With just over a month to go until RAGBRAI LIII, it’s time to make sure your T’s are crossed and your I’s are dotted as you prepare for the big ride. 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 June:
1. Attend our June Town Hall Meeting
The May Town Hall covered the 2026 Gravel Route, an introduction to some RAGBRAI Crew Members, a look at Ames’ WeCycle, Mr Car Shipper, Send My Gear, and more.
The June Town Hall will be this Thursday, June 11. We’re back from the 2026 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 2026 RAGBRAI Route Inspection Report
Catch up on our Route Inspection reports in the Route Inspection Daily Report! We filed our findings from the road each day so you can get a sneak peek as to what to expect on RAGBRAI LIII.
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. Wristband Transfers are now LIVE!
Need to sell or purchase an additional RAGBRAI LIII registration? Check out our blog post on Wristband Transfers. Questions? As always you can email [email protected].
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! America 250 RAGBRAI Tee
Ride on, America! Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation with the America 250 RAGBRAI tee! Cycling in Iowa, 250 years in the making..
8. Lock in logistics
This is just about the last call for RAGBRAI logistics: long term parking, Mr Car Shipper (meet your car at the Mississippi!), shuttles, lodging, bike shipping, bike rental, and more!
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.
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.
