BOOKS METAL SCULPTURE

In July 1983, La Porte City was named a stop along the route of RAGBRAI XI. Already by that time, Iowans were avid cyclists and bike culture was ingrained into everyday life throughout Iowa, but the next visit to La Porte City was 32 years later in July 2015. In a flurry of preparation, local and long-time resident, Zach Loeb (left), constructed several sculptures of welded bike parts. These sculptures welcomed riders as they stopped for the day during their week-long ride.

One sculpture proudly welcomed cyclists to the recently built Hawkins Memorial Library. Having weathered for a decade, the sign was rewelded and painted by Greg Arhart (right). The newly renovated sign was paired with the Library's renovation and, once again, proudly welcomes everyone into the building.