Each month we will publish ten tips to help you prepare for RAGBRAI LII. In just over a month we’ll be riding our bikes across Iowa. Complete our Top 10 Tips and ensure you’re on route to ride RAGBRAI LII.
Here are our Top 10 Tips to Prepare for RAGBRAI LII in June:
1. Attend our June Town Hall Meeting
The May Town Hall covered the 2025 Gravel Route, an introduction to some RAGBRAI Crew Members, a look at Honor Flight, and more.
The June Town Hall will be TONIGHT June 12. We’re back from the 2025 Route Inspection Pre-Ride and will give you an overview of what it’s like to pedal this year’s route, last minute prep tips, and more!
We hold Town Halls each month through July, with a variety of topics. Registration is free. It’s not required to attend, but it is required if you want to ask questions.
2. Read the 2025 RAGBRAI Route Inspection Report
Catch up on our Route Inspection reports via our Blog and Photo Gallery! We filed our findings from the road each day so you can get a sneak peek as to what to expect on RAGBRAI LII.
3. Check in on the 2025 Town Pages
Our Route page is a one stop shop where you can find all things Overnight, Pass Through, and Meeting Town! You can also find route maps, housing request forms, entertainment listings, and more! Updated frequently so you’re always in the loop.
4. Get up to date on Registration Details
One of our most FAQ right now is “What is my wristband number?” Your wristband number will be assigned when your registration packet is mailed in June. To sign up for a Charter, or book services requiring a RAGBRAI registration and wristband number, your registration confirmation number may be used in the interim.
Wristband packets will start shipping soon! Be sure your mailing address in EnMotive is current. Have questions or need instructions on how to update your info? Email [email protected].
REMINDER: All merchandise and wristband packets will be shipped directly to the mailing address you specified during registration. Items are no longer sent to Team Captains.
5. Check your RAGBRAI supplies
It’s time to take stock of your gear! Do you have everything you’ll need to ride? Spare inner tubes, chamois butter, lip balm? Are your water bottles in good condition? How about your handlebar tape? Does your tent need any repair or waterproofing? When was the last time you wiped down your camping pad? This is a good time to stop by a local bike shop and pick up necessities and/or schedule a tune up.
6. Catch up on the JustGoBike Podcast’s Route Inspection Episodes
JustGoBike hosts Murph and AP filed a report live each day from the Route Inspection last week. Tune in and get a sneak peek into what to expect when you pedal across Iowa next July.
7. New Merch Alert! HandleStash Bike Bag
Carry your essentials on-the-go with the LII Handlebar Bag. With a 2L capacity and water-resistant materials, this HandleStash Big Mouth Burrito Bag is perfect for any adventure. Made with 600D polyester and ripstop nylon, it’s lightweight at only 4.7oz.
8. Lock in logistics for your bike – review shipping times and reserve your bike shipping and rental (if applicable).
Shipping your bike to RAGBRAI and renting a bike for the ride are completely optional. If it’s something you’re interested in, check our Logistics Page for more information. Our Bike Rental Partner is Unlimited Biking and they still have a variety of rentals available. We have a few recommended options for Bike Shipping, so if you’d like to secure those services take a look and see what might be right for you! Each provider will have slightly different timelines for their services.
9. Review Ride Right and safety information
For newbies and experienced riders alike, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the rules of the road. On RAGBRAI you’ll be pedaling with 20,000 of your new best friends and you’ll want to be polite and safe.
RIDE RIGHT is the safety program developed by RAGBRAI. The program name has a double meaning. Bicyclists are urged to ride on the right side of the road AND ride correctly according to traffic laws. Bicyclists in Iowa have the same rights and duties as the operators of vehicles according to the Code of Iowa. Understanding Iowa’s traffic laws and how the laws apply to bicycling is important. But the laws by themselves don’t provide all the tips to riding a bicycle safely and enjoyably.
10. Newbies – review our RAGBRAI 101 Guide
Our RAGBRAI 101 Guide is your introduction to all things RAGBRAI! From RAGBRAI vocabulary to famous food stops to expect on route, you’ll find it all here.
Thank you for reading our RAGBRAI Top Ten Tips for June! We’ll post pointers here on the RAGBRAI Blog each month to help you get ready for RAGBRAI.
