A Ride Like No Other
Since 1973, RAGBRAI has been more than a bike ride - it’s a rolling festival that brings tens of thousands of cyclists together to experience Iowa’s small towns, hospitality, and countryside in a way no other event can. It is the world’s oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event.
Longevity & Tradition
For more than 50 years, RAGBRAI continues to grow stronger with each generation of riders. Families, first-timers, international visitors, and lifelong participants all return for the tradition, the challenge, and the community. Few cycling events anywhere in the world can claim this kind of staying power.
Economic & Cultural Impact
Each summer, RAGBRAI pumps millions of dollars into Iowa’s local economies. Overnight and pass-through towns thrive as riders discover local businesses, breweries, parks, and attractions. Beyond the dollars, RAGBRAI shines a national spotlight on Iowa, showcasing our welcoming communities and proving that cycling is a vital part of our culture and economy (2024 Economic Impact Study).
Making Iowa a Cycling Mecca
RAGBRAI has been the single biggest catalyst for Iowa’s reputation as a biking and trails destination. The event has inspired generations of cyclists, encouraged infrastructure investment, and created a trail culture that’s unmatched in the Midwest. From paved greenbelts to gravel adventures, the ripple effects of RAGBRAI can be felt across every ride and trail in Iowa.
Why BIKEIOWA Exists
Simply put, BIKEIOWA wouldn’t exist without RAGBRAI. The ride sparked a movement, built momentum, and created a community that needed a place to connect, share, and celebrate cycling year-round. That spark grew into BIKEIOWA - a hub that keeps Iowa’s cycling spirit rolling, long after the last rider dips their tire in the Mississippi.
RIDE. STAY. PLAY. – Promoting Iowa Bicycle Tourism
In July 2025, BIKEIOWA rolled out our RIDE. STAY. PLAY. tourism initiative in partnership with Travel Iowa® and RAGBRAI®. While RAGBRAI captures the spotlight each July, bringing tens of thousands of riders across the state, our focus is on showcasing Iowa as a cycling destination year-round.
RAGBRAI often serves as a rider’s first introduction to Iowa - the trails, the towns, and the people. With RIDE. STAY. PLAY., we build on that experience to highlight everything Iowa has to offer during the other 51 weeks of the year. From paved trails and gravel adventures to local breweries, coffee shops, and small-town hospitality, our message is simple: Iowa is worth riding, staying, and playing in again and again.
This collaboration with Travel Iowa allows us to use the visibility of RAGBRAI to invite cyclists back - to explore hidden gems, extend their trips, and invest in Iowa communities. It’s bicycle tourism at its best: showcasing the culture, economy, and charm that make Iowa a true biking mecca.