GRANVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A California cyclist is recovering after collapsing during the opening day of RAGBRAI, thanks to the quick actions of bystanders and an Iowa State Patrol trooper.

The 62-year-old man was riding from Orange City to Milford on Sunday morning when he suddenly collapsed east of Granville. Witnesses immediately began CPR and continued for nearly 10 minutes until Iowa State Patrol Trooper Darren Flaherty arrived on the scene.

Flaherty retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his patrol vehicle and delivered a shock that successfully restarted the man’s heart.

The cyclist was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Orange City and later airlifted to Sioux City for further treatment. He was reported to be alert and conscious following the incident.

According to Flaherty, this is the second time in three years he has used an AED during RAGBRAI. The Iowa State Patrol began equipping troopers with the life-saving devices in 2022, and they’ve since proven critical during emergencies along the route.

RAGBRAI — the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — draws thousands of cyclists from across the country. With high temperatures and long distances, safety remains a top priority for organizers and law enforcement.