RAGBRAI 2014 route: Small towns, northern ride
- 26 January, 2014
- Sharyn Jackson
A return to small-town Iowa is in store for more than 10,000 riders rolling across the state in RAGBRAI’s 42nd year.
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — the world’s oldest, largest and longest tour of its kind — begins this year for the first time in Rock Valley and ends 418 miles later in Guttenberg. 42 pictures from Saturday’s route announcement
Along the way, riders will stop overnight in Okoboji, Emmetsburg, Forest City, Mason City, Waverly and Independence.
This year’s ride is July 20 to 26 (riders camp in Rock Valley on July 19).
The map: Take a look at the towns and mileage/climb stats
‘BACooN RIDE’ to combine biking, bacon this summer
RAGBRAI Director T.J. Juskiewicz said the northern route goes back to RAGBRAI’s small-town roots after 2013 stops in Council Bluffs and Des Moines and a 2012 visit to Cedar Rapids.
“There are no massive towns,” Juskiewicz said. “We’re getting back to smaller communities, which are the perfect size for RAGBRAI.”
Just one overnight town has a population over 10,000 — Mason City, which has only seen RAGBRAI come through once, 29 years ago. For those who remember the last time the ride rolled through town, in 1985, Mason City may look a bit different. “They’ve done a ton of downtown development, and they’re anxious to show it off,” Juskiewicz said.
The last stop, Guttenberg, is also the smallest, at 2.12 square miles and 1,919 residents. This is Guttenberg’s fifth time wrapping up RAGBRAI on the banks of the Mississippi.
The river-to-river ride also gives some love to two locales that have never housed riders overnight: starting point Rock Valley, which served as a pass-through town in 1985; and Okoboji. The Iowa Great Lakes and their surrounding towns are the collective stop-over for RAGBRAI this year. Only Milford has been a pass-through town, most recently in 2005.
“Okoboji is one of the better known areas in the state, so to not go there in 42 rides has been amazing,” Juskiewicz said. “So this is the year.”
The overnight towns were announced one by one to a crowd of cyclists Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. When Juskiewicz revealed the final name — Okoboji — a group in front of the room shot confetti into the air.
“I’m so excited,” said Lyda Neuhaus of Okoboji, a part of that group. “We worked so hard to make sure the community comes together.”
Videos: Best of RAGBRAI 2013 | Best 2013 photos
With RAGBRAI coming through the resort area at the height of summer, Juskiewicz expects vacationers to make it a RAGBRAI weekend. “When the circus comes to town, it’s kind of exciting,” he said.
This year’s route is remarkable for its ease, length and pitch. At 418 miles and with 11,316 feet of climb, it is the third-shortest and second-flattest route in history. There has only been one route since RAGBRAI began in 1973 that was less difficult by those criteria.
“It is a true northern Iowa route, and it’s very flat,” Juskiewicz said. “And when we’re up in that corner of northeast Iowa, the state is a little smaller.”
The last day’s ride into Guttenberg is the most challenging, with 3,073 feet of climb, twice the climb of the day before.
The longest ride, 73 miles to Forest City, is bookended by two short days, of 41 and 36 miles. Juskiewicz hopes that makes it possible for more than the usual one-third of riders to tack on the Karras Loop on July 22 and make the longer ride a century, or 100 miles.
Though there might be some “grumbling” about the short days, Juskiewicz said, everybody wins those days.
“People love some of the short days,” he said. “People get a chance to go out and enjoy those towns, and then there’s people that go to spend five hours in a bar.”
Plus, less-experienced riders may be more inclined to take part on a short ride.
“We have people who don’t have the ability to ride an 85-mile day with tons of hills, so that gives them an opportunity to experience RAGBRAI for the first time,” Juskiewicz said. “Anything that’s going to get people off the sofa and on a bicycle is good for our state.”
Here’s a day-to-day breakdown of this year’s route:
Rock Valley, Saturday, July 19
The northwest Iowa town of just 3,354 is based not on the Missouri River, but the Rock River — though the town center is only 10 miles from Iowa’s western border. Campsites abound at Rivers Bend, a 94-acre quarry-turned-recreation site that opened in 2009. RAGBRAI has never spent a night in this Sioux County town, though it rolled through once in 1985.
