SIOUX CITY, Iowa  — Claiming to be "the world's longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event," RAGBRAI, or the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, turned into a massive traffic jam on Sunday.

Riders, donning brightly colored jerseys and shorts, were tightly packed together as they pedaled through the picturesque Loess Hills on Iowa's western edge.

Celebrating its golden anniversary, RAGBRAI saw an even greater turnout this year, following a route similar to its inaugural journey. The event, originally conceived by two writers from The Des Moines Register, commenced in Sioux City, where enthusiastic riders symbolically dipped their rear tires in the Missouri River.

After an arduous and daring seven-day ride, the event culminated in Davenport on the banks of the Mississippi River for those who had the endurance and courage to complete the entire journey.

RAGBRAI, the world's longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for cyclists. The journey takes riders through the heartland, with plenty of delicious pie, abundant beer, and satisfying spaghetti dinners served in picturesque church basements along the way. The event attracts a diverse group of participants, from those with expensive bikes to those on well-loved hand-me-downs.

Riders from around the globe, including a spirited group from Australia, and representing almost every U.S. state, come together for this extraordinary adventure. RAGBRAI has become a source of pride for the cycling community, especially those with connections to Iowa. The camaraderie is palpable as participants forge connections with interesting individuals from various backgrounds.

Conversations range from the weather and hills to admiring the scenery, discussing bikes, and seeking the best food and cold beer in each town.

RAGBRAI offers an unforgettable journey filled with vibrant encounters and shared passions for cycling and the great outdoors.

As the bicycling craze grew, RAGBRAI gained popularity, further boosted by notable figures like Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong in the cycling world.

Despite the challenges of scorching temperatures, the event continues to transcend generations, with families now riding together. The camaraderie, sense of community, and shared love for cycling make RAGBRAI an iconic journey, drawing cyclists of all ages to explore the heartland's scenic landscapes and embrace the thrill of the open road.

The allure of RAGBRAI, the world's longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event, is found in the people and its unique origins.

Conceived by John Karras and Don Kaul in 1973, this 500-mile ride across Iowa began as an idea for Kaul's column.

With around 300 participants in its first year, the event's freewheeling and adventurous nature captivated cyclists like Bob Molsberry.

In essence, while RAGBRAI may have evolved over the years, the core charm of community, adventure, and the joy of cycling continues to resonate with participants, creating an unforgettable experience that endures through the changing times.

Victor Fassano, a retired sheet metal worker from New York, typifies the adventure-driven spirit of the event. Despite facing a setback with a broken car transmission, his determination to experience "epic adventures" in life led him to find an alternative way to join the ride. For him, cycling embodies freedom and joy, both in group rides and solitary moments on the road.

The essence of the event was evident in heartwarming moments like a man pulling his child in a wagon, offering fruit snacks and granola bars to fellow cyclists. There were riders stopping to assist a stranded cyclist with a broken chain, exemplifying the spirit of camaraderie.

The myriad of teams converting old school buses into vibrant, refreshment-filled mobiles further exemplifies the charm and creativity of RAGBRAI.

While some of the original quaintness of RAGBRAI has diminished due to commercialism along the route, the charm of the ride remains intact. Amidst the organized charters that carry gear and provide amenities, the genuine spirit of camaraderie and support prevails.