The America 250 Double Loop will be a unique challenge on Day 5 of RAGBRAI LIII as we pedal from Marshalltown to Independence. But planning for it doesn’t have to be! Here’s everything you need to know.
The Basics – What is the Loop?
This year, we are offering riders a challenge with the addition of an all-new loop route: the America 250 Double Loop. Those looking to extend Day 5 from Marshalltown to Independence can opt into this special loop designed to celebrate RAGBRAI history and the 250th anniversary of our nation.
The America 250 Double Loop extends the route to a 250‑kilometer ride (with a route just over 159 miles) in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country. Riders who complete the America 250 Double Loop will earn a commemorative America 250 challenge coin to celebrate this major accomplishment. They can also receive the Karras Loop patch if they so choose.
Details:
Both Karras Loop riders and America 250 Double Loop riders should stop at the patch station on the loop. You can find the patch station 6 miles south on Dugan Ave. once you have begun the Karras Loop or America 250 Double Loop.
Both sets of riders will receive a Karras Loop Patch. America 250 Double Loop riders will then check in and receive a wristband, and continue on their way around their first circuit of the loop. The second time around the loop, America 250 Double Loop riders with wristbands will receive a challenge coin. The first 200 Double Loopers of the day will receive the coin in person, the rest will receive their coin in the mail.
Sign me up! How do I register for the Loop?
Registration for the America 250 Double Loop is completely free. Registration allows us to plan for riders and their safety on the day of.
If you have not yet registered for RAGBRAI LIII
You can register for the America 250 Double Loop during the standard registration process. It will be an add on item under Tickets that you can select for free.
If you have already registered for RAGBRAI LIII
You can edit your RAGBRAI LIII registration to indicate that you will ride the loop. This will NOT affect your shipped registration credentials, and it does not matter when you registered. Head to the RAGBRAI Registration Page. Be sure you are logged in. Under Tickets, you can add one (1) America 250 Double Loop pass. Each rider must register themselves for the loop. Click “Continue” until you have completed the process. That’s it! There is no additional charge to register for the double loop.
NOTE: America 250 Double Loop registration does NOT constitute a RAGBRAI registration. You must be both registered for RAGBRAI and for the Loop.
How Do I Train for This??
Our Training Coach Erin Oliphant says, “There are three main factors, in my opinion, that will determine your success on the 250k route: ride time in training, nutrition, and attitude.” You can read her advice on all three, and more, in her blog post, Training for the America 250 Double Loop.
What will the Loop be Like?
We created a special Route Inspection team to take on the Double Loop. They rode the entire Day 5 route, and visited the JustGoBike Podcast to share their experiences. Scott Olson, Scott Sumpter, and ride director Matt Phippen talk stats and highlights of their long day in the saddle.
Been there, done that… get the t-shirt!
You know we couldn’t pass up the celebration of America’s 250th Birthday without a commemorative t-shirt! Celebrate our nation’s milestone year with the America 250 RAGBRAI tee! Cycling in Iowa, 250 years in the making.
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is the longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. Since 1973, it has brought thousands of cyclists together to experience the beauty of Iowa’s countryside, small-town hospitality, and unforgettable memories
For more information, visit RAGBRAI.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
