Latest news with #RAGBRAI
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Andy Bales was back at work the day after losing his only leg. Now he's riding RAGBRAI
HARTLEY— Few things slow down Andy Bales. Bales has made a career of working to solve tough human issues, including combating homelessness on Los Angeles' Skid Row, a neighborhood with Los Angeles County's densest concentration of people experiencing homelessness. And he's done so despite challenges that would strain the most determined social crusader. It was in LA on a hot day in 2014 that the Iowa transplant, then president and CEO of the Union Rescue Mission, waded through garbage with an already injured right leg while handing out bottled water to people in need. He contracted a flesh-eating infection that ultimately required doctors to amputate his lower leg in 2016. Then, in 2021, doctors had to remove his left lower leg, "beaten up" from carrying his weight, a condition worsened by complications from Type 1 diabetes. The Los Angeles Times reported Bales was back to work the day after his second amputation. And despite his medical struggled, from 2017 to 2019, accompanied by his wife Bonnie, he made annual bike rides from Los Angeles to the state capital, Sacramento — a 500-mile journey — to raise funds for the mission. Now back in Iowa to run the Children and Families Urban Movement in Des Moines' River Bend neighborhood, he continues to display his resolve and grit as he rides his second RAGBRAI. Just before 11 a.m. Sunday, July 20, Day 1 of RAGBRAI 52, Bales, 66, sporting a blue CFUM jersey, cranked his hand-powered recumbent bike into Hartley, the meeting town midway between Orange City and Milford on a nearly 73-mile journey. He'd endured stiff headwinds and an aching backside, but said he was otherwise looking forward to the second half of the day. 'He's a very giving person' The CFUM team, made up of him and wife, is seeking to raise $10,000 for the children who attend the organization's summer and after-school programs. Bales has spent decades aiding children from underserved communities and people experiencing homelessness, starting in Des Moines, his hometown, at the Door of Faith recovery center, today part of Hope Ministries. "I've just always had a heart for the underdog, the vulnerable, the struggling," he said. "I just cannot bear a child going hungry or someone spending the night on the streets... either wet or hot streets of LA or the cold streets of Des Moines. My heart won't let me leave people in that condition without an offer of help." In 1999, Bales and his wife packed up their van to move their young family to Pasadena, California. Andy Bales, in an early sign of his determined character, said he set out to "solve LA's homelessness crisis." A few years in, Bales was hired to run the Union Rescue Mission. Considered the oldest such organization in Los Angeles and one of the largest in the country, the Christian nonprofit provides shelter and food to adults and children in the Skid Row neighborhood. "My heart was really with the people on the streets," he said, adding that was why he took the challenging job. His wife said his faith-driven devotion to families and children has always been a part of him. "He's a very giving person," Bonnie Bales said. "Just doesn't know a stranger." 11 years later, returning to RAGBRAI with a mission More: New head of Des Moines children and family nonprofit grew up like many kids he now tries to help Aching to spend time with their grandchildren, the couple returned to the Des Moines metro area in 2024. Bales, who said he was unprepared to retire, took the job as executive director of CFUM, which supports children and families in the River Bend neighborhood by providing meals, after-school programs and educational opportunities. The organization marked its 30th anniversary of formal incorporation in 2022, but its roots date back more than 50 years to 1968, when its Breakfast Club program started providing meals to those in need. The Baleses' first RAGBRAI was in 2014. They didn't anticipate repeating the trip — "we're not getting any younger," Andy Bales said. But 11 years later, the duo, who now reside in Clive, felt the pull to return to the ride as a vehicle to spread the word about CFUM. For Bales, his group's mission with the children in Des Moines is the same as Union Rescue Mission's in Los Angeles: "to do whatever it takes to make sure they have a successful life." Bales said Sunday he'd already raised $1,000 of his $10,000 goal. In addition to the organization's summer program for children, the funds will aid an after-school care program that the organization plans to expand to Moulton and Madison elementary schools this fall. "It's not that I just have 10 grandkids," Bales said, "I really feel like the 130 kids at CFUM are my adopted grandkids. … I just want to keep doing what I can to make lots of kids comfortable and happy and have hope and think about possibilities for a very bright future." Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government and Polk County reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@ Follow her on X at @vbarreda2. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'Heart for the underdog': Andy Bales raises awareness of Des Moines nonprofit Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe weather heads for Iowa this weekend. See the storm risk for the RAGBRAI route
There is a slight risk of severe weather in Iowa over the weekend as riders prepare for the start of RAGBRAI. Rain is possible across the state throughout the weekend, with damaging winds. Storms could start on Friday, July 18, with a slight — level 2 of 5 — risk of severe weather in northwest Iowa extending toward Ames and the northern Des Moines metro. There's a chance of showers again on Saturday, July 19, when RAGBRAI riders will be gathering in Orange City ahead of the ride's start on July 20. The highest risk for severe weather on Saturday extends from the Des Moines area toward eastern Iowa. The forecast still has time to evolve ahead of the ride, said Matthew Dux, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "There's lots of room for the forecast to adjust and timing and risks to change," said Dux. "We always want people, if they are moving into the area or coming in, to stay weather aware and monitor your local media sources for the latest forecast updates." What is the weather forecast for RAGBRAI? Riders could see showers