In RAGBRAI pass-through towns, a spectacular view and 10,000 sandwiches

Galen Bacharier, Des Moines Register
Updated ·2 min read
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Hundreds of riders stopped throughout the morning in Jefferson, serenaded by the ringing of Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower as they sprawled on the shaded grass around the center of town.

Some paid $5 for the elevator ride to the tower's observation deck, where they were rewarded with a picturesque view of the town below, its rooftop art and the surrounding countryside.

Craig Berry, a former mayor who another local called the "bell tower aficionado," said the town was thrilled to be on the RAGBRAI route once again.

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Chad Tomlinson of Los Angeles approves of his piece of pie from the Rippey United Methodist Church on Day 3 of the 50th anniversary RAGBRAI.
Chad Tomlinson of Los Angeles approves of his piece of pie from the Rippey United Methodist Church on Day 3 of the 50th anniversary RAGBRAI.

"The community draws together for something like this," Berry said.

The carillon, which chimes throughout the day and presents a daily concert, drew out-of-state riders who wanted to see more of the landscape and snap a photo.

"There are cyclists eight wide as far as you can see, so I gotta get a picture," said Dawn Peter, a first-time rider hailing from Asheville, North Carolina.

One local family set up a photo booth on the street next to the bell tower, with assorted signs reading "here for the bells" and other props.

"I recommend they get a little taste of Jefferson and then come back when they can spend some more time," said Nikki Uebel, who runs a RE/MAX real estate office in town. "There's so many cool things to do here for a small town."

In Luther, Whatcha Smokin BBQ serves hungry riders

Thirty-five miles east, riders were already coming through Luther early Tuesday, said Gwen Page, owner of the town's popular Whatcha Smokin BBQ.

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The restaurant, which set up roadside tents to sell pulled pork and brisket sandwiches as well as craft beer, had purchased enough meat for about 10,000 serving, and Page wasn't sure even that would be enough.

"I'm confident we'll have a sellout," she told the Register before noon.

If the brisket and pork ran out, she said, the restaurant's staff were prepared to toss burgers on the grill.

"We want to make sure everyone can eat," Page said.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Jefferson carillon, Luther barbecue draw RAGBRAI riders