RAGBRAI Director: Iowa Bike Trek More Popular

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 24, 2011 at 1:27 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2011 at 3:38 PM CDT

GLENWOOD, Iowa (AP) — The director of an annual cross-state bicycling event in Iowa says increased out-of-state participation is evidence of the ride's growing popularity.

The Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, kicked off its 39th year Sunday. Bikers left Glenwood on a 454-mile trek that ends Saturday in Davenport.

Director T.J. Juskiewicz told the Iowa City Press-Citizen that a recent survey found 60 percent of the thousands of bicyclists who flock to the ride now come from outside the state.

"Word-of-mouth is what has elevated it," Juskiewicz said. "We don't advertise it; we don't have to."

Biking enthusiasts say the event also has made the sport more popular among Iowans.

Iowa Bicycle Coalition director Mark Wyatt said RAGBRAI can be a gateway for new bikers. Even after just one day of cycling, they realize how much fun biking is and get hooked, he said.

Ryan Baker, owner of World of Bikes in Iowa City, said his business is boosted by customers preparing for the trek, particularly those new to the sport.

"For a new cyclist, it is a huge thing to work towards," Baker said.

He said he sees a lot of customers in his store early in the season preparing for the race.

"They come and say, 'I am buying a new bike for my first RAGBRAI,'" he said.

RAGBRAI always begins at the state's western border and ends at the eastern border, but the route changes each year. This year's trek started in Glenwood and includes overnight stops in Atlantic, Carroll, Boone, Altoona, Grinnell and Coralville before ending in Davenport.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong is expected to make part of the trek. Manager Mark Higgins has said Armstrong likely will ride for two days with his Livestrong team through central Iowa.