Dordt University unveils new bike jersey to unite Defender cyclists

Dordt University is rolling out a new, officially branded cycling jersey designed to connect Defender cyclists across the country. The idea was sparked by the growing Dordt cycling community, which includes both avid riders and casual commuters among faculty, staff, and alumni. With RAGBRAI kicking off in nearby Orange City this summer, the timing couldn’t be better to showcase Defender support.

“A few years ago, we created a small batch of jerseys for the on-campus community,” says Eric Tudor, director of emerging markets at Dordt. “Some of those jerseys ended up on last year’s RAGBRAI route, and the wearers were frequently asked where the jerseys could be purchased. Given that RAGBRAI has a ‘college jersey day,’ it made sense to expand their availability and give more Dordt cyclists a way to represent their alma mater.”

For alumni like Nathan Middel of Villa Park, Illinois, the new jersey is a welcome addition. Middel, who first rode RAGBRAI in 2022 with his father, Ray Middel, shared how the jersey quickly became a conversation piece on the ride.

“Last year, we both had our Dordt jerseys on regularly, and we received so many shout-outs from people asking who we were, where we were from, and what our connection to Dordt was,” Middel says. “Dordt does an unbelievable job of building community both on campus and afterward through its alumni, and wearing the jersey was a great way to plug into that.”

RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is an annual seven-day bike ride across the state. In its 52nd year, the ride will take place on July 19-26, 2025. This year’s starting point is in Orange City, which is located only about 10 miles south of Sioux Center.

Dordt’s cycling community extends beyond RAGBRAI, but events like this highlight how cycling can bring people together--whether on a cross-state ride or a casual spin around town. Dordt faculty and staff frequently gather for weekly rides that begin and end on campus, and Dordt-connected riders also participate in annual races. More than just a recreational activity, cycling has created space for relationships to deepen and for the Dordt network to grow.

“Although we are on bikes, we would all agree that the primary purpose is to develop relationships,” says Tudor. “There’s an extra level of comfort, trust, and vulnerability when you’re doing something you love. These moments give us an opportunity to celebrate joys, share in burdens, and check in on one another.”

The new Dordt cycling jersey is part of a broader effort to bring together Defender cyclists, whether on RAGBRAI, local group rides, or national events. Middel hopes more alumni and friends of Dordt will sport the jersey this summer and beyond.

“You may be riding alongside complete strangers, but similar to Dordt, RAGBRAI does a great job of promoting camaraderie as you ride through the rolling hills of Iowa,” says Middel. “I’d love to see even more Dordt jerseys on the ride, connecting alumni, students, and supporters in a visible way.”

For more information on how to purchase the Dordt cycling jersey, visit https://dordt-university.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Orders are due by Sunday, May 18.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.