1. The gravel and paved route share the pass-through towns of Rolfe, West Bend and Rodman.
2. Rodman is not listed on the cue-card map, but is the last gravel/paved intersection before Emmetsburg - about 16 miles from Emmetsburg.
   
   

1. You can get on or off the gravel route in the towns of Rolfe, West Bend and Rodman. There is also one other time the routes intersect between Rolfe and West Bend (see map)
2. The Gravel consistency usually changes between counties - The route goes through Palo Alto and Pocahontas counties. The county line is right before West Bend and we noticed a change in the gravel there. not good or bad, just different.
   
3. BIKEIOWA and the Iowa Beer Bus will be in Rodman - How much better could it be? :)
4. Bike Rags is gonna be throwing a heck of a party out there!
   
5. We encountered ZERO dogs along the route
6. There are two small conservation area along the route (you'll see the signs)
   
7. There is one historical farm along the route (you'll see the sign)
8. Parts of the route is pancake flat for as long as the eye can see -
9. The whole route is under 1000 feet of climb
   
10. A few rollers occur around West Bend and after Rolfe and Rodman - nothing big
    
11. It was dry for the whole route
12. There were almost no ruts and washboards
    
13. The GROTTO in West Bend is a MUST see!!
    
14. It was fairly hard-pack between Pocahontas and Rodman
    
15. The section between Rodman and EmmetsBurg was a little more fresh gravel and sandy on the sides (embrace the adventure!)
    
16. There is a bridge that crossed the Des Moines River between Rolfe and West Bend. It might make for a cool stop depending on the weather.
17. We hear the old school in Rodman is haunted
    

Gravel Riding Tips

1. 2022 RAGBRAI Optional Gravel Day Tips
2. Don't over think it. If you don't like it, you have multiple chances to get back on the paved route.
3. If the gravel conditions change, don't be afraid to let some air out of your tires for a more supple ride.
4. The far side of the road near the ditch often may be more smoother and hard-packed than you'd think
5. Don't white knuckle your handle-bars - you'll be too tense and bounce around more. Allow your body to be the "suspension" and absorb the bumps else your upper body will take the brunt.
   
6. When in doubt, stop and walk your bike - just make sure you don't stop in front of someone else, and make sure you don't walk in the path of other riders.
7. Ride to the right - especially when riding up hills
8. Use the same call-outs as you would riding pavement (on your left, bike on/off, car up/back, etc)