Riders, start planning — and training — because the RAGBRAI route is out.
Video above: RAGBRAI unveils 'Iowa Classic' theme for 2026 ride
Organizers of the annual bicycle ride across Iowa announced the route Saturday night during a release party at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee.
This year's ride starts Sunday, July 19 in Onawa and ends 391 miles later on Saturday, July 25 in Dubuque. It's the shortest of all time and 10th-hilliest, with 16,027 feet of climb.
“We’re excited to revisit some towns we haven’t passed through in years, and some seasoned towns who are already ahead of the planning process,” RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen said in a news release. “Stay tuned for more surprises as we release the full route including pass through towns in April.”