RAGBRAI Rolls Into The Area
Riders continue to enter Grinnell around 6 p.m. on Thursday, Day 5 of their journey on RAGBRAI
Grinnell, Iowa – On one of the most grueling days so far this year, riders worked their way into Grinnell for their 5th day of RAGBRAI. The day’s ride from Altoona to Grinnell totaled 57.5 miles and a climb of 3,202 feet. Day 6 from Grinnell to Coralville will see them pedaling the most of the trip, with 74.9 miles and climbing yet another 2,681 feet in elevation.
Downtown was set up and ready to go by 9 a.m. Thursday, and by 10 a.m., many of the shady camping spots had already been filled. Volunteer’s with their t-shirts sporting large question marks prepared for helping the influx of visitors find what they need.
2 p.m. brought more activity to the downtown, and by 4 in the afternoon, the vendors and the farmers market, down both Broad Street and Main Street, were buzzing with activity. Whiplash was also playing one the main stage. The stage was also set to feature a laser show, and Standing Hampton later in the evening.
By 5 p.m. the downtown was filling up, with hungry and thirsty riders, their support staff, and the local residents out to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The riders were still filing into town, with over 15,000 still due to arrive yet as tents filled the campus of Grinnell College and Ahrens Park on the East side of Grinnell. One gentleman, who stated that he was from New York, found Grinnell very interesting, and the architecture to be very interesting.
The band Whiplash performed at the main stage beginning at 5 p.m., just one of many entertainment acts lined up for that spot ending with Standing Hampton late in the evening
Riders found cooling off at the Aquatic Center, or getting a massage by one of many massage therapists, a relaxing way to help heal those tired muscles from the big day. Windstream Communications also had a mobile unit towed in to allow riders a chance to email loved ones. Those services were also available at the all new Drake Library.
Local churches, and nearly every cafeteria was filled with lines of people waiting to get something to eat. Kelcy’s Fine Dining, nestled just West of Pizza Hut along Highway 6 and one of those little spots in Grinnell that often goes overlooked, was packed. The staff was working extra hard to handle the load of this quaint little spot.
One thing is certain, Grinnell planned and executed their day of RAGBRAI well.
