Cedar Rapids, IA – On Friday, July 27, RAGBRAI riders will enjoy a special farewell breakfast in the Czech Village/New Bohemia area in Cedar Rapids prior to their 42 mile ride to Anamosa. Breakfast on the Bridge will celebrate the rich culture of the Czech Village/New Bohemia area and will allow riders to experience the unique atmosphere and enjoy various foods and drinks before departing on the day’s ride.
Czech Village/New Bohemia is the first pass-through stop along Friday’s RAGBRAI route. It is very special and unique for Cedar Rapids to be an overnight community and also to be considered a pass-through stop. Beginning at 6 a.m. riders will be welcomed to the Bridge of Lions that separates Czech Village and New Bohemia, which is part of the route leading the riders out of Cedar Rapids. The bridge will be lined with food vendors serving traditional Czech and Slovak pastries called kolaches as well as more traditional breakfast foods like breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy and muffins.
The area’s entertainment and cultural experiences will also make the morning special, such as visiting the National Czech and Slovak Museum, touring the historic Czech Slovak Prudential Society (CSPS) hall, viewing bicycle themed art, with local Art Bikes club displays or participating in free yoga classes. There will also be live performances throughout the morning including the Iowa Accordion Club followed by Craig Erickson and Natalie Brown at the Kosek Bandstand and Roving Accordionist Ron Johnson playing throughout the area. The African American Museum, located in the New Bohemia area, will also host a live jazz performance.
Breakfast on the Bridge is a great opportunity for the riders to leave the Czech Village/New Bohemia District with full stomachs and a favorable impression on the Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI 2012 experience. It is also a great chance for local residents to experience what the Czech Village/New Bohemia area has to offer. The Czech Village/New Bohemia area of Cedar Rapids offers a unique, small-town feel with a cultural twist. Making the RAGBRAI riders feel welcome is a priority, and nothing says Iowa hospitality like a warm meal.