Investment showcases the city

Cedar Rapids

RAGBRAI on July 26 and 27 was a great success! Our goals were simple: Keep people safe, have fun and make this the best RAGBRAI stop on the route. We attained these goals, thanks to thousands of people, both those out front and behind the scenes.

We hosted riders at three campgrounds and in homes throughout the area, shuttled them downtown to RAGBRAI's 40th Celebration, hosted a free kids zone and bike safety event, and followed it up with Breakfast on the Bridge in New Bohemia/Czech Village the next morning. Riders safely navigated the events and 9-mile route through Cedar Rapids.

Nearly 20 committees spent seven months and thousands of hours planning and preparing for the cyclists. In all, 700 community members filled 900 shifts and volunteered 2,000 hours, which can be valued at $43,580!

So many unsung heroes worked tirelessly helping with everything from sign removal to staffing information booths to giving riders direction. Businesses along the route adjusted their schedules and staffing without hesitation to accommodate such a large event. Thank you for the support!

The overall budget to hold Cedar Rapids

RAGBRAI was approximately $400,000. To get an idea of what expenses go into providing a crosstown route, three campgrounds and a large concert venue, here are a few of the numbers.

Start with $195,000 for main stage and local entertainment at the campgrounds, and another $100,000 for staging, seating, video screens and insurance. The balance of expenses include $40,000 for law enforcement and shuttles, and $50,000 for signage, fundraising and information expenses, and portable toilets and campground amenities.

Combined with what the Des Moines RAGBRAI organization contributed to the 40th Anniversary celebration, a total of $210,000 was raised in cash donations. We also received thousands of dollars' worth of in-kind services from our local business community, media partners, non-profit agencies and local government. Add to that a net $50,000 in beverage sales and $75,000 in concert ticket and merchandise sales, and $25,000 from vendors.

Although we had hoped to raise more, our efforts brought us within $25,000 of expenses. We will ask the Cedar Rapids City Council to donate money from the hotel-motel tax fund to cover the outstanding balance. This request will not impact local property taxes.

A $25,000 investment to show off Cedar Rapids to thousands of people and generate millions of dollars of impact for our local businesses is a worthy one.

Our local community profited in a variety of ways. From the server at a local restaurant who made $185 in tips in just an hour and a half, to filling rooms at our local hotels, to riders visiting our local museums and attractions, there are many examples.

However, it is the intangibles that are the most valuable. We are proud to be a community that came out in force to help make our city shine. It was clear to residents and visitors that Cedar Rapids is back.

Just as riders endured heat and storms before their arrival, we Cedar Rapidians have also made it through difficulties and are “Survivin' The Ride”!