(Shenandoah) -- It was a Sunday morning to remember in Shenandoah.

"Welcome to Shenandoah! Flower power," could be heard from volunteers dressed in decorative blue or green T-shirts lining West Sheridan Avenue near the intersection of Burnett Street Sunday morning, welcoming thousands of bicycle riders participating in RAGBRAI 44. Many of the riders received zinnia flower packets as a symbol of goodwill for the visitors staying overnight in the community. It was all part of the city's RAGBRAI theme: "Flower Power: Peace, Love, Ride."

Well wishers assembled under a huge arch erected near the intersection, flanked by old 1960's campers, and with 1960's music blaring the background. The warm welcome came after a warm ride from Glenwood through Tabor, Malvern and Imogene into Shenandoah. South Dakota residents Lynn Holm and Julie Kirby began their ride at 4:20 a.m. to beat hot and humid conditions. But, Holm says the early start didn't make the ride any easier.

"It was pretty hilly to start out," said Holm. "Kind of a nice stretch there to catch our breath. Then, we ended up with rolling hills. So, we're happy to see this last half-mile, three-quarter-of-a-mile, was pretty flat."

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