RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party Raises Bunch of Funds for Iowa Bicycle Coalition

“It was a fantastic RAGBRAI type of night that capped off a great weekend,” described Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  “It was that atmosphere that you find people having fun and contributing to the good of the community – except that it was in January.”

The RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party, now in its second year, was held January 29th at HyVee Hall in Des Moines had over 850 people in attendance.  The event featured a silent and live auction, food and beverage, a guess the route raffle, and RAGBRAI favorites, the Johnny Holm Band.  The event culminated with the announcement of the overnight towns for the 2011 RAGBRAI Route.

“There was excitement in the air.  You could see people clutching their smart phones and laptops hoping they could snag a hotel stay or report the town to their team.” reported Wyatt.  “It was a lot of fun.”

Not only was the event fun, but it raised money for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  As a non profit, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s mission is to build partnerships, educate Iowans, and help establish safe and enjoyable bicycle recreation and transportation networks across Iowa.  The event grossed $23,000 which will help support safe bicycling in Iowa.

In a special announcement, the Des Moines Register Media Group’s Vice President Susan Patterson Plank presented a check for $2,500 to the High Trestle Trail and a check for $5,000 to the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  “It meant a lot to have the support of the Des Moines Register and RAGBRAI to hold the party, but the contribution was very generous and shows how much RAGBRAI is committed to bicycling in Iowa.” says Wyatt.

As the evening continued, RAGBRAI teams danced the night away in celebration of the upcoming bike ride.  Wyatt concluded, “It’s going to be a fantastic year.”

Thanks to the Sponsors of the Iowa Bicycle Summit and RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party: Iowa DOT, Bike World, Primal, World of Bikes, Bikes to You, Giant, Trek Bicycles, Trek Bicycle Dealers of Iowa, Scheels, Iowans Fit For Life, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Great Lakes Trails, Doll Distributing and the Des Moines Register Media Group.

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