As for RAGBRAI, we did that epic ride in 2011, a very southerly route, which i understand was the hilliest of all time. Iowa is by no means a flat-as-a-pancake state, although you will pass mile after mile of cornfields. As mentioned, the exact route changes each year, so every corner of Iowa gets the spotlight every so often, but it’s always done from west to east. The wind is, theoretically, always at your back. Don’t forget your rain gear, although you won’t get as wet as if you were in Ireland.
As mentioned earlier, 2 reporters from the Des Moines Register back in the ‘70’s planned to spend their vacation pedaling across the state on kind-of a whim, and invited any readers to join them. A handful did, that first year. It became an enormous event, and although riders are supposed to be registered, I understand that poachers join the route some days, especially close to bigger towns. Stay on the right side of the road; people have wedged skinny bike tires in the small gap along the center of some roads, at speed, with tragic consequences. Roads are generally blocked for the route each day, to minimize traffic conflicts. People are supposed to give each other space, but cluster pelotons develop. Riders are supposed to obey all road rules, stop signs, railroad crossings, etc. but that doesn’t necessarily always happen.
The most memorable experience (sorry, I don’t recall the town, so shame on me), was arriving in one town, with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts lined up for several blocks, high-fiving riders as they entered town, making their way to local food stands for lunch. Pork sandwiches, pie of every kind, corn that was just picked that morning, like nowhere else!
Just as Rick Steves tours make travel easier for many, we signed on with Pork Belly Ventures. They streamline the registration process, provide a campsite for each night (rent their tents, which they set up and take down, or set up and sleep in your own), they shuttle your clothes and camping gear to the next town, arrange for post-ride massages each day - a lifesaver - have beer and entertainment , and made RAGBRAI the best experience possible. They will also bus you back to your starting point at the end, or will bus you to the starting point at the beginning, if you came from the east. So, travel tip for RAGBRAI: go with Pork Belly Ventures. They also offer sag wagon services if you don’t ride every mile, but they can’t do your pedaling for you, so do some training, and get your posterior ready for the ride!
