Cyduke: I’d take that route any day of the week.

I hope if Dyersville is considered again, they don’t repeat the camping snafu from the last time they hosted.

cyduke,
You might just have a winner with your pick. Onawa struggled a little
the last time we were there, but I wouldn’t rule them out. Montezuma
might be a push given there size and inexperience. I’m thinking more
Grinnell. I love Johnston as a pick. It’s a very doable option for
hitting the DM metro with minimal hassle getting in and out. Plus add
3-4 miles and I get to sleep at home.

Heck, I don’t know about that. Every year since we could guess the route, I’d include Lansing. This year I didn’t, and look where we ended!

I’m thinking a frown shaped route down the I-80 corridor. As far as riding goes, worry about training for next year next year. We still have a lot of riding yet to do this year. Ragbrai is a highlight, not the end of the riding season.

SFC JKL2.. A lot what you said makes sense.. RAGBRAI is the highlight.. Training never ends.. it might change.. there’s still plenty of bike riding season left… High Bridge Trail in Farmville, VA.. Gran Fondo Hincapie in Greenville, SC… Thanksgiving weekend if the weather is descent.. The Virginia Creeper Trail… hopefully next spring Great Allegheny Passage which is the Piitsburgh to Cumberland, Md Trail… Then RAGBRAI 2018…

Alright, here are two waaaaaaay too early predictions for the route next year:

1) Missouri Valley – Atlantic – Greenfield – Ankeny – Newton – Grinnell – North Liberty – Muscatine

2) Onawa – Denison – Jefferson – Ames – Marshalltown – Vinton – Monticello – Bellevue