CONDITION. ANOTHER NEWS. RAGBRAI IS JUST ONE WEEK AWAY. THE RIDE KICKS OFF NEXT SUNDAY WHEN CYCLISTS HIT THE ROAD IN ORANGE CITY, MAKING THEIR WAY ALL ACROSS THE STATE. vlog’S BEAU BOWMAN SHOWS US HOW TO PREPARE AND PREVENT INJURY. DURING THE WEEK LONG RIDE. THE 406 MILE LONG RIDE ACROSS THE STATE BEGINS IN LESS THAN A WEEK. AND WHILE THE WINDOW FOR TRAINING MIGHT BE CLOSED, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PREPARE FOR THE RECOVERY. YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL, YOU KNOW, NOT TO OVERDO IT AND YOU KNOW TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY ALWAYS. WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO TO, YOU KNOW, GETTING A GOOD RIDE IN WITHOUT KILLING YOURSELF. DEAN PONDER HAS BEEN A PERSONAL TRAINER IN URBANDALE FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES. HE SAYS SIMPLE STRETCHES CAN KEEP YOU ON THE OPEN ROAD AND OUT OF THE MEDICAL TENT. YOU WANT TO HOLD THESE NICE STRETCHES FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN 15 SECONDS. IF YOU PULL BACK, YOU KNOW THAT GETS A LITTLE BIT. YOU CAN WORK ON YOUR BALANCE BY LETTING GO. TIMING IS KEY. PONDER, A RIDER HIMSELF, SAYS HE SEES OTHER CYCLISTS ONLY HOLD FOR A SECOND OR TWO ALL THE TIME. THEY THINK THAT JUST GOING RIGHT OR WRONG IS GOOD. NO, THAT PULLS THE FIBERS APART AND ALMOST CAUSING AN INJURY AND THINKING THAT, OH, I’M STRETCHING FOR THE POSITIVE AND IT’S A NEGATIVE. QUADS AND HIP FLEXORS ARE PRIORITY NUMBER ONE. BUT PONDER SAYS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON INJURIES HE SEES IS THE HAMSTRING. AND WHAT I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE DOING WRONG IS STANDING STRAIGHT, LOCKED KNEES AND TRYING TO TOUCH THEIR TOES. AND THAT’S A GOOD WAY TO GET A BACK SPASM OR HAVE SOME DOWN THE ROAD. INJURIES IN THE LOW BACK. PONDER SAYS AN EASIER RAGBRAI ROUTE WITH FLATTER LANDSCAPES AND SOME SHORTER DAYS COULD PUSH RIDERS TO PEDAL HARDER THAN THEY MAYBE SHOULD. JUST REMEMBER TO HYDRATE AND, YOU KNOW, TAKE BREAKS. THAT’S IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY UP A HILL. BEAU BOWMAN vlog EIGHT NEWS. IOWA’S NEWS LEADER. GOOD ADVICE THERE. RAGBRAI STARTS ON JULY 19TH, GOES THROUGH THE 26TH, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, RIDERS WILL BRIEFLY TREK THROUGH MINNESOTA. THAT’S ON DAY TWO OF THE RIDE. THIS YEAR’S ROUTE I
RAGBRAI 2025 daily planner: Route, mileage and highlights along the way
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Updated: 6:25 PM CDT Jul 19, 2025
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The world's longest, oldest and largest recreational bicycle ride is back for its 52nd trek across the state of Iowa. And, for the first time, the route takes riders into another state.Video above: Urbandale personal trainer offers tips to avoid injury on the 406-mile ride across IowaThe Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will depart from Orange City on Sunday, July 20, and end 406 miles later in Guttenberg on Saturday, July 26. In between, there will be overnight stops in Milford, Estherville, Forest City, Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls and Oelwein, with plenty to eat, drink, do and see along the way.The Day 2 route from Milford to Estherville will briefly take riders into Minnesota. “Jackson County Parks are thrilled to have RAGBRAI riders bike into Minnesota and past our four southern campgrounds,” Jeremy Bartosh, Jackson County (Minnesota) Parks and Trails supervisor, said. “We look forward to hosting them for a short break at Brown Park South on July 21st!”This year’s route is the second-shortest mileage-wise in RAGBRAI’s 52-year history. Here’s what riders can look forward to this year, including concerts, weather, optional gravel routes and can't-miss stops along the route between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.Day 0: Saturday, July 19 – RAGBRAI Expo in Orange CityBefore biking begins, the RAGBRAI Expo will be held in the starting city of Orange City, where riders and cycling enthusiasts can reconnect and check out merchandise and other offerings