This weekend, RAGBRAI officials will end their test ride along this year's route. The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa will begin on July 24th in Glenwood and end six days later in Muscatine. Ride Director, T.J. Juskiewicz, says tomorrow, the group will spend the night in Washington, Iowa before heading for the Mississippi River in Muscatine.
"We'll visit places we've never been before. We'll go through Columbus Junction, Fredonia, Letts, and Arden Creek Vineyard."
Greg Jenkins, President and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says residents and businesses are excited to show off their town to thousands of bicycle riders and others.
"Muscatine's population is around 23,000 and we're expecting another 20,000 with the riders and their support teams. In addition, a soccer tournament for scouting players will be held that weekend with around 2,000 people. And our Great River Festival will be held at the same time."
During this week's RAGBRAI inspection ride, Juskiewicz says members of the group met with local officials in each overnight town. They discussed traffic planning, safety, and road conditions.
Muscatine will greet the riders with a watermelon feed when they roll into town on Saturday afternoon.