  Front, left to right Kathleen Bush, Jan Gillespie, Curt Swarm, Danny Pidgeon, Nancy Tometich, Tim Bell.  Second row:  Sarah Jacobs, Jena Linkin, Kirsten Heerdt, Jennifer Stater, Tammy Mulford, Jean Evans, Trevor Hamilton, Mike Quick, Mark Hamilton.  Back Row:  Garth (Gator) Ganka, Eric Heerdt, Dan McCabe, Ray Stigge, Randy Wright, Isaah Wright, Barb Hamilton, Tony Branch, Mike Tometich.

Keep Riding:  While you don’t need to ride as much as you have in preparation for RAGBRAI, set a goal to ride a certain number of days or miles per week.  Maintaining your fitness is a whole lot easier than gaining it, so by continuing to ride, you will maintain the ability to ride fairly long distances.

Look for Other Rides:  Look for other rides to take part in.  If you really enjoyed the RAGBRAI experience, look for other organized rides.  There are several multi-day rides available this summer and fall, and an abundance of single day rides.  After conquering RAGBRAI, you can take on any other ride with confidence.  Check at your local bike shop or go online and search for bike tours.  One word of caution: whatever ride you do, it won’t be like RAGBRAI, because it’s one of a kind!

Set your sights on 2010:  If this was your first RAGBRAI, hopefully you plan to come back next year, stronger and faster.   Cycling fitness, especially endurance, can be built over a period of years, if you keep at it and don’t hang your bike up until next year.   Keep riding and stay active through the winter and begin riding earlier next spring and you will find yourself riding even stronger than this year.

Set some goals:  Nothing motivates like having goals.  Your participation in RAGBRAI is a good example.  It forced you to ride in preparation.  Consider other rides, or if you have a competitive streak, consider preparing for a race, or branch out and try a triathlon.   Consider making a goal to ride a certain number of miles this year.    Whatever goal you make, it will help you to be motivated to continue riding and improving your fitness.

Thanks for reading these training articles.  I enjoyed meeting and talking with some of you at the Expo last Saturday.   I hope they helped you prepare.   Stay tuned and watch for more RAGBRAI training blogs throughout the year and through the winter to give you additional ideas and motivation to keep going and to prepare for next year.

Coach David Ertl

David Ertl is a USA Cycling Level 1 (Elite) Coach and owner of Cyclesport Coaching (www.CyclesportCoaching.com) . He coaches individual cyclists, the Des Moines Cycle Club Race Team and the JDRF Greater Iowa Chapter for the Ride to Cure Diabetes.  He can be contacted at Coach@CyclesportCoaching.com .   

Tyson Foods, Inc. proudly supports RAGBRAI 2009!  Tyson’s commitment to “Powering the Spirit” is helping to end childhood hunger in Iowa by raising funds and awareness to feed children in our communities.  Seventy-five percent of all money raised through this effort is awarded to local agencies and food banks, and 25 percent of the money raised supports Share Our Strength in its efforts to generate more resources to end childhood hunger nationwide.

We look forward to seeing you at these locations during RAGBRAI! 

Saturday, July 18

Council Bluffs
Mid-America Center

RAGBRAI Expo:
11:00am – 3:00pm
Hotdogs

RAGBRAI Expo/Outside of Concert Area:
4:00pm – 11:00pm
Steak Sandwiches
1/4 lb Hot Dogs
Chicken Breast 

Sunday, July 19

Henderson
8:00am – 4:00pm
Cheese Omelet Tortilla
Western Omelet Tortilla
Sausage option for omelets
Chicken Breast 

Monday, July 20

Villisca
6:00am – 1:00pm
Cheese Omelet Tortilla
Western Omelet Tortilla
Sausage option for omelets

Tuesday, July 21

Indianola
Noon – Midnight
Steak Sandwiches
BBQ Chicken
Hot Dogs

Wednesday, July 22

Lacona
8:00am – 4:30pm
Steak Sandwiches
Hot Dogs
Chicken Breast 

Thursday, July 23

Sunny Slope Church
(between Bethlehem & Confidence)
6:30am – 2:00pm
Cheese Omelet Tortilla
Western Omelet Tortilla
Sausage option for omelets
Chicken Breast 

Friday, July 24

Brighton
10:00am – 3:30pm
Steak Sandwiches
BBQ Chicken  

Saturday, July 25

Burlington
7:00am – 3:00pm
Steak Sandwiches
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
1/4 lb Hot Dogs

Please note that all times and locations are subject to change.