and storms as the ride moves from Orange City to Milford on Sunday, July 20. The entire route has a marginal — level 1 out of 5 — risk for severe weather on Sunday. The highest chances come once riders arrive in Milford. "Most of the day on Sunday will be quiet," Dux said. "Not really expecting any precipitation to take place until the overnight hours, more after dark and into Monday morning." Temperatures should range from the upper 70s to low 80s in northwest Iowa with a light wind from the east. What are the severe weather risks in Iowa? There is a slight risk for severe weather in northwestern Iowa on July 18, with a brief tornado threat in the evening. Storms will move east throughout the weekend. There is also a slight risk for excessive rain for the weekend, with the highest concerns on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. While hail and other severe weather aren't as great of a risk by Sunday, even thunderstorms can present a risk at any outdoor gathering, like RAGBRAI, Dux said. "It's a marginal risk, so it's a very low-end severe weather risk," Dux said. "But anytime you do have an outdoor event, or groups of people gathering for outdoor events, [it] does pose a severe weather threat." What is the weather forecast for Des Moines? There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening Friday and into Saturday. With a 60% chance Friday evening, that could amount to a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain. Saturday, July 19, has a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day and a 40% chance in the evening, according to the National Weather Service. Track the northwest Iowa weather radar The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is responsible for monitoring the northwest corner of Iowa, where RAGBRAI starts this year. Follow the latest conditions with the radar loop from Sioux Falls: Track the central Iowa weather radar Follow the latest conditions with the National Weather Service's Des Moines radar loop: Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@ or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa could see storms for the start of RAGBRAI. See the NWS forecast. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
15th Annual Bike SUX coming to Sioux City
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Bicyclists from across the Midwest are coming to Siouxland for the 15th annual Bike SUX. According to the press release, the ride will be from Caribou Coffee on Hamilton Boulevard at 9:00 a.m. and will wind up at One Eyed Jacks. Registration and check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. The bike ride began not only to promote cycling in Siouxland, but also to raise money. Each year, Bike SUX raises funds for a different nonprofit in Siouxland. This year, the event is raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland. Story continues below Top Story: McCook Lake residents in need of more dirt to rebuild homes Lights & Sirens: Traffic violation scam alarms Siouxlanders; police issue alert Sports: Mathew and Tom Burns bonding through Western Midwest baseball trip Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here Registration is $35 per rider and $15 for youth riders. The event will also be selling raffle tickets for anyone interested. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. RAGBRAI training is available through Bike SUX as well. The Bike SUX Facebook page says there will be complimentary coffee provided by Caribou from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland, visit their website. And to register or learn more about Bike SUX, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Globe and Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Disabled Veteran to Ride 400+ Miles Across Iowa in Fight for Recovery and Reform
"Image taken from Tanner's fundraising page where you can find more information on his mission." Veteran Paralyzed in Spinal Injury One Year Ago to Cycle 400+ Miles in RAGBRAI for Stem Cell Access and Veterans' Support Just one year after a spinal cord injury left him without the use of his lower body, veteran Tanner Courtney is taking on an extraordinary challenge: cycling over 400 miles in the iconic RAGBRAI event. His mission— More Than a Ride —is both personal and powerful. Tanner is raising funds for advanced stem cell therapy, a promising treatment showing real results around the world, yet still inaccessible in the U.S. due to outdated FDA regulations and pharmaceutical lobbying. 'I spent my life serving others,' Tanner says. 'Now I'm asking for help—for myself and the millions of Americans facing similar barriers.' The fundraiser also supports his vision to build long-term resources for veteran and law enforcement communities. Tanner has pledged to match every dollar raised toward future nonprofit efforts personally. Video Link: Learn more and support his journey at: Media Contact Company Name: KT3 Fitness Contact Person: Tanner Courtney Email: Send Email Phone: 5633210258 Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles cases rise across the United States, but none in Iowa yet
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, helping to eliminate thousands of deaths a year from the disease. But the measles virus is making a comeback this year, with hundreds of cases in the United States since January. There are 800 confirmed cases of measles in 12 states. The majority of the cases are in Texas, accounting for three out of four reported infections. Milford getting ready for RAGBRAI So far, Iowa does not have a confirmed case, but there was a recent diagnosis in Illinois. Even though there haven't been any cases in the area yet, some health officials advise it is only a matter of time before it gets to all states. According to experts, the best way to avoid the disease is get vaccinated. 'You got to get vaccinated. It's safe, it's effective,' said Dr. John Jones, CMO/Pediatric Emergency Medicine for UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's. 'We at UnityPoint encourage people to all vaccinate their children. And as adults, if they haven't been vaccinated, adults can get vaccinated as well.' Dr. Jones says that the measles vaccination has a 90 percent success rate. To avoid any misinformation, he recommends keeping a close relationship with your primary care doctor and asking them any questions you have concerning measles and vaccines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
