March 29, 2024

Flooding changes route of Iowa’s cross-state bike ride

MADRID (AP) — Flooding has forced organizers to re-route part of Iowa’s annual cross-state bicycle ride.

Officials say flooding has significantly affected low-lying edges of Ledges State Park in Madrid, which is slated to host the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa on July 24.

The ride has now been re-routed to avoid the park. The lowest areas along the route are currently under as much as 20 feet of water and levels are not expected to subside by the time bicyclists come through.

Riders are now slated to leave Boone eastbound on U.S. Highway 30, turn south on Quill Avenue, then meet up with the original route after about 3 miles. The new route will decrease the day’s distance by 3 miles.

This year’s ride begins July 22 in Onawa and ends July 28 in Davenport.