Road Show--RAGBRAI riders sport college colors on cross-state trek

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Even though the sixth day of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa—or RAGBRAI—was dubbed College Spirit Day, with participants invited to don the colors of their alma maters, there was no doubt when riders rolled into Coralville on July 29 that they had arrived in Hawkeye Country.

To get to S.T. Morrison Park, which served as Coralville’s RAGBRAI headquarters for the ride’s final overnight stop, bikes had to enter through twin arches of a replica of Kinnick Stadium, home of the University of Iowa football program. “Coralville U: Tailgate Tested, Tailgate Approved.” was the theme of the community festivities, which included a performance by UI cheerleaders as well as a college mascot challenge. There also were free movie screenings, a petting zoo, and a concert by 38 Special.

Some 10,000 bicyclists participate in RAGBRAI, which is held during the last full week in July and averages 472 miles. The Iowa City/Coralville area has served as a host town for the popular event in three previous years: 1995, 2001, and 2006.

photos by Bill Adams

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© The University of Iowa 2009