The Globe Free Press, Page 14; August 7, 1980
The Rippey News by Ferne Holmes, Local Editor
RAGBRAI VIII Was Here
Even though we didn’t get the publicity given to other communities by the Press, or in the reports by Donald Kau! and John Karras, we are sure the bicyclists were pleased with their reception in the Rippey area. By arriving here early Tuesday forenoon, July 28, until leaving late afternoon, enroute to camping destination at Perry, via the Berkley road, hundreds of the riders along the school yard to the Rippey Tap. Jake’s Cafe was well patronized for those wishing more complete meals and table service. The HSNU Class, the United Methodist Women and other organizations and individuals had prepared to provide food and drinks. Since the scheduled route was back from Perry on the blacktop Wednesday morning, the early riders began to show up before dawn. Some went through without stopping, but hundreds again stopped for ‘‘relief’’ at the Kybos located at the Rippey Tap lot and the Co-op lot, where the HSNU class was serving breakfast snacks, and at the McDowell Service Station nearby to refill their water bottles and to get free air in their tires. Jake’s Cafe was again chosen for the noted breakfasts he and his staff serve each morning. It was nearly noon when the last ones went up the road to cross Highway 30 and the railroad crossing enroute to Webster City, via Pilot Mound and Don Williams Park. General comment was their good behavior, the variety of ages of the participants and their home towns from over the USA and foreign countries. It was a first for Rippey area and an occasion to be long-remembered.
