Get ready for an exhilarating and challenging cycling experience! Join us on RAGBRAI 2024, the 51st Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, for the most thrilling adventure yet. We have unveiled an epic route that will take you across the stunning landscapes of southern Iowa, offering breathtaking scenery and an unprecedented elevation gain.
At the recent announcement party, attended by 1,200 enthusiastic cycling fans at the Iowa Events Center, we confirmed what you may have already suspected. After three years of starting in northwest Iowa and heading north, it was time for a change. This year, your journey will begin in Glenwood on Keg Creek, a tributary of the Missouri River, and conclude in Burlington on the banks of the mighty Mississippi.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you make overnight stops in Red Oak, Atlantic, Winterset, Knoxville, Ottumwa, and Mount Pleasant. Covering a distance of 424 miles, this year’s route is one of the shorter versions of RAGBRAI, but don’t be fooled – it will still challenge you. Your ride lengths will vary throughout the week. Sundays, Mondays, and Saturdays will involve fewer than 45 miles of cycling, while Thursdays will be a relatively shorter 60-mile ride compared to RAGBRAI standards. However, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays will test your mettle with rides ranging from 74 to 82 miles, featuring daily climbs of at least 3,000 feet.
Prepare to conquer a staggering total elevation gain of 18,737 feet during your journey from July 21-27. RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen wants to ensure you’re ready for the challenge ahead, stating, “There’s going to be a lot of hills. I can’t stress that enough.” But fear not! With proper training and preparation, you will be well-equipped to conquer the ups and downs.
If you’re eager to embark on this thrilling adventure, registration for RAGBRAI 2024 opened in November. Stay tuned for the full route announcement in April, where we will unveil the pass-through and meeting towns along the way. This year, we’ve made a change – the secondary towns will be revealed in April instead of March. Additionally, the exciting theme days and inclusion of century loop and gravel days will also be announced in April. If you’re planning to accompany riders in vehicles, make sure to register starting from March 15.
It’s time to push your boundaries, soak in the stunning landscapes, and embrace the true cycling challenge that awaits you. RAGBRAI 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all participants. Start your preparations now and join us on this incredible journey through the hills and valleys of southern Iowa this summer.
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