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May 07, 2014Reflections with Grampa RAGBRAI: The Old Wagon Master
This is the time of year I invariably find myself thinking about the late Don Benson, who served as RAGBRAI's director from 1973, the ride's first year, for 19 years, through 1991. Benson was the Register's director of special events when the ride began. He and I had known each other only in passing up to then.
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June 24, 2011
RAGBRAI XXXIX: Don Benson Memorial Ride
The Des Moines Register, RAGBRAI and the family of the late Don Benson are proud to announce that RAGBRAI XXXIX will be dedicated to the memory of the Wagonmaster, Don Benson.
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May 10, 2011
Benson helped launch, coordinate RAGBRAI
Benson, the longtime RAGBRAI leader who died Sunday at age 82, will always be remembered as the logistics man for the first 19 RAGBRAIs. But plotting cross-state routes, coordinating with municipalities and shouting "Take no prisoners!" to begin each ride are only the Nebraska native's most prominent contributions to the annual event.
July 19 - 26, 2025
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