History of R.A.G.B.R.A.I.- 1985-1994
Ragbrai XIII: July 21-27, 1985: Some superstitious types wanted to change the number of this Ragbrai, but officials held out. Hawarden had been selected as the starting point because it was such a good start 10 years prior. Over 40 towns petitioned to be included in the route. With the gloomy farm economy, Ragbrai provide a lift to the towns spirits as well as an infusion of cash. The ride stopped overnight in Sibley, Emmetsburg, Humboldt, (which asked, Cleveland born Karras to be its adoped native son, in response to the reception given Offenburger the previous year in Shenendoah), Mason City, Waterloo, Monticello, and ending in Clinton for the second time. The 540 miles was the longest Ragbrai in history.
Ragbrai XIV: July 20-26, 1986: Council Bluffs launched an intense campaign to get Ragbrai basck to their city and officials accomodated them. Ragbrai started on the grounds of Lewis Central Schools and the Iowa School for the Deaf. It then proceeded to Red Oak, Audubon, Perry Eldora, Belle Plaine, and Washington, ending in Muscatine. The century loop went through St. Anthony.
Ragbrai XV: July 19-25, 1987: The ride started in Onawa for the third time. The 437 mile route stopped overnight in Denison, Storm Lake, Fort Dodge, Forest City, Osage, West Union, and ended in Guttenberg. In Worth county 200 riders volunteered to search for an 18 month old child who wandered off into a cornfield. She was found primarily because of their efforts. The weather was warmn and humid. Karras missed the ride because of a heart attack.
Ragbrai XVI: July 24-30, 1988: Iowa had been under drought conditions for weeks on end before the ride. This ride featured larger than usual towns and organizers feared that the receptions in the towns would not be as good as they usually were in the smaller towns. But the towns delivered and it was a great ride. The 433 mile ride started in Sioux City and stopped in Ida Grove, Carroll, Boone, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Fairfield, and ended in Fort Madison.
The earmark for the ride was a man named Malcom Starr. During registration it was brought to the attention that the only state in the US not represented by riders was Rhode Island. There was a drawing in Rhode Island and Malcome Starr won it. He was sent to ride the Ragbrai, finished it and has returned many times since. The last time was in 1999.
Ragbrai XVII:, July 23-29, 1989: The ride began in Glenwood for the third time and ended in Bellevue. The route covered 479 miles and ended in the rain for the first time ever. Stops included Clarinda, Atlantic Jefferson, Story City Cedar Falls & Dyersville. The overnight stop in Cedar Falls was at the UNI Dome and held a spectacular light show at the University of Northern Iowa. The century loop on Day 5 sent riders through Wellsburg. Because of the hills in southwest Iowa and jackson County in the east, some dubbed it the hardest Ragbrai ever.
Ragbrai XVIII: July 22-28, 1990: This ride was the 4th longest, beginning in Sioux Center and ending in Burlington's "Snake Alley". The first 3 days were incredible with bright sunny days, temperatures in the low 80's and tailwinds. inlcuded stops in Spencer, Algona and Hampton. But Wednesday brought 20 plus mile per hour headwinds making the 86 mile day from Hampton to Oelwein the toughest ever. Headwinds continued through Cedar Rapids to Iowa City. This ride was then dubbed the hardest Ragbrai ever, replacing the previous year.
Ragbrai XIX: July 21-27, 1991: In 1991, the ride began in Missouri Valley for the third time and ended in Bellevue. Overnight towns included Atlantic, Winterset, Knoxville, Grinnell, Amana & Anamosa.
Ragbari XX: July 19-25, 1992: For the 4th time Glenwood was the setting for this year's start. Anna Hanley & Jerry Turry, participated for the first time on Ragbrai. The string remains unbroken today for these CUBS originals. The ride stopped overnight in Shenendoah, Bedford, Osceola, DesMoines (where Anna had her bicycle stolen out ot the hotel garage, it was not locked. Ask her about the story which has a good ending.) Oskaloosa, and Mt Pleasant. It ended in Keokuk.
Ragbrai XXI: July 25-32, 1993: Starting in Sioux City and stopping in Sheldon, Clarion, Osage (where Kipper fell in love with Anita Lessard, Decorah, Manchester and ending in Dubuque.
Ragbrai XXII: July 24-30, 1994: Starting in Council Bluffs for the third time and stopping overnight in Harlan (perennial prep football powerhouse) Carroll, Perry, Marshalltown, Marion and Maquoketa, ending in Clinton. This might have been the best weather of any Ragbrai, each day had highs of 75-80 degrees, sunny skies, and favorable winds. It was a prelude to the disaster which would follow the next year.