Do you remember a cycling club called The Itinerants in Eastern Iowa? We at BIKEIOWA are researching this group, which we believe was active before 1973 and may have played a small-but-important role in Iowa’s cycling history.
What we do know:
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The club is referenced in the obituary of Ronald L. Wilson (Cedar Rapids area) as the “Eastern Iowa cycling club The Itinerants” and credited as “a group that inspired Des Moines Register columnist Donald Kaul to organize the statewide bike tour that was later known as RAGBRAI.”
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Given that RAGBRAI began in 1973, the Itinerants would have been active at or before that point.
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We have found no other archival reference so far under the name “The Itinerants” in local club directories or newspaper archives.
What we don’t know (and what we’re looking for):
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When and where the club was founded; who the founding members were.
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What riding activities the club engaged in (touring, racing, social rides?).
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Whether the club had a regular meeting place, membership roster, newsletter, ride logs, logo, photos, etc.
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How exactly the connection to Donald Kaul and the birth of RAGBRAI played out (if indeed they played a role).
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Whether any former members are still around or any family members have old materials.
Your help is needed: If you or your family:
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rode in Eastern Iowa in the 1960s/early 1970s;
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belonged to or knew of a club called The Itinerants;
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have photos, logos, newsletters, ride logs, or memorabilia labelled “The Itinerants”;
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heard a story about the Itinerants in relation to the early days of RAGBRAI;
Please contact us at Biker @ BIKEIOWA DOT COM.
Let’s bring this chapter of Iowa cycling history out of the shadows.
Our Facebook Post:
RIDE. STAY. PLAY.
— The BIKEIOWA Team