It's "RAGBRAI Retro Day" as 10,000 plus bicyclists will be crossing Tama County's midsection from west to east tomorrow (Thursday, July 26.) Participants are invited to "break out their oldest RAGBRAI jersey or T-shirt" in keeping with the day's theme.
The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa route enters Tama County on E27 west of Garwin at the Marshall County line on day 5.
After a likely stop in downtown Garwin they follow E29 to V18 and into Clutier for another stopping point.
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From there they head eastward on E36 to the Benton County line and on to Garrison.
The cyclists will stay overnight in Marshalltown tonight (July 26) where the main entertainment will be featured on the Marshall County Courthouse Square. The Little River Band headlines at 10 p.m. following a full afternoon and evening of performances on the downtown stage.
In it's 40th year, RAGBRAI last crossed Tama County in 2008 when Toledo and Tama hosted and overnight stop.
Tama-Toledo also hosted RAGBRAI overnight stops in 1977 and 1995 and there also have been several pass-through routes.
Motorists traveling in the Garwin and Clutier areas as well as on U.S. Highway 63 north of Toledo should be cautious for the heavy bicycle traffic.
In past years, the Iowa State Patrol has provided traffic control at the U.S. 63 E29 intersection.