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 100th RAGBRAI, but since this is the 53rd 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.