Make RAGBRAI LIII your kind of classic with our road and gravel routes, the America 250 Double Loop, and the Karras Loop options. Read on to learn more about our optional routes, or complete the standard route for a Classic RAGBRAI!
GPS route files for all loops and routes will be available a few weeks before RAGBRAI LIII.
America 250 Double Loop
This year, we are offering riders a challenge with the addition of an all-new loop route: the America 250 Double Loop. Those looking to extend Day 5 from Marshalltown to Independence can opt into this special loop designed to celebrate RAGBRAI history and the 250th anniversary of our nation.
The America 250 Double Loop extends the route to a 250‑kilometer ride (with a route just over 159 miles) in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country. Riders who complete the America 250 Double Loop will earn a commemorative America 250 challenge coin to celebrate this major accomplishment. They can also receive the Karras Loop patch if they so choose.
GPS route files for the America 250 Double Loop will be available a few weeks before RAGBRAI LIII.
Want to ride the Double Loop? Check out Coach Erin Oliphant’s blog on Training for the America 250 Double Loop!
2026 Karras Loop
Riders who can’t get enough RAGBRAI – the Karras Loop sponsored by Wenzel’s Farm is for you! On Day 5 of RAGBRAI LIII you will have the option to pedal 104.3 miles and complete a century. Registered riders who complete the loop within the service times will be able to receive a collectible Karras Loop Patch.
The Loop will depart from the main route just after Jesup. Loop riders will not miss a mile of the main route! Be sure to stop at our oasis on the loop to get your patch and grab a Wenzel’s Farm beef stick. The perfect protein fuel up to power you through the rest of your ride. Or at least through the loop!
GPS route files for the Karras Loop will be available a few weeks before RAGBRAI LIII.
The Karras Loop is named for RAGBRAI Cofounder John Karras. Karras was notorious for including (mandatory) 100 mile sections in his RAGBRAI routes. In later years after his retirement, Karras was a fixture in every Karras Loop patch stop, handing out patches and taking selfies.
2026 Gravel Sectors
Riders who want to get into the nitty gritty of things will have the option of gravel routes on RAGBRAI LIII. For the third straight year, riders can tackle optional gravel sectors each day. You can read about each gravel route on its respective Route Page here.
Each gravel sector will return to the main road without bypassing any host towns. Riders who complete the gravel sectors can receive a commemorative patch from the RAGBRAI Merchandise and Information trailers. These trailers can be found downtown at each overnight town.
GPS route files for gravel sectors will be available a few weeks before RAGBRAI LIII.
Note: The difficulty of each gravel route varies from easy to very challenging routes. We will provide gravel reports each day during the Route Inspection (first week of June). Gravel riders should review those reports before embarking.
Make RAGBRAI LIII your own, whether you decide to ride the standard route, Karras Loop, America 250 Double Loop, and/or the gravel. Join us for a day, or the whole week! Note: online day pass registration ends 5/31. After that date, day passes will be available on-route only.
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.
