Local Group Participates in RAGBRAI

There has been a very dedicated group of people cycling in the Pearce Cycling room each Tuesday evening since early this year led by personal trainer Michelle Manjak. The group has a very targeted focus: train for a long summer bicycle ride.  

In fact, a 468-mile bike ride across the state of Iowa. RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. This year, the event begins Sunday, July 23.

Heading into its 45th year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. The event attracts participants from all 50 states and many foreign countries

The RAGBRAI route averages 468 miles and is not necessarily flat.  It begins somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River and ends along the eastern border on the Mississippi River. Registrants are limited to 8,500 week-long riders and 1,500 day riders.

“Michelle is a great motivator,” said Mark Cosner, Pearce member and RAGBRAI participant. “During our training sessions with her, she led us through lots of interval training to prepare for the hills. People don’t think of Iowa as hilly, but it is.” The group also worked on breathing technique for both active and passive recovery. “One of the benefits of intensive training is developing a callous on your backside,” added Mark. “That really helps when you’re riding about 70 miles each day.”

Mark was instrumental in rounding up a group of local people to participate together including Pearce members Troy Schmick, Aaron Clay, Steve Reginald, Dan and Emily Terpstra, and Pearce members and employees Rob Ordaz and Laura Hedden. Pearce Board members Dave Vojta and John Calhoun, along with his wife Lisa, are also riding. Other locals include Tom Fenelon and Mike Featherstone, who is riding in his fourth RAGBRAI this year.