Our Daily Report will share everything you need to know about the 2025 RAGBRAI Route Inspection! Check back here for updates. Our latest news will be at the top of the post, scroll down to see our adventures from earlier in the week.
Route Inspection Day 7 Recap
The Route Inspectors gather for the final day of the 2025 Route Inspection. Is it July yet?? Day 7 Photo Gallery coming soon!
Day 7 Road Report
Day 7 Mileage: 38.4
Day 5 Feet of Climb: 1,147′
Today’s Towns: Oelwein, Stanley, Aurora, Lamont, Dundee, Edgewood, Garber, and Guttenberg.
Route Inspector Dixon Novy gives us today’s Road Report.
“After a week of flats, we finally got to do some climbing. Nice long holy rollers with the exception of roller coaster hill coming out of Dundee Beautiful fields and landscapes to have you appreciate the work the farmers perform for us The patriotic mural barn when you exit Dundee is a must see, painted by local girls. The patriotic mural barn when you exit Dundee is there photo stop of the day, painted by two local girls. The two museums in Lamont have to be on your must see list for Saturday.”
Photo was taken as riders left Dundee on their way to Edgewood.
Day 7 Gravel Report
Day 7 Gravel Mileage: 66.2
Day 7 Gravel Feet of Climb: 2,588′
Day 7 Gravel Skill Level:
The Day 7 Gravel Segments are some of the most challenging of the week. You can pick up the first segment just after Edgewood, and it will bring you into Garber. The second segment starts and ends between Garber and Guttenberg. Route Inspector Laura Rice is back for our final 2025 Gravel Report.
“If 1 mile gravel climbs topping out at 9-10% grade, and screaming fast, loose technical descents get you excited, today’s gravel is for you! Recommended for experienced gravel riders, the panoramic views and fun riding make the climbs worth it.
With both hard pack and medium sized gravel sections, there’s a little bit of everything. Peaceful cruising by the river brings you along awesome rock features, before climbing to scenic views to top off the week of gravel!”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: The last day of the ride has hills! Be prepared by doing some high tension, low cadence work before the ride.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
The JustGoBike Day 7 Episode is coming soon – tune in Sunday 6/8 to listen!
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for the 2025 RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
Route Inspection Day 6 Recap
We have a short route today between Cedar Falls and Oelwein, so we took our time today and enjoyed all the route had to offer!
Day 6 Road Report
Day 6 Mileage: 38.4
Day 5 Feet of Climb: 1,147′
Today’s Towns: Cedar Falls, Dunkerton, Fairbank, and Oelwein
Route Inspector Bailey Kelsay gives us today’s Road Report.
“Today is a pretty all-around easy day – it’s going to be a fun one! Fairly smooth roads, and where there are cracks, they’re mostly filled. Between the short overall mileage and the balanced distance between towns, riders will have plenty of time to enjoy the towns and the riding.
The gravel route is an excellent add-on to the day. Hero gravel – good traction, a little grit but nothing deep – and beautiful views of Amish country. No major elevation to worry about, so it’ll fly by. Fast and fun!Today is a pretty all-around easy day – it’s going to be a fun one! Fairly smooth roads, and where there are cracks, they’re mostly filled. Between the short overall mileage and the balanced distance between towns, riders will have plenty of time to enjoy the towns and the riding.
The gravel route is an excellent add-on to the day. Hero gravel – good traction, a little grit but nothing deep – and beautiful views of Amish country. No major elevation to worry about, so it’ll fly by. Fast and fun!”
Day 6 Gravel Report
Day 6 Gravel Skill Level: Easy
The Day 6 Gravel Segment is one of the longest of the week, at 14 miles. You’ll find it between Dunkerton and Fairbank, and it will bring you back to route just before Oelwein. Route Inspector Dale Hentzell gives us today’s Gravel Report.
Route Inspector Dale Hentzell provides the Gravel Report for Day 6.
