Bike riders prepare for RAGBRAI

Over 10-thousand bikers are expected to turn out for the 1999 Register’sAnnual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa which begins this weekend and with somany tires, chains, and pedals — breakdowns are inevitable. Mike Oswald ofBill’s Cyclery in Des Moines says RAGBRAI (rag’-bry) bikers should planahead.Oswald says when preparing for a long ride like RAGBRAI, a trained mechanicshould take a look at your bike before you start pedaling. Oswald says riders should bring along some equipment to fix their bikes, but not the entire toolbox. If you should have a more serious breakdown, mechanics will be on hand toget you back on the road.Like getting a flat tire, most of the breakdowns are unpreventable.RAGBRAI is a 530-mile bike ride beginning Sunday in Rock Rapids and endingJuly 31 in Bellevue.