Housing volunteers sought for RAGBRAI bike riders in July

By Shelia Tomkins
The Guttenberg RAGBRAI committee is seeking volunteers who can offer overnight accommodations for RAGBRAI riders or support staff when they visit here in July.
Since Guttenberg is the end point of this year's ride, the community will host riders and their entourages twice in July — prior to the ride and at the end of the ride on July 26. Many riders will park their vehicles here ahead of the ride, take other transportation to western Iowa where the ride begins, and then pick up their vehicles when the ride ends here.
Some riders will want or need to stay at a home versus camping in the park. These riders are essentially house guests for the night.
Home stays will be needed for both weekends — on July 18 when some riders will park here and on July 26 when the ride ends in Guttenberg.
Hosts are needed to provide off-street parking for motor homes, space for tents, bed and/or bathroom facilities. Hosts are only expected to provide a place for riders to rest their heads for the night. This space can be either inside or outside
Local housing volunteers are not required to entertain guests or provide them with amenities. Hosts are not required to transport or feed the riders.
The local housing coordinator will pair local residents offering their homes with riders requesting them.
The following guidelines spell out the expectations of riders and hosts:
What a rider expects: A place to put a tent outside, or inside floor space for a sleeping bag. Access, if possible, to a bathroom and shower. Possibly somewhere to fill a water bottle.
What a rider should NOT expect: To have full use of your house; to be fed and entertained; towels, soap or shampoo.
What a host can expect: Well-behaved, appreciative guests who will remember your kindness — you will meet some fascinating people. The riders will arrive mid-to early afternoon and be gone by 9 a.m. the next day.
What is completely up to you: How many guests and who (you get to select them yourself; restroom facilities.
How to become a host
Anyone interested in hosting a home stay should contact local coordinator Donna Hinzman, [email protected].