RAGBRAI LII July 19 - 26, 2025

VIDEO: Stationary biker "Uncle" Louis gets his own cartoon

  • 4 August, 2010
  • Michael Morain

Remember “Uncle” Louis Hammer, the 90-year-old farmer who pedaled a stationary bike and cheered on RAGBRAI riders as they rode past his farm near Pocahontas?

Of course you do. The guy’s a legend.

Well, two of his new fans, riders Greta Songe and John Martinek, are making a short animated film about him. (Songe, by the way, is part of the Tiny Circus animation team that worked out of the Airstream trailer for the past two years at the Des Moines Arts Festival.)

Here’s a clip from the cartoon, which is still a work in progress:

— Michael Morain

6 Comments

  1. Sharon

    I saw this gentleman along the route. Did not know who he was. It’s nice to read stories about what you see on the ride. See you next year, Uncle Louis.

  2. Laurel

    Yay Uncle Louie! I’m his great-niece and I couldn’t be more proud :) I hope I end up being as cool as he is at 90.

  3. Don

    We stopped and talked with Louie and he was definitely a highlight of the ride. A very nice and fun man!

  4. Holly Eberhart

    Hey! I am the Holly Eberhart he was waiting for on the ride! It was such a treat to meet Mr. Hammer!

  5. Eric

    Yeah Uncle Louie. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I rode by. Reminded me of my Uncle Lou. Was a NYC Cop for 25 years. Then when he retired he tought yoga to seniors. Way to get better as you get older !!

  6. Larry Mueller

    Well Mr Hammer,
    You’ve made the internet! Congrats! Too Funny!

    Larry

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