from dozens of vendors.When: Noon-9 p.m.Where: Orange City Town Hall, 125 Central Ave. SEConcert: Rockin’ in the Park in Orange City (12:30-11 p.m.) History: This will be the second time Orange City has served as an overnight host. The city previously kicked off the ride in 2017.Weather: High of 76, low of 61; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:Dutch American Heritage Museum: An emblem of Dutch history, this museum explores the lives of early Dutch settlers in Sioux County. It’s home to historic artifacts, traditional Dutch costumes and immigrant experience exhibits. Hours on July 19 are 1 to 4 p.m., and admission is $5 per person.Stadscentrum: This traditional Dutch city hall replica houses a “klompken winkel,” which translates to a “wooden shoe shop.” Here, guests can watch wooden shoe carving demonstrations and shop for souvenirs.The Little White Store: Built in the 1870s, The Little White Store is the oldest commercial building in Orange City, having served as a millinery, barber shop and electrical appliance store. Today, it serves “poffertjes” – traditional Dutch mini pancakes.Day 1: Sunday, July 20 — Orange City to MilfordMileage: 72 milesElevation: 1,541 feetGravel option: 12.5 milesPass-through towns: Hartley (meeting town), Granville, Primghar, May CityConcert: The Schmidt Brothers in Milford (9-11 p.m.)Theme: Tire Dip and Mile of Silence: We ride in silence to remember those we’ve lost on bicycles.History: This will be the first time Milford has served as an overnight host.Weather: High of 79, low of 68; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:The Pioneer Theatre: A historic movie theater, this renovated landmark offers recliner seating at affordable prices. Showtimes and tickets are available here.Treasure Village: For some family fun, head over to the area’s only 27-hole golf course.Day 2: Monday, July 21 — Milford to EsthervilleMileage: 42.2 milesElevation: 1,090 feetGravel option: 3.1 milesPass-through towns: Wahpeton, Brown Park, SuperiorConcert: The Pork Tornadoes in Estherville (9-11 p.m.)Theme: Thin Line Appreciation Day: Show appreciation for military, emergency, first responders and all of our public service professionals.History: This will be the fourth time Estherville has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1982, 1996 and 2005.Weather: High of 80, low of 69; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:Emmet County Historical Museum: This free museum hosts a quaint collection of Emmet County memorabilia, antiques and archives. It is open all day on July 21.New Estherville Mural & Meteorite Center: Space nerds can find a home at this small but mighty museum, which displays a piece of the largest meteorite that has been known to fall in North America. If visitors are ambitious, they can follow other pieces of the meteorite to their displays at the Smithsonian Museum of National History and the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.Fort Defiance State Park: This 191-acre public recreation area features trails, a campground and picnic facilities. If visitors are lucky, they might spot a turkey.Day 3: Tuesday, July 22 — Estherville to Forest CityMileage: 73.9 milesElevation: 1,338 feetGravel option: 4.5 milesPass-through towns: Bancroft (meeting town), Armstrong, Swea City, Titonka, Woden, Crystal LakeConcert: Decades in Forest City (8-10 p.m.)Theme: Vintage RAGBRAI Jersey Day, Karras Century Loop: Show your RAGBRAI history. Wear your favorite vintage RAGBRAI jersey and ride the extra loop making the day's route 100 miles.History: This will be the fifth time Forest City has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1982, 1987, 2002 and 2014.Weather: High of 84, low of 71; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:John Karras Century Loop: This optional route extends the day’s route to 100 miles. Riders who complete it will get a commemorative patch.Oversized bench: For a place to cool off, take a seat on Forest City’s oversized bench, located in Clark Park just east of the courthouse.The Forest Theater: All day on July 22, this