It's GO time!
RAGBRAI LI - Fifty-one years running and we are super-excited to be a part of the largest bike-touring event in the world!
No matter how you are involved with this event whether a rider, support crew, vendor, committee member, business owner, law enforcement, local or just a passer-by. RAGBRAI is an AMAZING under-taking of year-long logistics and planning.
BIKEIOWA will be promoting Iowa Cycling the whole week (look for the BLACK BIKEIOWA Tents) and see our locations below.
We don't get the ride any next week, but... we were part of the Route Inspection Ride in early June, and rode the whole route and have seen all the towns. Stop by if you have any questions.
This feature is tailored to where BIKEIOWA will be and what we'll be up to all week. If you want specific RAGBRAI details, there is no better place than RAGBRAI.com.
Come see BIKEIOWA at the RAGBRAI Expo!
On Saturday, July 20th, you'll find BIKEIOWA.com at the
RAGBRAI Expo in a prime spot as one of the RAGBRAI partners in
Glenwood.
"Loess Get It Started" is this tagline for Glenwood, the starting point for the 424 mile ride which will be the hilliest ever with 18,741 feet of climb over the week.
The lively Glenwood square will be a GREAT place for the
RAGBRAI EXPO. It has a great "small town Iowa" feel with wide streets and plenty of local businesses, plus some trees for shade and people watching!
BIKEIOWA will be in booth #12 on the NE side of the square on the Mills Country Courthouse grounds. BIKEIOWA will be there to promote Iowa cycling, talk anything cycling related, and to sell new BIKEIOWA gear. Our twin black BIKEIOWA tents are hard to miss.
The Expo is FREE and open to the public. The Expo will showcase official bike shops, 60+ vendors from bicycle/component manufacturers, travel and tour operators, and retailers associated with the cycling industry.
Expo Hours: 12 noon to 9pm on Saturday, July 20th
Where to find BIKEIOWA on route
We'll be out all week including the last day in Burlington .We've chosen some great spots for you to enjoy your day with food, beer and entertainment.
Look for our twin Black tents. It's going to be another epic week!
Click Links for exact location, daily details, hours, food and entertainment
- SAT - DAY 0 -RAGBRAI EXPO - Glenwood- Right across from Primal Wear & RAGBRAI merch tent on 1st St on the square
- SUN - DAY 1 - In pass-through town of Emerson with the Iowa Beer Bus (10 miles from Red Oak)
- MON - DAY 2 - in overnight town - Atlantic as a RAGBRAI partner in town square
- TUE - DAY 3 - In overnight town of Winterset - We'll be at the main campground by the Winterset Aquatic Center (10-ish blocks from downtown square)
- WED - DAY 4 - in overnight town - Knoxville as a RAGBRAI partner in town square
- THU - DAY 5 - In pass-through town of Lovilia with Iowa Beer Bus (20 miles into the route (early!) - the town before the meeting town of Albia)
- FRI - DAY 6 - meeting town - Fairfield (40 miles in) - this will be a FUN stop!
- SAT - DAY 7 - ending town of Burlington - near the dip site - come see what we have left and say goodbye!
2024 BIKEIOWA Gear line-up
We have some GREAT designs this year!
We always love to create some FUN designs and this year we have some of the most colorful and clever designs that we ever created.
We believe in small batches of unique designs. There are usually less than 100 of each design, so you can be assured there won't be 1,000 other cyclists wearing the same jersey as you.
A BIG shout-out to our long-term partners -
Primal Wear Inc. for the jerseys, crews and cycling caps,
T-Shirt Graphix for most of our T-shirts for the last 23 years and
Bike Rags for the Bandanas and stickers! The designs for this year ROCK !!
We don't keep large inventories in stock and we bring 100% of our inventory with us, so when something sells out, it is truly sold out. We suggest that if you want anything, stop by early in the week to ensure your size and availability.
NOTE: if you are clicking links and the
online store doesn't work, we closed the store on Wed, July 17th through the first week in August.
NEW MATERIALS
- The Crew shirt, now called the Atouran, is made of a new lighter-weight fabric, pockets are 20% larger and it still has the snaps we love! It also fits true-to-size!
We still love the original crew shirt, but this has such a lighter feel to it. Plus - we can still cut the sleeves off if you wanna show off the guns.
- The NEW ladies tank we are using is the Astera (was called Gemini before). NO built-in bra and a silky-smooth fabric! It also has two large rear pockets Plus... drum roll.... It fits true-to size!!!
Women didn't like the built-in bra since they were most generally wearing their own sports bra and it was just too much, and then the sizing was 1-2 sizes too small.
CYCLING WEAR
- Windy Vista (NEW!)
