RAGBRAI is an abbreviation for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. RAGBRAI began in 1973 when writer John Karras challenged columnist Donald Kaul to do a border-to-border bicycle ride across Iowa. It evolved into a non-competitive bicycle ride organized by The Des Moines Register and going from west to east across the U.S. state of Iowa, that draws riders from across the nation and many foreign countries. Today, RAGBRAI is the largest bike-touring event in the world.
To honor these two individuals, John Karras and Donald Kaul, a major public art work will be commissioned in Des Moines, Iowa.
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- John Karras, RAGBRAI cofounder, poses alongside his bicycle in the 1970s.
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- Donald Kaul, RAGBRAI cofounder, rolls down the highway in the 1970s.
The Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation is encouraging artists to participate from all cultural and political backgrounds who have had experience working in the public sector. A Request for Artists Qualifications has been issued to select a professional artist for this commission. The deadline of 31 May 2017 is advancing!
For more information, please see this Call for Artists.