RAGBRAI FAQs

RAGBRAI is a seven day cycling tour across the state of Iowa. RAGBRAI stands for the “Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.” Visit the About and History pages to find even more information.

RAGBRAI takes place the last full week in July. The dates for 2026 are July 18-25. 

Late July in Iowa is typically hot and humid, with daytime highs in the 80s and 90s, but nighttime temperatures can drop to 50°F. Weather can be unpredictable, and rain is common, so pack gear for varying conditions.

RAGBRAI proceeds on schedule regardless of weather, so it’s essential to prepare for both heat and rain. To stay comfortable and safe throughout the ride, ensure your clothing and camping gear are suited for temperature changes and potential storms.

Charters provide additional support services for RAGBRAI riders throughout the week. For a list of official charter options and details, please visit our Charter Information page.

Use of a charter is optional and up to each rider’s discretion.

Vendors are an important part of RAGBRAI each year! Vendors are encouraged to join the RAGBRAI Day Zero Expo to kick off the ride in the starting town. Food and beverage vendors are managed by the towns. Merchandise vendors are booked directly by RAGBRAI here.

During the ride, all vendors must purchase space and coordinate with the towns along the route. This information will be available from the towns directly in the spring. Town pages will be updated with this information.

If you are interested in becoming a host town in 2027 or beyond, please reach out to Ride Director Matt Phippen at [email protected].

While there are opportunities for outside assistance, it is important to remember that you are responsible for —navigating the marked route from start to finish, being prepared for breakdowns, weather, and more. If your bike requires special or hard to find parts, it may be worth reaching out to our official Bike Shops to see if they will have replacement parts available on route. If not, consider adding replacement parts to your packing list.

Ebikes are one of the fastest growing categories and are permitted but must follow Iowa State Electric Ebike Laws. If you are riding an ebike please remember to always RIDE RIGHT and be aware of your surroundings. Ebikes allow riders to get up to speed faster, which may cause issues when the roads are crowded. They also make the hills of Iowa easier to climb. Please understand that we welcome ebikes, but those that ride them need to be aware that there may be a negative stigma caused by previous negative experiences with ebikes users.

While there are opportunities for outside assistance, it is important to remember that you are responsible for —navigating the marked route from start to finish. If your bike requires special or hard to find parts, it may be worth reaching out to our official Bike Shops to see if they will have replacement parts available on route. If not, consider adding replacement parts to your packing list.

If you are riding an ebike, be prepared for limited charging options. Best practice is to have an extra battery and find places along the route to charge. Main campground access to electricity is limited.

If you are riding an ebike, consider utilizing a charter that can provide consistent access and charging services. Additional vendors may be along route with charging services but riders should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Check out the rider timeline for a guide on who/what/where/when to get ready for RAGBRAI! 

Rider-Timeline

Contact RAGBRAI staff at [email protected].

No, the logo and terms “RAGBRAI®” and “The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa™” and “RIDE RIGHT®” are registered trademarks of the Ventures Endurance d/b/a RAGBRAI and cannot be used for any purpose without the written permission of the Ventures Endurance d/b/a RAGBRAI. Legal action will be taken against any individual or business infringing upon these trademarks.

Registration opens November 15, 2025 for the following year’s ride. 

Registration does not close. Late Registration (June 1, 2026 – Day of the Ride) packets will not be mailed; they must be picked up at the RAGBRAI Expo in the start town. Day Passes are not available online after May 31st, 2026

No, in 2021 RAGBRAI concluded operating under the lottery system. Registration is now on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, your EnMotive account is attached to your RAGBRAI registration.  If you have issues with either account, please reach out to [email protected].

Yes. You can now register another adult or minor along with your registration. On the “Review Registrant” page of registration you will be asked to “Register Another Person” or “Proceed to Checkout”, click the “Register Another Person” button and fill out the registration form for them. Please note they will receive a private link to sign their online waiver. They must sign the waiver to complete their registration. It will not be considered valid until this happens.  

You can check out the full details when released on the registration page. The following is included for all registration types (weeklong rider, weeklong non-rider, day rider):

Rider Exclusives

• Embroidered Patch: Commemorative patch for all weeklong riders.
• Optional Routes: Complete Gravel Day and/or Karras Loop for additional patches
• RAGBRAI Charters: Opportunity to join a charter for additional support and services.

