RAGBRAI – The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa

RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is a yearly seven-day bike ride across the state of Iowa. Each year, cyclists from across the globe flock to Iowa to take part in the largest and longest non-competitive bike-touring event in the country and the world.

Since 1973, the RAGBRAI route averages roughly 470 miles and features a wide variety of terrain. During the last full week of July, bicycle enthusiasts get started somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River. The route ends along the eastern border of the Mississippi River.

To keep things exciting, the route changes every year. The route is always announced in January at the Iowa Bike Expo during the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party.

Due to the popularity of the event, registration takes place early in the year. From there, a random computer lottery decides who will take part in the ride come July. There’s only room for 8,500 week-long riders and 1,500 day riders. If this is your year to ride, Stratos Jet Charters can arrange private jets to RAGBRAI in Iowa with plenty of time to load up on carbs and dip the rear wheel of your bike in the Missouri River.

2023 RAGBRAI L Route

Sunday, July 23 – Mile of Silence & Throwback Jersey Day, Sioux City to Storm Lake (77 miles with 3,504 feet to climb)

Monday, July 24 – I Ride 4 Day, Storm Lake to Carroll (62 miles with 1,818 feet to climb)

Tuesday, July 25 – RAGBRAI Jersey Day, Carroll to Ames (83 miles with 1,479 feet to climb)

Wednesday, July 26 – Guinness Book of World Records, Ames to Des Moines (50 miles with 1,216 feet to climb)

Thursday, July 27 – Military Appreciation Day, Des Moines to Tama-Toledo (82 miles with 3,652 feet to climb)

Friday, July 28 – College Jersey Day, Tama-Toledo to Coralville (82 miles with 3,303 feet to climb)

Saturday, July 29 – Tire dip, Coralville to Davenport (66 miles with 1,604 feet to climb)

GETTING THERE

Because the route changes annually, your destination may change as well. However, some of the most popular airports in western Iowa include: Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Atlantic Municipal Airport (AIO), Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX), and Spencer Municipal Airport (SPW). For a complete listing of airports that can accommodate private jets to RAGBRAI in Iowa, check out our Iowa destination page.

Are you looking to experience the largest recreational bike tour in the world? Stratos Jets can arrange private jets to Iowa and anywhere else in the world. Call our professional customer service agents at (888) 593-9066 or request a quote online to learn more.