Well, the countdown is on for one of our state’s most popular traditions. The Register’s annual great bicycle ride across Iowa starts this weekend as ragry riders get ready to make the trip from Ottawa to Dubuque. There are some questions about electric bikes. Ah, KCCI’s Peppa Papura explains why they’re becoming *** bigger part of the ride and the respect riders on those bikes are being asked to give riders on standard bicycles. E-bikes. It’s definitely *** hot topic on Rag bright and city halls across central Iowa. The motion to table Ordinance 1170 for future consideration. Clive, Waukee, and Norwalk are just *** few communities debating regulation. We start to see more of these electric. E-bikes, they go faster than people really understand. The person on the device needs to be responsible. Bike Iowa founder Scott Sumpter weighs in regularly on the issue. We believe it’s not the device, it’s the behavior that goes along with it, right? E-bike riders weaving through traffic, speeding past cyclists, and treating trails like racetracks instead of shared spaces are all behaviors Sumpter says contribute to an uptick. In accidents and injuries. Ragride director Matt Phippen agrees. We love e-bikes from the standpoint of it’s keeping riders on the roads longer. What we don’t like is rider etiquette. But on Iowa’s largest annual bike ride, the etiquette rule will be implied. The riders do *** good job policing the roads for us. So if you are that rider that is not riding your e-bike right, you’re going to hear it from. Riders. Most veteran riders are turning to e-bikes to stay on the route. Sometimes it’s *** medical reason that they’re using it. Sometimes they just, they want *** little extra power. Some people are really reliant on that battery. Phone charging business owner Pete Dempsey added e-bike charging to meet the rider’s growing demand. Just trying to help some people who were asking me initially for the e-bikes. But now I think it’s about 40% of the business is e-bikes. And even though there is an assist, Sumpter says training ahead of time is key. He says riders need to know how their bike handles before joining the route. Must stay with the flow of traffic, announce passes, and remember that *** motor doesn’t replace experience. E-bikes makes hills easier. They don’t make emergency stops easier though. Pepper Purpura, KCCI News, Iowa’s news leader.
Guide for RAGBRAI 2026: Route, mileage and highlights along the way
Updated: 11:34 AM CDT Jul 15, 2026
The world’s longest, oldest and largest recreational bicycle ride is back for its 53rd trek across the state of Iowa. Video above: RAGBRAI organizers embrace e-bikes, but warn riders on Iowa trails to keep etiquette The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will depart from Onawa on Sunday, July 19, and end 391 miles later in Dubuque on Saturday, July 25. In between, there will be overnight stops in Harlan, Guthrie Center, Boone, Marshalltown, Independence and Dyersville with plenty to eat, drink, do and see along the way. This year’s route is the shortest in RAGBRAI’s history and the 10th-hilliest, with over 16,000 feet of climb. Here’s what riders can look forward to this year, including concerts, weather, optional gravel routes and can’t-miss stops along the route between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Day 0: Saturday, July 18 – Onawa When: Noon-9 p.m.Where: Downtown Onawa, 707 Iowa Ave, Onawa, IA 51040Concert: Onawa Rock and Roll Out (1:30-11 p.m.)History: This will be the seventh time Onawa has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1977, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2004, and 2018 Weather: High 94°F, Low 70°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.Don’t miss: Keelboat Display: Head to the Lewis and Clark State Park where you can climb aboard full-size replicas of the keelboats that carried the famous explores on their legendary. Monona County Veterans Memorial Museum: Check out this museum packed with hidden gems and military artifacts but also look at stories and sacrifices of those who served. Day 1: Sunday, July 19 – Onawa to Harlan Mileage: 59.4 miles Elevation: 3,535 feet Gravel option: Turin 4.5 miles, Soldier 0.8 miles, Dunlap 5.3 milesPass-through towns: Dunlap (meeting