Camping & Entertainment

• Food & Entertainment: Vending areas and live entertainment in each overnight town.
• Camping Locations: Pre-arranged camping sites in each overnight host community.
• Showers & Toilets: Shower facilities and portable toilets with hand-washing stations at official campgrounds.

Safety & Support

• Ambulances & Medical Support: Four ambulances and paramedic teams available on the route each day.
• Traffic Control: Iowa State Patrol officers manage traffic at select high-traffic intersections.
• SAG Service: Free support vehicle service for riders experiencing mechanical or physical breakdowns.
• Bicycle Repair Shops: Bike shops along the route and additional services in campgrounds. Registered participants receive discounts on repairs and accessories.

Route & Navigation

• Route Maps & GPX Files: Access to detailed route maps and digital GPX files for riders and support drivers.
• Route Signs: Colorful, distinct route markers for cyclists and support vehicles.

Extras for Riders

• Expo Access: Free entry to the Expo on the Saturday before the ride, featuring the latest bike gear and accessories.
• Parking: Long-term parking in the start or finish town for registered riders (not available for non-registered participants).
• Bicycle Shipping: Shipping stations at the end of the ride to send your bike home.

Your wristband number will be assigned when your registration packet is mailed in June. 

To sign up for a Charter, or book services requiring a RAGBRAI registration and wristband number, your registration confirmation number may be used in the interim. 

RAGBRAI registration packets are typically delivered the first week in July for all U.S. addresses. International riders will be able to pick up their packets at Registraiton & Packet Pick-Up on Day Zero.

*NEW IN 2025: if you register on a team your packet will be shipped directly to you.

Check with your team captain that the team has been set-up. 

Don’t make a new team if you don’t see it listed. Check with your team captain or coordinate the set-up before creating a duplicate team listing. 

No, packets for international riders can be picked up at Packet Pick Up on Day Zero or at the Info Tent each day in the Main Campground.

Visit the Route page to see every day and every mile.

Refunds are available based on the date of the request, with refunds decreasing as we get closer to the ride. Processing fees will not be refunded.

Yes! If someone is picking up your packet, please ensure they have either your confirmation email or a picture of your photo ID (a picture on your phone works great!).

No! RAGBRAI is a wonderful family-friendly event! We’ve had children as young as 2 in trailers, and riders in their 90’s. All ages are welcome as long as you can safely complete the route each day.

Support vehicles are an important part of the ride. Riders rely on support drivers to transport their luggage, camping supplies, food, and shelter. All vehicles must be registered with RAGBRAI ahead of the ride. It is important we have an accurate number of vehicles on the ride so we can provide this information to our overnight and meeting towns for planning.

RAGBRAI’s vehicle pass registration has been updated! It is now based on the length of your vehicle plus what you may haul behind.

Below is a graphic that will help you select which registration type fits your type of vehicle.

Yes, all vehicle drivers must register as Weeklong Non-Riders. To register multiple vehicles please reach out to us at [email protected]. Support drivers will have access to vehicle maps, campgrounds, route into the meeting town each day, and overnight towns.

Vehicle passes are sold during registration, or can be added on after registration. Vehicle passes may sell out based on size so we recommend purchasing during registration or as soon as your vehicle needs are decided.

If you are bringing a support vehicle to assist riders you must register those vehicles and pay for vehicle passes to ensure you have access to RAGBRAI parking lots, campgrounds, and RV campsites.

1. Log in to EnMotive

2. On the lefthand side of the page on the black bar, click Registrations

3. On the square with RAGBRAI, click the three vertical dots on the upper right-hand side

4. Out of the options, click “View Registration”

5. Scroll to the bottom and add the vehicle
6. Click the continue button on the bottom and pay for your vehicle

If you have an RV pass and are bringing a self-contained motor home, be aware that most RAGBRAI campgrounds lack electrical and water hookups. Towns typically won’t provide locations to fill water tanks, so plan to come prepared. However, each overnight community will have a designated dumping station either in or nearby for waste disposal.

Make sure to plan accordingly for a self-sufficient RV setup!

Each day, one of the pass-through towns is designated as a meeting town for you and your riders. We will indicate on the support vehicle map the routes into the meeting towns that you may use to meet your riders and enjoy the hospitality of the local residents. Bright pink arrows will be used to direct support vehicles to and from the designated meeting town from the vehicle route.

Yes. We do accept merchandise returns! Our refund/exchange policy allows up to 30 days after delivery to email us for a return form. Please email us at [email protected] .

