Get ready for an iconic journey! The highly anticipated RAGBRAI route for the 53rd annual bike ride across Iowa has been revealed, and it's time to start gearing up.
But first, a theme: The 2026 ride will celebrate the 'Iowa Classic,' paying homage to the state's iconic landmarks and history. The logo, featuring a water tower, hints at the adventure ahead, as these towers are a familiar sight for riders as they near each town.
The organizers have big plans for this year's event, aiming to honor the United States' 250th anniversary and Iowa's 180th anniversary. This week-long adventure will take place from July 18th to July 26th, 2026, and registration opens soon, so mark your calendars!
Now, for the route details: The ride begins on Sunday, July 19th, in Onawa and concludes on Saturday, July 25th, in Dubuque, covering a total of 391 miles. This year's route is the shortest in RAGBRAI history but don't be fooled—it's also the 10th hilliest, with a challenging 16,027 feet of elevation gain. And here's where it gets interesting: Last year's route was only slightly longer at 406 miles, making this year's journey even more intense.
The daily breakdown:
- Day 1 (July 19): Onawa to Harlan - 58.5 miles, 3,465 feet of climb.
- Day 2 (July 20): Harlan to Guthrie Center - 53.9 miles, 3,554 feet of climb.
- Day 3 (July 21): Guthrie Center to Boone - 59.5 miles, 1,503 feet of climb.
- Day 4 (July 22): Boone to Marshalltown - 62.2 miles, 1,563 feet of climb.
- Day 5 (July 23): Marshalltown to Independence - 81.4 miles, 2,713 feet of climb.
- Day 6 (July 24): Independence to Dyersville - 42.2 miles, 1,441 feet of climb.
- Day 7 (July 25): Dyersville to Dubuque - 33.7 miles, 1,788 feet of climb.
And this is the part most people miss—RAGBRAI is more than just a ride. It's a journey through Iowa's rich history and culture. From the famous 'Field of Dreams' movie location to the unique traditions and even weddings along the way, RAGBRAI is an experience like no other.
So, are you ready to take on the challenge? Will you be part of this historic ride? Share your thoughts and training plans in the comments below!
