WHAT IS RAGBRAI ALL ABOUT?
RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. In its 51st year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world.
This rolling celebration of Iowa attracts participants from all 50 states and many foreign countries. It has covered thousands of miles through the years, and hundreds of thousands of riders have hopped in the saddle to pedal part of those miles
RAGBRAI is a bicycle ride, not a race. It started in 1973 as a six-day ride across the state of Iowa by two Des Moines Register columnists who invited a few friends along. It is held the last full week in July. RAGBRAI is planned and coordinated by the Cycling division of Ventures Endurance.
The RAGBRAI route averages 468 miles and is not necessarily flat. It begins somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River and ends along the eastern border on the Mississippi River.
Eight Iowa communities along the RAGBRAI route serve as “host” communities for overnight stays. RAGBRAI is a guest in these communities and we ask our riders to behave as such.
The people of Iowa truly make RAGBRAI the special event that it is by opening up their towns and communities to participants. We hope you can enjoy this Iowa hospitality and join us for a memorable trip across the state.
Countdown to RAGBRAI LI
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Weeklong Rider
Gives you access to the route all seven days. From river to river you will experience the full RAGBRAI.
Registration Price Schedule:
- Early Registration: $225 (November 15th, 2023- February 29th, 2024)
- Standard Registration: $250 (March 1st, 2024- April 14th, 2024)
- Late Registration: $275 (April 15th, 2024- Registration close on May 15th, 2024)
- No weeklong rider passes will be sold on the ride
Day Passes
Riders who want to ride any combination of days are able to purchase day passes to meet their needs.
Registration Price Schedule:
- Early Registration: $45 (November 15th, 2023- February 29th, 2024)
- Standard Registration: $50 (March 1st, 2024- April 14th, 2024)
- Late Registration: $60 (April 15th, 2024- Registration close on May 15th, 2024)
- Event Registration: $60 (July 20th – July 27th, 2024)
Weeklong Non-Rider
We ask that anyone who is traveling with riders and offering support whether that is vehicle support, tent support or moral support register as a non-rider.
Registration Price Schedule:
- Standard Registration: $50 (November 15th, 2023- April 14th, 2024)
- Late Registration: $60 (April 15th, 2024- Registration close on May 15th, 2024)
- Event Registration: $60 (July 20th – July 27th, 2024)
VEHICLE TYPE (passes available mid-March)
Support vehicles are an important part of the ride. Riders rely on support drivers to transport their luggage, camping supplies, food, and shelter. All vehicles must be registered with RAGBRAI ahead of the ride. It is important we have an accurate number of vehicles on the ride so we can provide this information to our overnight and meeting towns for planning.
Vehicle Passes will be available in mid-March to add to existing and new registrations on a first come first served basis. Detailed instructions to follow.
When will the route be announced?
The overnight towns will be announced at our RAGBRAI LI Route Announcement Party on January 27th. This is a ticketed event benefiting the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
When does registration open for RAGBRAI LI?
Registration will open November 15th, 2023 for RAGBRAI LI.
What is included in my registration?
The following is included for all registration types (weeklong rider, weeklong non-rider, day rider):
- Four ambulances and paramedic teams on the route each day.
- Traffic controlled by Iowa State Patrol officers at select high traffic intersections throughout the day.
- Baggage transported from the overnight-to-overnight communities and unloaded for participants at the end of each day.
- Free SAG service, which patrols the route to pick up riders who breakdown either physically or mechanically.
- Eight bicycle repair shops dispersed throughout the route, and additional repair services available in the campgrounds during the day and in the evenings. Participants will pay for their own repairs; however, the shops will offer discounts for registered participants on all repairs, accessories, and RAGBRAI apparel.
- Access to live Entertainment/Bands each night
- Provision for camping locations in each host community, in addition to food vending areas, shuttle services, shower services, and entertainment.
- Portable toilets with hand-washing stations distributed among the official campgrounds.
- Route maps handed out at the community Information Centers and the RAGBRAI Merchandise and Information Trailers.
- Colorful and distinct, route signs that mark the bike route and the separate support vehicle route.
- A free embroidered patch for weeklong riders.
- Bicycle shipping stations at the end of the ride.
- Opportunity to join one of RAGBRAI’s Charters.
- Opportunity to utilize long-term parking in the starting or ending town. Long-term parking service will be denied for individuals not registered for RAGBRAI.
- The annual Expo on the Saturday before the ride starts. The Expo features the latest in bicycle equipment, accessories, and apparel.
- A free Gravel Day and/or Karras Loop patch for registered participants who complete the optional routes.
When does registration close for RAGBRAI LI in 2024?
All forms of Registration will close on: May 15th, 2024.
RAGBRAI is no longer hosting the lottery!
Effective November 15, 2021, RAGBRAI will no longer host the weeklong rider lottery. RAGBRAI works with our state agencies to ensure a safe and successful ride. Registration is first-come, first-serve. If you register and pay, you will automatically be guaranteed a wristband number and entry into the 2024 ride. Wristband numbers will be issued in June 2024. Riders will receive an email with their wristband number and will have access to view it in their EnMotive account.
Moving to guaranteed registration allows riders to start planning for RAGBRAI from the moment they pay for their registration. No more worrying about getting in. Your wristband and entry are guaranteed.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Registration opens November 15th, 2023
- First price increase is March 1st. ($25)
- Final price increase is April 15th ($25)
- Refund deadline is May 1st, 2024
- All registration types will close on May 15th, 2024
- RAGBRAI wristband numbers will be emailed on June 1, 2024
- RAGBRAI transfer process is released in June 2024
- RAGBRAI registration packets will be delivered by the first week in July 2024 to all registered riders (if you register on a team your packet will be shipped to your team captain)
- RAGBRAI Expo is July 20, 2024, from 12 pm to 9 pm, location TBA
- RAGBRAI LI is July 20-July 27, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Read our detailed FAQ at RAGBRAI.com/faqs
- Read up on everything from registration to the ride at https://ragbrai.com/about/general-information
- Check out the forums and start chatting with fellow riders!
Still have questions? Contact us at info@ragbrai.com.
