“As soon as I heard that Jefferson was an overnight stop on RAGBRAI^®, I called Upper Iowa University, because I wanted Team Peacock to stay at our house,” said Loren Turner, owner of Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning, Upper Iowa University alumnus, and Jefferson homeowner.
“I just felt it was something I wanted to do since Team Peacock uses RAGBRAI^® as an opportunity to raise money for scholarships,” said Turner. “It’s a great chance to meet new people, and we have the university in common.”

Turner isn’t the only Jefferson resident making or fielding early housing requests from RAGBRAI^® riders. Eldon and Peggy Cunningham, owners of Cunningham Roofing and the Jefferson Fire Chief, received a call from a woman in Des Moines coordinating housing for the Cedar Rapids and Davenport (Iowa) Fire Departments, as well as for New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers.

“They wanted to stay at the fire station, but we don’t have those facilities here in Jefferson,” said Eldon. So instead, the Cunninghams offered their yard for camping. “We are here to help each other. Plus, we get to visit with other fire departments and find out how they work. They’re all welcome.” All 45 – 75 of them.

The Jefferson RAGBRAI^® housing committee is excited to hear of these local connections being made with residents. “We have our work cut out for us,” says housing committee chair Angie Chapman. “Jefferson needs to house a lot of people on July 21, and the more residents who take the initiative to offer their yards, beds, and bathrooms to the riders, the more opportunities we have to show off Jefferson’s hospitality.”

RAGBRAI^® organizers estimate that 10,000 riders, plus their support staffs, will be looking for places to sleep and shower in Jefferson on Monday night, July 21. “If you know that riders will be staying at your home while in Jefferson, the housing committee requests that you contact the committee with that information. By going through the formal process, the housing committee can ensure that all guests are registered participants of RAGBRAI^®, and have signed a RAGBRAI^® waiver and release of liability form,” said Chapman. The housing committee also keeps a record of where each rider is staying so that contact can be made in the event of an emergency.

“If you are interested in offering your yard or home to traveling riders, the Housing Committee encourages you to please download and print a host sign-up form from Jefferson’s official RAGBRAI^® website – www.jeffersonragbrai.com,” said Chapman. Forms are also available at the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce office. The sign-up form will ask for information about the availability of showers at your home, beds and camping space available, the number of people you can accommodate, and more.

The completed form can be returned to the Chamber office at 220 North Chestnut. Then, beginning May 1, riders will be matched with area hosts based on a wide range of needs and preferences.
For more information on housing a rider during RAGBRAI^®, contact the housing chair Angie Chapman at 515-386-2155.