MILES FOR RECOVERY

RAGBRAI is a seven day cycling tour across the state of Iowa. RAGBRAI stands for the “Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.” Visit the About and History pages to find even more information.

RAGBRAI takes place the last full week in July. The dates for 2026 are July 18-25.

Late July in Iowa is typically hot and humid, with daytime highs in the 80s and 90s, but nighttime temperatures can drop to 50°F. Weather can be unpredictable, and rain is common, so pack gear for varying conditions. RAGBRAI proceeds on schedule regardless of weather, so it’s essential to prepare for both heat and rain. To stay comfortable and safe throughout the ride, ensure your clothing and camping gear are suited for temperature changes and potential storms.

RAGBRAI welcomes riders of all ages, abilities, and capabilities to participate in RAGBRAI! Whether you are on two wheels or more, there’s a place for you. Types of bicycles that have successfully completed RAGBRAI include traditional bikes, tandems, trikes and recumbents, and more! Ebikes are also permitted but must follow Iowa State Electric Ebike Laws. While there are opportunities for outside assistance, it is important to remember that you are responsible for —navigating the marked route from start to finish, being prepared for breakdowns, weather, and more. If your bike requires special or hard to find parts, it may be worth reaching out to our official Bike Shops to see if they will have replacement parts available on route. If not, consider adding replacement parts to your packing list.

Ebikes are one of the fastest growing categories and are permitted but must follow Iowa State Electric Ebike Laws. If you are riding an ebike please remember to always RIDE RIGHT and be aware of your surroundings. Ebikes allow riders to get up to speed faster, which may cause issues when the roads are crowded. They also make the hills of Iowa easier to climb. Please understand that we welcome ebikes, but those that ride them need to be aware that there may be a negative stigma caused by previous negative experiences with ebikes users. While there are opportunities for outside assistance, it is important to remember that you are responsible for —navigating the marked route from start to finish. If your bike requires special or hard to find parts, it may be worth reaching out to our official Bike Shops to see if they will have replacement parts available on route. If not, consider adding replacement parts to your packing list. If you are riding an ebike, be prepared for limited charging options. Best practice is to have an extra battery and find places along the route to charge. Main campground access to electricity is limited. If you are riding an ebike, consider utilizing a charter that can provide consistent access and charging services. Additional vendors may be along route with charging services but riders should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

The bike route will be marked daily with bright orange arrows and monitored by emergency medical crews, Iowa State Patrol, and RAGBRAI personnel. Vehicle routes into and out of towns will be marked with bright green arrows to help ensure rider and vehicle safety. Traffic Note: Although the bike route remains open to vehicles, published maps help local drivers plan alternative routes during RAGBRAI.