town), Turin, Soldier, Earling, Westphalia Concert: Jordan Beem (2-4 p.m.), Aftershock (4:30-7:30 p.m.), Decoy (8-11 p.m.)Theme: Tire Dip – Mile of Silence: Ride in silence to remember those we’ve lost on bicycles. History: This will be the seventh time Harlan has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1976, 1983, 1994, 2000, 2008, and 2013.Weather: High 93°F, Low 72°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here. Don’t miss: Rusty Rubbish LLC: Head on down to this small local business home décor store and get some antiques, vintage, and newish items to spice up your home. Chair & Sports Massage: Take a break and head over to Soothing Hands Message and Nails for a 15-minute message for only $25 for relaxation and recovery. Civil War Memorial: At the Shelby County Courthouse you can see some of Harlan’s history such as, the old downtown buildings, and a large memorial on the lawn plus more beautiful architecture. Day 2: Monday, July 20 – Harlan to Guthrie Center Mileage: 56.5 milesElevation: 3,572 feet Gravel option: Elk Horn 3.5 miles, Exira 7.5 miles Pass-through towns: Exira (meeting town), Elk Horn Concert: Hillbilly Air Show (2 p.m.), Weary Ramblers (4 p.m.), The Nadas (6:30 p.m.), GIMIKK (9 p.m.) Theme: Thin Line Appreciation Day: Show appreciation for military, emergency, first responders and all public service professionals. History: This will be the third time Guthrie Center has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1974 and 1983.Weather: High 91°F, Low 68°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here. Don’t miss: Dowd Drug: This pharmacy and gift shop serves as a rest stop for cyclists needing essentials such as sunscreen, hydration, toiletries, and health supplies. Located 307 State Street open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The “Where the Hill are We” vibe: Coasting down Highway 44 into the area’s lush rolling hills, you won’t want to miss seeing Guthrie Center newly repainted American flag water tower. Day 3: Tuesday, July 21 – Guthrie Center to Boone Mileage: 61.1 miles Elevation: 1,594 feet Gravel option: Guthrie Center 6.5 miles, Perry 7.3 milesPass-through towns: Panora, Yale, Perry (meeting town), Ogden Concert: Rival 5 (7 p.m.), Hairball (8:30–10:30 p.m.) Theme: College Jersey Day: Just like game day! Deck yourself out in your alma mater’s colors. History: This will be the fifth time Boone has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1975, 1988, 1998, and 2011. Weather: High 87°F, Low 67°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.Don’t miss: Tour de la Vallée: Take a break and join the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum and experience a relaxing train journey and cool drinks. Departure times and tickets are available on their website. Treehouse Village: Head to Madrid and explore the Treehouse Village at the Iowa Arboretum. This nature-inspired adventure features elevated treehouses, scenic trails, and interactive play areas for kids. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children.Day 4: Wednesday, July 22 – Boone to Marshalltown Mileage: 68.2 miles Elevation: 1,817 feet Gravel option: State Center 6.5 miles Pass-through towns: Gilbert, Nevada (meeting town), Colo, State Center Concert: The Pork Tornadoes (8:45-11 p.m.) Theme: I Ride 4 Day: Do you ride for a cause? Let everyone know what organization, cause or person you are riding for today! History: This will be the fifth time Marshalltown has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1974, 1994, 2004, and 2012. Weather: High 87°F, Low 67°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.Don’t miss: Community Rose Garden: Explore a central landmark since the 1950’s in State Center where you can check out the Community Rose Garden and see varieties of roses and gazebos. Niland’s Café: Enjoy some food in Colo at an un-updated diner famous for home-style cooking and its attached gas station museum. Open from 11a.m.