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RAGBRAI 2013 Right Around the Corner: Dates, Schedule, Routes, Tips

All you need to know about RAGBRAI 2013.

RAGBRAI 2013 is less than two weeks away. It is a little hard to believe the year has gone by so quickly, which I write as someone who plans to ride but haven't trained nearly as much as I should.

To be exact, we have nine days and 13 hours until it's time to hit the saddle and peddle the 407 miles from Council Bluffs to Fort Madison. 

Patch will be along for the ride - yes it is a ride and not a race. 

This will be my 11th year riding RAGBRAI - a nice run for a transplant from New Hampshire. I plan to ride and post photos, videos and anecdotes all week long. I'll be wearing a Patch bike jersey most of the week, so if you see me say "hello."

Check out past coverage:


You can also help tell the story of RAGBRAI 2013. Download the free Patch App to post photos, videos, blogs or comments from your phone. It will ask you to create a username, and then you can start posting. We'll feature the best submissions.

Patch is also one of the sponsors of the stage during the street party in Valley Junction on the Tuesday of RAGBRAI, which is July 23. We will have a big green tent set up near the stage and giving away Patch gear. Come get a T-shirt or totebag. 

Valley Junction is the last chance for a break before the overnight party in Des Moines that night. 

For now, it's time to start getting ready. One tip from me to you: pack your clothes in plastic bags in case it rains and your gear is left outside. 

Now for the details: 

What: Register Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa 42, dubbed RAGBRAI. It was started in 1973 by two Des Moines Register writers who set out across the state as a story idea and a challenge to each other. 

When: The ride runs from Sunday, July 21 to Saturday, July 27. Be sure to get there plenty early in Council Bluffs on Saturday, July 20 to check out the bike expo, bands and the opening night party. 

Where: RAGBRAI 2013 starts in Council Bluffs and has overnight stops in Harlan, Perry, Des Moines, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Fairfield before ending in Fort Madison. For a full view of the route and a list of towns, check out the downloadable maps.

Mileage: This is billed as the second shortest RAGBRAI, at 407 miles. Most days are right around 50 miles, which is short by RAGBRAI standards (which is why I am not totally panicking about my lack of riding this year). Day No. 2, Monday, from Harlan to Perry is the long day at 83. Monday also has the optional Karras Loop, which brings the mileage total for the day to 100 miles. The other outlier is a 63 mile day on Saturday, the final day. 

Weather: As of right now, it looks like we are in for a mostly sunny, hot week. Sunday is expected to be cloudy, and the following Friday and Saturday are also expected to be cloudy with a chance of showers. In between it calls for sun. Temperatures are expected to be mid-90s on Sunday and Monday, and then mid-80s to low-90s the rest of the week. 

Here's a few more resources for you: 

From Patch: The Patch App

From RAGBRAI:
An Official RAGBRAI app
Printable Route Maps
Connect with Other Riders or Drivers in the RAGBRAI forum
Check Out Host Communities
Frequently Asked Questions


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