RAGBRAI may not officially arrive in Clinton, Iowa until next Saturday but thousands of them showed up Friday ahead of the week long ride.
Many came to park their cars and SUV's before taking shuttle buses to Sioux Center, Iowa where the ride will officially begin.
As a result Clinton, Iowa was booming with economic activity Friday.
"I've been here about six years and I think I can only recall one other time when all the hotels were sold out," Maureen Roushar of the Wild Rose Casino told KWQC.
Apart from hotels, area businesses and restaurants are offering specials. Even area hot dog vendors are getting in on the action.
"I'm just going to come prepared with several hundred hot dogs. I have more on hand if I need it. We are expecting for a very good evening," Holly Rowden of Holly's Hot Dog said.
The Convention and Visitor's Bureau says today, in addition to next Saturday when the RAGBRAI riders finish in town, makes this an exciting time to be in Clinton.
"This is big time for us when you figure next Saturday there will be fifteen thousand people coming through here and that is just the riders you are not counting their support vehicles and their families so yeah its going to be really busy," Marsha Smith said.
