RAGBRAI kicked off yesterday as the riders left Glenwood and took off for Red Oak.  The first day was 41.9 miles and the elevation is 2,435 feet.  Roger Heatwole is a local biker and has done RAGBRAI nearly 10 times.  He talks shares why he keeps doing RAGBRAI year after year.

Heatwole reminds listeners that RAGBRAI is a ride not a race.  There is no winner or time limit for riders.  New bikers could enjoy RAGBRAI as it isn’t 42 miles straight.  He says there’s another thing that makes the ride difficult.

Heatwole says there are no comfortable bike seats, but owner of Black Tire Bike Co. in downtown Marshalltown, Matt Gerstandt, says that they have tons of options for riders.  He is confident he can find you a seat.  Black Tire is out as a mobile shop for RAGBRAI this week.  They are 1 of 8 shops traveling across the state.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB