Heather Rutledge, a Cedar Rapids cyclist, is lucky to be participating in RAGBRAI this year.  On St. Patrick’s Day, she was the victim of a hit and run while biking home from the festivities in town.

“A driver came into my lane and ran into me,” Heather said.  Fortunately, Heather’s injuries were not life threatening.  She tore some small ligaments in her knee and spent nearly two weeks on crutches.  The tears in her knee healed without surgery, but Heather lost over a month of valuable RAGBRAI practice time.

Heather said she had to ease back into the practice routine.  “I wrapped my knee and purchased a brace to help stabilize the knee,” Heather said, “and made sure my bike ride was short so I did not end up hurting the knee even more.”  The first time she rode her bike after the accident, her knee was sore.   However, she slowly worked her way to recovery, and feels grateful to participate in her third year on RAGBRAI.

Heather rides with Team WASP, which is based in Cedar Rapids.  She is excited that Cedar Rapids has the chance to showcase its variety of local businesses during the overnight stop and morning festivities.  “Many businesses have struggled to come back since the flood, and many have taken the chance of opening businesses in areas that were previously flooded,” Heather said.  “This is a great opportunity to show how our community has come back and is thriving.”

The RAGBRAI overnight stop is also a chance to showcase the caring nature of Cedar Rapidians.  “RAGBRAI is a great opportunity for cyclists to show that we are respectful riders and proud of our community, and also the perfect time for non-cyclists to show their respect and support for not only a healthy and fun activity, but also the Iowa tradition that RAGBRAI is,” said Heather.

Heather asks novice RAGBRAI riders to remember the following basic safety rules:  “Wear a helmet, make sure your bike has enough lights, and make sure you’re always calling out proper road signals and instructions not only for your safety, but those riding around you.”

Duane and Kim Frett, RAGBRAI 2012 cyclist hosts.

Duane and Kim Frett are two Marion residents who will play a very important role in RAGBRAI 2012.  The Fretts have volunteered to host a group of cyclists overnight as they pass through Cedar Rapids.  But this isn’t the Fretts’ first rodeo.  Duane and Kim also hosted a round of bikers several years ago.  “We had two groups,” said Kim, “one from Vegas and one from Iowa.”

Kim and Duane really enjoy volunteering their time- and their lawn- during RAGBRAI.  Duane said his favorite part of volunteering as a host is meeting the different groups of cyclists.  “We enjoy meeting people and learning what their lifestyle is about.  It’s just fun!” said Duane.  Duane, an avid bicyclist, has ridden part of the RAGBRAI circuit in past years, and now looks forward to volunteering on his own turf.

Kim says the only downside to hosting cyclists is when the riders have to leave.  “You have so much fun when they’re here!” Kim said.  “Everyone is so appreciative of everything.  Even the littlest thing!”

In order to have a pleasant camping experience, riders must also be respectful of the hosts and their property.  Duane says one big thing riders can do to help is to pick up after themselves before they leave, and be mindful of everyone who lives in the area.

The Fretts have some advice for novice hosts.  “Have a big enough water heater!” Duane said.  “You will go through it quick!”  Kim added, “We always provide gift bags with Gatorade power bars and water, and we put a garden hose out for the riders.  They get hot!”  The Fretts added that, although many bicyclists carry their own, it is wise to stock up on extra towels and soap.

Kim and Duane agree that the best advice they can give 2012 RAGBRAI hosts is to simply enjoy hosting.  Kim said, “Be ready to let them relax.  Don’t plan a whole lot for them to do.  They’ll be tired after riding all day.”

Host volunteers are vital to the success of RAGBRAI.  Duane said, “It’s just a more relaxing option.  It’s just a more homey atmosphere.”  Riders depend on a safe place to camp, and the opportunity to cool off after a long day’s ride.  If you are interested in hosting riders for the 2012 RAGBRAI overnight, and you live in the Cedar Rapids area, contact Cedar Rapids RAGBRAI today.

Tim Peters, Shellsburg City Council Member and RAGBRAI Committee Volunteer

Shellsburg, Iowa is the final official pass-through city before the overnight celebration in Cedar Rapids on July 26, 2012.  Shellsburg is preparing for the thousands of riders by creating a fun, energetic atmosphere to fuel the riders as they travel to Cedar Rapids.

