Community benefits from $200,000 in RAGBRAI money
More than $200,000 in RAGBRAI money was presented to representatives of approximately 40 local and regional non-profit organizations at an event held Wednesday evening, Sept. 10, at the Guttenberg Brewing Co. The majority of the funds came from parking fees when the Register's Annual Great Ride Across Iowa visited Guttenberg in July. (Press photo)
Despite the inconvenience of road closures, the crowds and the challenges of hosting thousands of cyclists during RAGBRAI's July stop in Guttenberg, the payoff for the community became clear Wednesday evening when the local organizing committee distributed more than $200,000 to local and area non-profits that helped prepare for and welcome the influx of visitors.
The announcement of recipients took place on Wednesday evening, Sept. 10, at the Guttenberg Brewing Co.
Guttenberg Co-Chair Nancy McClellan welcomed guests and thanked the many individuals and groups who contributed to the city’s success, including Mayor Fred Schaub, City Manager Jamie Blume, the city crew, the Finch families, Meuser Lumber, Dan Pierce, and the Clayton Ridge Soccer team. She gave special recognition to the Guttenberg public works crew for their work in preparing the city and parks.
“We parked over 1,400 vehicles for riders and staff of the Des Moines RAGBRAI team, which created the majority of the monies being distributed,” McClellan explained. “Our goal was to use the RAGBRAI funds to benefit as many people as possible—residents, visitors, the elderly, and the young alike.”
McClellan also thanked the Guttenberg Police Department, Guttenberg and Garnavillo Fire Departments, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital and ambulance, and Clayton County Emergency Management for all their help, especially during a tandem bike accident on Garber Hill Road. She read a medical update and thank you from Dale and Irlene Higdon, the couple who were seriously injured in the accident.
Other special thank yous went to the 150 volunteers who assisted, including 20 core Guttenberg RAGBRAI team members. In addition to McClellan there were three other co-chairs: Austin Greve, Donna Hinzman and Dan Kuempel.
Award decisions
"The RAGBRAI team, volunteers, the volunteer groups and the Finch families were invited to recommend non-profits that should be considered for a donation. So, between the agencies that helped and the ones that were recommended we are distributing over $200,000 in donations tonight," she told those in attendance.
"As 2014, in 2025 our goal was to use the RAGBRAI-generated monies to benefit as many people as possible – including Guttenberg, the residents and visitors, elderly and young. Tonight we have over 40 non-profit organizations that will receive a donation," explained McClellan.
Following the distribution of money, Mayor Fred Schaub closed the evening by thanking all who helped make RAGBRAI LII a memorable and successful event for Guttenberg.
Recipients
Organizations receiving donations included:
•Community and City Services: City of Guttenberg, Guttenberg Police Department, Guttenberg Fire Department, Guttenberg Ambulance Service, Guttenberg Park Board, Guttenberg Recreation Board, Guttenberg Swimming Pool, Guttenberg Library, Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, Guttenberg Economic and Industry Development Committee, Guttenberg Heritage Society, Guttenberg Gallery & The Creativity Center, Guttenberg GermanFest Committee, Guttenberg Hospital
•Regional Support & Emergency Services: Clayton County Emergency Management Agency, Garnavillo Fire Department, Colesburg EMS, Garnavillo EMS, Holy Cross EMS
•Youth & Education: Clayton Ridge Schools, Clayton Ridge Eagles Soccer, Scouting America Troop 40, Girl Scout Troop 3174, Jefferson Go-Hawks 4-H, Kids Kampus, Garnavillo Community DayCare, Family Resource Center, Clayton County Womenade
•Faith & Community Organizations: Friends of St. Mary’s, St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church, Community Vacation Bible School, Living Water Bible Fellowship, Umbrella Arts, Guttenberg Rotary Club, Guttenberg Eagles Club FOE #4114, Guttenberg Ingleside Club, Brown’s Hometown Victory Foundation
Final review
On Aug. 28, the Guttenberg RAGBRAI Team met with representatives from the Des Moines RAGBRAI Team for a final debrief of the 2025 ride. Cycling Director Anne Lawrie and Ride Director Matt Pippen praised Guttenberg for hosting a smooth and successful event, noting the city’s strong organization and community spirit.
The Des Moines team shared highlights of the 2025 ride, which drew 19,000 registered riders from all 50 states and 20 countries. This year’s route was among the shortest and flattest in RAGBRAI history, factors that likely contributed to an above-average number of full-week riders. Participants ranged in age from 5 years old to 92 — the oldest rider having completed every RAGBRAI since its start.
Guttenberg leaders also provided feedback to benefit future host towns. A major success came from dividing parking and charter bus services between multiple sites, including Lakeside, Clayton Ridge School, and Meuser’s. In addition, departing buses and clubs were routed north on Highway 52 and the Great River Road to avoid the kind of 13-mile traffic jam seen in 2014. This year, officials reported only minimal traffic issues.
