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After RAGBRAI

Riders depart Fort Dodge on Tuesday

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
Children from the First Presbyterian Church daycare wave encourgaing signs for RAGBRAI riders as they left Tuesday morning.

The thousands of RAGBRAI riders that rolled into Fort Dodge on Monday departed almost just as quickly on Tuesday. But their impact on Fort Dodge stayed behind.

Local RAGBRAI Committee members and volunteers worked hard to put on a successful event.

“As normal, we had some day-of hiccups, but those got fixed relatively quickly and things seemed to go off without a hitch otherwise,” said Neven Conrad, executive committee chair.

Niki Conrad, also an executive committee chair, said, “Fort Dodge once again gratefully had the opportunity to showcase what we all love about our community. As an overnight host town for RAGBRAI, we welcomed new faces into our hometown, fed them, gave them shelter, and showed them a good time.”

Niki Conrad said the committee has been working on this event since early 2020.

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
A RAGBRAI biker high-fives children from the First Presbyterian Church daycare.

“To see it come to fruition was so rewarding,” she said.

Niki Conrad also said she was impressed by the teamwork she witnessed in putting together the event.

“Folks from all different walks of life came together to volunteer their time and energy as much as they could,” she said.

Neven Conrad said the success of the event is thanks to the many volunteers and committee members.

“I cannot thank everyone involved enough and, because of the tremendous volunteer response, there are simply too many to name even if I tried,” he said.

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
RAGBRAI participants ride up North 11th Street Tuesday morning on their way out of Fort Dodge.

Central Avenue hosted the main events and vendors, drawing thousands of riders and locals alike. Neven Conrad said, “Community impact was great. Most every rider I spoke to was very complimentary.”

Niki Conrad also heard many praises of the Fort Dodge community, she said.

“Over and over yesterday, as we walked Central Avenue, we heard all of the ways Fort Dodge had impressed our guests – many of them indicating that they’d love to come back!” she said.

RAGBRAI also leaves behind a donation to local charities.

“Let’s not forget to thank RAGBRAI for their efforts and the $15,000 contribution that went towards five very deserving local nonprofits,” said Neven Conrad.

Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
RAGBRAI riders wave to children from the First Presbyterian Church daycare.

Niki Conrad expressed that RAGBRAI’s visit was much more than just riders stopping for the night.

“In one day, we not only reached out to thousands of new friends,” she said. “But we also reached inside of ourselves to show the true meaning of community.”

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