Thousands of cyclists are arriving in Ames on Tuesday on the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).

Get to know them here.

Name: Ali Watson

Age: 69

From: Cedar Rapids

First RAGBRAI: 2018

Amount of the route you are riding: Whole route

Why you participate in RAGBRAI: She said she wanted to do it because her brother had encouraged her family to go.

What RAGBRAI means to you: “It’s about family, fun and learning all new things about Iowa. It’s one big traveling party”

Who you ride with: She rides with the Cedar Rapids Area Bent Society (CRABS), which is made up of family.

Name: Derek Henscheid

Age: 29

From: Iowa City

First RAGBRAI: 2008

Number of times you have participated: Eight

Amount of the route you are riding: Full

Why you participate in RAGBRAI: “I like biking, and it’s in memory of my mom.”

What RAGBRAI means to you: “A chance to be on my bike and enjoy it all day. It’s a getaway.”

Who you ride with: Family

Name: Alyssa Henscheid

From: Iowa City

First RAGBRAI: 2011

Number of times you have participated: Eight

Amount of the route you are riding: Full

Why you participate in RAGBRAI: “We made it a family event, and my husband got me started.”

What RAGBRAI means to you: “Pride in Iowa and seeing the small towns you normally wouldn’t visit. Plus, the food is always good.”

Who you ride with: Family

Name: Tom Mitchell

Age: 55

From: Ankeny

First RAGBRAI: 1981

Number of times you have participated: 21

Amount of the route you are riding: Full

Why you participate in RAGBRAI: “If you love food, friends and riding, why wouldn’t you ride?”

What RAGBRAI means to you: “It’s the only full week vacation I take all year.”

Who you ride with: Family