What to look for Monday on RAGBRAI

Here’s a quick look ahead toward Monday’s 68-mile ride from Storm Lake to Fort Dodge:

MAP: Getting around in Fort Dodge | More Fort Dodge maps

WEATHER FROM WHO-HD: There will be some isolated showers and storms this morning. Expect the spotty rain to move in around 5 a.m. and out by 9 a.m. Starting temperatures will stay in the middle 60s. West-southwest wind will turn to the northwest by the afternoon. Wind speeds will stay between 5-15 mph. This afternoon we will have mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance for a shower or two. High temperatures will stay in the middle 80s. The wind will be stronger by the time the riders reach Fort Dodge. A couple of gusts could reach 20 mph. The forecast high is 84; the low, 55.

ALL ABOUT FORT DODGE:  Fort Dodge’s ride website

BIG DAY FOR FORT DODGE: Monday is also the first day of the Iowa state high school softball tournament, at Rogers Sports Park. Registered riders can get free food.

THE SIGHTS

Here’s a brief selection of the things you’ll encounter Monday:

CRATER: RAGBRAI will make its first ever stop in Manson, home to a 23-mile below ground crater that hit the town 75 million years ago. The rock formation left Manson with the only naturally soft water in Iowa. You can go to any faucet in town and find out.

FOOD: If you’re looking for a breakfast to power you to lunch, the town of Newell should have you covered, with Chris Cakes, omelets, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and more. Riders can explore three beverage gardens and even sing karaoke.

GRAVEL LOOP: If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, take RAGBRAI’s first ever optional gravel loop and get a sticker on your bike in honor of Steve Hed, formerly of Hed Cycling. The gravel loop is the only way to visit the town of Pomeroy for food, music and carnival games.

ENTERTAINMENT: The overnight stop of Fort Dodge features an abundance of entertainment, including the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center, Fort Frenzy with bumper cars, video games, roller skating and go-karts, live music, dozens of restaurants, shopping and more.