small-town movie theater will be showing Forrest Gump in honor of the town’s theme. Proceeds will go toward the theater’s revitalization.Day 4: Wednesday, July 23 — Forest City to Iowa FallsMileage: 72.1 milesElevation: 1,530 feetGravel option: 7.9 milesPass-through towns: Latimer (meeting town), Ventura, Meservey, Alexander, CoulterConcert: Boogie Wonderland in Iowa Falls (8-11 p.m.)Theme: I Ride 4 Day: Do you ride for a cause? Let everyone know what organization, cause or person you are riding for today!History: This is the fifth time Iowa Falls has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1978, 1995, 2004 and 2021.Weather: High of 90, low of 70; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:վܰü: Treat yourself at the local bar, with alliterative drinks ranging from Hazy Henle to Witch Water. See the Iowa River as it cascades through this small town.Top Flight Grille: Combine axe throwing, golf and arcades games in a multifaceted dining experience. Soak up the sun (or sunset) on the outdoor patio.Day 5: Thursday, July 24 — Iowa Falls to Cedar FallsMileage: 51.9 milesElevation: 1,300 feetGravel option: 24.5 milesPass-through towns: Parkersburg (meeting town), Ackley, Aplington, New HartfordConcert: Not Quite Brothers in Cedar Falls (8:30 p.m.)Theme: College Jersey Day: Just like game day! Deck yourself out in your alma mater’s colors.History: This is the fifth time Cedar Falls has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1989, 1998, 2007 and 2015.Weather: High of 86, low of 70; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:Cedar Falls Ice House Museum: Built in 1921, this National Register of Historic Places landmark tells the story of ice harvesting in an original ice house. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 24 and costs $5 to enter (12 and under free!).Victorian House Museum: An even older relic, the Victorian House Museum was built in 1863. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 24 and is free to enter. Lenoir model trains will be running at the Victorian House all day.Day 6: Friday, July 25 — Cedar Falls to OelweinMileage: 38.3 milesElevation: 1,143 feetGravel option: 9.8 milesPass-through towns: Dunkerton, FairbankConcert: Flatland Ridge in Oelwein (8:30-11 p.m.)Theme: Hometown/State Jersey Day: Ride with pride from wear you hail. Wear your hometown or team jersey.History: This is the third time Oelwein has served as overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1990 and 2002.Weather: High of 84, low of 68; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:Oelwein Railway Museum: Ride the rails of Oelwein’s railway history at this free museum. Start at the refurbished cabooses and engines and finish at the gift shop.Lake Oelwein at City Park: Rest your weary legs at this foliage-lined oasis, complete with a playground and dog park.Day 7: Saturday, July 26 — Oelwein to GuttenbergMileage: 62.5 milesElevation: 2,429 feetGravel option: 15.1 milesPass-through towns: Edgewood (meeting town), Stanley, Aurora, Lamont, Dundee, GarberConcert: A DJ will greet riders at the end of the route.Theme: Tire Dip & RAGBRAI Jersey Day: Wear your 2025 RAGBRAI Jersey while you navigate to the mighty Mississippi River.History: This is the fifth time Guttenberg has served as a host. The city previously hosted in 1980, 1987, 1996 and 2005.Weather: High of 86, low of 69; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.Don't miss:Iowa DNR Aquarium: The Guttenberg Fish Hatchery has produced northern pike fry for the Iowa DNR for over 50 years. Just a stone’s throw from the Wisconsin border, the station monitors aquatic wildlife in the nearby Mississippi River.Big Springs Nature Park: Located along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, this nature preserve features hiking trails and picnic tables. A 100-foot waterfall cascades down limestone bedrock.
DES MOINES, Iowa — The world's longest, oldest and largest recreational bicycle ride is back for its 52nd trek across the state of Iowa. And, for the first time, the route takes riders into another state.
