Thursday, those participating in RAGBRAI will leave Iowa Falls and will pass through Ackley and Aplington before coming to Parkersburg, a meeting town for the ride.
Chris Luhring is a member of the Parkersburg RAGBRAI Committee, and tells RadioOnTheGo News that as soon as they find out about the route, the wheels are put into motion on preparations.
“Right away we get a hold of our table and tent folks, we get a hold of our porta potty folks, you know, just try to make sure those reservations are stuck. I actually told our table and tent guy, the next time RAGBRAI goes through, can I reserve those tables and tents now? He kind of laughed about that. But that really is kind of how it goes. There’s a stiff competition with some of those supplies that a small town like Parkersburg needs.”
Luhring says there will be a couple of places in the city to get a good view of what will be taking place Thursday.
“Anywhere between our downtown and the Civic Center is just a great photo-op spot. If they’re looking at sitting, we’re going to have a really big tent, a 30 by 60 foot tent on the north side of our old fire station, which is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Wimple. So, you know, we encourage people to grab an ice cream treat, grab something to drink, and you can sit underneath that tent. I’m hoping these little overcasts doesn’t get as hot as they’re predicting, and people have a great time in Parkersburg. We’re really looking forward to it.”
After Parkersburg, the riders will continue through New Hartford before arriving in Cedar Falls, the next overnight stop.
Parkersburg has been a meeting town for RAGBRAI in the past, including in 2010, 2015, and 2021.
