As the United States marks its 250th year, RAGBRAI will celebrate with a ride that showcases the small towns at the heart of the American heartland.
Announcing the pass-through and meeting towns Friday, April 3, Ride Director Matt Phippen said the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will seek out quintessential American experiences. That includes an America 250 day when riders bound for the suitably named overnight town of Independence will be encouraged to dress in red, white and blue and decorate their bikes likewise.
It will be a display that's sure to spark nostalgia for July 4 parades in riders' childhood hometowns. Phippen also envisions giant U.S. flags hung from grain elevators and firetruck ladders over festive Main Streets, And he said a bike-borne crew that successfully experimented with putting up flagpoles and flags at veterans' homes during RAGBRAI 2025 will expand its mission this year to include towns along the entire route.
Don't forget Freedom Rocks. They're an Iowa thing. Every one of the state's 99 counties has at least one, each painted with a unique design by dedicated artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen.Maybe a fireworks show, you ask? It's RAGBRAI. Anything is possible.