Washington Evening Journal
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RAGBRAI route inspection pre-ride coming to Fairfield June 7; Town hall planned for June 11
Courtesy of Terry Baker
Jun. 5, 2024 2:44 pm
The excitement is building as the RAGBRAI Route Inspection Pre-Ride gears up to make its stop in Fairfield on June 7. As part of this pre-ride event, the community is invited to welcome the riders to town and join in as they gather at Petra Park beginning at 11:30 a.m.
This unique occasion offers an excellent opportunity for local vendors and restaurants to engage with the RAGBRAI team and participants. Whether you're a potential vendor or a local eatery eager to showcase your offerings, this is the perfect moment to learn about what to serve and how to price your products. Representatives will be available to discuss catering options, menu ideas, and pricing strategies.
During the gathering, attendees will have the chance to meet the riders and ask questions about their journey and experiences. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with cycling enthusiasts and gain insights into the upcoming RAGBRAI LI route.
The RAGBRAI Route Inspection Pre-Ride involves riders of all ability levels, tracking their progress across the state with Wahoo Elemnt Roam bike computers. Data will be uploaded daily to the Challenge page on RideWithGPS, providing a glimpse into the challenges and highlights of the RAGBRAI LI route.
The 434-mile journey, occurring approximately 50 days prior to RAGBRAI, aims to ensure the safety of the route, showcase the vibrant communities along the way, and finalize plans for the upcoming event. Members of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection Team and Crew, including VE Cycling Director Anne Lawrie, RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen, and representatives from various organizations, will be present to review updated plans, answer questions, and interact with local communities.
"We're thrilled to bring the RAGBRAI Route Inspection Pre-Ride to Fairfield," said Anne Lawrie, VE Cycling Director. "This event is not only about ensuring the safety and quality of the route but also about celebrating the spirit of RAGBRAI and connecting with the wonderful communities that make it all possible."
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to be part of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection Pre-Ride in Fairfield. Join us at Petra Park on June 7 at 11:30 AM to welcome the riders and engage with the RAGBRAI team. For more information, visit www.fairfieldragbrai.com.
Town Hall Meeting: RAGBRAI Fairfield Visit Update
The Fairfield community is invited to participate in a crucial Town Hall Meeting on June 11 at the Fairfield Public Library. Two sessions will be held to accommodate everyone's schedule, with meetings scheduled for noon and 6 p.m.
This event serves as an important update session regarding the upcoming visit of RAGBRAI to Fairfield. Attendees will receive the latest information regarding the lunch stop, ensuring they are well-informed about the logistics and arrangements for this significant event.
"We want to ensure that our community is fully prepared and informed about the arrival of RAGBRAI," stated a spokesperson from the RAGBRAI executive committee. "This Town Hall Meeting will provide details on traffic management, route maps, hospitality, public safety measures, entertainment options, volunteer needs, and more."
Given the significant influx of approximately 20,000 riders into the community, it's imperative to address potential congestion and logistical challenges. The committee aims to outline strategies to mitigate these issues and provide guidance on navigating the event day smoothly.
"While hosting RAGBRAI brings exciting opportunities, it also presents logistical challenges," explained the spokesperson. "We want to ensure that residents are aware of what to expect and how to prepare for the event day."
The RAGBRAI route into Fairfield will begin at Libertyville Road, leading riders to Key Blvd (Liberty Dr). From there, cyclists will travel east on Filmore, north on 4th St, and enter downtown via Broadway. The route out of town will follow B St up to Kirkwood and north to Pleasant Plain.
This event not only showcases the vibrant spirit of Fairfield but also provides an excellent opportunity to promote local businesses and encourage community involvement through volunteering.
"We anticipate a fun and exciting event that highlights everything Fairfield has to offer," said the spokesperson. "This Town Hall Meeting is a chance for residents to engage with the planning process and contribute to the success of the event."
Following this meeting, there will be a follow-up Town Hall Meeting in July to provide further updates and address any remaining questions or concerns.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and get involved in the planning of RAGBRAI's visit to Fairfield. Join us on June 11th at the Fairfield Public Library for the Town Hall Meeting. For more information, visit www.fairfieldragbrai.com.