Towns in RED are Overnight Host Communities 

RAGBRAI welcomes the return of the Miller Brewing Company as a Friend of RAGBRAI. Miller Lite is the official beer for RAGBRAI XXXVII. Miller Lite also hosts the music stops each day as well as the overnight beverage gardens. Be sure to stop by and register to win the Miller Lite Bus which will be given away on Friday in Mount Pleasant!  All bus raffle proceeds are donated to charity.

Saturday, July 18

Council Bluffs

Tish’s in Council Bluffs

Sunday, July 19

Henderson

The Beer Barn

Red Oak

Red Oak Beverage Garden (Fairgrounds)

Monday, July 20

Williamson

FOAM PARTY

Greenfield

Greenfield Beverage Garden (Town Square)

Tuesday, July 21

Martensdale

Margaritaville

Indianola

Indianola Beverage Garden (Town Square)

Wednesday, July 22

Route Pub Crawl with the MILLER TEAM!!

Chariton

Chariton Beverage Garden (Town Square)

Thursday, July 23

Moravia

Fat Annie’s – Moravia

Ottumwa

Bench Warmer’s Bar

Friday, July 24

Brighton

Richie’s Roost

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant Beverage Garden (Town Square)
TEAM BUS DRAWING AND GIVEAWAY 10:30 PM

* Overnight Towns listed in RED

Locations subject to change.

For information on arriving in Council Bluffs, including campgrounds, airport shuttles, long-term parking, maps & directions and a complete list of activities and entertainment, visit http://www.councilbluffsragbrai.org/

BURLINGTON

For information on arriving and departing in Burlington, including long-term parking, campground, airport shuttles, maps & directions and a complete list of activities and entertainment, visit http://www.burlingtonragbrai.com/

Iowa Telecom is proud to be the official provider of Internet and telecommunications for RAGBRAI XXXVII for 7 years running!

The Iowa Telecom Trailers will be located in several overnight towns and other locations along the way. Stop by to check up on your e-mail messages, surf the web, or just enjoy a few minutes of air conditioning! Riders, drivers, and community members are all welcome.

Visit one of the Iowa Telecom Trailers and enjoy these FREE services:
* Make local or long distance phone calls
* Check e-mail from high-speed internet stations
* Use secure Wi-Fi access
* Charge cell phones, PDAs, and laptops

We look forward to seeing you! 

Saturday, July 18

Council Bluffs
Mid-America Center*
West Parking Lot
1 Arena Way
12:00pm-9:00pm

Sunday, July 19

Henderson
Fire Station*
216 Maple St.
8:00am-3:00pm

Red Oak
Fairgrounds
1814 N. 4th St.
12:00pm-9:00pm

Monday, July 20

Corning
Opera House*
800 Davis Ave.
8:00am-3:00pm

Fontanelle
Iowa Telecom*
310 4th St.
10:00am-3:00pm

Greenfield (2 trailers)
Town Square
102 Public Sq
306 Public Sq*
12:00pm-9:00pm

Tuesday, July 21

Orient
West 1st. St. & N. Broad St.*
7:00am-10:00am

East Peru
Bank
119 Brown St.
10:00am-3:00pm

Indianola
NW Corner Square*
127 N. Buxton
12:00pm-9:00pm

Wednesday, July 22

Milo
Library*
123 Main St.
7:00am-10:00am

Lacona
Pierschbacher Funeral Home Parking Lot
104 So. Washington
8:00am-3:00pm

Chariton (2 trailers)
Reynolds Field*
16th & Illion
12:00pm-9:00pm

South Central Insurance
116 N. Grand
12:00pm-9:00pm

Thursday, July 23

Moravia
City Park
114 E. Chariton
10:00am-3:00pm

Blakesburg
City Office*
101 E. State St.
12:00pm-5:00pm

Ottumwa
Bridgeview Center*
102 Church St.
12:00pm-9:00pm

Friday, July 24

Hedrick
City Park, West Side*
605 Spring St.
7:00am-10:00am

Packwood
220 Church St.
8:00am-3:00pm

Mount Pleasant (2 trailers)
Downtown*
107 N. Main
12:00pm-9:00pm

Old Threshers*
12:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, July 25

New London
City Park
103 Pine St.
7:00am-10:00am

Please note that all times and locations are subject to change.

Towns in RED are Overnight Host Communities

 * Location will have a live web cam (availability subject to change).
Follow this link to our live web cam feed:

http://www.iowatelecom.net/webcams-ragbrai.html

Click to Download:

July 19 – July 25: RAGBRAI XXXVII Support Vehicle Route

Click to Download a Specific Day:

July 19: Council Bluffs to Red Oak

July 20: Red Oak to Greenfield

July 21: Greenfield to Indianola

July 22: Indianola to Chariton

July 23: Chariton to Ottumwa

July 24: Ottumwa to Mt. Pleasant

July 25: Mt. Pleasant to Burlington