“The gravel near Oelwein rolls fast through quiet Amish countryside, where buggies outnumber cars and postcard views unfold at every turn. It’s Iowa hero gravel at its finest—smooth, scenic, and the kind of ride that reminds you why you love the bike. Sprawling corn fields, barns, tracks in the gravel left from Amish buggies, clothes hanging on lines in the front yard, horses, and ponies”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: Know where you are going to carry your spare kit and have an idea of how to change a flat tire before the ride. We do have incredible people to help you, but you never know how long the wait if going to be. If you know how to do it on your own, you can keep on rolling.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for Day 6 of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
Route Inspection Day 5 Recap
We’re riding from Falls to Falls today – we departed Iowa Falls this morning en route to Cedar falls. We dare you not to fall in love with today’s route.
Day 5 Road Report
Day 5 Mileage: 50
Day 5 Feet of Climb: 1,270′
Today’s Towns: Iowa Falls, Ackley, Aplington, Parkersburg, New Hartford, and Cedar Falls.
Route Inspector Kathy Murphy gives us today’s Road Report.
“Railroad crossings could be tricky for some. Ackley paper airplane plan is awesome. Smooooth roads into Aplington and actually the remainder of the day for the most part.
Both Parkersburg and New Hartford had legit cool murals. New Hartford has TEN city gardens. The biggest one-we toured today. They put a ton of sweat tears and work into it. You can tell!
Day 5 Gravel Report
Day 5 Gravel Mileage: 53.6
Day 5 Gravel Feet of Climb: 1,548′
Day 5 Gravel Skill Level:
Day 5 brings us not one but THREE Gravel Sectors. You’ll find the first between Ackley and Aplington, and the second between Parkersburg and New Hartford, and the final being between New Hartford and Cedar Falls. Route Inspector Cory Mutch gives us today’s Gravel Report.
“The gravel sectors today were super smooth with a medium size gravel tire. Very packed and racey! First sector was flat quick, and fun while the last sectors had a little more rolling hills with a few longer low grade climbs.
“The Rock” was a very cool stop towards the end of the last leg between New Hartford to Cedar Falls… beautiful views while standing up on it but definitely watch out for the barbed-wire across the low part of the “trail” to it but worth the stop!!! Always a fun day on gravel in Iowa!”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: Just ride! Ultimately, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Getting ready for RAGBRAI is all about getting time in the saddle in. So even if your day gets busy, get in what you can. Thirty-minutes on the bike is better than zero!
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for Day 5 of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
Route Inspection Day 4 Recap
Our group gathered in Forest City this morning before it was time to Ride, Forest, Ride!
Day 4 Road Report
Day 4 Mileage: 69.8
Day 4 Feet of Climb: 1,420′
Today’s Towns: Forest City, Ventura, Meservey, Alexander, Latimer, Coulter, and Iowa Falls
Route Inspector Quinn Kelsay gives us today’s Road Report.
“Riding out of Forest City in the morning there was some short climbs. Keep an eye out for great views of the sunrise over the fields! Overall the rest of the day is mostly flat with some light rollers and smooth roads. A great follow up to a long day. Once we crossed into Franklin county the roads start to have lateral cracks making for a slightly rougher ride but still an easy roll!”
Day 4 Gravel Report
Day 4 Gravel Mileage:72.1
Day 4 Gravel Feet of Climb: 1,544′
Day 4 Gravel Skill Level:
You can start your day with the Day 4 Gravel Segment. It begins just after Forest City and rejoins the route just before Ventura. Route Inspector Brent Johnson gives us today’s Gravel Report.
“Hero gravel. Fast with nice packed lines. Amazing considering the rain we had. Big white dog on route that’s a friendly lover. 30 to 32c tire for today’s route conditions. Paved gravel was a rocket ship. Smoth roads could make for a fast day into Iow Falls giving you extra time in the Pass Thru towns.”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: Before you get to RAGBRAI, make sure you are familiar with all of the hand signals of group riders: left turn, right turn, slowing, stopping, hazard right, hazard left, pothole left, pothole right, and give way. Knowing these signs helps keep you and everyone around you safe.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for Day 4 of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
Route Inspection Day 3 Recap
You may have noticed our Wahoo live trackers didn’t get much action today. Due to high winds, rain, and unseasonably cold temperatures, our team made the decision not to ride the Day 3 route. As a smaller group without the full support of Iowa State Patrol we didn’t feel it was safe to be on bikes today.
