August 17, 2021

EveryStep on Every Mile: RAGBRAI 2021

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is the longest, largest and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. The Des Moines Register’s annual event began in 1973 and after a COVID-caused hiatus in 2020, was back for a 468-mile trek from Le Mars to Clinton in July 2021.

EveryStep Hospice nurse Angelia Robbins and the EveryStep van joined the ride this year.

Angelia is a RAGBRAI regular; she has celebrated her last six birthdays while on RAGBRAI and is a member of “Team Impact” based out of a Des Moines church congregation.

“That being said, this is not the partying team,” says Angelia. “My job for the team is to be the last person out of the churches where we stay; I make sure everything is the way it was when we arrived, check to make sure the team didn’t leave something behind, and then lock the church up.” She’s the first person to the next church to check in for special instructions, map out the sleeping area (separating snorers from non-snorers!) and track down information like the Wi-Fi password.

This year, the EveryStep van was used to shuttle riders in and out of towns and run errands for ice or other items the bikers needed or wanted. The van also provided great visibility and awareness of EveryStep.

 Angelia was able to distribute EveryStep recruitment flyers to people along the RAGBRAI route and had the opportunity to tell EveryStep’s story. “I shared the New Freedom with a Fence: Reuben Rokunga’s Story blog with team members,” says Angelia. “It was great to be able to show them the blog. They were totally amazed!”

EveryStep experts are available to talk or share information about the organization’s free and low-cost programs and how they can benefit community members. To request a guest speaker or resources for your faith, civic, business or social group, please email info@everystep.org.

Watch this short video about EveryStep's presence at RAGBRAI 2021!