Celebrating the AG in RAGBRAI

Annual Bike Ride Rolls Through Iowa Agriculture

By Ann Clinton

The Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI ®) began in 1973 when two reporters decided to cycle across the state and document their adventures for the newspaper. The duo publicized their route and invited readers to join their journey.

Since their initial trek, RAGBRAI has become the longest, largest and oldest bike touring event in the world.

“For 46 years, RAGBRAI has traveled the rural roads of Iowa stopping in the smallest communities with the biggest hearts,” says T.J. Juskiewicz, RAGBRAI director. “The towns refuel riders with the needed food, beverages and fun and the riders help give the local economies a boost."

And between each stop, the richness of Iowa agriculture is in full view.

Juskiewicz adds, “After spending a week coasting by miles of soybean and corn fields, passing hundreds of farms with a variety of livestock that bridge the towns, it’s clear that Iowa is a leader in agriculture.”

In this case, seeing is truly believing. In the heat of the summer sun, Iowa’s fields and farms are vibrant. The state’s impressive agriculture — consistently ranking top in the nation for producing pork, corn, eggs and soybeans — is on display.

“Riders, especially those who aren’t from the Midwest, are intrigued by our state,” says Brent Swart, a soybean and corn farmer from Spencer. “They are drawn to the open spaces and long, scenic roads. It’s refreshing to them.”

Drawing riders from all over the world, RAGBRAI has become an iconic celebration, allowing participants a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Iowa’s landscape from two wheels.

Swart, who has ridden RAGBRAI for more than a decade, thinks the tradition is a perfect way to combine his love of cycling with his passion for agriculture. He travels with a core group of fellow bikers, and almost all in his group are either farmers or have a connection to agriculture.

“For me, RAGBRAI is all about the relationships I’ve developed over the years,” says Swart.

“We see the same people year after year, and we meet new friends along the way. Plus, the trip allows me to have conversations with folks about farming.”

According to Swart, many RAGBRAI participants are genuinely curious about the agriculture they see as they travel through the state. He says their questions are often very basic but provide a catalyst for more meaningful conversations.

“As farmers, we sometimes struggle with how to connect with consumers,” says Swart. “But for a week every year, those consumers come to us. It’s priceless. Not very often do we have an opportunity to talk to thousands of people who may not know very much about farming.”

However, Swart says he’s just one of many agricultural ambassadors engaging with RAGBRAI riders.

“Some farmers pull their combine and tractors out to display them for the cyclists,” he says. “There’s a lot of bonding happening as people love to share stories of the land. Many cyclists have a connection to the land, even if it’s through their ancestors.

“I hear a lot of people reference the kindness of Iowans,” continues Swart. “I guess it’s the ‘Iowa Nice’ perception. Being a part of an event like this reinforces the Midwestern values that I’ve always known to be true. It’s neat to see those sentiments echoed by people from around the globe.”

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