Countdown: One Day from RAGBRAI in Manchester

RAGBRAI makes its way to Independence today.

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa is traveling 86 miles from Marshalltown today. After spending the night in Indee tonight, the riders will head through Winthrop and take Old Highway 20 into Manchester tomorrow.

Manchester Mayor Connie Behnken says the community is ready for this opportunity to welcome thousands of visitors and showcase their town.

It’s been 16 years – since 2010 – when Manchester last hosted RAGBRAI (that was an overnight stop). Just six days before riders arrived in town, disaster struck as Manchester experienced historic flooding from the Maquoketa River covering West Main Street and other parts of town (impacting homes and businesses) and the Lake Delhi community was grieving following the breach of the dam, the destruction of homes and the loss of the lake. 

RAGBRAI will get a beautiful view of Manchester’s Whitewater Park – new since they were here last time – as they’ll be entering Manchester from Old Highway 20 and then taking West Marion Street into the downtown area. Manchester City Manager Brock Waters:

Other than the route itself, many Manchester residents may be wondering… “How is RAGBRAI going to impact me?”

Again, the public is welcome to stop downtown tomorrow to enjoy all the food, vendors and entertainment – with the beverage garden and DJ music located in the parking lot area of Milestones Group. You can find an interactive Google map of all the vendors and food available for Manchester RAGBRAI on the official landing page at kmch.com/manchester-ragbrai-2026 or check out the Manchester RAGBRAI Facebook page – that’s where you can also find the route, street closures and much more.

We’ll be checking in with more local officials – including the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Manchester Chamber and Delaware County Emergency Management – as head into RAGBRAI so you can be prepared. And tune in throughout the day tomorrow as we will bring you live coverage, interviews and information from Manchester’s RAGBRAI event here on Mix 94.7 KMCH.

audio courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH; photo courtesy of Manchester RAGBRAI