Six weeks remain until RAGBRAI 2021 begins, and organizers in Sac City, the ride’s first overnight town this year, are continuing their preparations for the crowds of riders, support teams and vendors. According to Lance Wilhelm, the community’s RAGBRAI committee chairman, as many as 20,000 people may be coming to town on Sunday, July 25. He says all these people will need somewhere to sleep, so they are searching for residents willing to open their homes and yards to the riders.
Wilhelm adds those 20,000 people will all need to eat at least one meal while in Sac City. Organizers have been working with local restaurants, non-profit groups and vendors to ensure enough food will be available. He estimates approximately 400 volunteers will be needed to help during the days leading up to RAGBRAI and immediately afterwards. Currently about 250 people have signed up.
Sac City was officially announced as an overnight RABGRAI stop in December after Storm Lake withdrew due to the uncertainties caused by COVID-19, leaving the community less than seven months to prepare. Wilhelm says he is pleased with their progress so far, but there is plenty of work yet to do.
He adds leadership roles have already been filled, but they still need volunteers to assist with a variety of different tasks. If you are interested in helping make Sac City’s first time as an overnight stop a success, contact Wilhelm using the information included below. This year’s RAGBRAI begins Sunday, July 25 and ends Saturday, July 31.
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RAGBRAI Organizational Chair, Lance Wilhelm
Cell: 515-520-0257
Email: lancewilhelm78@gmail.com
