Whether they’re “just passin’ through” or stopping for a meal, the RAGBRAI riders are a welcome sight to southeast Iowans.

Thursday, RAGBRAI riders will leave Chariton and pedal through Millerton, Bethlehem, Confidence, Iconium and the Honey Creek Resort State Park.

Moravia

The next stop will be Moravia, which has experienced RAGBRAI before but it’s been “several years back, perhaps in 1997” according to Mayor Paul Mihalovich.

RAGBRAI riders should start rolling into Moravia about 10 a.m. and most will be gone by 2:30 p.m. Thursday, he added.

“They’ll be here for lunch. We’ll have about 20 vendors so it’s going to be a busy time,” Mihalovich said. “It’s like that when you bring that many people into a town of 700. But, I think we’re pretty well prepared for them.”

Moravia leaders have had quite a few meetings but nothing “as elaborate as Ottumwa.”

Both nonprofit organizations and businesses for profit will be ready to greet the RAGBRAI riders. One business person has a sweet corn machine, the Masonic Lodge will offer grocery items and yet another business person will have a truckload of watermelon and other fruits for sale.

Blakesburg

From Moravia, it’s on to Unionville and then RAGBRAI riders will pass through “the heart of Blakesburg” on Thursday, according to Blakesburg Mayor Randy Burton.

“We’re the last stop before Ottumwa,” he said. “Blakesburg is really happy about [RAGBRAI]. It’s an opportunity for groups to make some money and to see the spectacle.”

Burton also said the town has “lots of vendors” who will offer all kinds of food in different sizes and shapes. They’ll also have bands and other activities to entertain the bicyclists.

“There’ll be some bikes in the morning and some here throughout the day,” Burton said. “Our official shutdown time is 5 p.m. but there will be things going on afterward.”

RAGBRAI passed through Blakesburg in 2000 and 2003. In 2003, the riders passed through about mid-day and “it ends up to be a good event, a great activity,” the mayor added.