Pella —
For the first time since the first RABRAI, Marty Doane, owner of Iowa Bike & Fitness-Trek, was able to “re-cycle” his way into RAGBRAI 2012.
After participating in the very first RAGBRAI as a rider, Marty stepped off his bike and limited his annual RAGBRAI participation to operating a bike shop along the trail. He sold bike accessories and logo t-shirts and also offered repair services to the riders. Each year there are twelve official bike shops that offer services to over 10,000 riders. There are times that a repair line is busy for a solid five to six hours.
This year, Marty his volunteered time as a bike mechanic on one condition: that he was able to ride the route after his duties were finished.
“I have always loved bikes," Doane said when asked how he got his start fixing bikes. "I have always loved bikes. I was offered a job in a bike shop around the age of 14 and I’ve been wearing a dirty apron ever since.”
Marty got his start in the bike business forty years ago – the same year as the first RAGBRAI and the only other RAGBRAI he has ridden in – until this year. RAGBRAI anniversaries help him keep track of the number of years he’s been working on bikes!
Marty opened his shop in Pella in 1986, in the location that is currently Century 21 Realty. Since then he has relocated just here doors north. His training consisted of a week at the Schwinn factory in Chicago in the 70s, hands-on, and trial and error. He joked that usually by the time the manufacturers publish the directions for something, he has already figured out the answer.
The Doanes have made RAGBRAI a family event. When their children were young they accompanied Marty in a motor home and now his wife, Cheri, rides along. This year he also had three employees that participated in various ways; Laurel Stelter rode all of the trip, Grant Davidson rode the first two days of the ride, and Francisco Hernandez worked retail and rode 1.5 days.
Outdoors
Related Photos
-
For the first time since the first RABRAI, Marty Doane, owner of Iowa Bike & Fitness-Trek, was able to “re-cycle” his way into RAGBRAI 2012. Kris Hughes
Discussion
August 24, 2012
“Re-Cycling” RAGBRAI
- Outdoors
-
-
Fish at Central Park
The Pella Parks and Recreation Department has created a new flower bed at Central Park, in which they hope to take you under the sea.
-
Vision Iowa grant sought for sports park
City Administrator Mike Nardini reported at Friday's Community Services Board meeting that negotiations with the Vision Iowa Board will begin next week, regarding funding assistance for the Fields of our Future Sports Park.
-
Weather forces road closures
Marion County Engineer Roger Schletzbaum has closed several area roads around the county, due to concern of flooding.
-
Ice Fishing Tourney Cancelled
Poor ice conditions
- 2013 Central Iowa Delta Waterfowl Chapter Heritage Fund Dinner planned
- Iowa taxpayers increase donations to wildlife in 2012
-
Much to see at annual Bald Eagle Days in Pella - See slideshow
Get an up-close look at a live bald eagle and other raptors. Eagle shows will be presented hourly until 4 p.m. (last program starts at 3:00 p.m.) today (Saturday). Staff from the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center will share amazing details about how these birds "make a living." After that, more live birds await you as Environmental Educator Mike Havlik presents programs about owls, hawk identification and conservation. Other event highlights include wildlife photographer and author Ty Smedes, an environmental fair, wildlife photographer Ron Huelse, and nature crafts. Travel to the Red Rock Dam to spot eagles fishing and flying in the wild. Volunteers will be on hand with spotting scopes in the North Tailwater Recreation Area to assist you. The Red Rock Visitor Center, located on the south side of the Red Rock Dam, will feature showings of bald eagle videos produced right here in Iowa. Admission to Bald Eagle Day is free of charge and is presented by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Marion County Conservation Board, Central College and the Red Rock Lake Association.
-
Neal Smith NWR Celebrates Anniversary of King Holiday with Service Project
Volunteers help with tallgrass prairie reconstruction as part of the National Day of Service
- Snowshoe Hike at Neal Smith NWR
- Conservation partners take next step in habitat restoration near Pella
- More Outdoors Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