Yes, you can add all RAGBRAI LIII Cycling Items to your registration, as well as both Basic and Premium souvenir packs. You receive a $5 discount on jerseys, tanks, shorts, and bibs if purchased with your registration.

All RAGBRAI LIII cycling kits will ship in mid winter and ship to you directly. Please ensure your shipping address is accurate in EnMotive.

The basic and premium souvenir packs will ship following the ride in Fall 2026.

The SAG (Support and Gear) service is available only to registered riders who can’t continue to the overnight town due to medical or mechanical issues. It’s meant for emergencies only—not for daily use. If you aren’t prepared to complete the daily ride distances, consider whether participating in RAGBRAI is right for you.

The SAG Wagon will transport both you and your bike to either a repair station along the route or the main campground in the next overnight town. It’s important to remember that SAG Wagons are not a substitute for emergency services; please call 911 if you have a true emergency.

SAG Wagons patrol during specific route hours only and won’t be available once the route has officially closed for the day.

Turn your bike upside down (“wheels up”) on the left side of the road.

Give the SAG driver a “thumbs down” signal to indicate you need assistance.

If you’re in a meeting or pass-through town, check for SAG services at the town’s fire station or first aid station. If no pickup location is designated, wait at the town’s entrance with your bike turned upside down.

Be patient, as SAG Wagons make loops along the route and must reach full capacity before delivering riders to the next overnight town. Service hours are listed on the official RAGBRAI bike route maps.

Medical teams (staff with paramedics and doctors) patrol the bicycle route and emergency medical treatment will be available in each campground. Four ambulances and two motorcycle first-responders are on the route each day during route service hours.

RAGBRAI is a relaxed, non-competitive ride, but training is essential to fully enjoy the experience. To prepare, aim to ride at least 1,000 training miles. The route is challenging, with daily distances averaging over 67 miles, ranging from 35 to 85 miles, and includes a 100-mile optional loop. Iowa’s terrain is diverse, with both flat stretches and steep hills.

RAGBRAI should be the culmination of your training, not your primary exercise. Many injuries stem from inadequate preparation, so conditioning is key. If you’re unable to finish the ride, you’ll need to arrange your own transport home.

Getting to the starting point and back home from the end of RAGBRAI is each rider’s responsibility. Many participants rely on family and friends for transportation, while others use charters, bike clubs and teams.

Visit the Logistics page for updates throughout the year for more information.

Helmet

• Ensure a proper fit with the shake test—it should feel secure and snug.
• Adjust the straps so the helmet sits level on your head and stays in place when you open your mouth.

Bicycle Equipment

• Small repair kit: tire, spare tube, tire irons, small wrenches, rearview mirror, gloves, pump, bike bag, rain gear, lock, and water bottles.
• Shops on the route can handle most mechanical needs.

Camping Gear

• Duffel bag, sleeping bag, pillow, pad, tent, ground cloth, rope, stakes, and a flashlight.

Toiletries

• Towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, soap, razor, nail clippers, comb, deodorant, mirror, and toilet tissue.

Clothing

• T-shirts, shorts, jacket, pants, warm-up suit, underwear, socks, shoes, flip-flops, sleepwear, swimsuit, and sweatbands or bandanas.

First Aid Kit

• Aspirin or ibuprofen, vitamins, Band-Aids, gauze, tape, first aid cream, lip balm, sunblock, insect repellent, safety pins, any special medications, and sanitary protection if needed.
• Paramedics are available along the route.

Miscellaneous Items

• Alarm clock, spare glasses, sunglasses, scouting knife, watch, earplugs, ID, cash, credit cards, plastic trash bags for rain protection, and zip-lock bags for keeping items dry.

Important Tips

• Label all items with your name, enclose them in watertight plastic bags to protect from rain, and remember that your baggage will be exposed to the elements.
• For a basic checklist, see our RAGBRAI Packing List.

RAGBRAI does not offer any bike shipping. However, if you’re planning to ship your bike to the starting town we recommend the following:

Labeling: Clearly label your bike box with “ASSEMBLE” or “DO NOT ASSEMBLE” to ensure smooth handling. Include your name, phone number, and email on both the bike and box to confirm ownership and facilitate any necessary contact during transit.

Independent Shipping Providers:

SENDMYBIKE.com: A long-time RAGBRAI partner, offering affordable full-service bike and luggage shipping.

