Ride organizers announced that for the first time since 2012, Anamosa will play host to the riders of RAGBRAI July 23.

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will run from July 19-25, starting in Le Mars and ending in Clinton. RAGBRAI was founded in 1973 by two Des Moines Register columnists, Karras and Donald Kaul, the latter of whom died in 2018 during the week of RAGBRAI.

The inclusion is the fourth overall for Anamosa and its first since 2012. When deciding on Anamosa, RAGBRAI Director Dieter Drake said geography played a role in the selection, as they wanted to get to Clinton, but that it wasn’t the only reason.

“Anamosa has a great small-town feel,” he said, similar to the small farming community where he grew up in upstate New York. “It felt like home, honestly, and I felt like Anamosa would be a great addition.”

Drake has only been on board since December, following a split last fall where the previous race directors left RAGBRAI to for their own Iowa Ride, which will also pass through Jones County this year. Drake said he’s had great support from communities all over Iowa, including Anamosa. Drake said officials were very quick to respond to his queries.