Interesting Post. My first RAGBRAI, not sure what to expect I was actually thinking of bringing my BURLEY Canto. She’s a beast but Rock Solid and my “need for speed left me long ago” so I don’t mind being a “tail gunner”. So my question is what’s the terrain like on this years route?

Third shortest distance & third shortest climb for the week per geobike.
Pretty flat on the first four days, some more hills the last three days.
Last year had been 3rd shortest distance, 25th of 44 for climb, and 17th easiest (miles X climb). Great year to slow down and truly experience Iowa !

I went on RAGBRAI in 1977, 78, and 79 (then got married and had kids – not a good excuse to not go but life got in the way). Just recently retired so I now want to get back “on the horse again.” In December I ordered an AZUB Ti-Fly trike that will hopefully be in next week. If the body allows, I will be registering for RAGBRAI and hope to see y’all there!!

Sounds like a lot of the ‘Three Wheeled’ community will be out in force for RAGBRAI 2017! My riding partner and I have been trying to ride 30 miles every other day, with plans to work up to 30 miles daily, then alternate 30 and 60 miles, finally getting to 60 a day for the week prior to RAGBRAI. The 2017 route looks wonderful!

Maybe we could decide on a pass-thru town each day, or at least one day during the week, and have a Trike Meet! I would love to see many many trikes lined up on both side of a side street, what a great picture that would be.

I love my Catrike! At 58, with a broken shoulder (AC Joint Sep), it allows me to continue enjoying the outdoors and the freedom of cycling. For those who have never rode a trike, you should really try it someday. It’s much more comfortable, and to be honest, as difficult, if not more, than riding a diamond frame. (Remember, we can’t stand on our peddles going up hills, it’s all legs…).

Many guys my age are buying sport cars and motorcycles, and getting fatter. I have an awesome hotrod, low riding, tight handling, quiet and powered by fat!

sounds like a great idea. might make for a good photo op.

Rode my AZUB trike part of the week last year — alternating with my semi-recumbent. I was so very very slow on the trike that I will be back solely on two wheels this year, hopefully on my new (sometime soon) coupled Tour Easy. All recumbents are good!

You should know bentjay triking is all about the experience. The longer we are out there the more fun we have. That being said, I will be bringing my Vision to a couple of week long rides this year, just not RAGBRAI.

Andy and all,
We just purchased recumbents! My spouse got a Greenspeed x5 and I have a Catrike 700 on the way. We would love to meet up and ride one day.

I’ll be back for RAGBRAI #2 on my Catrike Expedition. The biggest “safety” problems that I have on my trike are: (1) riders on DF bikes aren’t used to looking down low before they maneuver; I had a rider swerve /crash into me last year as he didn’t see me, and (2) on the downhills, we can coast WAY faster than DF bikers – but there are a lot of riders who hog the left lane coasting downhill on the assumption that “no one can coast faster than me”. Ride right!

Does anyone know if the bike shops that go on RAGBRAI carry 20 inch tires? I’ll be carrying spare tubes but would rather not carry spare tires unless the bike shops don’t have them.

Paul Matzen: Does anyone know if the bike shops that go on RAGBRAI carry 20 inch tires? I’ll be carrying spare tubes but would rather not carry spare tires unless the bike shops don’t have them.

Check with the shops listed.
https://ragbrai.com/expo-2/expo-exhibitors/
BTW, RAGBRAI don’t care!!!!

I always bring one folding 20″ tire when ever I do a week long ride. Only once did I have to replace (front tire on a Vision) a tire on the ride. Usually I just leave it in my camping bag, relying on sag service if problems occur.

Today, I jumped over to the dark side!!! Yes, I bought a trike! It’s a Catrike 559! I’m looking forward to riding and getting ready for RAGBRAI!!!
BTW, RAGBRAI don’t care!!!

Looks great. I see it has some optional add-ons. Don’t forget the gearing mods I recommended. You will need them on that last RAGBRAI day!! I won’t be there this year, best of luck with your new ride.

Ken what gearing did you recommend? And why wont you be there? You must get your priorities straightened out!