Shamrock nation welcomes RAGBRAI to Klemme

KLEMME - The small town of Klemme had its first ever experience as a pass-thru community for Day 4 of the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI  XLIX). Thousands poured through the community from mid-morning well into the afternoon.

As riders streamed onto Main Street, they were greeted by two members of the Klemme Class of 1974: Jean Bock-McBreen of Ames and Jane Follett of Norwalk. McBreen and Follett were wearing green shamrocks (the emblem of the former Klemme school district) as riders rolled past.

The two were among the many volunteers from the Klemme Shamrock nation helping out for the day.

 “It’s been a lot of fun,” said McBreen. “We’ve talked to people from probably a dozen different states and three different countries. And the riders have been so appreciative.”

Klemme City Park was packed with riders relaxing, enjoying the local entertainment on stage, a bite to eat, or piece of pie  before completing the final leg of the day’s journey to Mason City. “Elvis” made an appearance at the park where he greeted riders and posed for pictures.

Patrick Mullin, Oxnard, Calif., was on his 25^thconsecutive RAGBRAI. 

“My daughter got me into this 25 years ago when she was going Ames for summer school. She said Dad I want to do this with you,” he said. 

A retired hotel manager, Mullins just does half days on RAGBRAI due to age and the number of times he’s done the ride.

“We love it,” he said. “ We love coming back to Iowa for the people plus the organization of the ride.”

Rory and Cheryl Headon-Weeks and daughter Katelyn were relaxing in the shade, enjoying their first RAGBRAI experience. Originally from South Africa, the family now lives in Seattle. 

 “We heard about it on You Tube,” said Cheryl Headon-Weeks. “We’re loving it so much. Especially the 100-mile day today. Iowans have been very friendly,” 

“And genuine,” her husband added. “We moved the United States in 2017. The United States is awesome. A great place to raise children.”

James Magnusson of Sweden was traveling with a group from his home country. 

“I found out about RAGBRAI from my cousin who has lived in Des Moines for 17 years,” he explained. “It’s great. The whole atmosphere. Everyone is happy.”

Larry Rydje moved to Des Moines in 1997, but returned to Sweden in 2016.

“I’ve done RAGBRAI 14 times,” he said. “Why? Look around. It's a family…a festival of people from all over the world getting together for a week and having fun!”

Jim Smith from Montana was the non-Swede in the group.

“I’ve known the Swedes for many, many years,” he said. Smith estimates he has participated on 20 RAGBRAI rides.

Samm Cwinten of Nashville. Tenn. is a RAGBRAI veteran who likes to raise money for a good cause. This year he is riding to raise money for the Meals on Wheels program.

“Weather is perfect. I can’t complain,” he stated. “I’ve noticed a lot of new faces. It’s been an amazing week. The weather is awesome.”

Gina Kaufman of Robins, Iowa, started riding RAGBRAI in 2011. But with a year off in 2020 when the ride was cancelled due to COVID, Kaufman figures 2022 is her “decade year.”

Kaufmann said she has done the optional “century mile” loop in the past, and was a little nervous about completing the (non-optional) 105-route (Emmetsburg to Mason City) on Wednesday.

“It was a choice before. Today, it was forced upon us!” she said. She commended the hospitality of the small towns along the route.

Klemme Mayor Ken Blank the experience was “kind of overwhelming.”

“But what a fun day!” he stated. “The weather was perfect, volunteers showed up, and the venders did great. The riders couldn't have been nicer. They loved the shade, enjoyed the entertainment and the chance to rest up for the final stretch.”

“Many thanks to all those who helped in any way and a big thank you has to go to our RAGBRAI co-chairman  Kenny Weiland and to Ross Stadtlander for his help. Their planning made the day possible and Kenny's ability to manage the problems that came up made the day a success.”