OTTUMWA, Iowa — For the second time in RAGBRAI history, cyclists had the chance to share who and what they are riding for in the event’s “I Ride 4” day on Thursday.
Aside from another day of hills riders had to battle on their way from Winterset to Ottumwa, many cyclists sported unique jerseys, pins, ribbons and headwear illustrating their promoted cause.
Among some of the cyclists Local 5 News spoke to, riders said they were honoring parents who had recently passed away, raising awareness for autism, or for diseases like multiple sclerosis.
“It was kind of hard at first, but you’re able to have conversations with people,” said RAGBRAI director Matt Phippen about recently speaking out about his MS diagnosis. “And talk through what they are dealing with. And relate to them in some way. So, it definitely opened up a whole different platform.”
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that disrupts the nervous system. And for Phippen, it causes his eyesight to be blurry, and leads to “tingly” extremities.
Now taking prescriptions in the morning, he said cycling keeps his mind off of his MS.
Last year, Phippen decided to dedicate one of RAGBRAI’s theme days to be “I Ride 4”, allowing himself and others to speak out and relate to each other on why they ride.
Other cyclists like Danny Davis, from Indianapolis, Indiana, rode a huge 50-inch front-tire bicycle with decked out colorful ribbons and tape to help preach the message for why he rides.
For his granddaughter, Bella.
Davis said Bella has autism and he decided to ride RAGBRAI to help raise autism awareness, and hoped to raise money to purchase bikes for kids as well.
And don’t get things twisted. After RAGBRAI, Davis will continue biking across the U.S. until he reaches the east coast as he proceeds to preach his support for autism awareness and Bella.
Cyclists will head out toward Mt. Pleasant on Friday morning, and reach Burlington Saturday, completing RAGBRAI 51.