Introducing "WINDY VISTA" - a vibrant kaleidoscope of color and creativity on two wheels! This design represents a whimsical journey through abstract landscapes and playful patterns, designed to ignite your imagination and fuel your cycling adventures. Vista means 'a pleasing view through a long, narrow opening' and we all know how windy Iowa can be!
This design actually started out as a Youth/Kids design. Adults loved it so much, we made it for everyone!
This design is offered in, jerseys, crew shirts, women's tank, cycling cap, bandana, sticker and a limited size run for Youth.
- Party Crew (NEW!)
Introducing the "BIKEIOWA PARTY CREW" collection — a vibrant fusion of cycling culture and the unmistakable history and charm of Pabst Blue Ribbon. This apparel line is a nod to the laid-back vibes and good times that come with every pedal stroke.
This design is offered in, jerseys, sleeveless jerseys, crew shirts, women's tank, cycling cap, coozie, bandana, sticker and patch.
- Clearance
We'll be offering $35 blow-out pricing on the lycra we have from last year. Krazy Kampers, Golden Adventure Kit, Iowa - Flat as a Waffle, BAJA IOWA. All are limited sizes.
CASUAL WEAR
- Party Crew (NEW!)
We continued this design into some vintage ringer t-shirts. It looks stellar in white/red and off-white/burgundy!
- Champion (NEW!)
We took our logo and added cyclist at "the end" holding up their bicycle showing the achievement of riding across the state!
- Clearance
We'll be offering $10 and $15 blow-out pricing on the t-shirts we have from last year. BIKEIOWA SUMMER TOUR 2023, Big Gear - Big Year, Fan Favs and a few Rad Van. All are limited sizes.
GEAR
- Kid's Gear (NEW!) - First time ever to offer YOUTH LYCRA in the Windy Vista design. They are cool! Also, get youth, toddler and infant t-shirts and onesies with the Windy Vista design. We also still have some of last year's BUNNY HOP design. Good kid's gear is hard to find!
- Party Crew Coozie - this design was too good not to do a matching coozie! (limited quantities - only 250 made) (too new to be online!)
- Headbands- You asked for it, we got 'em! A simple stretch-fit moisture management fabric with many variations of the BIKEIOWA logo. (too new to be online!)
- Cycling Caps- 6 different designs this year!
- Trucker Caps- We always love a good trucker cap. We make small batches of 5-15 with different patch variations. (too new to be online!)
- Bucket Caps- We'll have some red, white and blue bucket caps with the Party Crew patch! (too new to be online!)
- Bandanas (NEW!) - Both the Windy Vista and the Party Crew designs will be offered to accessorize your look for the week.
- Patches (NEW!) - Get one of the new Party Crew patches! (too new to be online!)
- Socks- our clean, smooth tri-stripe design with a 6" cuff from Defeet
- Coozies - We'll have our other designs with us too.
- PVC Patch- Very durable and feels like rubber. This is the thickest, heftiest patch option we have. It’s waterproof, flexible, and suitable for many designs! Sew or stick to almost anything! A cross between a sticker and a patch - comes with super-strong 3M™ adhesive backing.
- Guitar Pick - Yep - we have some left from last year. They are cool, unique and useful. Own a piece of history in your pocket.
- Pogie Lites- It's the wrong season, for 'em, but we'll bring a small supply. These have been sold in all 50 states and over 20 countries.
- BANDito Sling (NEW!) - our newest gravel and bikepacking accessory for hike-a-biking and more.
SALE
ALL gear except for our 2024 line-up will be available at these prices!
Look for our new circular SALE Rack where you can see everything easily!
- $10 & $15 - T-shirts - A very limited quantity of styles and designs.
- $35 - Jerseys, Crews and Tanks - Men's and Women's styles in multiple designs.
SHIPPING
Want something, but don't want to carry your new gear? We offer shipping too. Pay for your items and shipping. Write your info on the packet, seal it, and we'll ship once we get back into town.
We also have plastic sacks too if you want to stuff your new gear somewhere and keep it clean,
ROUTE UPDATES
RAGBRAI will be using a text app this year called Simple Text to keep you informed of major weather, route, and activities throughout the week. You won’t want to miss out!
Text “RIDE2023” to 515-304-4404 to receive updates on the route and things to know.
RIDE. STAY. PLAY.
Not from Iowa? We know you'll want to come back!
We'll have a portion of our booth area dedicated to Iowa Tourism with maps of various cities, pamphlets and stickers from some of our partners. Stop by and see what we have!
RAGBRAI GIVES
RAGBRAI cyclists are some of the most community-driven and passionate people. Now, with the power of GoFundMe paired with the kindness of this community, it is easy to use your ride as a way to raise money for a cause you care about.
- RAGBRAI Community Fund
RAGBRAI is only possible because of the towns across Iowa that open their doors and businesses and send volunteers to serve the ride. This fund was created to say thank you to the cities and towns across Iowa that make RAGBRAI possible.
