T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Thoursands of Ragbrai 36 participants will see two sections of a blue Roadmaster bike that have been placed at each end of a large hay roll. A bicycle helmet and American flag have been placed on the top. The display sits near the shoulder of Iowa 330 south of Albion.

If you traveled north of town today, it probably was not too difficult to figure out there was a major bicycle event going on. RAGBRAI, an annual bicycle ride spanning the state, crossed over the northern portions of Marshall County and through the towns of State Center, Albion, LeGrand and Montour on its way to the overnight stop in Tama/Toledo. Just in case there are any stragglers, drivers are encouraged to still keep a watchful eye throughout the evening hours and again tomorrow as riders leave the Tama/Toledo area heading east. A number of events and entertainment options were held for the riders as they made their way into Tama County. Locals along the route in Marshall County also helped out, providing food and beverages for those who were passing by (usually for a price). This is the first time RAGBRAI has been in the Times-Republican coverage area since 2004, when a community push to make the town an overnight stop was successful.