Each month we will publish ten tips to help you prepare for RAGBRAI LIII. Now that we’ve announced the 2026 route, it’s time to get serious! Complete our Top 10 Tips in February and ensure you’re on route to ride RAGBRAI LIII.
Here are our Top 10 Tips to prepare for RAGBRAI LIII in February:
1. Don’t miss the February Town Hall!
Join us for our (virtual) RAGBRAI LII February Town Hall on 2/12. Click here to register for free and/or submit a question beforehand!
2. Watch the 2026 Route Announcement replay
Well the secret is out – we announced the 2026 route at the end of last month! Rewatch the live stream for commentary by RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen, and representatives from each of the Overnight Towns!
3. Learn about the towns of RAGBRAI LIII
From Boone to Dyersville to Dubuque, there’s lots to love on the RAGBRAI 2026 route. Read more about each community in The Des Moines Register’s latest article about RAGBRAI LIII!
4. It’s time to start training!
Get ready for RAGBRAI LIII with our 2026 Training Plan, thanks to Coach Ertl! The plan’s timeline starts February 9 so set up your trainers and let’s ride! As we get closer to the ride, we’ll have training blog posts from Coach Ertl, and RAGBRAI’s own Coach Erin Oliphant on topics from how to handle the hills, to nutrition, and more!
5. Riding RAGBRAI? Register now!
The 2026 route is OUT! It’s time to join the fun. Lock in your trip to RAGBRAI LIII before the March 1 price increase.
6. Order merch with your registration? Check your shipping address, it will be on its way to you soon!
Order registration merchandise? It will start to ship this month (February)! Be sure your address is correct in EnMotive, the registration system. Not sure how to check? Email [email protected]. Want to order registration merch? Register today or you can find it in the RAGBRAI Shop.
7. Hear Matt’s Comments on the RAGBRAI LIII Route on the JustGoBike Podcast
Get a behind the scenes look! RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen talks through the RAGBRAI LIII Route on the latest episode of the JustGoBike Podcast!
8. New Merch Alert!
Check out our RAGBRAI LIII Route Collection! From long sleeve tees, to tech tees, to the Special Edition jersey, to all new stickers, we’ve got a little something for everybody!
9. Stay on task with our Rider Checklist
Review our Rider Timeline to ensure you’re on track for RAGBRAI! Click here to download or read the Timeline!
10. Stay tuned!
Overnight towns are starting to come out with Facebook pages! Look some up and follow them… Guthrie Center, Boone*, Independence, Dyersville, and Dubuque. Onawa, Harlan, and Marshalltown coming soon!
* Note: this links to the official Boone RAGBRAI Facebook page, please be sure not to be scammed by imitation pages,
Helpful Links:
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.
