FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Bartlett, DNR Park Manager, (515) 290-7677, Andy.Bartlett@dnr.iowa.gov.
MADRID, Iowa -- Recent high rainfall totals throughout central and northwest
Iowa have led to flooding of the Des Moines River and high lake levels at
Saylorville Reservoir. This flooding is having a significant impact on the
lower areas of Ledges State Park, which is slated to host the Register’s Annual
Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) on Tuesday, July 24th.
The situation has forced park staff, local public safety
officials, and RAGBRAI organizers to re-route the popular bike ride to avoid
the park and these flooded areas. The lowest areas along the route are
currently under as much as 20 feet of water and levels are not expected to
subside by the time the ride comes through.
With approval from the Department of Transportation, riders
will now leave Boone eastbound on US Highway 30 and ride approximately 1 mile,
turning south on Quill Avenue (R27), where after travelling 3 miles will meet
up with the original route. The new route will decrease the day’s distance by 3
miles.
“It’s unfortunate cyclists will not get the opportunity to
see the scenic beauty that Ledges has to offer," said Park Manager Andy
Bartlett. “Riders will still get a chance to experience the state park atmosphere, though, when they pass through Wildcat Den State Park later in the week. Ledges
is definitely a gem within out state parks system and I would encourage those
interested in exploring what it has to offer to plan a visit in the future.”
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