About RAGBRAI

What is RAGBRAI?

RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 41st year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. Des Moines Register Media has been the title sponsor of RAGBRAI since 1973.

When is RAGBRAI?

July 21-27, 2013. (It will always be the last full week of July)

What does it cost?

A week-long rider fee is $150; a week-long non-rider fee is $35. A vehicle permit is $35. Instead of entering for the week, participants may enter for daily wristbands for $25 per day.

What is included in the entry fees?

The cost includes wristbands, route marking signage, baggage transportation, camping accommodations, discounts, SAG wagon services, emergency medical services, traffic control, souvenir patch, daily route maps, and entries into drawing for a free prizes for riders and other prizes for support vehicle drivers.

What is the route?

RAGBRAI begins somewhere near Iowa’s western border and ends along the eastern border at the Mississippi River. We change the route each year and we will announce the overnight towns at the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party on Saturday, January 26, 2013 and in The Des Moines Register and on our web site (www.ragbrai.com).

How many miles is the ride?

The seven-day total mileage for RAGBRAI averages 468 miles while the daily mileage averages 67 miles. There is an optional loop (called the Karras Loop) on one day each year for cyclists wanting the challenge.

When can I enter?

You can enter RAGBRAI beginning Nov. 15, 2012.

When is the entry deadline?

The deadline for week-long riders is April 1, 2013. Your entry form, waiver, and payment must be submitted by April 1, 2013 to be eligible for the lottery.Week-long rider registrations will not be accepted after April 1. If an individual or group elects to submit a manual (paper) entry, the entry including the signed original waiver(s) and payment must be complete, correct and dated no later than Feb. 15, 2013. Please note that day-pass registrations are due on June 1, 2013 and are are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Day-pass registrations are not subject to the lottery.

Is there a limit on entries?

RAGBRAI is limited to 8,500 week-long riders and 1,500 daily riders. Entries can exceed the number of riders allowed, so a random computer lottery takes place after all of the entries are entered in the computer. Lottery results are available online on May 1, 2013.

More information

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