The statewide bicycle ride RAGBRAI is scheduled to start tomorrow in Council Bluffs, as the Missouri River town plans for one of its largest-ever celebrations. Larry Foster, the city’s parks director, says organizers of the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa wanted something unique.
Foster says, "It was clear they were looking for a send-off here in Council Bluffs that was different than most other places." He says they put together 21 committees that are involved in everything from food to public safety. A big part of the event is entertainment and he promises there will be great music tonight.
He says, "We are kicking off the event with Ribfest, with big activities associated with that and outside, at the MAC Center, are the Bare Naked Ladies." Foster says you don’t have to be a participant in RAGBRAI to attend the send-off event. He says, "For $15, you can walk up and get a chance to see a nationally-known recording group and the perfect band, we think, for RAGBRAI."
Foster says a huge crowd is expected. "We are looking at between 15 and 18-thousand people so it will be one of the biggest events that’s ever been held in Council Bluffs," he says. They have made available 50-plus acres of camping at the Mid-America Center.
At least 15-thousand people are expected to participate in the annual bike ride across the state.