Shellsburg is nearly 20 miles west of Cedar Rapids in Benton County, so RAGBRAI  riders will need plenty of recuperating to arrive refreshed for the festivities in Cedar Rapids.  Tim Peters, Shellsburg city council member and RAGBRAI committee volunteer, says the city of Shellsburg expects riders to arrive in town around 10:00 A.M., with a majority of riders arriving around 11:30 A.M. and staying until around 4:00 P.M.

To make the stop as comfortable as possible, Shellsburg is working to turn their town park into an area that is welcoming, efficient, and, most of all, fun.  “Plans are still developing,” Tim said, “but the Shellsburg community will have numerous latrines, shaded areas to cool down, efficient meal and beverage service, a beer garden, local live music from Monkey Business, and games.”

Tim said Shellsburg is stocking up on many food and beverage favorites, such as watermelon, ice cream, popcorn, water, sports drinks, and more.  But the real treat is from Roy’s Grocery, one of Shellsburg’s long-time local businesses. Roy’s Grocery will prepare a local favorite, their signature jalapeno and cheese brat burgers, which will be available in the park.  “The flavor is memorable with just a little kick, but not overpowering,” Tim said.   Tim said Shellsburg community members are ecstatic about RAGBRAI, and are honored their city was selected as a pass-through community. “Local businesses, non-profits, and community members are coming together to provide a warm welcome, food & beverages, accommodations, and entertainment,” said Tim. “The community members are building a team of volunteers, and non-profits are a big part of the volunteer effort taking place within the community.”

The Shellsburg RAGBRAI committee has a Facebook page for riders to interact and get more information:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ragbrai-Shellsburg-IA-Follow-the-Yellow-Brick-Road/154919677972011.  Committee members are also available to answer questions at ragbraishellsburg@gmail.com.  Riders can also check out the City of Shellsburg website, www.shellsburg.com.  Contact Shellsburg to find out more about their offerings to prepare riders for the overnight festivities July 26, 2012 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Tim Gilbertson is a RAGBRAI veteran.  He has ridden every year for the last eight years, and plans on riding again this year- that is, unless his new grandchild is born on time!

Tim is planning this year’s ride around his daughter’s impending due date, which is during RAGBRAI week.  His daughter has ridden on RAGBRAI with him in the past, and he thinks he has an inkling as to why the baby is due during the trip.  “She’s doing it only so she doesn’t have to go with me this year,” Tim joked.

Unlike a lot of RAGBRAI bikers, Tim usually doesn’t join a team.  Unless his daughter is riding with him, Tim usually rides the RAGBRAI route solo.  “I get dropped off on one side of the state,” Tim said, “then I have to make my own way back.”

Tim, who works for the Grounds Department at Kirkwood Community College, thinks the overnight pass through Cedar Rapids will be great for the city.  “Cedar Rapids has been wanting it to come here, and they seem to be pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s a big event,  and a highlight of the week for the bikers,” Tim said.

If he isn’t visiting with his new grandchild the evening of July 26, Tim plans to attend the festivities in downtown Cedar Rapids.  “It sounds like it’s going to be a pretty good night,” Tim said.  He is a big fan of the Counting Crows, and he is excited that they are going to be playing in Cedar Rapids.

Tim has acquired an encyclopedia of training wisdom over his biking career.  He advises all RAGBRAI participants to put in as many training miles as possible before the big ride.  “All the training miles and practice you can do pays off,” he said.  “On days when it is miserable and hot, you will appreciate the days you spent practicing because it makes it easier to enjoy the week no matter the weather.”

Tim also mentioned another perk of putting in practice miles- it gets you out of a lot of other tasks you “should” be doing, such as chores and yard work!  To sum up his appreciation for RAGBRAI, Tim said, “It’s a fun experience, and everyone should go on it once to see what it’s like.”  Join Tim and thousands of other bikers on RAGBRAI, and stop downtown the evening of July 26, 2012, for an unforgettable night of entertainment in Cedar Rapids.