RAGBRAI to pass through Salem

The Salem City Council approved a request from RAGBRAI, The (Des Moines) Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, for Salem to be a drive-through city as bicyclists travel from Fairfield to Burlington on July 26.

During a city council meeting on Tuesday, March 5, council member Chris Feehan said they will fill out the paperwork and send a letter notifying RAGBRAI. RAGBRAI last passed through Salem in 2007.

Drive-through cities often provide a short pit stop for riders and offer them food and hospitality.

Mayor Dan Patterson said RAGBRAI will be good for small businesses, but the city will have to incur some expenses like paying for porta potties.

'It's a good opportunity for local revenue,” Feehan assured.

Feehan said the last time RAGBRAI passed through Salem, her kids set up a lemonade stand and made $200 at 50 cents a cup.

Council member Chuck Kramer said he expects bicyclists to pass through around 10 a.m.

The city council will continue to discuss RAGBRAI at future meetings.

The next Salem City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m.

This is the 47th annual RAGBRAI. It begins Sunday, July 21, and concludes on Saturday, July 27. It was founded in 1973 by two Des Moines Register columists: Donald Kaul and John Karras.

This year, bicyclists will start in Council Bluffs, staying overnight in Atlantic, Winterset, Indianola, Centerville, Fairfield, Burlington and Keokuk.

Stops were announced in January.