Tight-knit Packwood a popular midway stop

Packwood, Ia. — The sign’s message was as simple as its cardboard and duct tape construction.

“I love Renae and Jess Edler,” it said to the thousands of cyclists that turned at the nearby corner and rode east out of town.

The fact that the author didn’t bother to leave a name — only a “Yee Haw” addendum — is fitting for this town of 220, where most people know each other and attend the same church.

“It’s a pretty close-knit place,” said Melvin Mullikin, who has farmed southwest of Packwood for 50 years.

Mullikin helped with a push-pin locator map that showed RAGBRAI riders came from all over the United States to eat, drink and meet great people in Iowa.

The people are what will bring Steve Giebutowski, 39, back to the state next year from his home in Monson, Mass.

And one new food he found:

“The walking taco changed my life,” he said. “I’m already making plans for next year.”

Packwood lawns hosted thousands of worn-out riders who sat or slept in virtually every available piece of shade along the route through town. Giebutowski said the ride today was so-far the easiest day of the week, with relatively flat terrain, sunny skies and a gentle breeze.

There were no signs of the severe weather that’s predicted to roll through the area later today.

The First Christian Church left riders with this message for the road: “A good exercise of the heart is to bend down and help someone.”

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