-7 p.m.Day 5: Thursday, July 23 – Marshalltown to IndependenceMileage: 87.1 miles Elevation: 2,643 feet Gravel option: Reinbeck 7.1 miles Pass-through towns: Green Mountain, Beaman, Grundy Center, Morrison, Reinbeck (meeting town) Washburn, Gilbertville, Jesup Concert: 42 Romeo (2:45 p.m.), PlugNickel (4:15 p.m.), Dirty Champagne (8:45 p.m.), Not Quite Brothers (8:45 p.m.) Theme: America 250: Show Independence pride and celebrate America’s 250th birthday by wearing your memorial shirt. History: This will be the fourth time Independence has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1982, 2007, and 2014. Weather: High 88°, Low 70°; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.Don’t miss: Karras Loop: Wanting an extra challenge during your ride? Complete the century mile and reach 104.3 miles on the route, and cyclists completing the loop will receive a collectible Karras Loop patch. America 250 Double Loop: Extend your day five route with a new loop! The America 250 Double Loop gives riders the opportunity to repeat a supplementary route near Jesup three times before heading into the day’s final stop. Cyclists completing the 250-kilometre challenge will earn a commemorative America 250 challenge coin and an event patch. The Prairie Hills Promo: Head over to 505 Enterprise Drive and take a quick tour of the Prairie Hills community to be entered into a drawing for 10 free beverage tickets. Day 6: Friday, July 24 – Independence to Dyersville Mileage: 42.5 miles Elevation: 1,407 feet Gravel option: Earlville 7 miles Pass-through towns: Winthrop, Manchester (meeting town), Earlville Concert: Joie Wails (3:30 p.m.), The Ditch Lilies (5 p.m.), Xolex (7 p.m.), The Spazmatics (9 p.m.) Theme: Team Jersey Day: Ride with pride from where you hail. Wear your hometown or team jersey. History: This will be the third time Dyersville has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1989 and 2007. Weather: High 90°, Low 68°; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.Don’t miss: Field of Dreams: A bucket-list stop in Dyersville, the iconic Field of Dreams movie site offers free admissions and is located at 28995 Lansing Rd. Textile Brewing Company: Cool off with a cold pint at 146 2nd St. NE in the heart of downtown Dyersville. While you’re there, enjoy a Bavarian pretzel or a delicious flatbread and take in the rich history of the building. They’re open every day at 11 a.m. Day 7: Saturday, July 25 – Dyersville to Dubuque Mileage: 34.5 miles Elevation: 1,752 feet Gravel option: Field of Dreams 2.8 miles Pass-through towns: Field of Dreams (breakfast stop), Farley, Epworth, Centralia Concert: Live entertainment will greet riders at the end of the route Theme: Tire Dip & RAGBRAI Jersey Day: Wear your 2026 RAGBRAI jersey while you navigate to the mighty Mississippi River. History: This will be the fifth time Dubuque has served as a complete destination. The city previously hosted in 1973, 1983, 1993, and 2010. Weather: High 93°, Low 72°; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.Don’t miss: The Traditional Tire Dip: Head to the official dip site at A.Y. McDonald Park to officially complete the 391.4-mile journey ride across the state. Driftless Pizza Co: Head down to this trendy, historic neighborhood to grab slice of wood-fired pizza open daily at 11 a.m. located at 333 E 10th Street. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: Located in the Port of Dubuque, this world-class museum is perfect for learning about the river’s ecosystem and local history. Times and tickets are available here.
The world’s longest, oldest and largest recreational bicycle ride is back for its 53rd trek across the state of Iowa.
Video above: RAGBRAI organizers embrace e-bikes, but warn riders on Iowa trails to keep etiquette
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will depart from Onawa on Sunday, July 19, and end 391 miles later in Dubuque on Saturday, July 25. In between, there will be overnight stops in Harlan, Guthrie Center, Boone, Marshalltown, Independence and Dyersville with plenty to eat, drink, do and see along the way.
This year’s route is the shortest in RAGBRAI’s history and the 10th-hilliest, with over 16,000 feet of climb.
Here’s what riders can look forward to this year, including concerts, weather, optional gravel routes and can’t-miss stops along the route between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Day 0: Saturday, July 18 – Onawa
When: Noon-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Onawa, 707 Iowa Ave, Onawa, IA 51040
Concert: Onawa Rock and Roll Out (1:30-11 p.m.)
