(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Saturday, announced that after a five-year hiatus,  the City will once again serve as an overnight stay for RAGBRAI 2024. It’s the 51st year for the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa that begins with bicyclists dipping their tires in the Missouri River. Eight Iowa communities along the RAGBRAI route serve as “host” communities, beginning with Glenwood. This year, the overnight stays include Red Oak, Atlantic, Winterset, Knoxville, Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant, and Burlington. This will be the eighth shortest route (434-miles) but the hilliest ever, with 18,741 feet of climb.

The route and host cities announcement came Saturday night in Des Moines, at the 2024 RAGBRAI  Route Announcement Party. Atlantic will host cyclists Monday, July 22, 2024.

Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith said “We are excited to see RAGBRAI has named Atlantic as a host community once again.” Smith said  “RAGBRAI has always expressed how much they love coming to Atlantic and we’re excited to show not just the state of Iowa, but cyclists from around the country and world what kind of people and community we are.”

Atlantic last served as a host community in 2019, welcoming just under 20,000 people to town. The committee, made up of 25 committee chairs, and over 300 day-of volunteers, raised a record $50,000 that was divided between the Atlantic Police Department, Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department, Atlantic School Boosters Club and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. Smith is looking forward to having another record year.

Photo of the 2019 RAGBRAI in Atlantic (Photo courtesy Bailey Smith)

“RAGBRAI gives Atlantic a lot of positive exposure while supporting local organizations and non-profits. We look forward to partnering with community leading entities as well as community minded individuals to have a successful RAGBRAI 2024,” stated Smith.

Details regarding committee and volunteer needs will be made available in the coming weeks and Smith asks for patience while Chamber staff work to gather information.

For more information regarding housing, vendors opportunities, etc., visit www.atlanticragbrai.com or call 712-250-5343. RAGBRAI will be held July 20 – July 27.