Let’s talk about RAGBRAI. If you know, you know. If you don't, listen - this isn’t your average weekend charity ride. This is a rolling, week-long festival of cycling. A pilgrimage. A seven-day party on two wheels that cuts clear across the entire state of Iowa (with 83 miles of gravel routes this year)!
Indubitably, it's the oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle tour in the world. But that doesn’t even begin to capture the vibe. It’s a physical test, for sure. It’s a challenge meant for those who can endure. But it’s also about the people. Small towns rolling out the red carpet. The unbelievable food. The lifelong friends you make in the paceline.
This isn't just a ride. It's a whole darn experience. A true rite of passage that you'll be telling stories about for the rest of your life. But you can't just show up and hope for the best. That's a rookie move. To do it right, you need a plan. You need gear that's as tough as you are. And you need the inside scoop.
That’s where we come in. We’ve been there. We’ve done the miles. We know what it takes. Just like we’ve brought you guides on the top mountain bike must-have accessories, this is your ultimate guide to absolutely crushing RAGBRAI 2025. Let’s roll:
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TL;DR
The Mission - Seven days, 406 miles, and over 14,000 feet of climbing across Iowa. It's an epic endurance party.
This year's RAGBRAI route is historic, featuring more optional gravel than ever and a first-ever dip into Minnesota.
Conquering this ride is more than just pedaling. It’s about smart pacing, relentless fueling, and respecting the Iowa heat.
It's a rolling city of 20,000 riders. The culture is all about camaraderie, incredible food, and small-town hospitality.
Your gear cannot be your weak link. A bomber mount isn't an upgrade - it's mandatory equipment for navigating the route and staying safe.
The Lowdown - What is RAGBRAI, Really?
So what is this RAGBRAI thing anyway? RAGBRAI stands for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. The Des Moines Register newspaper hosts it. The first ride took place August 26-31, 1973, going from Sioux City to Davenport with around 300 riders gathered at the start. Every year, they pick a new route. It always starts on the western edge of Iowa, by the Missouri River. It always ends a week later on the eastern edge, at the Mississippi River.
In between, you’ve got seven days of riding. You pedal from one overnight host town to the next. Tens of thousands of riders from all 50 states and dozens of countries show up. The route is lined with little towns, amazing food vendors, and locals cheering you on. It's a massive, rolling celebration of bikes, Iowa, and questionable tan lines. Make no mistake, it’s one of the best cycling events in the country.

RAGBRAI 2025 Dates - The Route Unlocked
The route for RAGBRAI LII is locked in. It’s going to be an unforgettable ride. So, when is RAGBRAI 2025? Mark your calendars. The RAGBRAI 2025 dates are July 19th to the 26th, 2025.
This year's route is special. It will cover 406 miles and 14,314 feet of climbing. And for the grinders, it will feature more gravel than ever before - a whopping 83 miles of optional gravel routes. In fact, for the first time in its 52-year history, the ride will even cross state lines for a 15-mile jaunt into Minnesota, creating "RAGBRAIM" for a day.
Let's break down the RAGBRAI route - journey, day by day:

