SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (KTIV) -
The 40th Register's Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa got off to an early start as cyclists rolled out of Sioux Center, Iowa before the sun came up trying to beat the heat.
The river to river ride will take participants from the Missouri to the Mississippi over seven days.
Riders will go a total of 471 miles.
Thousands of cyclists from around the globe will travel through Iowa's small towns and big cities.
This year's route will have participants spending the night in Sioux Center, Cherokee, Lake View, Webster City, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Anamosa, and Clinton.
Even with the lights of the night dark over the town of Sioux Center, the first RAGBRAI riders emerge from the shadows to begin their week-long journey.
"We're just going to get out of bed early and see what the weather brings us," said Andrew Adams of Land O' Lakes, Wisc.
With heat indices expected to hover around 100 degrees, many riders said getting ready and starting early would help them endure and enjoy their journey more.
"This is my second year, so I'm not a rookie any more, supposed to be," said Adams.
There still are several first-timers making the ride.
"I'm excited, a little anxious but excited," said Susan Fletcher, a rookie rider. "Don't know what I've gotten myself into."
For some, the ride is a personal challenge to beat their best times, but others are doing it to spend time with their family. Bill Meacham's second trip is with his son and daughter.
"We're going to be moseying across Iowa," said Meacham of Mesa, Ariz. "We're not going to break any speed records."
During the first 55 mile opening leg of RAGBRAI, most riders will be on their bikes for about five hours, but the quickest ones can finish in about half that time.
Even those just watching the race had a great time, as the cyclists breezed past them.
"They've had a lot of fun with it, just discovering new people and ways and being amazed by everybody in town," said Brent DeGroom of Sioux Center.
There are some simple lessons the riders have learned over the years.
"Drink before you're thirsty, eat before you're hungry and pace yourself. It's not a race. We're just enjoying Iowa along the way," said Greg Hauswirth, a second-time rider.
And some moments can bring families even closer, as they're rounding the corners...as one.
Learning to experience life and know that you can do things that you didn't think were possible, it's just incredible and Iowa's wonderful," said Meacham.
