Forest City starts cleanup, plans for more toilets next time

FOREST CITY, Ia. — After a long night of partying, RAGBRAI cyclists wake up early in the morning an leave the overnight town to head further east of the state.

But how does a town recuperate after thousands of people sleep overnight and travel through it?

“It’s a community effort,” said Gary Ludwig, the chairman of Forest City RAGBRAI. “That’s what RAGBRAI is about. Everyone does something.”

Kathy Rollefson, 52 of Forest City cleans up downtown Wednesday morning. (Linh Ta/The Register)

Early on Wednesday morning, Forest City’s street department started cleaning and at 10 a.m., more than 40 volunteers started going through campgrounds to pick up trash.

Some local businesses closed on Wednesday to assist with clean-up in Forest City.

Ludwig said the campground clean up would take around 3 to 4 hours. He said the work isn’t challenging except “bending over to pick up for old guys.”

He also said riders are typically good about cleaning up trash as long as there’s a nearby receptacle.

The next time RAGBRAI comes through Forest City, though, Ludwig said the town will make sure to have more portable toilets.

“Finding them the week of RAGBRAI is difficult,” Ludwig said.

Kathy Rollefson, 52 of Forest City cleans up downtown Wednesday morning. (Linh Ta/The Register)

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