Ragbrai is heading to Ames for the first time in 25 years. This year the route winds through the heart of campus.

“Ames is different from any other city in the state, we have something else to offer and that is our Iowa State campus,” said Tahira Hira, executive assistant to the president. “We want to give them a very warm welcome.”

The university has planned a variety of on campus activities throughout the day to welcome riders and draw people onto campus.

There will be adventure maps available for Ragbrai riders at the information booths around town, including one directly across from the Memorial Union, which will give a schedule of on-campus activities along with a map highlighting their location, said Erica Fischer, communications specialist with the office of admissions.

“We wanted to offer these activities as something to do. We’re told some of the riders will get here as early as mid-morning – we really expect the traffic and riders to fill up the day,” McCarroll said.

The facilities department will be painting Cy footprints on the road through Central Campus to direct the riders, along with other signs to draw their attention to activities taking place around campus, McCarroll said.

McCarroll said the department would like to use the signs to draw attention to the activities at the Memorial Union, but the riders who want to continue right onto the campground will also have clear directions.

“We’re hoping, with these activities available on campus, people will stop or decide to return to Central Campus after they’ve gotten settled at their campsites and visit the museums and the Memorial Union and do the campus tours,” McCarroll said.

Each of the colleges will have some type of displays on campus, across from the Memorial Union, said Stephanie Salasek, associate director of admissions.

“For example, the College of Engineering, along with their display across from the Memorial Union, will be having wind tunnel and robotics demonstrations in Howe Hall,” Salasek said.

McCarroll said he really hopes that students, faculty and staff will be there to cheer the riders on as they come into campus, and to participate in some of the activities around campus.

CyRide will also be running its regular schedule throughout the day and will be free for Ragbrai riders so they can get around town and check out activities in the Main Street Cultural District.

Attention will shift during the evening to the CYcling Country Festival, in the Iowa State Center parking lot, where Styx and The Nadas’ benefit concert will be taking place.

Donations from the concert are being gathered for the Embrace Iowa: 2008 Disaster Relief fund, to benefit the flood victims through all parts of Iowa.