ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – City Manager Penny Clayton says Estherville’s stop on the RAGBRAI route went smoothly.

Clayton says the event was a success thanks to strong community involvement and good weather:

 

 

Clayton says the most notable issues were a shuttle bus breakdown and some confusion over dump station routes, but those were resolved quickly. While the financial impact is still being assessed, the Chamber of Commerce is handling the event’s finances, with the city expecting some reimbursement.

One of the biggest praises Clayton gave was for the cleanup effort.She says riders and support crews left a lasting impression:

 

 

Looking ahead, Clayton says city departments and event committees will hold a debrief to document lessons learned. She says the goal is to help future organizers build on this year’s success:

 

 

 

With Estherville hosting RAGBRAI for the first time in two decades, and it also being Clayton’s first experience with the event, she says the city has proved itself more than ready to welcome the ride again.