With more of Main Street now back on line after construction work, more riders of RAGBRAI will get to enjoy the smooth ride.
The local RAGBRAI committee has announced a change in the route for the thousands of bike riders who will enter into Marshalltown for the overnight stay July 25. Now, riders will arrive in the west via Summit Road, turn south on 19th Street and then east on Main Street. The previous route had riders going all the way to Third Street before getting on Main Street.
Shannon Espenscheid, director the Marshalltown Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the dry weather helped push the repaving project of West Main Street ahead of schedule. She said they are thrilled that the riders can now enter town and enjoy more of the road.
"It has always been a beautiful drive and is even better now with the new road," Espenscheid said. "We think RAGBRAI riders will enjoy the Main Street entrance."
Most riders will take a break on Main Street as entertainment, food and other activities will be centered around the courthouse. Live music will begin at 1:45 p.m. running up to the performance by the headliner Little River Band at 9 p.m. The three main camping areas for riders will be Riverview Park, the Central Iowa Fairgrounds and Anson Park.
Those looking to volunteer for the event can call Espenscheid at 641-753-6645.