That said, we did still make it to Armstrong, Swea City, Bancroft, Titonka, Woden, Crystal Lake, and Forest City.
We met with town leaders, reviewed event plans, marked road conditions, and continued to prep for an unforgettable July ride. Despite the weather, the energy was high, the hospitality was incredible, and the day was a success in every way that mattered.
The RAGBRAI Route Inspection Team gathers before rolling out of Estherville this morning.
Brian’s Day 3 Report
Day 3 Mileage: 73.9 (Standard Route w/o Century Loop)
Day 3 Feet of Climb: 1,338′
Today’s Towns: Estherville, Armstrong, Swea City, Bancroft, Titonka, Woden, Crystal Lake, and Forest City
Route Inspector Brian Brinkema gives us a report on today’s adventures.
“Armstrong has a neat freedom rock at the city park that is worth the stop. The Community Center will be serving protein bowls and The Garage has killer Vodka Lemonades and breakfast pizza on the menu.
Swea City had a glazed donut sausage breakfast sandwich that is WORLD famous. The sweet and spicy combination is very good. They know donuts because they had the world’s largest donut. You would have to eat 13 glazed donuts a day to eat the equivalent of that donut. It took 200 gallons of lard to fry it!
In Bancroft St Johns church is a must see – it has 86 stained glass windows. Johanson’s Cafe will be serving a brisket meal deal that will be amazing. Highly recommend it.”
Scott’s Day 3 Report
Day 3 Gravel Mileage (no Century): 74.1
Day 3 Century Route Mileage: 101.9
Day3 Gravel Feet of Climb (Century + Gravel): 1,814′
Day 3 Gravel Skill Level:
The Day 3 Gravel Sector falls between Titonka and Crystal Lake. Route Inspector Scott Sumpter will ride both road, gravel and century. Here is his report.
“Bancroft will be a top stop. The S&B Farm distillery is a must see. The smoked old fashioned is worth getting smoked for. You can grab a beer and watch the fire fighters water ball fights. Or stop by the unassuming Summit Center for a turkey pocket and a cool vintage consignment clothing shop. You can also charge your phone there. They’re doing a fundraiser to redo the roof. “Nicest bathrooms on RAGBRAI”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: Be prepared for rain! I recommend bringing a light rain jacket at the minimum and if you have them, over the shoe rain covers, water repellent bibs, and some clearer lensed sunglasses.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for Day 3 of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
Route Inspection Day 2 Recap
Taking Flight from Mill Stone Park in Milford, Iowa!
Day 2 Road Report
Day 2 Mileage: 41.2
Day 2 Feet of Climb: 1,104′
Today’s Towns: Milford, Wahpeton, Brown Park (MN), Superior, Estherville
Route Inspector Andrea “AP” Parrott gives us today’s Road Report.
“There are very few hills today, the most notable being just before Superior. Be sure to notice the lakes on either side as you ride the hills. Overall the road quality is really nice today. When you head into Minnesota you’ll notice we switch into red pavement. Just a little something different up north!”
Day 2 Gravel Report
Day 2 Gravel Mileage: 40.3
Day 2 Gravel Feet of Climb: 1,125
Day 2 Gravel Skill Level: Easy
The Day 2 Gravel Segment falls between Wahpeton and Brown Park. Route Inspector Scott Olsen gives us today’s Gravel Report.
“A great start for the week. Lots of flat easy pedaling. The gravel is a sampler with a little bit of everything – hard pack, light small gravel, and some Light chunk. The second section is twisty and very scenic but with more elevation. It’s a great day to try gravel for those that are gravel curious, and a fun to end the day for more experienced gravel riders.”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: In heavy crosswinds, keep pressure on the pedals. I know that they can be scary and instinct can be to stop pedaling, but the more you can keep power on the pedals, the more stable you are going to be.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for Day 2 of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
Route Inspection Day 1 Recap
Our team getting ready to Take Off from Tulip Town (AKA Orange City)!
