Missouri Valley Ragbrai bicycle every where

I was cruising north on highway 29 in Iowa. I needed air in my rear tire so got off the next exit I came to . Filled the tire and I was about to leave when this guy asked me if I was here for the Ragbrai. I said what is a Ragbrai. He said over 18000 bicyclist will be showing up that weekend and there would be a big party. The lights went on in my head. This sounds like fun. It is a 7 day ride across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. All this is happening in Missouri Valley a unique town. It's known as the train town. I never heard so many train horns at one time. A train went by every 15 minutes and blew its horn and the earth shook. I set up a tent at the fair grounds. I rarely use a tent but I was 3 days early and this was a good chance to stretch out while sleeping . No one was in the park then in just a few days there was standing room only. People drove in with their huge motor homes, buses and even on a bicycle from a 1000 miles away. This well organized touring event stopped at at least 5 towns and there was a party at every town. It was not a race, it was just a fun ride with people from all over the world and all ages. Timings everything, so just slow down and let it happen.
Another WOW notch in my belt.