“I’m not sure that we learned anything new on that point but Anne did say they would look into posting what percentage of the rider fees went to charities.” Translation: Go fish.

RIDE RIGHT Thank you Mr W for attending and updating us.

Ragbrai is not a charity ride, here is a link to charity rides in iowa if that is what you want to do, –
https://www.bikeiowa.com/Portal/charity

“While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.”

yeah thank you so much

yeah thank you so much

The quad cities bicycle club hosted a meet with TJ for his Iowa’s ride today and I went. There also interested with having a similar meeting with Ragbrai® & Dieter Drake and crew.

I’m posting this because there still many questions about both rides and many interested in doing both rides.

A few highlights that I remember on TJs meeting

1)5000 rider cap
2)Has “100s” signed up.
3)Said coming out of Dubuque should be a fairly easy route.
4)Said he’s talking to ISP but will be working more with county sheriffs and maybe only have to have them control certain intersections for a few hours.
5)He was asked about where he will some up with the money besides rider fees. He didn’t really have a solid answer other then they will be working with the communities and there a smaller ride.
6)Also said since there a smaller ride that they will not be working with county road maintenance depts and it will be “easier to swerve around potholes” which is true but seems like a added liability.
7)Will have SAG
8)Said they to plan to continue Iowas ride pass 2020 but the direction dates and number of days in length could all change. Also it could be loop. Which was surprising considering his date was originlly completing with Ragbari®

I wasn’t that greatly impressed with TJs talk the ride seems like it may be smaller and less organized but I do believe his could be trend both rides for 2020.

I personally think Ragrabi® would be the way to go but I may try both rides with a open mind and see for myself. Plus you may not have to mess shuttling back to retrieve you car which would be a major plus!

Thank you Danny.

From the Air Force cycling team:

Good morning everyone. I have been asked numerous times, “where in Iowa will the AFCT ride this coming July?” My answer has been, “we will ride where the most need exists.”

The intent was not to make this a safe political answer, but the intent was to give a responsible answer. When I say responsible, I mean there has been so much controversy over where people will ride their bikes in July and we did not want to add to the controversy or sway folks one way or the other.

I have seen something of a small civil war in the state I love and have seen some venomous statements made between members in both camps. I have friends in both camps and it’s hard seeing the negativity spewed out.

So in an attempt to be responsible as I stated, our team watched and waited for some of the dust to settle. If we would have stated early on where we would ride, it would have looked like an endorsement for whatever ride we chose.

Most military members are not political members. We seek to serve the nation and its people not take sides. We sought to choose a ride after looking at our mission statement. Our answers came from a vote we took almost a month ago.

At this time, we feel as though the most need that benefits our mission as a team, which is to help the riders at RAGBRAI. After we arrived at this decision, I immediately contacted my friend TJ Juskiewicz and told him of our decision out of respect. It is that same respect we have for you the public, when I tell you that we will ride RAGBRAI.

We want success, for both events, RAGBRAI and the Iowa’s Ride and hope that healing would come about. I further ask folks not to take sides in the comments section of this post.

We are gearing up for another incredible year and hope to renew our friendships with whoever is on the road in July.

Thanks for the update Stephen Witts. I think that you are correct about RAGBRAI probably needing the services of the Air Force cycling team.
I would also like to think the whole Air Force team for their help during past RAGBRAIs. In the past I continued riding after the finish town, and while I missed many aspects of the big event, it really felt different knowing I was on my own. I helps me understand just a little how folks in warzones feel knowing you are there for them. Thanks you all!
With that said, perhaps the best thing is being shown how powerful helping other people can be. You don’t have to be a part of the Air Force to help a rider having a mechanical problem. Even if the Air Force is not on Iowa’s Ride, their spirit and inspiration will be.

Thank you Air Force Team for your service and your unselfish help on RAGBRAI.