Clarence Pickard's Ladies Schwinn

John Karras rolled down memory lane in his article “Thoughts from Grampa RAGBRAI“.  Most of the article centered on the iconic Clarence Pickard and his amazing feat.  John recalled the “clunky” green and white ladies Schwinn that Pickard purchased just two weeks before the ride.

Charlie Harper of Harper’s Cycle & Fitness in Muscatine has enjoyed tinkering with bikes for many years.  Harper and his family has been on RAGBRAI since the maiden voyage across the state and are still one of the official bike shops on RAGBRAI.  Charlie spotted the same bike (although yellow) at a bike swap that Mr. Pickard pushed across the state back in 1973.  Charlie restored it to all it’s glory. 

Thanks Charlie!

Related Articles