Orange City, Iowa — Orange City is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the 2025 Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) on July 19. During a Town Hall event at city hall Wednesday night, organizers shared thrilling updates and plans for the starting overnight host, blending community pride with heartfelt efforts.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Mike Hofman, Executive Director of the Orange City Chamber of Commerce, who introduced the executive committee and emphasized the community’s enthusiasm for hosting RAGBRAI once again. John Weber, one of the co-chairs, shared the significance of RAGBRAI, highlighting its history and the global reach of this annual bike ride across Iowa.
Themes and entertainment then took center stage at the Town Hall. The RAGBRAI committee unveiled this year’s theme, “Take Off from Tulip Town,” alongside a striking logo featuring tulips and a windmill-inspired bike wheel. Designer Vaughn Donahue highlighted its creative journey, stating, “We wanted something with motion, bicycle wheels, and Dutch elements…so here we have motion lines with the wheel and the windmill for spokes.” The theme beautifully ties into RAGBRAI LII’s overall theme of “Take Flight.” Residents can support the theme by purchasing logo T-shirts, showcased last night in a lighthearted fashion show led by Aria Clothing Company from Orange City.
Music lovers can look forward to a spectacular entertainment lineup featuring headliners Above the Covers and 90s Rockshow, from Southern California, with lead singer Seth stating, “We’re coming to rock your faces with all your favorite ’90s hits!” The lineup also includes local bands like Sarah Pemberton, Kley De Jong Band, Devon Cadwell, and Prince Lev, ensuring a full day of fun.
Hospitality team members urged locals to get involved through decorations, hosting riders, or becoming neighborhood crew captains. As Co-chair John Weber shared, “We’re proud of our Dutch heritage and excited to welcome riders from around the world.”
The community decorations effort is in full bloom, with elementary students creating 1,000 tulip artworks to line the riders’ path. A “Light It Up Orange City” initiative invites residents to brighten the town with white lights, culminating in a friendly lighting contest judged by a celebrity guest.
Close to 20 committees are tackling logistics for around 25,000 cyclists, with teams like housing working tirelessly. Volunteers are the backbone of RAGBRAI, and the committee is calling on community members to get involved. From working shifts in beverage gardens and information booths to preparing campsites and hosting riders, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute. Housing chair Pat Brenneman emphasized the importance of forming long-standing friendships with riders, encouraging locals to open their homes and yards. Enthusiastic participants are already reliving connections from 2017, with Weber recalling, “A 90-year-old was recently contacted by his team from Sioux Falls. It’s amazing to see these relationships endure.”
Also discussed at the event was: “Where will RAGBRAI riders dip the tires of their bikes?” It’s a tradition for riders to dip their back tire in the Missouri River, or one of its tributaries, before their trek across the state. Then, dip their front tire in the Mississippi River when they finish.
Orange City is over 20 miles away from the Big Sioux River, which flows into the Missouri River. So, what will riders do this year?
There are two options to complete the tradition. First, riders can complete the tire dip right in downtown Orange City. Organizers will bring water from the Missouri River and fill up a canal located at Windmill Park. Second, riders could travel to Oak Grove County Park, the closest location to Iowa’s western border, which is 30 miles northwest of Orange City. There, traditionalists can access the Big Sioux River via a boat ramp for a tire dip.
RAGBRAI LII kicks off in Orange City and concludes July 26 in Guttenberg, with other northwest Iowa overnight stops in Milford and Estherville. For more updates on Orange City RAGBRAI or to get involved, visit ragbrai.orangecityiowa.com or follow the Orange City RAGBRAI Facebook and Instagram pages. With creativity, dedication, and community pride, Orange City is ready to shine again on the global stage.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center)
