Ride Right helps towns get it right

CRESCO - Many folks may not have realized but Thursday, June 8 was RAGBRAI’s® Ride Right event. 

A team of about 40 individuals started Sunday, June 4 and rode the entire RAGBRAI® route, stopping at all the pass-through and stop-over towns, in preparation of the main event, July 23-29.

After leaving Charles City on Thursday morning, June 8, they headed to Cresco, via Ionia, New Hampton, Lawler and Protivin. The group was wined (or beveraged) and dined at each stop. Protivin served them brats, which was the main course at Cresco, as well.

North routes are the shortest, with RAGBRAI® XLV being around 400. The leg from Charles City to Cresco on Thursday is a 54.6 miles, the third shortest of the week.

The Ride Right group does a route inspection to make sure each town is ready for over 20,000 riders and support staff.

After entering Cresco on Thursday afternoon, they ended up at the Featherlite Center at Howard County Fairgrounds, where beverages and a potluck meal awaited them. There were all sorts of ghoulish concoctions supplied by members of the Executive Board and committee chairmen, including cheese in the shape of tombstones, nasty-sounding but delicious main dishes and spooky desserts.

Tom Barnes was in charge of mixing the various “potions” to come up with some tasty brews!

After a short debriefing, the riders got a sneak peak at some of the decorations, ideas and events the committees are working on. 

A little mingling later, and ventriloquist Todd Oliver entertained the crowd with his talking dog! He also joked around with a couple audience members.

The evening ended with a few words from Howard County Business & Tourism Director Jason Passmore and RAGBRAI® Director T.J. Juskiewicz. He told those gathered that Cresco was special to him as the town was on the 2005 route, the first year he was director.

Friday morning, everyone gathered at the Cresco Theatre & Opera House marquee for the daily group photo and then headed off to Waukon, the next overnight town.

The pre-ride is a great way to find out what needs more attention. From the sounds of things, Cresco is doing just fine and is right on target for a great celebration on July 27.