In 1996, a concern for disadvantaged youth led a small group of bicycling enthusiasts from RAGBRAI, Bike World, and the Riverfront YMCA to discuss how they could help inner city kids in Des Moines and provide them the wonderful opportunity to participate in RAGBRAI.

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These caring individuals wanted to help youth, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, to experience the sense of fellowship, accomplishment, and goal setting that participation in RAGBRAI brings.

 

Working as a grassroots organization, they successfully obtained funding for equipment, then recruited and trained youth to participate as the first Dream Team in RAGBRAI XXV in 1997. Since that inaugural season, hundreds of youth participants have successfully completed RAGBRAI and have become part of the Dream Team family.