RAGBRAI (Ride Across Iowa) 2026

RAGBRAI (Ride Across Iowa) 2026

Presented by Ventures Endurance Events · Updated August 2025
Road Cycling
Sergeant Bluff, IA
Jul 18–25, 2026
Difficulty 61 · Severe Solo Tour / Ride Ultra Mountainous Paved

Full Tour

Distance
406 miles
Elevation Gain
10,487 feet
Terrain
Rolling hills
Ultra · Extreme Climbing
Duration
8 Days
Register

About This Event

The RAGBRAI (Ride Across Iowa) 2026 is the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, an eight-day ride across the state. Coming on its 51st year, RAGBRAI is a classic cycling experience and bucket list event for all types of cycling enthusiasts. Picked as one of our Best Road Cycling Events in the Midwest, RAGBRAI is a ride, not a race, and it is the longest recreational bicycle tour in the world. The route is about 406 miles but is not entirely flat; prepare for rolling hills along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers that total 10,487 feet to climb over seven days.

Route details for 2026 will be announced in April’s Town Hall. Here is a list of cities and miles that were covered each day of the 2025 event:

Day Zero: Expo at Orange City
Day One: Orange City to Milford – 70.1 Miles – 1,522 ft elevation
Day Two: Milford to Estherville – 44.6 miles – 1,395 ft elevation
Day Three: Estherville to Forest City – 71.4 miles – 1,308 ft elevation
Day Four: Forest City to Iowa Falls – 68.3 Miles – 1,449 ft elevation
Day Five: Iowa Falls to Cedar Falls – 49.5 miles – 1,262 ft elevation
Day Six: Cedar Falls to Oelwein – 38.2 miles – 1,210 ft elevation
Day Seven: Oelwein to Guttenberg – 61.2 miles – 2,341 ft elevation

There is extensive rider support daily, including four ambulance and paramedic teams, free SAG service, and bicycle repair shops along the routes that offer discounts for repairs, accessories, and RAGBRAI apparel.

Ventures Endurance Events

Event Organizer
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Ventures Endurance Events is a premier event production company that specializes in organizing a wide range of endurance experiences, including cycling, running, and obstacle course races. The company brings together renowned events under one roof, offering participants diverse challenges across various disciplines. Here are some of the most prominent events produced by Ventures Endurance:

  1. RAGBRAI (Ride Across Iowa)
    • Description: RAGBRAI, or the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is the longest recreational bicycle tour in the world. This iconic eight-day ride covers approximately 500 miles across Iowa, featuring a mix of rolling hills and flat terrain. Celebrating its 50th year, RAGBRAI is more than just a ride—it’s an annual festival on wheels, complete with organized housing, food, entertainment, and extensive rider support.
    • Notable Aspects: Known for its vibrant community atmosphere, RAGBRAI attracts riders of all levels, offering an unforgettable experience that blends cycling with the culture and landscapes of Iowa.
  2. Ride the Rockies
    • Description: Ride the Rockies is a multi-day cycling event held annually in Colorado. Over the course of six to seven days, participants cover between 300-500 miles, with routes varying each year to showcase the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. This event is not a race, but rather a challenging ride that brings together cyclists from around the world.
    • Notable Aspects: The event includes breathtaking climbs, such as the famous Trail Ridge Road, and offers a unique opportunity to explore Colorado’s diverse landscapes while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists.
  3. Tour of the Battenkill
    • Description: Often referred to as the “Queen of the Classics,” the Tour of the Battenkill is a legendary 75-mile mixed-surface race in New York. This event is known for its challenging gravel sectors and scenic routes that wind through the picturesque countryside.
    • Notable Aspects: This race is a favorite among competitive cyclists seeking a tough and rewarding experience, earning it a spot as one of the best gravel cycling events in New England.

Ventures Endurance continues to expand its portfolio, offering participants across the U.S. and beyond the chance to test their limits in some of the most beautifully challenging environments.​

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