Cyclists take off across Iowa

  • Published
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  The 36th Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, kicked off July 20 when thousands of avid cyclists, including a large contingent of Air Force riders, began the 471-mile trek across Iowa.

Sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest ride in America with more than 10,000 riders from all over the country. The Air Force team is in its 14th year here and has been one of the largest teams to ride in the event. Last year the Air Force Cycling Team comprised 148 riders.

The route begins on the western side of the state, this year starting in the town of Missouri Valley. By the time the cyclists arrive in Le Claire on July 26, on the eastern edge of Iowa, they will have passed through 51 towns along the route.

In addition to Airmen participating in the ride, Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard are supporting RAGBRAI by providing water stops along the route. 

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