Here are some important tips and information for RAGBRAI Support Vehicle Drivers:
- Be sure to read all available information from the Iowa Department of Transportation regarding operating buses, trucks and motor homes in Iowa. www.iamvd.com/omve/busasmotorhome.pdf
- Attend the RAGBRAI Support Vehicle Drivers Meeting at 4:00 p.m. during the RAGBRAI Expo on the opening Saturday, before RAGBRAI starts.
- Stay off the bicycle route. Support vehicles will have a different route to the next overnight town. Follow the RAGBRAI Support Vehicle Maps, do not create your own. GPS, MapQuest and State Maps are great tools, but you should follow the RAGBRAI Support Vehicle Map. GPS systems might guide you on roads that have bridges out or that are closed for RAGBRAI routing. The Support Vehicle Map will keep you away from the bike route and will guide you on a path that is suitable for all vehicles. The Support Vehicle Route is also supported, in case you have mechanical troubles.
- Participating in RAGBRAI as a support vehicle driver could be addictive. (You may catch the RAGBRAI bug like everyone else.
- Make sure you check in with the Information Center at every overnight town. This helps your group find out where you’re camping, and also gives the Information Center your location in case of emergencies.
- Please be courteous. You are a guest in the community and should act like one. Please keep in mind that the people helping you in these towns are volunteers!
- Turn your generators off when they’re not needed. It is hard to enjoy the great outdoors with the fumes and noise of multiple generators.
- Be patient. There will be lines everywhere you go, even when you’re driving.
- Be careful. When driving a large straight truck or pulling a trailer, be especially aware of what or who is behind or beside your vehicle.
- Overhead clearance is critical. Remember, you may have a bike rack on top of your vehicle that could hit tree branches or signs.
- Share. You are sharing camping sites with more than 10,000 bikers. Give everyone his/her space.
- Be neat. Encourage your group to pick up after themselves. Have garbage bags on hand for trash. Before you leave in the morning, walk your area. You’ll find the misplaced billfold, watch, sunglasses and bike computer. Your group will appreciate your efforts.
- Always buckle up and don’t drink alcoholic beverages if you’re going to be driving.
- Make sure you’re getting plenty of rest the night before driving so you stay sharp. Drowsiness can lead to becoming distracted and inattentive.
Have a safe and fun trip!
