By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Early indications report that RAGBRAI’s visit to Guthrie Center was a success. Although the extreme heat and humidity made the ride from Harlan more challenging, most riders handled the weather and hills well. Visitors to Guthrie Center then enjoyed a wide variety of food and drink options, along with other vendors and businesses.

A flagpole was installed and dedicated to military veteran Tom Clayton outside his home at 705 State St. The ceremony was led by the Veteran Flagpole Initiative, which is holding 16 such ceremonies throughout RAGBRAI week as they travel across Iowa.

Many of the riders travel as a team. One group, riding under the team name of “What Else We Got To Do?” shared their experiences from RAGBRAI. The team has 15 members, including newlyweds Nick Charlson and Kennedy Burch, along with Nick’s father, Dave Charlson. They came from North Carolina to participate in the statewide ride

“This is my seventh year,” Nick said. “I’m 29 now, and my first one I did when I was 16.”

“This is my first year. Marrying him, I kind of got married into the tradition,” Burch said.

Asked what brings people from so far away back to RAGBRAI, Nick talked of the camaraderie among RAGBRAI participants.

“There’s just nothing like it,” he said. “Yesterday, I got a flat tire, and a random guy on the road stopped to help me. That sense of community is really nice.”

The couple said they enjoy meeting people at RAGBRAI from all over the country and the world.

Dave Charlson joked that this is his 100^th RAGBRAI, but since this is the 53^rd such event, he admits his number may be less than factual.

Dave previously lived in Iowa and still has many friends scattered around the state, so he tries to schedule time to meet old friends, depending on which part of Iowa the route passes through.

“I love RAGBRAI because it’s like bicycles take over the world, at least along the ride,” he said. “It’s such a fun group of people who do this crazy thing. I just can’t get enough of it.”

Cyclists reach the end of Monday’s ride into Guthrie Center.

Live music entertains the crowd.

Tony Hora and Dona Hora cool down after a hard day’s ride.

A hole is dug for the flagpole at Tom Clayton’s home.

Posing for a Guthrie Center memory.

A tent city arose at the fairgrounds.

Packs await the arrival of teams at the fairgrounds.

Monday evening’s rain sent everyone looking for shelter.

Dave Charlson, Kennedy Burch and Nick Charlson prepare to start Tuesday’s ride.

By Cheryl Castile | Times Vedette

A steady stream of bicyclists made their way to Panora Tuesday morning after the overnight stay in Guthrie Center. Many local organizations welcomed them with a variety of offerings.

Kile Jackson performs music for cyclists and guests at the Panora gazebo.

Panorama class of 2027 and their sponsors were selling items as a fundraiser for their senior trip.

Terry Tausz and Dave Ryan were offering Tootsie Rolls to those in attendance on behalf of the Knights of Columbus Council 11242.

RAGBRAI cyclists filled Main Street in Panora on Tuesday morning.

Photos by Willis Sheeder | Special to the Times Vedette

Local photographer Willis Sheeder used his drone camera to capture these aerial images of RAGBRAI participants. Warm weather was a challenge, and an evening thunderstorm created even more difficulties for the cyclists and their crews. 

The ACGC High School and grounds, with the exception of the fields, were filled with tents and campers on Monday.

RAGBRAI tents were lined up in near perfect order at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds on July 20.

RVs and support vehicles were parked throughout the Guthrie County Fairgrounds for RAGBRAI participants on Monday.

State Street was taking shape on Monday afternoon in preparation of the evening activities for RAGBRI, including the concerts.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 21 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Auditor Dani Fink discussed the option of contracting with a private auditing firm (rather than the State) to fulfill the requirement for the county to have an annual financial audit.

Fink said she was contacted by a firm that is used by Ringgold and several other counties. She also said she will check into the audit requirements before making any contractual efforts but asked the supervisors’ directions on whether to put out an RFP (Request for Proposals) from private firms available to perform Guthrie County’s annual audit.

“As expensive as the State is getting now, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t look at this now,” Supervisor Mike Dickson said. He added his suggestion to make sure any private firm that may be selected would be prompt and responsive in communications.

Supervisor Brian Johnson voiced his support for Fink’s idea.

“If we look at an outside auditor, I’d rather write an RFP that could be put out there for anybody to respond to, including these folks,” Johnson said.

Fink noted that currently, the county is not under a contract for an audit, so this would be a convenient time to seek options. The next audit will be performed in 2027. She added that relatively few firms are offering to take on auditing for governmental bodies, but she will check into the requirements and begin the process of creating an RFP.

Supervisor Steve Smith noted that RAGBRAI’s visit to Guthrie County seems to have gone fairly smoothly so far.

No citizens addressed the supervisors during the Public Comments portion of the meeting.

The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person at the courthouse or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#