Day 0: Saturday, July 19 - The Expo in Orange City
This is where the magic begins. You’ll roll into Orange City, a town famous for its unique Dutch heritage, and get hit with the sheer scale of this event. The RAGBRAI Expo is buzzing. It's your chance to get your packet, see the latest gear, and do your final prep. This is the day for last-minute checks. Is your phone secure in its Rokform Rugged Case? Is your V4 Pro Series Mount torqued down? This is the calm before the storm.
But the expo isn't just for Browse. It's a strategic opportunity for deals and gear. The pros know how to work it. Here’s a game plan for shopping like a veteran-
Expo Strategic Shopping Game Plan:
- 10:00 AM: Do a recon walk. Scope out prices and products. Don't buy yet.
12:00 PM: Target vendors when traffic is slow. It's the best time for questions or negotiations.
2:00 PM: Compare bundle deals across different booths.
4:00 PM: Make your final purchasing decisions before the good stuff is gone.
5:00 PM: Hunt for last-chance clearance deals as vendors think about packing up.
That said, it’s important to already have one of the best phone holders for bikes before you even arrive. Your most critical piece of safety and navigation gear shouldn't be a last-minute decision. Get it dialed in at home, so you can spend the expo enjoying the scene, not scrambling for essentials.
Day 1: Orange City to Milford (71.8 miles)
Your first real day of riding. And it's a big one. Over 70 miles right out of the gate. This is classic Iowa farmland. You'll see rolling hills and huge, open skies. The day ends in Milford, the gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes. And they are ready for you.
In fact, according to Northwest Iowa Now, Milford is already conducting its "final public forum before RAGBRAI hits" to dial in all the logistics - street closures, cleanup, everything. That’s the level of preparation that goes into this event. Use this first day to settle in for the long haul. Remember, there are still six days ahead.
Day 2: Milford to Estherville (41.2 miles)
A shorter day, for sure. Your legs will thank you for it after the big push on day one. But this is the day the trip makes history. For the first time in its 52 years, RAGBRAI is crossing state lines.
According to the Des Moines Register, you'll be spending 15 miles of this day in Minnesota, turning the event into "RAGBRAIM" for a few hours. Think about the logistics of that. It's a huge deal, requiring collaboration with Minnesota authorities like the Jackson County Sheriff's Office just to manage traffic for one afternoon.
It’s a guaranteed epic photo op and a unique piece of RAGBRAI history. You'll end the day in Estherville with a good story to tell.
Day 3: Estherville to Forest City (73.9 miles)
Day 4: Forest City to Iowa Falls (69.8 miles)
Day 5: Iowa Falls to Cedar Falls (50 miles)
Day 6: Cedar Falls to Oelwein (38.4 miles)
Day 7: Oelwein to Guttenberg (61.6 miles)
The Rider's Playbook - 8 Tips to Crush RAGBRAI

You want to have an amazing time at RAGBRAI? You need to do more than just ride. You need to be smart. This isn't just friendly advice. This is the hard-earned wisdom of thousands of miles in the Iowa heat. This is how you go from surviving to thriving.
1- Train for This. Seriously.
2- Pace Yourself. It's a Marathon.
3- Fuel the Engine. Eat and Drink Constantly.
4- A Happy Bike is a Happy Rider.
5- Respect Mother Nature.
6- Don't Trust a Flimsy Mount.
7- Ride Smart. Ride Safe.
8- Have an Obscene Amount of Fun.
The Secret Sauce - Understanding the RAGBRAI Machine
The Town Investment
A small Iowa town doesn't just wake up and decide to host 20,000 cyclists . It's a massive undertaking that starts 18 months in advance. And it's a huge financial gamble. Check out the insane costs these towns take on -

The Science of Not Bonking
Don't become a statistic because of dehydration or cramps. Iowa's humidity is no joke. It makes it harder for your body to cool itself. You need a pro-level hydration strategy. Standard sports drinks often aren't enough. You need to be thinking about sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
So what does that pro-level strategy actually look like in practice? It's not complicated. Here’s a simple cheat sheet to keep you in the game and out of the medical tent -

Gear Up for Glory - Your RAGBRAI Loadout
Let's talk about gear. For seven days in Iowa, your equipment is your lifeline. It's not a place to cut corners. A cheap piece of plastic failing on day two can ruin your entire week. It's a simple truth: your gear has to be as tough as the ride itself.
That’s our entire philosophy. It’s not about just a case, or just a mount. It’s about a complete system engineered for abuse.
Step 1 - The Foundation of Protection
Step 2 - A Rock-Solid Mount for Your Ride
But a tough case is useless if it's not locked to your bike. That's where the right bicycle accessories like our mounts come in -
For the rider who wants that clean, pro look, there's our V4 Pro Series Bike Mount. This thing is a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum on your stem. Your phone isn't going anywhere.
Need a different setup? Our Over the Top Mount puts your map right in your line of sight for easy navigation and is made for outdoor biking.
And for any weird bar setup imaginable, our Universal Mount has your back. It's a beast of convenience.
The Magic That Holds It All Together
The real magic is our patented RokLock™ twist-lock system. It gives you that satisfying, solid click. You don't just hear it; you feel it. That's how you know it's locked down for good.
In fact, that rock-solid security is what gives you the freedom to grab your phone for some real-deal iPhoneography of that roadside craziness, then twist it back on without a second thought. It’s not just about convenience. It’s about having absolute confidence in your gear so you can focus on the ride.
And that confidence isn't just for one type of phone. We bring that same obsession with quality to everything we build. Just like we make some of the best dang cases for iPhone, Galaxy, and Pixel, you already know that.

