RAGBRAI riders gear up for start

COUNCIL BLUFFS – Riders won’t dip their tires in the Missouri River until tomorrow, but dozens of cyclists arrived early today to prepare for the ride and visit the kick-off bike expo.

On Sunday, an estimated 10,000 people will leave Council Bluffs and head out on the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.

Angie Baker, 40, and Zach Allen, 22, of Los Angeles stood in line at the WD-40 tent to have their tandem bike cleaned and serviced.

“This combines two of my favorite things, camping and biking,” said Baker, who’s been on RAGBRAI once before.

This is Allen’s first time on the seven-day trek across the state.

The two met about six weeks ago when they completed a race across the state of Utah together.

“You start to question your sanity when you hop on your bike at midnight after 36 hours,” Allen said.

This week, they’re looking forward to a more relaxing ride.

“It’s going to be laid back. We’ll have costumes and beer,” Baker said. “We’re looking forward to a great time.”

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