By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
After months of planning and preparation, Guthrie County appears to be ready to shine during RAGBRAI. Below is a short list of questions and answers that may prove helpful.
MONDAY, July 20 (Guthrie Center)
When will bicyclists and others arrive?
Bicyclists are expected to begin trickling into Guthrie Center around 6 or 7 a.m. Monday, coming in from the west on Highway 44 with the majority arriving in the early afternoon. Support vehicles (trucks and RVs) will arrive from the south via Highway 25 beginning before sunup and throughout the morning.
What streets/roads will be closed?
In Guthrie Center, the only closed-off area will be State Street from the fire station to the Casey’s intersection (Fifth Street), and side streets (Second, Third and Fourth Streets) one block north and south of State Street. However, traffic anywhere near downtown Guthrie Center or around the fairgrounds or schools is likely to be heavily congested much of the day.
Will businesses be closed?
Some will. The courthouse will be open. Guthrie County State Bank will be closed. If you have shopping or business to transact Monday in Guthrie Center, it would be wise to check first.
How can I get to where I need to go?
The key term is patience. Getting around will take longer. There will be shuttle buses running on three roundtrip routes (downtown to fairgrounds, downtown to the high school, and downtown to the elementary school/Immanuel Church/Café on the Hill).
Will I still have cell phone connectivity in town?
Cell coverage may be spotty, especially in the afternoon.
When will it end?
Live music and alcohol sales will end at 11 p.m. Street closures in Guthrie Center are expected to end around midnight.
TUESDAY, July 21 (Guthrie Center)
What will Guthrie Center look like Tuesday morning?
Most of the bicyclists prefer to start their daily ride early to avoid the heat. Expect lots of bicycle traffic on State Street/Highway 44 toward Panora all morning.
TUESDAY, July 21 (Panora and Yale)
When will bicyclists and others arrive?
The bicyclists will roll into Panora and Yale throughout the morning. Some early birds will likely roll through before sunrise.
What streets/roads will be closed?
In Panora, the only officially closed-off area will be at the town square.
When will it end?
For both Panora and Yale, things are expected to settle down by early- to mid-afternoon, since the day’s bicycle route ends in Boone.