I do not know about any planned road construction. My guess it is just a case of “Been there, Done that!” (2013). Besides how else are you going to add a few miles and a couple of “nice” hills?

They do this quite a bit. Going down a road, turn off. Come back to same road. Bonus miles!

The part of a route that riders go by twice on a loop is considered prime-vendor territory also. They temp you twice. And G8L mat not be suited for lots of road side vendors.

that jog to the left, has plenty of pesky hills, while going straight through to Underwood is flaaaaaat.

I believe they refer to that as “scenic”, not pesky hills. :-)

I refer to it as a stupid loop

ragBrai boB / bob iarbgar-
I see the gods of road construction have granted your wishes for a shorter Sunday route.

On another note, RAGBRAI nation hopes your REAL profile has a wristband assigned to it.

Peace-
RD

BIG thanks to TJ and Scott for all the “behind scenes” work they do to ensure a SAFE memorable RAGBRAI each year !

R-Daryl-Daryl,

Good find. I looked based on your note and they changed the route to stay on G8L just like Bob preferred. They haven’t updated the distances or elevation gains yet. Sort of tempts me onto the gravel loop for only my 2nd time but that’s always a game-day call based on the weather.

And Bob, maybe someone is watching your suggestions. So post any others you have and who knows, they may happen also.