Video above: Urbandale personal trainer offers tips to avoid injury on the 406-mile ride across Iowa
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will depart from Orange City on Sunday, July 20, and end 406 miles later in Guttenberg on Saturday, July 26. In between, there will be overnight stops in Milford, Estherville, Forest City, Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls and Oelwein, with plenty to eat, drink, do and see along the way.
The Day 2 route from Milford to Estherville will briefly take riders into Minnesota.
“Jackson County Parks are thrilled to have RAGBRAI riders bike into Minnesota and past our four southern campgrounds,” Jeremy Bartosh, Jackson County (Minnesota) Parks and Trails supervisor, said. “We look forward to hosting them for a short break at Brown Park South on July 21st!”
This year’s route is the second-shortest mileage-wise in RAGBRAI’s 52-year history.
Here’s what riders can look forward to this year, including concerts, weather, optional gravel routes and can't-miss stops along the route between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Hearst Owned
Wednesday, July 23, looks like the hottest day of RAGBRAI 2025. Riders heading from Forest City to Iowa Falls will see a high of 90 degrees in the area with heat index values that will approach triple-digits.
Day 0: Saturday, July 19 – RAGBRAI Expo in Orange City
Before biking begins, the RAGBRAI Expo will be held in the starting city of Orange City, where riders and cycling enthusiasts can reconnect and check out merchandise and other offerings from dozens of vendors.
When: Noon-9 p.m.
Where: Orange City Town Hall, 125 Central Ave. SE
Concert: (12:30-11 p.m.)
History: This will be the second time Orange City has served as an overnight host. The city previously kicked off the ride in 2017.
Weather: High of 76, low of 61; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- An emblem of Dutch history, this museum explores the lives of early Dutch settlers in Sioux County. It’s home to historic artifacts, traditional Dutch costumes and immigrant experience exhibits. Hours on July 19 are 1 to 4 p.m., and admission is $5 per person.
- This traditional Dutch city hall replica houses a “klompken winkel,” which translates to a “wooden shoe shop.” Here, guests can watch wooden shoe carving demonstrations and shop for souvenirs.
- Built in the 1870s, The Little White Store is the oldest commercial building in Orange City, having served as a millinery, barber shop and electrical appliance store. Today, it serves “poffertjes” – traditional Dutch mini pancakes.
Day 1: Sunday, July 20 — Orange City to Milford
Mileage: 72 miles
Elevation: 1,541 feet
Gravel option: 12.5 miles
Pass-through towns: (meeting town),
Concert: (9-11 p.m.)
Theme: Tire Dip and Mile of Silence: We ride in silence to remember those we’ve lost on bicycles.
History: This will be the first time Milford has served as an overnight host.
Weather: High of 79, low of 68; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- A historic movie theater, this renovated landmark offers recliner seating at affordable prices. Showtimes and tickets are available
- For some family fun, head over to the area’s only 27-hole golf course.
Day 2: Monday, July 21 — Milford to Estherville
Mileage: 42.2 miles
Elevation: 1,090 feet
Gravel option: 3.1 miles
Pass-through towns:
Concert: (9-11 p.m.)
Theme: Thin Line Appreciation Day: Show appreciation for military, emergency, first responders and all of our public service professionals.
History: This will be the fourth time Estherville has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1982, 1996 and 2005.
Weather: High of 80, low of 69; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- This free museum hosts a quaint collection of Emmet County memorabilia, antiques and archives. It is open all day on July 21.
- Space nerds can find a home at this small but mighty museum, which displays a piece of the largest meteorite that has been known to fall in North America. If visitors are ambitious, they can follow other pieces of the meteorite to their displays at the Smithsonian Museum of National History and the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.
- This 191-acre public recreation area features trails, a campground and picnic facilities. If visitors are lucky, they might spot a turkey.
Day 3: Tuesday, July 22 — Estherville to Forest City
Mileage: 73.9 miles
Elevation: 1,338 feet
Gravel option: 4.5 miles
Pass-through towns: (meeting town),
Concert: (8-10 p.m.)
