For these UNI alums, RAGBRAI is a tradition that keeps them coming back
For these UNI alums, RAGBRAI is a tradition that keeps them coming back
For UNI alumni Mark and Sharon Hannasch, RAGBRAI - the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa - has been a cherished tradition that spans more than 30 years.
It started in 1992 when Sharon’s brother John Cernohous, a future Panther, began the tradition. He convinced Mark to join him the next year, joined by fellow Panther Brad Bair. In 2001, Sharon joined as a support driver. “Back then, I didn’t think pedaling across Iowa sounded like a fun vacation,” she said.
That all changed when she jumped on the bike with her husband and friends on RAGBRAI in 2002. “I made the mistake of getting on a tandem with Mark to ride a half day. Five months later, a tandem bike showed up under our Christmas tree.”
Now, after 20+ years on the road and an always evolving cast of characters, this year’s group brought a special realization: “It dawned on me that this year’s team consists of all UNI grads,” said Sharon.
The team often wears purple and gold throughout the week of RAGBRAI, which gains the attention of the many other Panthers they see along their ride. “We’ve been overnight guests of a UNI classmate or friend almost every year we’ve ridden,” Sharon said.
The 2025 RAGBRAI route adds up to a total of more than 400 miles, which includes an overnight stop in Cedar Falls. Although Mark and Sharon are local residents, the rest of their team now lives out of state. “It will be fun to show them what has changed and what hasn’t,” says Sharon.
While the UNI group has had many memorable stories from the past three decades of RAGBRAI, they say the 2024 ride was one of the most impactful. After the community of Greenfield, Iowa was hit by a tornado, it was difficult to imagine that thousands of riders would be passing through on the ride just a few weeks later. The town stuck with their commitment, but were short of volunteers to help riders passing through.
John decided to forgo riding that day and instead volunteered in Greenfield. “When he told us, we decided we should all volunteer,” says Sharon. “It was difficult to see the damage and hear people’s stories from that day, but it was wonderful to see how the community and RAGBRAI came together.”
We know plenty of Panther riders will be hitting the road! If you’re part of an alumni or student team, let us know on Facebook, Instagram or X.
