Each month we will publish ten tips to help you prepare for RAGBRAI LIII. April is exciting in the world of RAGBRAI because the full route is released – no joke! Complete our Top 10 Tips and ensure you’re on route to ride RAGBRAI LIII.
Here are our Top 10 Tips to Prepare for RAGBRAI LIII in April:
1. Full RAGBRAI LIII Route Reveal April 4!
Are you ready for this?!? The full RAGBRAI LIII Route will be released this Friday 4/3!
Find out all of our pass through, overnight towns, and roads on April 3, on our Facebook page, or right here on RAGBRAI.com.*
*Route subject to slight changes through June.
2. Enjoy the Ride in Comfort with a Charter
Want a little extra with your RAGBRAI experience? Consider riding with a Charter! This is a totally optional add on, but can have nice perks like tent set up, beverages, and the companionship of your fellow charter riders! Each Charter is a little different. You might choose one based on amenities, distance to your home, or maybe you have a friend who has a favorite.
3. Check out our Town Hall Meetings
The March Town Hall was all about RAGBRAI 101. If you’re a new rider, or returning after a long time, this is a good Town Hall to catch!
We hold Town Halls each month through July, with a variety of topics. The April Town Hall will be 4/9 and our topic is Full Route Announcement! Register here to ask Ride Director Matt Phippen and the team questions about the RAGBRAI LIII Route, or anything else you’ve been wondering! Registration is free. It’s not required to attend, but it is required if you want to ask questions.
4. For Three! Our Merch Madness Sale is LIVE!
Buy any three items, get the fourth free!
AND
Free shipping on all orders over $50! It’s Merch Madness!!!
5. Register Your Vehicle and Driver(s)
Bringing a vehicle and driver along for the ride? Make sure the drivers are ready to go with their Non Rider Wristbands, and your Vehicles are set with their Vehicle Registrations. From RV to sedan, all vehicles that will enter the Main Campgrounds on RAGBRAI need a vehicle pass.
6. 2026 Shower Prices
One option for showering during RAGBRAI is to visit a Shower Truck. You may see Joe’s Wet Shack, Northern Exposure (Brancel’s Bicycle Charter), Washed by the Well (Out of Staters Charter) and Pork Belly Ventures‘ showers each night in the campgrounds. This year, prices will be $10 per shower, and $2 for a towel so please plan accordingly.
Usually towns also offer showers in schools, pools, or community centers throughout the community. These shower prices should be consistent with the shower truck prices above. More on that to come as towns finalize their plans.
7. Catch the Latest from our Overnight Towns
Onawa’s logo coming soon! Click each logo to read more about their plans for RAGBRAI LIII. After the full route release on April 3, this page will have even more info!
8. Ship Your Car!
Interested in having your car shipped from Onawa to Dubuque? Our partner Mr. Car Shipper is here to help. They’ll move your vehicle from Orange City to a secure parking lot in Guttenberg, ready for you to pick up at the end of your RAGBRAI journey.
9. Ride in Style
If you’re new to RAGBRAI you may not be familiar with the magic of the Shimano Bike Sandal. These SPD-compatible classics provide stability and pedaling power paired with unmatched breathability for those hot summer days. With socks or without these bike shoes are a MUST for any RAGBRAI packing list.
10. Get Ready for RAGBRAI with the JustGoBike Podcast Newsletter
Get ready for RAGBRAI LII with co-hosts Murph and AP, as they cover the latest RAGBRAI news, training tips, interviews, and more – just for the fun of it!
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is the longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. Since 1973, it has brought thousands of cyclists together to experience the beauty of Iowa’s countryside, small-town hospitality, and unforgettable memories
For more information, visit RAGBRAI.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
