News : Matt Phippen, RAGBRAI Director of Operations, speaks to Vinton Lions Club

Leon Welchel, New Member

Rob Levis led the Vinton Lions New Member Induction ceremony welcoming Leon Welchel at the noon Lions Club meeting on Wednesday. Also pictured Jerry Blank.

Matt Phippen addressed the Vinton Lions Club sharing information about the upcoming RAGBRAI bicycle ride

Vinton Lions Club hosted Matt Phippen, RAGBRAI Director of Operations, at the Wednesday noon meeting. Matt shared with the Lions membership about the history of his evolvement into his love for bicycling. His work with Scheels fueled his passion and expanded opportunities and experiences over the last 23 years.

Matt energizes those around him by sharing the vision of RAGBRAI and the plans for this upcoming year and the future of RAGBRAI. RAGBRAI works with each community they touch helping to provide support in funds, knowledge and volunteers for the communities to be successful and creating a safe and enjoyable bicyclist experience along the routes.

Reading through RAGBRAI's online blog, Matt stated, "Our number one goal is growing the legacy of RAGBRAI, bringing value to the state, our residents, and to the riders who visit our great state every year." For more information on RAGBRAI, go to: Home - RAGBRAI

RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational touring bicycle ride in the world. Started in 1973 by Des Moines Register reporters John Karras and Donald Kaul, RAGBRAI is a seven-day bicycle tour that goes from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River with stops in overnight towns along the way.   One of the largest tourism events in the country, a 2008 study by the University of Northern Iowa estimates RAGBRAI's economic impact between $24 million to $25 million for the weeklong ride. -RAGBRAI website: Jan. 10, 2022

Lions mission is to serve the communities we live in and take action to make our community better. Working to lead by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness. If you have interest in joining Vinton Lions Club please message Mike LaGrange, through Facebook @VintonIowaLionsClub for more information.

Meetings are currently held every Wednesday at noon at the Pizza Ranch.

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