BikeFlights.com: A reliable, cost-effective option to ship bikes and gear directly, helping you avoid the hassle of flying with your bike.

SendMyGear: Offers bike and gear shipping for RAGBRAI riders, to ensure safe anf convient gear transportation. 

Bike rental information is released on the Logistics page as ride details are finalized throughout the year.

The bike route will be marked daily with bright orange arrows and monitored by emergency medical crews, Iowa State Patrol, and RAGBRAI personnel. Vehicle routes into and out of towns will be marked with bright green arrows to help ensure rider and vehicle safety.

Traffic Note: Although the bike route remains open to vehicles, published maps help local drivers plan alternative routes during RAGBRAI.

Iowa’s county engineers caution cyclists that the secondary roads are primarily designated and maintained for motorized vehicular traffic and not necessarily for narrow wheeled bicycles. Iowa winters can be brutal on our road system. A rider may encounter an occasional random crack, pothole, loose granular material or difference in elevation that could pose a problem. With this in mind, if riders are attentive and travel at a safe speed, they should enjoy a comfortable ride across Iowa.

The RAGBRAI Route is officially open with support from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day. Support during this time includes select intersection control by Iowa State Patrol, roving medical support, and SAG.

Each town has a rolling closure time between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to ensure that all riders are in the next overnight town by 6 p.m. for the safety of riders. Towns will be closed by ISP. Riders should plan their ride with this in mind.

The bike route is marked each day with bright orange arrows and patrolled by emergency medical crews, the Iowa State Patrol and RAGBRAI personnel.

RAGBRAI officials and the Iowa State Patrol prepare a route for support vehicles that avoids the bike route and leads drivers directly to the next overnight community. Bright green arrows are used to mark the vehicle route in and out of town.

GPS files and specific driver maps will be released before the route for drivers to use.

Each day, one of the pass-through towns is designated as a meeting town for support vehicles to meet their riders and enjoy the hospitality of the local residents.  Bright pink arrows will be used to direct support vehicles to and from the designated meeting town from the vehicle route.

Cyclists who complete the Karras Loop are rewarded with a commemorative patch. The Karras Loop patches are distributed on the Karras Loop at a location designated by two large, blue signs. Look for these signs on the right side of the road. Karras Loop patches are only given to registered cyclists completing the Loop during the posted hours; while supplies last.

Bicycle repair is not included in registration fees. Bicycle repair will be available along the route and in the campgrounds. Repair shops in the overnight towns the following morning will be located on the route out of town, typically within the first mile of the route or in the main campground.

If you are riding an ebike, be prepared for limited charging options. Best practice is to have an extra battery and find places along the route to charge. Main campground access to electricity is limited.

If you are riding an ebike, consider utilizing a charter that can provide consistent access and charging services. Additional vendors may be along route with charging services but riders should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Each rider may bring one large, soft-textured bag (cloth, canvas, or backpack style). You may bundle or strap items like your tent, sleeping bag, or duffel to this bag, counting it as a single piece. Only standard soft bags are accepted.

Bags must weigh 50 pounds or less. A scale will be available, and you may need to remove items if your bag exceeds the weight limit. Bags are exposed to the elements, so pack accordingly, using waterproof coverings or plastic bags to protect your gear.

Baggage collection is open from 5 AM – 8 AM. The RAGBRAI baggage semi truck leaves promptly at 8 AM with no exceptions. The baggage trucks will load each morning where they unloaded the night before and will always be located in the main campground. We will not be responsible for baggage left at the semi-truck in the mornings before it is open nor after 6 PM. Baggage security is provided until 6 PM only.

Each registered cyclist receives a baggage tag that allows them to place a bag on RAGBRAI’s baggage trucks for transport from overnight town to overnight town. The RAGBRAI baggage semi-trucks are always located in the main campground. When entering the overnight community, watch for signs for the RAGBRAI baggage trucks.

Vendors are a huge part of RAGBRAI! Day Zero Expo vendors for merchandise, brands, and services are managed by RAGBRAI. View rates and info on the Day Zero Expo page.

Day Zero Expo food and nightly expo vendors are managed by the Start Town. Visit their town pages for vendor info and booth sales.

If you would like to vend along the route, you will need to set an agreement between yourself and the property owner, as well as ensure you are following local ordinances.

Interested vendors can also submit their info.

Nightly entertainment is selected by each town. You can reach out to the organizing committee via their town page.