Day 1 Road Report
Day 1 Mileage: 71.8
Day 1 Feet of Climb: 1,520′
Today’s Towns: Orange City, Granville, Primghar, Hartley (Meeting), May City, Milford
Route Inspector Ben Gonnerman gives us today’s Road Report.
“Great roads with very low traffic. Excellent distance between towns. Just an awesome route to ride a bike!
“Great memorials for veterans in a number of the towns. Overall the towns are great! Hartley is a great town and the set up is awesome. Orange City is first class and a superb organization!”
Day 1 Gravel Report
Day 1 Mileage: 77.6
Day 1 Feet of Climb: 1,797′
Day 1 Gravel Skill Level: Easy
The Day 1 Gravel Segment falls between May City and Milford. Route Inspector Laura Rice gives us today’s Gravel Report.
“A great start for the week. Lots of flat easy pedaling. The gravel is a sampler with a little bit of everything – hard pack, light small gravel, and some Light chunk. The second section is twisty and very scenic but with more elevation. It’s a great day to try gravel for those that are gravel curious, and a fun to end the day for more experienced gravel riders.”
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: On rolling hills especially, continue to pedal at the same RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) as you did on the flats if your gears allow. This will help you get back up the hill without having to do a huge surge.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale (item of the day)
Thanks for joining us for Day 1 of the RAGBRAI Route Inspection!
2025 Route Inspection Takes Off from Orange City
Route Inspectors made a stop in Bancroft for the Mr. Pork Chop Fun Ride for MS this morning.
It’s hard to believe that we are only 50 days away from RAGBRAI LII. What began two decades ago has become a tradition that brings together a team of dedicated riders and professionals, all focused on one shared goal making sure every mile of the RAGBRAI experience is as safe, smooth, and memorable as possible.
This year, our team of 23 handpicked riders includes representatives from law enforcement, restaurant and bar owners, RAGBRAI staff and crew, and the JustGoBike podcast. This diverse group brings real-world insight and on-the-ground experience, making them uniquely qualified to evaluate the route and support the host communities in their final event preparations.
Another focus is documenting road imperfections. We use custom software by Geobike to capture potholes, centerline cracks, and other road imperfections that could cause catastrophic damage to a bicyclist. This report is downloaded after route inspection and shared with state and county partners. We also monitor the traffic patterns and communicate back with impacted trucking companies to ensure we are safely sharing the roads.
We invite everyone to follow our progress throughout the week. You can track our riders daily across the paved route, gravel sectors, and century loop. It’s a great way to get an inside look at the ride ahead and to share the incredible work our communities are doing to prepare.
Here’s to a safe and successful inspection ride and we can’t wait to see you in July!
Matt Phippen
RAGBRAI Ride Director
Follow us – Live!
Thanks to Wahoo Live Track you can follow our riders in real time from the RAGBRAI Route Inspection page. We’re using the Wahoo Elemnt Ace computer, so you’ll be able to see our speed, distance, wind speed, feet of climb, and more!
Coach Erin’s Training Tip
Coach Erin Oliphant will have a training tip for you each day.
Today’s tip: Make sure you are hydrated headed in to the ride! You don’t want to be playing catch up the entire time.
Tune in to the Daily JustGoBike Podcast Ride Recaps
The award-winning series from the JustGoBike Podcast is back for another year. Tune in as Murph and AP report from the road about the people, places, and roads of RAGBRAI LII.
Route Inspection Sale!
We’ll post our favorite highlights from our rides in real time each day as we cross the state.
Find RAGBRAI on: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
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Find Town Info and Social Pages: RAGBRAI.com/route
Stay Up to Date with RAGBRAI News
Join one of our Newsletters! We have the Monthly RAGBRAI Newsletter and JustGoBike Newsletter, and weekly Merchandise News!
Register for RAGBRAI LII
Online registration is open through June 11! Take flight with us on RAGBRAI LII.
