LAKE VIEW (KWWL) -
Thousands of bicyclists are resting up Monday night after two days in the heat.
Monday's stretch of RAGBRAI started in Cherokee and ended in Lake View, coming to a total of 61 miles in one day.
State troopers say there were more than a dozen heat-related accidents and injuries for Monday's leg.
Troopers are doing whatever they can to help, whether it's offering cyclists a bit of shade or a ride into town.
They've also noticed ambulances keeping busy and tending to people affected by the heat, but for the most part, troopers say these crowds have been riding smart.
Bicyclist will have to take extra care of themselves on even longer routes like Tuesday's 81 mile trek to Webster City.
Experts tell bicyclists to be prepared with water and good equipment.
A long bike trip is more demanding on the bike, as well as the rider.
"You definitely have to have dependable products, dependable tires," Jonathan Smith with Europa Cycle said. "Definitely have to be more prepared with spare inner tubes and kits for the side of the road if you do get a flat."
Each RAGBRAI stop will have bike repair stations available.
And if you're riding along for RAGBRAI, don't forget to send us your pictures.
Please send them to share@kwwl.com, you can see the pictures at YourEasternIowa.KWWL.com.
