SIOUX CITY | With more than 60 bicyclists congregating outside of his 2421 Riverside Blvd., restaurant on a recent Tuesday night, Rudy Navarrete, Jr. prepared plate after plate of what he called "The Rudy Special."
A variation on the classic Tex-Mex chimichanga, the special includes layers of meat, rice and beans between deep-fried tortilla shells. Navarrete covers it with homemade salsa, guacamole and creamy sour cream.
"After a long bike ride, I figure the cyclists will be hungry," Navarrete said. "This will fill 'em up."
For the past six summers, Rudy Navarrete's Mexican Food has been a weekly destination for a bike club headed by Kathy Roberts.
"At first, we chose Rudy's restaurant because it was near the route we took," Roberts said of the 18-mile trek that took riders up Iowa Highway 12, past Stone State Park to County K18, over to South Dakota Highway 105, near Jefferson, S.D., and back again. "Now, we just come because the food is so good."
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A manager for Friendship House, a Sioux City social services agency, she is a pro when it comes to scoping out places where cyclists love to eat.
After all, Roberts has plenty of experience. A lifelong cyclist, she has ridden every RAGBRAI since 2007.
So, besides tacos and burritos and other Rudy Navarrete specialties, what do bicyclists need to nosh on?
According to Roberts, portable food is often preferable.
"Tacos and burritos are easier to carry than, say, pizza and gyros," she reasoned. "They're also a heckuva lot less messy."
In addition, Roberts said saltier foods are something many cyclists crave since they're losing bodily fluids through perspiration.
"Hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob, you name it," she said. "The saltier the better."
Still, Roberts said, think before you scarf.
"You have to remember you'll actually need to be riding for miles," she explained. "You don't want to eat anything too heavy. And don't forget that Port-A-Potties aren't as plentiful as you think."
Indeed, Roberts often craves for something light.
"Whenever I'm on RAGBRAI, it seems like I'm always in the mood for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich though I seldom find it on the route," she said. "For me, it's either PB&J or frozen grapes."
Traveling from community to community, Roberts personally likes to hit up a diner or small cafe in order to capture the local flavor.
"Although many church groups and service organizations will have special stands, they lack the character an old-fashioned diner has," she said.
As RAGBRAI cyclists prepare for Sunday's 76.5-mile route between Sioux City and Storm Lake, Iowa, here are some distinctive and original restaurants to try.
Rudy Navarrete's Mexican Food
2421 Riverside Blvd. Sioux City
712-252-7795
A favorite among Sioux City cyclists, this quaint Riverside mainstay offers a full menu of tacos, burritos, entomatadas (a deep-fried corn tortilla served with cheese and bathed in a zesty sauce) and "The Rudy Special," which owner Rudy Navarrete, Jr. is a top seller with the Tuesday Night Bike Club who frequent the Tex-Mex restaurant.
Milwaukee Weiner House
301 Douglas St. Sioux City
712-277-3449
For nearly a century, Milwaukee Weiner House has been a downtown Sioux City institution. Located a few blocks from the Tyson Events Center, brothers John and Mike Eliades have their hot-doggery down to a science. What's on the menu? Coney Island-style chili dogs, potato chips, drinks and that's about it. Why mess with success?
Miles Inn
2622 Leech Ave. Sioux City
712-276-9825
Originally opened by Charlie Miles as a convenience store in the 1920s, Miles Inn is now best known for its Charlie Boy (a peppery loosemeat tavern) and beer served in a distinctive mug called a schooner. With the slogan "Smile with Miles," it's hard not to be be grinning from ear-to-ear at this venerable Sioux City sports pub.
Jim's Burger
4030 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City
712-239-1460
Wanna hefty breakfast? Sure. A juicy burger with all of the fixings? No problem. Well, how about a classic wet burrito? If you've ever been to Jim's Burger, you know all of the above is available, all day long. This something-for-everybody approach has made this fast-casual cafe a popular place for Sioux Cityans. It's convenient location will no doubt make it a favorite for RAGBRAI riders racing through Leeds.
Doosky's East
101 Highway 140 South, Kingsley, Iowa
712-378-2822
Prime rib, pizza and everything in between is on the menu at Doosky's East. Located in the clubhouse of golf course, this sporty pub will be packed with cyclists making their way to Kingsley, the third stop during the first day of RAGBRAI.Â