Theme: Vintage RAGBRAI Jersey Day, Karras Century Loop: Show your RAGBRAI history. Wear your favorite vintage RAGBRAI jersey and ride the extra loop making the day's route 100 miles.
History: This will be the fifth time Forest City has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1982, 1987, 2002 and 2014.
Weather: High of 84, low of 71; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- This optional route extends the day’s route to 100 miles. Riders who complete it will get a commemorative patch.
- Oversized bench: For a place to cool off, take a seat on Forest City’s oversized bench, located in Clark Park just east of the courthouse.
- All day on July 22, this small-town movie theater will be showing Forrest Gump in honor of the town’s theme. Proceeds will go toward the theater’s revitalization.
Day 4: Wednesday, July 23 — Forest City to Iowa Falls
Mileage: 72.1 miles
Elevation: 1,530 feet
Gravel option: 7.9 miles
Pass-through towns: (meeting town),
Concert: (8-11 p.m.)
Theme: I Ride 4 Day: Do you ride for a cause? Let everyone know what organization, cause or person you are riding for today!
History: This is the fifth time Iowa Falls has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1978, 1995, 2004 and 2021.
Weather: High of 90, low of 70; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- Treat yourself at the local bar, with alliterative drinks ranging from Hazy Henle to Witch Water. See the Iowa River as it cascades through this small town.
- Combine axe throwing, golf and arcades games in a multifaceted dining experience. Soak up the sun (or sunset) on the outdoor patio.
Day 5: Thursday, July 24 — Iowa Falls to Cedar Falls
Mileage: 51.9 miles
Elevation: 1,300 feet
Gravel option: 24.5 miles
Pass-through towns: (meeting town),
Concert: (8:30 p.m.)
Theme: College Jersey Day: Just like game day! Deck yourself out in your alma mater’s colors.
History: This is the fifth time Cedar Falls has served as an overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1989, 1998, 2007 and 2015.
Weather: High of 86, low of 70; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- Built in 1921, this National Register of Historic Places landmark tells the story of ice harvesting in an original ice house. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 24 and costs $5 to enter (12 and under free!).
- An even older relic, the Victorian House Museum was built in 1863. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 24 and is free to enter. Lenoir model trains will be running at the Victorian House all day.
Day 6: Friday, July 25 — Cedar Falls to Oelwein
Mileage: 38.3 miles
Elevation: 1,143 feet
Gravel option: 9.8 miles
Pass-through towns:
Concert: (8:30-11 p.m.)
Theme: Hometown/State Jersey Day: Ride with pride from wear you hail. Wear your hometown or team jersey.
History: This is the third time Oelwein has served as overnight host. The city previously hosted in 1990 and 2002.
Weather: High of 84, low of 68; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- Ride the rails of Oelwein’s railway history at this free museum. Start at the refurbished cabooses and engines and finish at the gift shop.
- Rest your weary legs at this foliage-lined oasis, complete with a playground and dog park.
Day 7: Saturday, July 26 — Oelwein to Guttenberg
Mileage: 62.5 miles
Elevation: 2,429 feet
Gravel option: 15.1 miles
Pass-through towns: (meeting town), Garber
Concert: A DJ will greet riders at the end of the route.
Theme: Tire Dip & RAGBRAI Jersey Day: Wear your 2025 RAGBRAI Jersey while you navigate to the mighty Mississippi River.
History: This is the fifth time Guttenberg has served as a host. The city previously hosted in 1980, 1987, 1996 and 2005.
Weather: High of 86, low of 69; Check out vlog's daily forecast here.
Don't miss:
- The Guttenberg Fish Hatchery has produced northern pike fry for the Iowa DNR for over 50 years. Just a stone’s throw from the Wisconsin border, the station monitors aquatic wildlife in the nearby Mississippi River.
- Located along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, this nature preserve features hiking trails and picnic tables. A 100-foot waterfall cascades down limestone bedrock.
