This year is extra special as RAGBRAI celebrates their 50th year of the trek across the state of Iowa. For those of you that are not familiar with this event or its history, here are some must know facts. The event stretches from one side of the state to the other and the route varies every year but usually averages about 467.9 miles. Traditionally riders will dip the rear wheels of their bikes in the Missouri River at the start of the event and their front wheels in the Mississippi River at the end. The first race was in 1973 and initiated by 2 journalists from the Des Moines Register. The first ride had 300 participants and 114 of them finished the route. The event has grown exponentially since the inaugural race and now has thousands of people participating in the race!
As the start date for the event gets closer, we will post the official route, highlight the over nights stops, must see places, and events happening as RAGBRAI prepares to roll through the state of Iowa!
