Most residents may not have even noticed, but the iconic Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) made its way through a bit of the county last Tuesday. This is likely a little-known fact since the Wright County part of the ride was literally off the beaten path and part of an optional gravel route.
Last Tuesday was Day 3 of the ride that started on Sunday, July 25 and ended on Saturday. The basic route for the day started out in Fort Dodge, took riders through Webster City and Blairsburg, before ending the day in Iowa Falls. However, on this day, there was also optional planned gravel sections.
The second of those gravel routes took riders north out of Webster City towards Woolstock where it zigged and zagged on some Wright County gravel. The riders hit 320th, 310th and 305th Streets and went south of Dows before rejoining the regular route in Alden.
The “Gravel Day” is becoming a regular RAGBRAI tradition. According to the ride’s website: “There are no denying riders who enjoy gravel riding! In the past, RAGBRAI has offered a gravel loop. This year, we’ve taken it to the next level with a 70-mile route taking riders through Alden. This optional route is recommended for those who truly want a taste of Iowa gravel.”
The Register estimates that about 15,000 people rode RAGBRAI this year. Of that large number, a fraction, maybe 500 to 1000 decide on the gravel route. Gravel road bike riding is part of an ever-growing trend across the country. The Facebook group “Iowa Gravel Project,” dedicated to the activity in the state, notes that Iowa has close to 70,000 miles of gravel so there’s plenty of opportunity.
This type of riding is not for the faint of heart. It often requires special equipment and can be quite unpredictable based on gravel conditions. But those who tackled the Wright County gravel route last Tuesday found it very rewarding.
Local cyclist, Jon Ahrendsen of Clarion, said as a Wright County resident, he had to ride the gravel path. He explained he has ridden in about 15 RAGBRAIs now, including every one since 2015. Having biked every road in Wright County last year, including the gravel, Ahrendsen said he was uniquely up to the challenge and is glad he did it, but is not sure if he’ll take the gravel option next year.
Two riders of Team Uni’corn’ from Kentucky said they enjoyed the adventure of the gravel. “It’s very different from where we live,” they noted. “It’s beautiful out here.” They explained that they have ridden RAGBRAI five or six times. They added that the best part is visiting all the little towns along the way.
Josh Johnson from Colorado was also on the gravel route for the Air Force Cycling Team. The team is made up of over 100 riders. Johnson explained that their goal is to be of service to other riders. “When we see a need, like a flat tire or anything else, we’re there to help. We try to be the guardian angels of the roadway,” he added.
Another helpful person on Gravel Day was Margaret Cramer. Her farmyard on 315th Street served as a first aid station and rest stop. Water and snacks were available as was a repair station. Cramer said she was tickled to host the riders. “It’s a joy to have people come out and to be able to share this place” she emphasized.
Cramer’s neighbor down the road Keith Day also enjoyed the day, even if he was just watching riders from his yard and waving. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Day, who has only lived in the county for about a year. “It’s been fun just sitting here watching people ride by.”
When RAGBRAI next passes through the area remains to be seen. But for those who took part in the ride’s brief Wright County foray last week, it was certainly a gravel-y good time.