BURLINGTON, Iowa -
The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa -- better known as RAGBRAI -- is ready to wrap up its seven-day trip. Along the way, they travel about 470 miles. This year, thousands of riders will cross the finish line in Burlington on Saturday.
RAGBRAI preparations are keeping cool in Burlington. Behind Big Muddy's Bar and Grill, volunteers are loading 80-pound bags of ice on Thursday. They'll be ready when the two-wheel entourage arrives on Saturday. Nearly 20,000 riders and supporters will be set to celebrate.
"I think there will be a lot of people coming down to see the camaraderie," said Big Muddy's owner Dennis Standard. "Then they'll get wrapped up in it, and hopefully make a day of it."
It was a spectacular scene last year in Le Claire. Riders lined up to dip their wheels into the Mississippi River. A RAGBRAI tradition that's back in Burlington.
"This is a great opportunity," said Beth Nickel, Greater Burlington Partnership. "We'll not just see visitors from Iowa. We're going to have visitors from across the nation and world to see what Burlington has to offer."
Around 7 a.m.on Saturday morning, RAGBRAI riders will repeat the ritual in Burlington. They'll come to the boat ramp and enjoy a variety of closing activities.
That welcoming spirit is going to pay big dividends. That's because the riders might return someday, and Burlington wants to make a good impression.
"The city, homes and businesses have been planning, decorating, cleaning and sprucing up," said Kay Sackville-Breuer, Greater Burlington Partnership.
At The Drake on the Riverfront, preparations take on a tropical motif. That's where the restaurant will hold its annual luau. The tiki hut will get quite a boost with plenty of visitors.
"I hope that they walk away with a smile on their face," said owner Sam Jennison. "That's a happy place. If we get that done, we've done our job, haven't we?"
And just like their last visit to Burlington in 2000, keep RAGBRAI riders coming back for more.
RAGBRAI preparations are keeping cool in Burlington. Behind Big Muddy's Bar and Grill, volunteers are loading 80-pound bags of ice on Thursday. They'll be ready when the two-wheel entourage arrives on Saturday. Nearly 20,000 riders and supporters will be set to celebrate.
"I think there will be a lot of people coming down to see the camaraderie," said Big Muddy's owner Dennis Standard. "Then they'll get wrapped up in it, and hopefully make a day of it."
It was a spectacular scene last year in Le Claire. Riders lined up to dip their wheels into the Mississippi River. A RAGBRAI tradition that's back in Burlington.
"This is a great opportunity," said Beth Nickel, Greater Burlington Partnership. "We'll not just see visitors from Iowa. We're going to have visitors from across the nation and world to see what Burlington has to offer."
Around 7 a.m.on Saturday morning, RAGBRAI riders will repeat the ritual in Burlington. They'll come to the boat ramp and enjoy a variety of closing activities.
That welcoming spirit is going to pay big dividends. That's because the riders might return someday, and Burlington wants to make a good impression.
"The city, homes and businesses have been planning, decorating, cleaning and sprucing up," said Kay Sackville-Breuer, Greater Burlington Partnership.
At The Drake on the Riverfront, preparations take on a tropical motif. That's where the restaurant will hold its annual luau. The tiki hut will get quite a boost with plenty of visitors.
"I hope that they walk away with a smile on their face," said owner Sam Jennison. "That's a happy place. If we get that done, we've done our job, haven't we?"
And just like their last visit to Burlington in 2000, keep RAGBRAI riders coming back for more.
