“We need your help.”
That was one of the top messages delivered during a meeting on Thursday, May 4, to give an update on the local planning of RAGBRAI (The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) bike trek across the state. The bicycle ride ends in Davenport on July 29.
“Our goal is to have something that is very welcoming. … We will create a real fun environment,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, during the brief Zoom meeting about Davenport’s planning effort for the big bike ride.
Some of them include lining up entertainment for the visitors in Davenport on July 29; finding volunteers to do a vast number of jobs; lining up parking locations and many other duties.
Mr. Herrell added that he is working with groups and individuals to turn the Quad Cities the color gold as much as possible. (The local theme for RAGBRAI is “Be Bold. Ride Gold” in honor of the bike ride’s 50th Anniversary.)
“It’s going to take the whole Quad Cities to host this. … It’s going to take a village and sponsorship,” said Joan Kranovich, vice president of business growth for Visit Quad Cities, during the Zoom meeting.
RAGBRAI is expected to bring at least 25,000 visitors to Davenport on July 29, according to RAGBRAI officials. However, it’s likely many more visitors will be in Davenport that day because the annual Quad-City Times Bix 7 road race will also be held on July 29.
During a March meeting to kick off planning for the ride, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said it’s possible the city could have 100,000 visitors on that July day. “It could be 50,000 people or 100,000. It’s going to add up quickly. … We are preparing for historic numbers,” the mayor said at that time.
Those visitors could be enjoying coordinated events and entertainment between the two major activities of the day. Mr. Herrell said on Thursday that Visit Quad Cities is looking into a “BixBRAI” series of events that will be held in conjunction with the Bix 7 race.
Much of Thursday’s update was also devoted to encouraging vendors to sign up for RAGBRAI day. Many vendors will be needed at Centennial Park, which is where many of the activities will be centered.
(Vendors can go to this website to sign up and take part in the celebration.)
For updates on RAGBRAI planning, go to this Facebook page or this website.