History: This will be the seventh time Onawa has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1977, 1983, 1987, 1995, 2004, and 2018
Weather: High 94°F, Low 70°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Keelboat Display: Head to the Lewis and Clark State Park where you can climb aboard full-size replicas of the keelboats that carried the famous explores on their legendary. Monona County Veterans Memorial Museum: Check out this museum packed with hidden gems and military artifacts but also look at stories and sacrifices of those who served.
Day 1: Sunday, July 19 – Onawa to Harlan
Mileage: 59.4 miles
Elevation: 3,535 feet
Gravel option: Turin 4.5 miles, Soldier 0.8 miles, Dunlap 5.3 miles
Pass-through towns: Dunlap (meeting town), Turin, Soldier, Earling, Westphalia
Concert: Jordan Beem (2-4 p.m.), Aftershock (4:30-7:30 p.m.), Decoy (8-11 p.m.)
Theme: Tire Dip – Mile of Silence: Ride in silence to remember those we’ve lost on bicycles.
History: This will be the seventh time Harlan has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1976, 1983, 1994, 2000, 2008, and 2013.
Weather: High 93°F, Low 72°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Rusty Rubbish LLC: Head on down to this small local business home décor store and get some antiques, vintage, and newish items to spice up your home. Chair & Sports Massage: Take a break and head over to Soothing Hands Message and Nails for a 15-minute message for only $25 for relaxation and recovery. Civil War Memorial: At the Shelby County Courthouse you can see some of Harlan’s history such as, the old downtown buildings, and a large memorial on the lawn plus more beautiful architecture.
Day 2: Monday, July 20 – Harlan to Guthrie Center
Mileage: 56.5 miles
Elevation: 3,572 feet
Gravel option: Elk Horn 3.5 miles, Exira 7.5 miles
Pass-through towns: Exira (meeting town), Elk Horn
Concert: Hillbilly Air Show (2 p.m.), Weary Ramblers (4 p.m.), The Nadas (6:30 p.m.), GIMIKK (9 p.m.)
Theme: Thin Line Appreciation Day: Show appreciation for military, emergency, first responders and all public service professionals.
History: This will be the third time Guthrie Center has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1974 and 1983.
Weather: High 91°F, Low 68°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Dowd Drug: This pharmacy and gift shop serves as a rest stop for cyclists needing essentials such as sunscreen, hydration, toiletries, and health supplies. Located 307 State Street open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The “Where the Hill are We” vibe: Coasting down Highway 44 into the area’s lush rolling hills, you won’t want to miss seeing Guthrie Center newly repainted American flag water tower.
Day 3: Tuesday, July 21 – Guthrie Center to Boone
Mileage: 61.1 miles
Elevation: 1,594 feet
Gravel option: Guthrie Center 6.5 miles, Perry 7.3 miles
Pass-through towns: Panora, Yale, Perry (meeting town), Ogden
Concert: Rival 5 (7 p.m.), Hairball (8:30–10:30 p.m.)
Theme: College Jersey Day: Just like game day! Deck yourself out in your alma mater’s colors.
History: This will be the fifth time Boone has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1975, 1988, 1998, and 2011.
Weather: High 87°F, Low 67°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Tour de la Vallée: Take a break and join the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum and experience a relaxing train journey and cool drinks. Departure times and tickets are available on their website. Treehouse Village: Head to Madrid and explore the Treehouse Village at the Iowa Arboretum. This nature-inspired adventure features elevated treehouses, scenic trails, and interactive play areas for kids. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children.
Day 4: Wednesday, July 22 – Boone to Marshalltown
Mileage: 68.2 miles
Elevation: 1,817 feet
Gravel option: State Center 6.5 miles
Pass-through towns: Gilbert, Nevada (meeting town), Colo, State Center
Concert: The Pork Tornadoes (8:45-11 p.m.)
Theme: I Ride 4 Day: Do you ride for a cause? Let everyone know what organization, cause or person you are riding for today!
