Have you been to the 3,000-square-foot cycling exhibit called "Riding Through History," which opened in July that showcases the years of RAGBRAI?
If Not... YOU SHOULD !
We (BIKEIOWA) posted all sorts of News items about the exhibit in June and July, but it was not until late August that we had the chance to actually go see it.
We had taken the Monday off after RAGBRAI to sleep in, clean our gear, and get our favorite Mexican food fix. With our bellies full, we drove (yeah drove) to the State Historical Museum.
The Museum was practically empty, and we had the RAGBRAI exhibit to ourselves. We spent about an hour and a half there taking it all in, and then walking through it again to see what we have missed.
ABOUT
The 3,000-square-foot exhibition showcases artifacts, stories, photos
and videos that reflect the cycling experience in Iowa, including a
bicycle from 1869 owned by Wesley Redhead, one of the first ridden in the
state.
The exhibition also highlights RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great
Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) as one of Iowa’s iconic traditions, largest
cultural events and economic drivers. Tens of thousands of Iowans are
connected to this topic through their participation as a RAGBRAI rider,
resident of a town on the RAGBRAI route or simply being a cyclist who
enjoys Iowa’s trails.
A few things you will see
-
John Karras bicycle that he rode more than 30 RAGBRAI on
- a bike from 1869
- Clarence Pickard's ladies' Schwinn bike
- The origin of KYBO
- Team/Club logos, jerseys, signage and other RAGBRAI paraphernalia from over the years.
- Reminders that "It's not a Race... It's a Ride."
- Pork Chops, Pancakes, and Pies
- SAGBRAI '74 T-shirt
- Overnight and pass-through town fellowship
- Many of artifacts, stories, photos and videos
LOCALE
State Historical Museum
600 East Locust
Des Moines, Iowa, 50319
515-281-5111
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday
Noon - 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Closed official state holidays
Admission is free
GO SEE IT
The exhibit opened in July 2013 and will remain open for 2 years.
Stop by and enjoy a piece of history that YOU helped make. And be sure to sign the guest book.
Ride Safe!