RAGBRAI 2026 announces 250+ kilometer double loop for America 250
The 83-mile ride on Day 5 of RAGBRAI 2026 already is the longest. But riders can stretch it to more than 250 kilometers with a 76.4-mile double loop.
RAGBRAI riders love a challenge, as shown by the number who every year ride the added mileage of the Century Loop to get in a 100-mile day. But this year, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will pose a double challenge. Riders on Day 5, an 83.
2-mile grind from Marshalltown to Independence on July 23 that's already the ride's longest, will not only be able to add 21. 1 miles on the Karras Century Loop for a total of 104. 3 miles, but can opt to add a whopping 76.
4 on a second loop. That's a total of 159. 6 miles, more than 250 kilometers, a figure chosen to honor the United States' 250th birthday.
“I’ve heard from countless riders, by email and phone, asking if we could create a 250‑mile day to celebrate America,” RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen said in a statement as he announced the double loop Friday, May 1. “On a week‑long ride like RAGBRAI, that’s a tall order, so we took the spirit of that idea and transformed it into a 159. 6-mile loop ― equivalent to 250 kilometers.