Madrid, Iowa — If you’re one of the people who make riding RAGBRAI a part of your summer adventure you’ll be interested to know that a change has been made in this year’s route for the annual bicycle ride across the state.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says recent high rainfall totals throughout central and northwest Iowa have led to flooding of the Des Moines River and high lake levels at Saylorville Reservoir. This flooding is having a significant impact on the lower areas of Ledges State Park, which is slated to host RAGBRAI on Tuesday, July 24th.
According to a press release from the DNR, the situation has forced park staff, local public safety officials, and RAGBRAI organizers to re-route the popular bike ride to avoid the park and these flooded areas. The lowest areas along the route are currently under as much as 20 feet of water and levels are not expected to subside by the time the ride comes through.
The DNR says that, with approval from the Iowa Department of Transportation, riders will now leave Boone eastbound on US Highway 30 and ride approximately 1 mile, turning south on Quill Avenue (R27), where after travelling 3 miles will meet up with the original route. The new route will decrease the day’s distance by 3 miles.
