What does biking across Iowa have to do with 99 Counties?
The short answer: Everything. If you’ve ever driven across Iowa on one of the big highways I can’t blame you for thinking there isn’t much here besides corn, ethanol plants, Casey’s gas stations, crop dusters and political campaigns… but trust me there is so, so much more. This next week I’m going to take you along on a 500 mile bike ride that will change everything you ever thought of Iowa. The real Iowa is a charming and undulating landscape right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Don’t believe me? Have a look at the bike ride I took this morning in Benton County.
What route am I taking and why am I doing this?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the RAGBRAI. Register’s Annual Bicycle Race Across Iowa is the largest bike touring event in the world. The event starts this Saturday (July 22nd) with a large expo in Sioux City on the Missouri river. The “race” begins Sunday morning when 100,000 riders will dip their back tires in the Missouri River and then ride for 7 days across 500 miles, finally ending on Saturday July 29th with their front wheel in the Mississippi River in Davenport.
In short RAGBRAI is a celebration of the unique local culture of the many small towns, farms, and businesses along the route. And what could be more aligned with our mission here at 99 Counties. As you know we are on a mission at 99 Counties to empower more farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices by connecting those farmers to consumers who care about where their food comes from, how the animals, are raised and what impact that has on the land. The values we believe in and the community we are building is one that celebrates everything that makes RAGBRAI so beautiful and fun.
Does the route pass by any of the 99 Counties farms?
Yes. Ok, well not directly, but pretty darn close! On Friday the route passes through Belle Plaine, a small town just 7 miles from Nick’s farm where I am currently writing this blog!
How is 99 Counties working with RAGBRAI and what’s that surprise you’re hinting about?
This Saturday at the RAGBRAI expo we will be making a major product announcement. We cannot wait to share with you what we have been working so hard on these last 6 months. And there’s more. In addition to Saturday the 22nd’s announcement there is another big surprise coming on Saturday the 29th. So we’ve decided to partner with RAGBRAI as a sponsor to help get the word out. 99 Counties will have a booth where we will be sharing our mission with new members of our community and selling some of our products. So if you’re in the area stop on by at the below locations or follow along on instagram at @cgebersol and @99.counties.
Sunday: Kingsley
Monday: Carroll
Tuesday: Jefferson
Wednesday: Madrid
Friday: Belle Plaine
Thank you for your continued support. Please share this newsletter and this exciting news with your family and friends!
Sincerely,
Christian