From river to river: CC rider to make 43rd RAGBRAI trip

Charles City resident Steve Swartzrock holds up a t-shirt from his first RAGBRAI ride — 1974, SAGBRAI (Second Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). Press photo by Kate Hayden

Steve Swartzrock dips his bike's back tire into the Missouri River at the beginning of a past RAGBRAI ride. Contributed photos

Swartzrock's patch from his first RAGBRAI ride in 1974.

Swartzrock has met RAGBRAI founder John Karras and his wife while receiving patches for the century loop, an optional extended route at least 100 miles long one day during RAGBRAI.

Swartzrock (left), with his son Ben and friend Gary Johnson.