Tens of thousands of cyclists converged in Dyersville, Iowa, for RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, which attracts more than 30,000 riders annually for a seven-day journey across the state.
Chabad of Northeast Iowa, under the direction of Rabbi Aron Schimmel, partnered with bochurim from Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Postville to conduct a Mivtzoim campaign along the route. The bochurim traveled from Postville to establish a station in Dyersville where cyclists could access cold water, listen to Chassidic music, and perform mitzvos.
The operation drew considerable participation throughout the day. Dozens of Jewish men and boys donned Tefillin, with several marking their Bar Mitzvah by wrapping Tefillin for the first time. Concurrently, tens of Shabbos candle kits were given to Jewish women and girls, along with materials about the Rebbe's teachings and Moshiach.
The outreach also addressed non-Jewish riders, with bochurim distributing cards and discussing the Seven Noahide Laws.
Among notable moments was a 73-year-old man who put on Tefillin after the bochurim's encouragement - his first time since his own Bar Mitzvah.
Rabbi Aron Schimmel reflected on the effort: "It's certainly an unusual sight to see Chassidim in black hats and jackets out in the middle of Iowa's cornfields. But the warmth from the riders was incredible. People were deeply moved to see us out there caring for them, physically and spiritually."