RAGBRAI the 'high holiday for cyclists'

For the past six years, Karen Parrott has served as the RAGBRAI coordinator for the Bicyclists of Iowa City, a bike club that provides charter service for RAGBRAI. Parrott said more interest prompted BIC to up the number of participants from 150 to 175 and they started using three, 68-seat charter busses, up from 45-seaters.

Slots are full by January, and she caps the waiting list at 30. She added that she typically gets through the waiting list as some early commits back out and a few last-minute slots often open up.

Many non-Iowans, such as University of Iowa alumni or resident alumni of UI Hospitals and Clinics, use the BIC service to return for RAGBRAI, and a third of BIC's RAGBRAI group now is from out-of-state, including a woman from Germany this year, Parrott said.

"I think it is huge for Iowa to have RAGBRAI. For those traveling here, it's given us a reputation as a biking state. It's safe and acceptable for those out riding on the road. Biking is part of the transportation system here," Parrott said.

Having the route come so close to home adds to the excitement and to the number of locals willing to give it a try, Parrott and others say. For many, a little exposure is all it takes to hook them.

Local community support for cycling also has helped inspire interest both for recreation and transportation. It also hasn't hurt that Coralville has hosted RAGBRAI twice in the past five years, and North Liberty has once.


Written by
B.A. Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Jul. 23, 2011

Research: Vital to hospital services

It is surprising that Mercy Hospital would run a full page ad in the DI (Jan. 24) bragging about its lack of teaching and research. Isn’t this another way of saying that it’s not interested in being on the cutting edge of health-care advancements?

My study subjects at the UI Hospitals and Clinics appreciate both the opportunities to access the newest cancer treatments and the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment. When they are faced with a miserable illness, they find some satisfaction knowing they may help someone in the future who walks in their shoes.

I’m sorry Mercy Hospital patients don’t have the same opportunities.

Karen Parrott
UIHC research coordinator

Quote the Smart Students

Out of the thousands of intelligent college students in town, The Daily Iowan has chosen to quote students who said they might transfer and that they now have to go to house parties because of the 21-ordinance. Look around and find the students who are enjoying clubs, sports, shows, lectures, and the hundreds of activities that are available in any given week on campus.

Sure, this ordinance will be tough on some students and some downtown bars, but the culture can change. Other college towns have had this law for years and continue to educate bright, interesting, engaged students. Instead of focusing on those who whine and don't want to change, encourage each other to become something better.

Karen Parrott
UI employee


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