On July 21, 2009, Indianola hosted an overnight stay for the 37th annual RAGBRAI event. RAGBRAI is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state and is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI is number seven on a list of 50 Best American Adventures by National Geographic magazine.

Regarding RAGRBRAI in Indianola.

"Nicely put together :-) "

- Mandy Sailland

Dear Indianola,
This is my 16th RAGBRAI & I have came thru Indianola at least 2 times and I have to apologize for not thanking you enough for your hospitality. By my nature ( I can speak for all riders) we never thank you enough for everything you do for us. I love Indianola. You have a great community & if I could tear my roots out of Illinois I would move there. Thanks again for being a gracious host, I really enjoyed your town.

Sincerely,

Leo Metz

- Leo Metz

Received your thank you card today. What a class act! Thanks to all in your town for your many efforts during RAGBRAI.It was a wonderful evening from start to finish, made especially memorable by the balloon parade at sunset and some very nice people operating a restaurant on the square.

- Anonymous

I just want you to know that I did the RAGBRAI this summer and your town, along with the rest of IOWA was just the BEST EVER!! The people were so welcoming and just the nicest people I have ever met (and I'm a TEXAN where the people are naturally friendly!) Everyone just bent over backwards to help you out in any way they could.

You have a great town, we enjoyed ourselves so much in Indianola..... thank you for your hospitality......

Thank you IOWA,
Jan McCay

- Jan McCay