RAGBRAI will return to Newton for the first time since 2006. The annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. The overnight stay in Newton is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25th.
“We’re excited to showcase all the great things happening in Newton and are ready to welcome all the participants of RAGBRAI XLVI to get to know Newton in July,” said Mayor Michael L. Hansen.
RAGBRAI started in 1973 as a six-day ride across the state of Iowa by two Des Moines Register columnists who invited a few friends along. The RAGBRAI route averages 468 miles and is not necessarily flat. It begins somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River and ends along the eastern border on the Mississippi River. The route is changed each year and eight Iowa communities along the route serve as “host” communities for overnight stays.
“The last time that Newton was a host community was in 2006,” said Danielle Rogers, Community Marketing Manager for the City of Newton. “That year was a really difficult year for our community. But through the hard work of incredible volunteers and community members, Newton was able to host a memorable overnight stay that year. In 2018, we’re ready, eager and excited to show what our community has accomplished and what makes all of us proud to know Newton.”