ElvisFest in Council Bluffs

RAGBRAI isn’t the only thing that rolled into Council Bluffs tonight. In addition to 10,000 bicyclists, the city’s riverfront is buzzing with RibFest, a Sheryl Crow concert in an outdoor arena behind Harrah’s casino and – maybe best of all – ElvisFest at the casino next door.

Stephen Long, who was handing out “I’ve been bluffed” stickers at the Riverside Grille, had fun guessing who was here for which event. Most folks, he said, are here for a combination.

“You might see a bike-riding Elvis or a guy on a bike with a slab of ribs,” he said.

Ray Kimball, a lawyer-turned-teacher from Bethesda, Md., was definitely here for the ride.

“I just love RAGBRAI,” he said. “The entire state comes out to support the ride.”

Over the years, he’s ridden across New York, Indiana, Nova Scotia and his home state, but he keeps coming back to Iowa. And in the process, he’s keeps in pretty good shape.

“I’m 61,” he said, pulling off his helmet. “Do I look it? No? That’s because I keep fit for RAGBRAI.”

— Michael Morain

Related Articles