Prepare for Busy Streets as Ames Becomes CYcling Country

7/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

As CYcling Country kicks off on Tuesday, July 22, thousands of riders and visitors will fill the streets while they pedal their way into Ames. Beginning around 9:00 a.m. and lasting long into the day, this exciting event is sure to cause traffic and safety issues that the community needs to prepare for.

Bikers will travel into Ames on Ontario Avenue, turn south on Stange Road on to the Iowa State campus, head through campus on Osborn Drive, Morrill Road and Union Drive, and make their way to Welch Avenue where they will head straight to their campgrounds at ISU Towers. No parking or through traffic will be allowed on the route through campus between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. No CyRide buses will operate on the bike route through campus; however, modified bus routes will be used.

Delays should be expected throughout the city, but especially on Ontario Ave., Stange Rd., and at the Lincoln Way and Welch Ave. intersection. Hyland will be closed from Ross Road to the Ontario Ave. intersection. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during these peak traffic hours, such as Mortensen Road or US 30. For those who live in the Ontario Ave. neighborhood, plan on going to work early on Tuesday or using Mortensen Rd. to avoid traffic.

On Wednesday morning, from around 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., bikers will make their way out of Ames and east toward their next stop, Tama-Toledo. They will start out from their campgrounds at the ISU Towers and make their way toward South 16th Street and University Boulevard. They will continue on South 16th St., cross South Duff Avenue, and turn north on Dayton Avenue to Lincoln Way, where they will head east toward Nevada.

The Wednesday morning bicycle traffic will be heavy and dense and motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes. Drivers should avoid all major route crossings, especially South Duff Ave. at 16th St., South Dayton Ave., and Lincoln Way at Dayton Ave. For those who have work vehicles in the Bell or Alexander area, park them north of Lincoln Way on Tuesday evening for easy access. Motorists should use 13th St. and I-35 or US 30 and South Dakota Avenue as alternate routes.

The ride through Ames is sure to be an exciting one. Be prepared to avoid traffic and expect delays if driving around the city on Tuesday and Wednesday. Trying alternate forms of transportation will also make getting around Ames easier. CyRide routes will still be operating as will official CYcling Country shuttles. Those wearing official CYcling Country event t-shirts, sponsor or volunteer shirts may ride the shuttles for free all day on Tuesday. Event t-shirts are available for $20 and also provide free admission to the CYcling Country Festival and Beer Garden. Shirts are available at University Book Store, Dogtown University, and online at www.amesragbrai.com.

Transporation wristbands are also available and provide shuttle transportation all day on Tuesday. Wristbands are $5 each and will be available at all information booths on Tuesday.

Get geared up as bikers pedal their way into CYcling Country on Tuesday, July 22. Ensure your saftey and the safety of others by avoiding all major bike routes and being patient as thousands of visitors arrive in Ames. To learn more about the RAGBRAI stop in Ames, visit www.amesragbrai.com.
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For more information regarding RAGBRAI or to submit a news item, contact:
Allyson Walter
allysonw@amescvb.com