By Estelle Johnson
Special correspondent to the Cedar Falls News Hub
What do you think happens when 30,000 bike riders roll into Cedar Falls for a night’s rest and relaxation after a 50-mile ride?
One word says it all — joy!
It’s the kind of joy that comes from arriving at a destination after an intense physical exertion when the body is ready for rest and the spirit is yearning for revelry.
You’ve got to see it to believe it.
It happened on July 24, when RAGBRAI LII overnighted in Cedar Falls.
It was the fifth such stop in town for the 52-year history of the storied Register’s Annual Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, but like every single one, it made its own memories for the riders and for the town.
This one was themed “Ride the Wave,” and ride the wave they did— the riders and their hosts in a show of celebration of joy.
The scene downtown
Main Street businesses welcomed RAGBRAI riders to shop small and dine locally.
The main stage downtown drew record crowds, with the vibe-spiking performers like The Diplomats and Not Quite Brothers.
Some of the riders dipped their tires in the Cedar River and others hopped back on their bikes to visit College Hill for a matcha from Moo’s Bakery or a Bob Dorr blues gig treat at the Octopus.
Their journey to Cedar Falls marked the end of day five – two days and 100 total miles remained ahead of them.
You can find additional photos from RAGBRAI LII at the official RAGBRAI Facebook page, linked here. Photos can also be viewed at the official RAGBRAI website photo gallery, linked here.
The Spam ladies of RAGBRAI
Among the thousands were cyclists Robin Dillon, Carolyn Rugg and Cassie Guy. The trio’s Spam branded bike gear caught my eye as I walked down State Street, and Carolyn told me the three were dressed in honor of their hometown, Austin, MN. – the birthplace of the popular canned meat.
“I really enjoy meeting all the people who love Spam,” Carolyn said.
Altoona couple returns to RAGBRAI after five years
Jeff and Jean Newell, from Altoona, had previously participated in RAGBRAI 16 consecutive times – from 2003 until 2019. The couple took a break from riding in 2019, but their group, the Angry Beavers, wanted to get back on the road for RAGBRAI LII.
“We skipped a couple years, and then our Florida team, the Angry Beavers, called and wanted to do it all again this year,” said Jeff.
Cedar Falls High School graduate returns to homeland
Eric Wood, 1987 CFHS grad, and his partner, Barb Larkin, made the grand decision to ride RAGBRAI LII after the pair found out that there would be an overnight stop in Cedar Falls.
Wood had previously ridden in RAGBRAI, in 1979, with his father and brother.
“When I was 10 years old, I would be in town by 2 p.m., I’d be in the pool until 5 p.m., I’d have a chicken dinner, then I’d be in bed by 7 p.m.,” Wood told me. “And I’d be up at 7 a.m. to do it all over again.”
NBA All-Star enjoys music from Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony during RAGBRAI welcome
Mike Cunningham, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony, and his wife, Bonita Cunningham, Director of Development and Community Relations for the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony, were part of a group that welcomed RAGBRAI riders into town.
Mike told me, “We thought it would be a classy and unique way to welcome the RAGBRAI riders to Cedar Falls,”
Musicians from the WCF Symphony and Cedar Valley Strings played a range of music, such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” famously performed by Elvis Presley. Unbeknownst to the musicians, a celebrity of his own was listening nearby.
That would be the ten-time all-star and Hall of Fame basketball player, David Robinson.
“We loved all the riders who stopped by and really seemed to enjoy as well as appreciate our wonderful musicians,” Mike added. “Some even bought t-shirts and donated to the Symphony!”
State auditor, Rob Sand, rode with RAGBRAI to Cedar Falls
Rob Sand, current Iowa state auditor, made his way to Cedar Falls along with thousands of RAGBRAI cyclists. On his journey to Cedar Falls, Sand experienced two flat tires – both front and back.
The setback did not keep Sand from snapping a celebratory RAGBRAI photo with Cedar Falls Mayor, Danny Laudick.
In a Facebook post, Sand wrote, “Thank you to Cedar Falls Mayor Danny Laudick for showing me around, I had a blast and met some new friends.”
A few of thousands
The folks I had the chance to speak to were a glimpse into the full RAGBRAI culture. The thousands of people that walked and cycled down Cedar Falls Main Street carried their own experiences.
Love stories, everlasting friendships, and budding relationships is what makes RAGBRAI so special to those who participate.
RAGBRAI LII was a chance for many, like Eric Wood and Barb Larkin, to come back to Cedar Falls after many years.
“RAGBRAI was a way to get back to my hometown and celebrate the past,” Wood said. “I’ve been with my partner for two years, so this was a way to introduce her to my past, and to celebrate the future all in one.”