DES MOINES, Iowa — It’s been three months since RAGBRAI 53 announced its 2026 route, which will take cyclists on a journey across central Iowa this summer. On Friday, RAGBRAI broke down the pass-through towns along the route.
RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest, and longest multi-day cycling touring event in the world, according to their website. The seven-day ride takes participants on a tour of Iowa communities while they enjoy music, food and the cycling community.
2026 takes place from July 18 through 25. Onawa will host this year’s expo. Bikers will travel from Onawa to Turin, Soldiers, Dunlap, Earling, and Westphalia before stopping in Harlan.
Day One: Harlan
- 58.5 miles and 3,365 feet elevation
- Elk Horn
- Exira – Meeting Town
Day Two: Guthrie Center
- 53.9 miles and 3,554 feet elevation
- Panora
- Yale
- Perry – Meeting Town
- Ogden
Day Three: Boone
- 59.5 miles and 1,503 feet elevation
- Gilbert
- Nevada – Meeting Town
- Colo
- State Center
Day Four: Marshalltown
- 62.2 miles and 1,563 feet elevation
- Green Mountain
- Beaman
- Grundy Center
- Morrison
- Reinbeck – Meeting Town
- Washburn
- Gilbertville
- Jesup
Day Five: Independence
- 81.4 miles and 2,713 feet elevation
- Winthrop
- Manchester – Meeting Town
- Earlville
Day Six: Dyersville
- 42.2 miles and 1,441 feet elevation
- Field of Dreams – Meeting Town
- Farley
- Epworth
- Centralia
Day Seven: Dubuque
- 33.7 miles and 1,788 feet elevation
The 2026 route will take riders through a total climb of 16,027 feet, with a total mileage of 391.4 miles. This route is the 10th hilliest and the shortest route of all time. To learn more about RAGBRAI or register for RAGBRAI 53, visit their website…