RAGBRAI History
The Start of RAGBRAI
The Birth of the Ride
The ride began in 1973 as a challenge between two Des Moines Register employees, John Karras, a passionate cyclist, and Don Kaul, the author of the “Over The Coffee” column. Karras suggested to Kaul that they ride across Iowa together, sharing the experience through their writing. Kaul agreed, but only if Karras joined him.
The First Ride
The inaugural ride took place from August 26-31, 1973, covering a route from Sioux City to Davenport. The public was invited to join, and an estimated 300 riders gathered at the start. By the end of the ride, 114 cyclists had completed the full route. Among the participants was Clarence Pickard, an 83-year-old man who had not ridden much recently. He completed the full ride on a used ladies’ Schwinn, wearing woolen long underwear and a silver pith helmet, becoming a beloved figure in the ride’s early days.
Growth of the Ride
RAGBRAI quickly gained popularity thanks to the media coverage of Pickard’s journey and the riders’ experiences. By the 1980s, the ride hosted participants from all 50 states and foreign countries. Since its beginning, the ride has attracted cyclists of all kinds—families, professional riders, celebrities, and more—experiencing Iowa’s unique hospitality, food, and culture.
RAGBRAI by the Numbers
The Dream Team
The Dream Team, a RAGBRAI team that pairs youth with mentors, was co-founded by Jim Green, RAGBRAI Director from 1992 through 2003. Youth who complete the program can earn a new bicycle by keeping good grades, training regularly, and riding the entire RAGBRAI route.
Community Impact
RAGBRAI also gives over one million dollars in financial support to the communities that host each year and the state agencies that support the ride, with over $500,000 to Overnight Towns, $60,000 to Meeting Towns, $155,000 to Pass Thru Towns, and $65,000 to counties. In addition to over $235,000 combined to safety and state agencies. (*Reflective of 2024 Numbers)
1970's
RAGBRAI was born in 1973 as the brainchild of John Karras and Donald Kaul. The initial ride took place August 26-31, 1973. Due to resounding feedback from the public, the “Great Six-Day Bicycle Ride” quickly became an annual event.
1980's
The ride continued to grow into the '80s, with riders from all 50 states and US Territories participating. In 1985, the ride attendance rose to over 10,000 and has been above that number every year since.
1990's
RAGBRAI continues to grow and provide memorable routes across Iowa. In 1997 on RAGBRAI XXV, the ride completed the founders’ goals to travel through each of Iowa’s 99 counties, with Lucas being the last county checked off the list.
2000's
RAGBRAI XXVII in 2000 marks John Karras’ last RAGBRAI as the ride co-host, although he would continue to participate as a rider and Century Loop host. The RAGBRAI Century Loop was named the John Karras Century Loop to honor his role in RAGBRAI. Lance Armstrong joined ride for several years in the 2000’s, and fair weather is the theme for several years.
2010's
RAGBRAI heats up with some of the hottest years on record, and celebrates 40 years of riding across Iowa.
2020's
RAGBRAI celebrates 50 years in 2022 and embarks on the next decade of riding across Iowa, with a renewed focus on celebrating and giving back to the host communities.