RAGBRAI 2023 - START’s Summer Fundraiser
What is RAGBRAI?
RAGBRAI is a non-competitive bicycle ride across Iowa. The name is an acronym for The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. It began as a leisurely way for two avid cyclists who were also Des Moines Register columnists to venture out from the city and take in the state’s rural sights.
Because of this history, RAGBRAI was organized every year by The Des Moines Register. By tradition, the course runs across the state of Iowa beginning at the Missouri River in the west and ending at the Mississippi River in the east. The total distance varies somewhat from year to year but is approximately 500 miles.
RAGBRAI was first held in 1973, making it the longest-running, largest bike-touring event in the world. It draws recreational riders from across the world. Towns throughout Iowa anticipate the annual announcement of the bike route, hoping to welcome the huge influx of visitors.
Why is START involved?
In 2014, START's executive director and her brothers rode RAGBRAI to honor their father who had passed away earlier that year. He completed his last RAGBRAI at age 87 in 2012 on the back of a tandem with Tracy's brother, Bob. That year, several donors organically donated to support START and in honor of Tracy's father. START has been organizing a team to tackle RAGBRAI as a fundraising event ever since (with the exception of COVID years).
RAGBRAI fits so well as our summer fundraiser because it highlights areas important to START's mission. First, it honors START's mission to help older adults live their best lives. Preparing to make the 500-mile ride requires both a dedication to a training schedule and a healthy lifestyle. Both are essential components for living "counter-culturally" in a country where two-thirds of Americans are battling serious health issues that can be attributed to lifestyle.
Second, inspiration to keep doing the hard work to live one's best life. Aging, even when one has done almost everything right is still hard. On the ride, we meet people like Kennith Lowenstein, who can't walk without a cane but can ride a bike. There are other individuals who cannot walk at all but have found a way to cycle using a bicycle propelled by pedaling with their arms. Many riders on RAGBRAI are riding to celebrate the obstacles they have overcome in their lives. Meeting riders and hearing those stories goes beyond inspiration for the week. It is inspiration for life.
Help us meet our goal
Our donors are amazing. They are kind and compassionate. Many donors have been caregivers themselves for parents, grandparents or a spouse. They know that even the best-laid plans can fall apart when the unforeseen, like a fall or a dementia diagnosis, occurs.
This year, an anonymous donor has pledged to match donations up to $5,000 for the ride. Don’t miss this great opportunity to double your impact in supporting seniors in need. Your generous support is a lifeline to seniors when they need it the most.
Pictures from the Road
RAGBRAI Posts
