DES MOINES, Iowa — RAGBRAI riders hit the road early on Wednesday not just to avoid the brutal heat, but also make their way to Iowa's capital city.
Wednesday's route is 54.5 miles from Ames to Des Moines. Riders stopped in Ankeny before heading to Des Moines and sites like Water Works Park for overnight lodging. Other towns on the route included Slater, Madrid and Polk City.
RAGBRAI's 50th ride marks the first time since 2013 it has stopped in Des Moines.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday for central and southern Iowa; heat index readings should range from 100° to 105° or higher through the afternoon. Des Moines reached 96° with a heat index of 109° at 3 p.m., marking the hottest day of the year.
"It's hot but it's great," said JoJo Fritz of Panama City Beach, Fla. who has ridden RAGBRAI several times. "The volunteers out on the road and then going through each small town, they make this ride bearable and we love it."
Indianola IV and Wellness offered riders a new way to stay hydrated through IV bags. A full bag cost $45, and there were also vitamin shots available for all types of maladies.
"So, you're using your legs so you're really exerting yourself. And [the IV gets] that hydration and built it back up so you don't get sick and have any sort of accidents later," Victoria Foster, who works with Indianola IV and Wellness, told Local 5.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also joined the ride in Slater on Wednesday, the Des Moines Register reports.
Cyclists will leave Des Moines around 6 a.m. Thursday for the 88.9-mile trip to Tama-Toledo.
Today's RAGBRAI route
The route map had bikers riding down E 14th street/Highway 69. This road was closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, leading the crowds to Water Works Park for entertainment — like a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert — and camping.
According to Des Moines police, officers will report for RAGBRAI duty starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday in order to guide people through the expectant traffic. Police created maps specifying road closures in neighborhoods around the city, including Highland Park, Union Park, Historic East Village and more.
Ruby B's Kitchen and Catering had the goal of serving 1,000 meals throughout the day, and before the afternoon arrived had already served 998.
"We sell what you call soul food," said Rod Bradley, the restaurant's owner.
Entertainment Schedule (Water Works Park)
Main Stage
- 1 p.m. — RAPTORS – Air Force Band
- 2 p.m .— Dave Zollo & The Body Electric
- 3:15 p.m. — Brother Trucker
- 5 p.m. — The Nadas
- 7 p.m. — Dillon Carmichael
- 8:15 p.m. — Lynyrd Skynyrd
Bridge Stage
- Noon — DJ Jimmy Jim
- 2 p.m. — The Crust Band
- 4 p.m. — Allegra Hernandez
- 5:30 p.m. — Kris Lager Band
- 7 p.m. — RAPTORS – Air Force Band
For a list of breweries compiled by Catch Des Moines in the metro area, click here.
