Day 3: Tuesday, July 25 Carroll to Ames
- Theme Day: RAGBRAI Jersey Day
- Mileage: 83 miles
- Elevation: 1,479ft
Pass Thru Towns
- Glidden
- Jefferson
- Rippey – Meeting Town
- Luther
Things to know about each city/town
- Carroll – Be sure to explore Carroll’s vibrant retail district to discover various boutiques and specialty stores. Otherwise, spend the day with your family and friends lounging around Carroll’s aquatic center. When you’re hungry, try out one of our more than 30 restaurants, and when it’s time to call it a day, our local lodging options promise a good nights rest.
- Glidden – Glidden is known as the home of Merle D. Hay, who was the first American soldier killed in World War I. Glidden offers its residents services that are expected in larger cities. Our mission is to enhance residents’ lives by providing quality services at a reasonable expense.
- Jefferson – The Historic shopping district offers unique shopping and eateries. The annual Bell Tower Festival is held the second weekend in June in Jefferson’s historic downtown square. The Wild Rose Casino and Resort is Iowa’s latest gaming, entertainment and events venue.
- Rippey – Annually since 1977 on the first Saturday in February, the Bicycle Ride to Rippey, known as BRR, occurs. BRR was founded by Dennis Hurley along with Jim Walstrom who both wanted to get a ski trip going but instead put together the Coldest Day of the Year Bike Ride. The first year, BRR had 22 riders who made it to warm up at Larry Vodenik’s Rippey Tap and, the next year, only 12 rode. In 2016, 500 pre registered with over 1700 bicyclists riding the route and, in 2017, 650 pre registered with more than 2000 riders participating on the day of BRR. Starting in Perry and ending in Perry, this 24-mile often frozen fun ride is the beginning of RAGBRAI season.
- Luther – On September 11, 2014, the Luther City Council accepted a petition from 58 residents asking that the city be discontinued. There are several steps in the discontinuation process, including approval or disapproval of the petition by the City Development Board. If the Board approves, a public referendum on discontinuation could be held in 2015. The discontinuance failed and the city continues to exist today. Since 2015 several new businesses have sprung up as well as a major expansion by the local co-op.
- Ames – Centrally and conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest and Iowa, Ames is known for its robust, stable economy, flourishing cultural environment, comprehensive medical care, top-quality schools, acres of parks and recreational opportunities, and the world-renowned Iowa State University.