After a long, hot week in the saddle, the 40th annual Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa ended in eastern Iowa over the weekend. The 471-mile trip began in western Iowa at the Missouri River and ended in Clinton at the Mississippi.
In addition to the traditional tire dip in the river, local organizers planned a variety of entertainment and activity as the riders wrapped up their efforts. Clinton Convention and Tourism director Marcia Smith said she’s heard all kinds of numbers but in picking one in the middle, there were 15,000 riders who came to town in addition to their support teams, friends and family.
“Our city was full and everybody was happy,” Smith says. “I heard no negative feedback what so ever. It was wonderful.” Smith said they are still trying to put together some of the final figures for the ride.
By Dave Vickers, KROS, Clinton