Make a Donation - Individual Fundraising
Are you riding for a cause? Through our partnership with GoFundMe you can start an individual fundraising page for the non-profit of your choice and start raising money!
Start your Own Fundraiser Economic Impact
RAGBRAI provides a shot in the arm to communities across the state the host or serve as a destination for the annual ride. In 2022, RAGBRAI generated a reported $25MM in economic impact for the communities that hosted.
Make a Donation
BIKEIOWA FAQ
Q: Can I buy an item online AFTER RAGBRAI?
A: Maybe - we take 100% of our inventory on the road with us for the week. *IF* we have any leftover gear, we'll re-inventory and post online the first week in August.
Q: Are all items online?
A: No, we take several items on the road that never make it to the online store. Mostly because of limited quantities, or not enough time to post before we roll.
Q: I want an items, but don't want to carry it. Is there another way?
A: Yes! We offering USPS shipping. We'll have envelopes/boxes at our booth. You pay, You seal, We mail when we get back.
Q: Will BIKEIOWA be in multiple locations each day?
A: No, we'll be in one location each day. Most days we work 8-14 hours by the time we unload, set-up, tear-down and drive to the next day's location.
Q: Will you get time to ride any next week?
A: Nope! We'll take bikes to run short errands for supplies and food, but our goal is to help YOU have a fun and successful week on YOUR bike!
Q: How many of each item will you have?
A: We believe in small-batch design and each design has LESS THAN 100 units. Most are 50 or less. T-shirt and gear sales is only a small part of what we do and we enjoy the design process as our creative outlet. So stop by early in the week for the best selection.
Q: If you sell out of an item, will you make more??
A: Doubtful. We usually move onto the next design.
DAILY MAPS BY DRUNK BRIAN
Maps coming soon!!!
THANKS to Drunk Brian at
DrunkBrian.com for creating the map and the site that brings all the maps, bar guides, gpx files etc. together! Buy him a beer if you see him. He is captain of Team Wrong and he spends a TON of time consolidating all the details Use it - you'll love it!
BIKEIOWA sponsors attending the RAGBRAI Expo. Please support those who support us!
- Bike Rags Apparel #61
Iowa’s provider of custom cycling apparel.
Web site: bikeragsapparel.com
- Bike Tech #5
One of the official RAGBRAI bicycle shops!
Web site: BikeTechCF.com
- Cedar Valley Trails Partnership (Cedar FallS) #14 (listed as "Butler-Grundy Development Alliance")
The Cedar Falls / Waterloo area has established itself as an exciting destination for trails. With over 110 miles of hard-surfaced, multi-use trails, an abundance of soft trails, and emerging water trails, it’s no wonder why the Cedar Valley Trails was named Iowa’s Outstanding Tourism Attraction this year!
Web site: CedarFallsTourism.org
- Iowa Bicycle Coalition #19
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition promotes safe and enjoyable bicycling in Iowa through education, events, better policy, and growing a community of supporters.
Web site: Iowa Bicycle Coalition
- Primal Wear #1
High quality custom cycling apparel for clubs, teams and events.
Web site:primalwear.com
- Thirsty Pigs #59
A customer-service driven company with over 30 years of food and beverage experience dedicated to providing you with a great event and memorable experience.
- Web site: Thirsty Pigs Mobile Event Co.
10 PRO TIPS
- Break up the day - Don't get overwhelmed with an 80 mile hilly day. Think about it as eight, ten mile sections.
- You don't win a prize for getting into the overnight town early. Have FUN throughout the day!
- Experiencing long lines? Divide and conquer - One person get the food, one the drinks and wa-la!
- Be Patient - This will be another big RAGBRAI. You may have to walk. You may have to stop and wait in the sun. It's all part of the experience. Enjoy every minute.
- Ride Right - One person's bad move can affect hundreds of cyclists. Look all around before entering/exiting the road. Look both ways as riders may becoming from the other way. Don't follow too close, Don't pass too close. Don't stop abruptly. Don't be that person ;)
- Eat and Drink like Royalty - Try everything, stop and eat/drink. You are burning calories and it's your vacation.
- Make friends - It' great fun to chat with others around the globe here in Iowa. Some lifetime friends and even future spouses are made this week!
- Key Gear - a bandanna, chap-stick, sunscreen, wet-ones, lense cleaners and eye drops are always in our pack.
- CASH is KING - Many times the systems can get overwhelmed and not work. Carry plenty of cash.
- Have back-up plans - What if you have no cell phone service? you lost your friends? you lose your phone? lost wallet? lost glasses? broken bike? Make a plan where to meet, write down phone numbers, etc. a little pre-planning can quickly salvage a bad experience