RAGBRAI® in Allamakee County

A consistent update of local information for RAGBRAI® XLV

RAGBRAI® Director T.J. Juskiewicz and Assistant Director Scott Garner met officially Wednesday, February 1 with available members of the Advisory Boards and Executive Committees for the local RAGBRAI communities in both Waukon and Lansing for the first time since the announcement was made that Lansing would be this year's final RAGBRAI destination, Saturday, July 29, and Waukon would be the final overnight stop, Friday, July 28, for this year's annual ride. The RAGBRAI staff provided a general overview of what designated route communities can expect and should prepare for during the next few months prior to the annual event.

Director Juskiewicz advised that he is aware there are likely numerous inquiries in regard to this year's RAGBRAI event already, but that local board and committee members should reassure those who inquire that the current phase of the preparation process is simply a planning phase, and that more specific details will be well publicized as they become available. He also advised that the actual road route between this year's designated RAGBRAI communities will be released in early March. As of right now, both Waukon and Lansing are working to solidify members of the various volunteer committees that will oversee the local events for this year's RAGBRAI visit to Allamakee County.
The following Advisory Boards have already been established to assist local preparation:

WAUKON                   LANSING                    ALLAMAKEE COUNTY

Stephanie Dugan       Jim Janett                   Matt Cole
Dave Herold               Jim Kerndt                  Christina Drahos
Gail Prestemon          Gary DeVilbiss            Mike Myers
Ben Rausch               Bruce Palmborg          Sharon Kubitz
Dani Bucknell            Jana Schoh                 Larry Schellhammer
Jeremy Troendle       Curtis Snitker              Craig White
                                  Chad Steckel              Hollee McCormick
                                  Rick Welsh                  Valerie Reinke

In addition to the above Advisory Board members, Waukon has also established its Executive Committee. Those members include Executive Secretary Ardie Kuhse, Executive Treasurer Dennis Lyons, and Executive Co-Chairs Jeremy Strub, who will oversee the Housing, Campgrounds, Showers/Sanitation, and Volunteers Committees; Danette Jones, who will oversee the Food and Vendors, Electrical, Beverage Garden, and Entertainment and Events Committees, Stef Perkins, who will oversee the Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Medical, Ride Right and Transportation Committees; and Tatum Miller, who will oversee the Publicity, Hospitality, Web and Social Media, Information Center and Communications Committees.

An abundance of volunteer and other opportunities will be available for this year's RAGBRAI visit to Allamakee County. Anyone wishing to volunteer their efforts to any of the above committees or other volunteer opportunities for RAGBRAI in Allamakee County may do so by contacting any of the individuals listed above.

Additional updates will continue as they become available.

Local residents asked to share their RAGBRAI® stories

With the announcement of both the Waukon and Lansing communities serving significant roles in the 2017 RAGBRAI® event in late July of this year, The Standard is asking local residents who have taken part in the annual bicycle ride to share their experiences with the event for publication in an effort to make Allamakee County residents more aware and comfortable with what will be taking place when the event visits local communities later this summer. Anyone willing to share a brief description of their RAGBRAI® experience to help familiarize area residents and stir up volunteer and other support is asked to contact The Standard by telephone at 563-568-3431 or email their story or contact information to news@waukonstandard.com.