History: This will be the fifth time Marshalltown has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1974, 1994, 2004, and 2012.
Weather: High 87°F, Low 67°F; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Community Rose Garden: Explore a central landmark since the 1950’s in State Center where you can check out the Community Rose Garden and see varieties of roses and gazebos. Niland’s Café: Enjoy some food in Colo at an un-updated diner famous for home-style cooking and its attached gas station museum. Open from 11a.m.-7 p.m.
Day 5: Thursday, July 23 – Marshalltown to Independence
Mileage: 87.1 miles
Elevation: 2,643 feet
Gravel option: Reinbeck 7.1 miles
Pass-through towns: Green Mountain, Beaman, Grundy Center, Morrison, Reinbeck (meeting town) Washburn, Gilbertville, Jesup
Concert: 42 Romeo (2:45 p.m.), PlugNickel (4:15 p.m.), Dirty Champagne (8:45 p.m.), Not Quite Brothers (8:45 p.m.)
Theme: America 250: Show Independence pride and celebrate America’s 250th birthday by wearing your memorial shirt.
History: This will be the fourth time Independence has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1982, 2007, and 2014.
Weather: High 88°, Low 70°; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Karras Loop: Wanting an extra challenge during your ride? Complete the century mile and reach 104.3 miles on the route, and cyclists completing the loop will receive a collectible Karras Loop patch. America 250 Double Loop: Extend your day five route with a new loop! The America 250 Double Loop gives riders the opportunity to repeat a supplementary route near Jesup three times before heading into the day’s final stop. Cyclists completing the 250-kilometre challenge will earn a commemorative America 250 challenge coin and an event patch. The Prairie Hills Promo: Head over to 505 Enterprise Drive and take a quick tour of the Prairie Hills community to be entered into a drawing for 10 free beverage tickets.
Day 6: Friday, July 24 – Independence to Dyersville
Mileage: 42.5 miles
Elevation: 1,407 feet
Gravel option: Earlville 7 miles
Pass-through towns: Winthrop, Manchester (meeting town), Earlville
Concert: Joie Wails (3:30 p.m.), The Ditch Lilies (5 p.m.), Xolex (7 p.m.), The Spazmatics (9 p.m.)
Theme: Team Jersey Day: Ride with pride from where you hail. Wear your hometown or team jersey.
History: This will be the third time Dyersville has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1989 and 2007.
Weather: High 90°, Low 68°; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
Field of Dreams: A bucket-list stop in Dyersville, the iconic Field of Dreams movie site offers free admissions and is located at 28995 Lansing Rd. Textile Brewing Company: Cool off with a cold pint at 146 2nd St. NE in the heart of downtown Dyersville. While you’re there, enjoy a Bavarian pretzel or a delicious flatbread and take in the rich history of the building. They’re open every day at 11 a.m.
Day 7: Saturday, July 25 – Dyersville to Dubuque
Mileage: 34.5 miles
Elevation: 1,752 feet
Gravel option: Field of Dreams 2.8 miles
Pass-through towns: Field of Dreams (breakfast stop), Farley, Epworth, Centralia
Concert: Live entertainment will greet riders at the end of the route
Theme: Tire Dip & RAGBRAI Jersey Day: Wear your 2026 RAGBRAI jersey while you navigate to the mighty Mississippi River.
History: This will be the fifth time Dubuque has served as a complete destination. The city previously hosted in 1973, 1983, 1993, and 2010.
Weather: High 93°, Low 72°; Check out KCCI’s daily forecast here.
Don’t miss:
The Traditional Tire Dip: Head to the official dip site at A.Y. McDonald Park to officially complete the 391.4-mile journey ride across the state. Driftless Pizza Co: Head down to this trendy, historic neighborhood to grab slice of wood-fired pizza open daily at 11 a.m. located at 333 E 10th Street. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: Located in the Port of Dubuque, this world-class museum is perfect for learning about the river’s ecosystem and local history. Times and tickets are available here.