Training for RAGBRAI
The Road To RAGBRAI starts here. Training for RAGBRAI will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Follow along with the RAGBRAI coaching plan each year to prepare for your best ride yet.
Coach David Ertl has been writing training tips for RAGBRAI since 2009. Thanks to Coach Ertl for 15 years of helping us get in shape for RAGBRAI so we can enjoy it to the fullest! Scroll down to see his training blogs archived for your use.
Featured Blog
Climbing to New Heights
There will be some climbing on this year’s RAGBRAI! Coach Ertl shares advice on hills and how to climb the “mountains” of RAGBRAI.
2025 Training Plan
Get ready for RAGBRAI LII with our 2025 Training Plan, thanks to Coach Ertl! Plan starts February 10, so set up your trainers and let’s ride!
RAGBRAI Training: Some final thoughts for RAGBRAI
Well folks, it’s one week to go until the start of RAGBRAI LI. I hope you’ve been riding and preparing yourself for this upcoming...
RAGBRAI Training: Turning up the heat on RAGBRAI
The weather this spring and summer so far in Iowa has been really mild and I haven’t even thought about writing about the heat and...
RAGBRAI Training: Back to Basics
From time to time I receive an email from a RAGBRAI rider who asks some very basic questions which I may overlook or consider too basic....
RAGBRAI Training: Advanced Training Tips
My last article focused on some back-to-basics advice for those fairly new to RAGBRAI. This week we are going to the other end of the...
RAGBRAI Training: Getting Equipped for RAGBRAI
In this article I am going to review the various equipment you should consider having on you and your bike for RAGBRAI. Bicycle – Yes, you...
RAGBRAI Training: Preparing for the Long Ride
It’s April and the weather is getting better, and you should be outside now putting in progressively longer rides. To help you prepare for...
RAGBRAI Training: Awaken the Athlete Within
I recently heard a good quote: “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” That’s true I suppose, but to really feel and perform like an...
RAGBRAI Training: Time in the Saddle
The past couple of blogs have dealt right up front with a topic at the front of many of your minds – how to deal with all the hills on...
RAGBRAI Training: Training for Hills
So I sense many of you are worried this year’s RAGBRAI. You hear there are hills, lots of them. Well, never fear, Coach Ertl is here. I...