Gregory Geoffroy

ISU President

Helmet on, bike prepped and eyes set on Ames, ISU President Gregory Geoffroy will ride part of Ragbrai with a group showing their support for ISU Extension, a program designed to improve the quality of life in Iowa.

Geoffroy and his wife, Kathy, will ride from Boone to Ames alongside the Extension CY-Riders, a group of ISU extension staff and friends riding to promote ISU Extension work that focuses on healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies, according to the extension Web site.

Although Geoffroy said he has never ridden in Ragbrai before this year, he and his wife are avid mountain bike riders.

Geoffroy said he is most looking forward to the opportunity to showcase Iowa State when the riders come to Ames and the ISU campus Tuesday.

Joe Grossman

Senior in business management

Ragbrai has not stopped in Ames since 1983, 25 years ago, and Grossman said this motivated him to ride.

Although Grossman has participated in Ragbrai with a group of friends in past years, he will huff it alone this year. He trained for this year’s ride by riding the bike paths at several local parks.

Grossman is looking forward to enjoying the festivities that Ragbrai has to offer, such as people dressing up in costumes.

Grossman said bike riding is a hobby that he enjoys with his dad and said it also keeps him in good shape and is an “awesome pastime.”

Joe Rorabaugh

Junior in diet and exercise

As a first-time Ragbrai rider, Rorabaugh said he plans to ride from Jefferson to Tama/Toledo, which is a 135-mile ride lasting Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rorabaugh said his main training technique has been riding around town instead of driving. He recently started riding more to save money on rising gas prices, and now rides his bike everywhere.

Rorabaugh plans to ride with his father and said helping his father get in shape was a motivating factor for him.

“[Ragbrai] is a new way to help [my dad] get in shape,” he said. “I’m really excited about it. Should be fun.”