Iowa Great Lakes, Sunday, July 20
Iowa’s great lakes and their surrounding towns will welcome RAGBRAI overnighters for the first time, on their first stop of 2014. The town of Milford has served as a pass-through four times, most recently in 2005. The popular recreation area is no stranger to big sporting events: the fictitious University of Okoboji this weekend is holding its 34th Winter Games, which include boot hockey, brain freeze trivia and a snowball drop.
Emmetsburg, Monday, July 21
This town of 3,904 offers recreation for kayakers and campers, golfers and gamblers. It is home to Five Island Lake, Five Island Golf Course and Wild Rose Casino, as well as a few offbeat attractions, including a privately owned doll collection, an optometrist’s eyeglass collection, and a hand-built replica of the TV home from “Little House on the Prairie.” It’s the town’s first time hosting riders since 2002.
Forest City, Tuesday, July 22
Ride into Forest City, population 4,151, on two wheels and ride out with a few more. The Winnebago County seat is home to the camper factory of the same name. Tour Winnebago’s facility or the Mansion Museum, an 1899 banker’s home on the National Register of Historic Places. In nearby Pilot Knob State Park, take in a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps tower, and Iowa’s only floating bog of sphagnum, a type of moss. This will be Forest City’s fourth time as an overnight stop on RAGBRAI.
Mason City, Wednesday, July 23
The river to river ride’s midway point stops at the famed “River City,” Meredith Willson’s pseudonym for his hometown of Mason City. The largest city on the route, with a population of 28,097, celebrates Willson’s “Music Man” with a square modeled on the film’s set. Frank Lloyd Wright also made a mark on the town with his Stockman House. It’s only the second time Mason City appears on RAGBRAI’s route — the last time was 29 years ago, in 1985.
Waverly, Thursday, July 24
The home of Wartburg College invites cyclists to unwind for the first time in 15 years, and its third time overall. The “dairy spot of Iowa” was known for its creameries and condenseries, a source for Carnation condensed milk. Today, a historic trail takes visitors through Waverly’s past along an abandoned rail line.
Independence, Friday, July 25
Set in Amish Country, on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River, the town became known for its five-story flour mill, a kite-shaped racetrack and an opera house, all before the 20th century. Its renown for horse racing was surpassed in more recent years by auto racing; the 3⁄8-mile oval at Independence Motor Speedway has weekly late model and sprint car races. Independence last welcomed RAGBRAI in 2007.
Guttenberg, Saturday, July 26
It’s been nine years since Guttenberg’s 1,919 residents welcomed RAGBRAI to their banks of the Mississippi, in the northeastern quadrant of Iowa. At just 2.12 square miles, the town is the smallest on the route. It’s also the most challenging destination, with 3,073 feet of climb on the way from Independence. The town gets its name from the German inventor of the printing press. The community celebrates its heritage every fall at Guttenberg Germanfest. Guttenberg previously welcomed riders to its limestone bluffs in 1980, 1987, 1996 and 2005.
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What route is RAGBRI taking from Independence to Guttenberg?
Julie, the exact route will come out in early March.
Could/would the committee consider a loop on the 2 shortest days so that we folks that like to have longer rides could see more of northern Iowa. At least maybe a suggested additional route? I don’t think our host families want us rolling in at 11:00. I must say, there were 11 disappointed Hoosiers last night with the announcement of the short day’s mileage.
Steve Lanham
I agree with Steve, much disappointment with the ease / lack of route. Consideration for bigger challenges would be appreciated.
I’m personally quite happy to see some shorter days year. I’ve ridden since Ragbrai 26 but now with 2 toddlers and working full time, I don’t have the time to train as rigorously. The shorter days allow me to enjoy the ride, see my friends and the great state of Iowa. Can’t wait for July!
