Iowa's Ride will roll into town from Monticello on Monday, July 13. The riders will stop in Vinton and camp out at the Braille School property, aka as the North Pole or stay overnight in homes (if you'd like to open your home contact Nate Hesson who is coordinating homes).

It is expected that riders could begin to arrive on Monday morning, but most are expected to arrive midday and pull out on the morning of Tuesday the 14th. The route then will take them through Mt. Auburn and LaPorte.

Vinton's theme will be "Christmas in July." Matt Phippen spoke on behalf of the Vinton Committee presenting information to the public at the High School on Thursday evening.

Iowa's Ride will take its path from East to West across the state of Iowa. They will arrive through Urbana along 'porkchop hill" and arrive in town coming past the Marvin Lindsay field.

Residents are requested to decorate their homes with the Christmas lights and decorations. Drag out the Nativity Set and the wreaths. There will be a decorating contest again and prizes given.

The North Pole, at the Braille School and the South Pole at the Courthouse will be the site of several activities.

The South Pole aka Downtown

There will be activities on the lawn of the courthouse and several vendors downtown, will be the main points of interest. The group is seeking as many local vendors as possible to fill the town on the 13th with the emphasis on LOCAL. Cyclists will be encouraged to shop the downtown and to check out vendors in the area.

The group is seeking several volunteers to help with the event which is expected to bring 5,000 riders. Vinton will have a Christmas theme and are seeking Santas, Mrs. Claus, several Elves in costume to help direct traffic, help answer questions or serve in any place they are needed.

The North Pole aka Braille School Area

Wrapping up the evening will be "5 Second Rule" kicking off the evening of entertainment followed by the rock band called, "The Hype" which has been reserved to perform on Monday evening.

There are plans for a beer barn in the barn located on the Braille School Property. The Big Grove Brewery beer will be a feature.

Food Vendors

Organizations are encouraged to open a variety of food booths in the area of the Braille School. You will need to submit a menu and application to Vinton Unlimited's Melissa Schwan or Matt Johnson of Cedar Valley Bank, they would like to review the selections being offered so that there are not duplicate offerings.

Don't forget, riders will need breakfast as well before they pull out on Tuesday morning.

It is expected that the ride will bring a possible 5,000 riders into town on that day.

Vinton will also be the site of the VIP night for the ride.

Other ideas floating around, are an Adult Skate Party, fishing at the River, and small musical acts downtown.

Ashley Hesson who will coordinate volunteers, is the person to contact if you are interested in helping out.

Some of the preliminary volunteers needed include help with Sanitation, Hospitality, Hydration Team, Beer Garden, Wristbands, Beer Tickets, Setup and Cleanup.

As Iowa Ride pulls out on the 14th, AmeriCorp will bring in another group and the Braille School Property will begin to change in preparation for the development of the property. So keep your eyes on this area of town this summer!


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BT March 16, 2020, 1:05 pm I'm confused. Is this Ragbrai? Did they change their name or is this another bike event?

Editor’s note: This is a different ride.