Need for bike repairs could be minimal by the time RAGBRAI arrives in Decorah

It's been 18 years since Decorah was on the RAGBRAI route.
 
Decorah was an overnight stop in 1977, 1993, and 1999. This year Decorah is a pass through town on Friday, July 28th.  Decorah is fortunate to have two local bike shops. Oneota River Cycles is located on Water Street and Decorah Bicycles is located on College Drive, along the actual RAGBRAI route. RAGBRAI also brings their own traveling bike repair shops that will be located at Weis Buick for the day.
 
Oneota River Cycles owner Deke Gosen has had first hand experience working on bike repairs during big rides. "In the late 80's, early 90's I worked for Trek Bicycles. I set up the neutral technical support for big rides. I've pulled the trailer with all the repair equipment. Generally I stopped doing repairs after the second or third day, because everybody had their repairs worked out by then," said Gosen.
 
By the time RAGBRAI comes through Decorah, it's nearing the end of the week long bike ride. Many bikers ride with a support team, so they handle their own repairs as the need arises. Gosen shared, "It will be interesting to see how people react coming into the hills. That's something a lot of people aren't used to and we take for granted. The riders who are in shape should arrive in less than an hour. The casual riders may take an hour and a half."
 
If repairs are needed Decorah Bicycles is along the route and is prepared for potential customers. Common repairs could include flat fixes, rear brake pad replacement or derailleur adjustments. The shop keeps lots of tubes and brake pads in stock, so they feel confident they can serve any needs the day of.
 
Shop manager Josie Smith says, "We'll be open at 6:00 a.m., to be there for people who may need help, or just want to pop in and see the shop. It will be neat to see RAGBRAI coming through. Nordic Fest is usually a busy time for us with bike rentals. It will be an interesting experience and we look forward to serving people."
 
There isn't a lot of prep work to be done for RAGBRAI for local bike shops. Decorah Bicycles owner Travis Greentree says, "We are focusing on the work we have in front of us today, with every day that gets closer, we're not really doing anything different. We are just trying to keep up with the flow and when RAGBRAI comes to town, we'll hit it hard that day and wish them the best on their way."

Decorah Bicycles Owner Travis Greentree

Shop manager Josie Smith

Employee Jacob Hrdlicka

Oneota River Cycles on Water Street