Great route! Mostly because contacts in the middle 4 towns are going to make the overnights less camping-oriented :)
The overall distance this year is about the same as last year. If people want to ride further on the short days, get on google maps and figure out your own loops. And if you really must have “challenging” distances every day, check out Illinois’ south to north ride… 6 days averaging 85 miles per day.
the short days were hard last year, trying not to be done before 6:00 and 2 again this year? on the first one leave late and loop around the Iowa Great Lakes before heading to Emmetsburg, some trail some road but it will be Monday morning. From Forest City to Mason City take the trail to Clear lake after getting in and loop around Clear Lake, visit Buddy Holly crash site and Surf Ballroom.
Do you need to register to participate in RAGBRAI? If so, where can I do so? Also, do most people ride the entire 400 miles? Is there a group that does a route maybe half as long?
I’m from Illinois and I’m happy to see the shorter distances here. I could never convince my boyfriend to join me on RAIL but I think I can win the argument for RAGBRAI.
I am exciting that this is a shortest route especially for the first timer!!! :)
We moved to NE Iowa last August and live minutes from Independence. We were bike riders before we had our toddler and are really excited its coming through here and with short days!
Steve Northwest Iowa is covered with good secondary roads. Get a Iowa map and set your own course…Enjoy the flat roads.
For those that wish for more miles, I agree that the ride from Forest City to Mason City is VERY short. So, perhaps you would like to incorporate a ride around Clear Lake before ending in Mason City. The lake is 14 miles around with good roads and a bike trail part of the way around. And several fun eating/drinking establishments. Just a thought ………
I agree to have an extra route to make it the ride worthwhile to Mason city. Otherwise the day is wasted.
Does committee consider and make it a second Karras loop to the route? Lets pettition to add a second loop to this year.
Any suggestions?
I was disappointed in the short route and very short days. I understand the desire to get newbies involved, but a fair number of us want longer rides. I’d love to see an option each year that allowed riders to get in a 500 mile week. Not for everyone, but optional, like the Karras loop. Maybe a long loop on the shortest day?
I was disappointed in the short route and very short days. I understand the desire to get newbies involved, but a fair number of us want longer rides. I’d love to see an option each year that allowed riders to get in a 500 mile week. Not for everyone, but optional, like the Karras loop. Maybe a long loop on the shortest day?
for those wishing to register for a day or the full week, please visit https://ragbrai.com/registration/
The full route will be out in early March
Thanks!
Are you coming thru Ringsted on the bike ride?
again, the full route will be out in early March
I’m dumfounded by the number of people disappointed with the short days. This is a bike ride, which for many of us means something to be enjoyed and savored. Ride a bit, “stop and smell the roses” a bit, and see what makes Iowa what it is. jwsknk and Katie make excellent suggestions for lengthening those days, if you so desire. I’ve done some self-contained riding, and I learned to savor the day. I now identify myself as a “bagger”. Any day, short or long, is far better than any day in the “office”. Ride Right and pedal on.
I think all you cry babies about the short days should just stay home. How about that? Cause there’s no crying on RAGBRAI !!
I am really looking forward to seeing the northern part of the state. My cycling hat’s off to the selection committee for choosing this route.
I am really looking forward to seeing the northern part of the state. My cycling hat’s off to the selection committee for choosing this route.
Grew up in Milford, and I am very curious about the route into Okoboji and where
all the campers will stay in this tiny town. Can’t wait for 2014 RAGBRAI!
This will be my first time and I am forming my team in dedication to my dad and my beautiful dog Mac. I miss both so much! Go team Mac!
I want a list to the Meeting towns on Ragbrai Route
I want a list to the Meeting towns on Ragbrai Route
Meeting towns are found at https://ragbrai.com/routemaps/2014-host-communities/
I am so jacked to be heading back to RAGBRAI! It is so worth a 1000 mile drive. See you soon.
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I am riding this year for the first time. My friend Jim Chelius a 8 time rider of the RAGBRAI was killer while riding his bike in Fort Myers Fl. In his memory I will ride in his jerey.
I am riding this year for the first time. My friend Jim Chelius a 8 time rider of the RAGBRAI was killer while riding his bike in Fort Myers Fl. In his memory I will ride in his jerey.
Godspeed Paul and your riding for Jim. There’s been way too many cyclists killed lately. See you on the Iowa roads.
Looking for a shuttle ride from Guttenburg to Rock Valley on Saturday! Anyone with room for a bike, rider and his gear?