Preparing for RAGBRAI later this summer is a nearly full-time job for members of the central committee and the various subcommittees, and their latest focus is finding a place for 20,000+ riders and their support crews to sleep. That is the task delegated to the Carroll RAGBRAI Housing Committee. Misty Boes, Ward 2 city councilwoman and committee member, says there is not enough public space for every rider, so they are searching for residents willing to host a few on their lawn or living room floor.
Boes adds RAGBRAIers have a reputation for being well-behaved guests, and hosting often leads to friendships that last for years. Parks and Recreation Director Chad Tiemeyer says signing up to host takes only a few easy clicks on the new Carroll RAGBRAI website.
The www.CarrollRAGBRAI.com page also serves as a central hub for all things related to Carroll’s overnight stop, including volunteer opportunities, entertainment information, vendor details, and much more. RAGBRAI is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is expected to draw record crowds along the route. Carroll will act as the host community for Monday, July 24. The route begins Sunday, July 23 in Sioux City and ends Saturday, July 29 in Davenport with stops in Storm Lake, Ames, Des Moines, Tama-Toledo, and Coralville.
