RAGBRAI LIII route revealed, ranging from Onawa to Dubuque

The iconic Iowa cycling event will cover 391.4 miles and 16,027 feet of climb this year.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:23pm

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a cycling peloton winding through a geometric landscape of bright colors and sharp, overlapping planes, capturing the energy and movement of the RAGBRAI event.RAGBRAI's iconic cycling event weaves through Iowa's rural landscapes in a vibrant, cubist-inspired illustration.Onawa Today

RAGBRAI, the annual bicycle ride across Iowa, has announced its route for the 2026 event. The ride will start in Onawa and end in Dubuque, covering 391.4 miles and 16,027 feet of climb over the course of 8 days from July 18-25. The route will pass through several notable towns including Harlan, Guthrie Center, Boone, Marshalltown, Independence, and Dyersville.

Why it matters

RAGBRAI is one of Iowa's most beloved annual events, drawing thousands of cyclists from across the country to experience the state's scenic rural landscapes. The reveal of the route each year generates excitement and anticipation as riders plan their participation.

The details

This year's RAGBRAI route will be the shortest ever at 391.4 miles, but also the tenth hilliest, with 16,027 feet of total climb. The ride will start in Onawa and end in Dubuque, passing through several notable Iowa towns along the way.

  • RAGBRAI LIII will take place from July 18-25, 2026.
  • The route was announced on Facebook on April 3, 2026.

The players

RAGBRAI

An annual bicycle ride across the state of Iowa that has been held since 1973, making it one of the oldest and largest recreational bicycle touring events in the world.

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What’s next

Riders can register for RAGBRAI LIII on the event's website.

The takeaway

RAGBRAI remains a beloved tradition in Iowa, drawing cyclists from across the country to experience the state's rural landscapes and small-town charm. The reveal of the route each year is an eagerly anticipated event that kicks off preparations for the summer ride.