For first time riders, I suggest having the whole team drive into to Glenwood together on Saturday to get a feel for the magnitude of RAGBRAI and what each night of your week will be like.
-Seek a good camp spot
-Experience the Bike Expo
-Walk into town for food/beverage
Although this will be my 23rd RAGBRAI, it seems that every year I re-live the “jaw-dropping” awe and excitement of my first RAGBRAI as my team arrives in the starting town on Saturday.

As far as other insights, one of my favorite quotes comes from the Pork Belly Ventures Charter:
What’s the key to RAGBRAI? Not training. Not gear. Not money. The key to a successful RAGBRAI is attitude. Lower your expectations, dust off your sense of humor, and roll with it. Things will go right and things will go wrong. You’re going to have a great time.