But don't just take our word for it. Here's what real riders are saying about our V4 Pro Series mount -
This is another quality product from Rokform. I bought this mount to go on my flat black and copper Sikk UFO SS cruiser. I like bicycle accessories that look like they were built on the bike from the factory and this mount does exactly that. It is solidly built and attaches securely to the top of the front for stem. It is positioned perfectly for a rider. It very securely holds my iPhone 13 Pro Max with the rugged Rokform case. One of the best bicycle accessories I have come across! Highly recommend!” - Jeff S., verified buyer
“After spending way to much money on a road bicycle, there was no way I was going to put a cheap phone mount on the handlebars. Well fear not, Rokform to the rescue! this mount is so well built from CNC aluminum body to the stainless steel hardware, it is a great addition to my bike. the mount holds the phone so secure that I never fear that my phone will come loose and fall off. Great overall product, highly recommended” - Ryan K., verified buyer
It's a Whole Vibe - The Food, The Towns, The People

What really makes RAGBRAI legendary is the culture. It's something you have to experience to understand. Every overnight town transforms into a massive festival. There's live music. There are beer gardens. There are thousands of happy, tired cyclists sharing stories.
And the food. Oh, the food. You'll find church basements serving up homemade pie. Local fire departments grilling pork chops the size of your head. Every pass-through town has its own specialty. It’s a seven-day rolling feast.
But the best part is the people. The locals are incredibly welcoming. They open up their lawns for camping. They line the streets to cheer you on. And the riders themselves are a community. You'll meet people from all walks of life, from all over the world, all united by the shared challenge and joy of the ride.
Pro Tip - Master Your Baggage
The morning baggage drop is organized chaos. Don't be the one who misses the truck because you weren't prepared. This is a simple but crucial part of having a smooth week. Get this right, and your life will be a lot easier.
Your Baggage Management Checklist:
Pack the Night Before - Seriously, have it ready to go by 10 PM.
Tag Your Bag Brightly - Use your name, number, and team info. Make it stand out.
Pack a Rain Jacket - Even if the forecast is sunny. This is Iowa.
Meds & Essentials Stay With You - Never pack critical items in the baggage truck.
Snap a Photo of Your Gear - For insurance, just in case.
Be at the Truck by 7 AM Sharp - They will not wait for you.
Don't Lose Your Baggage Tag - You'll need it to get your gear back.
Your Digital Survival Checklist
So, your phone is your map, your camera, and your lifeline to the outside world. But out in rural Iowa, technology gets put to the test. You'll face two major enemies - brutal conditions and non-existent cell service.
The combination of heat, sweat, road vibration, and the high probability of a drop or a sudden downpour is a death sentence for unprotected electronics. On top of that, the cellular coverage between towns is spotty at best and completely gone at worst. If you have a mechanical or medical issue in one of those dead zones, you are on your own.
This isn't to scare you. It's to make you prepare like a pro. Here’s your checklist for digital survival out there -
Download Offline Maps - For the entire route. Don't rely on having a signal.
Share Your Itinerary - Make sure your emergency contacts know your daily route.
Pack a Power Bank - A big one. At least 20,000 mAh capacity.
Test Your Gear Before You Go - Make sure your waterproof case is actually waterproof.
Program Emergency Numbers - Have local sheriff and ride official numbers saved.
Consider a Satellite Communicator - If you're riding solo, this is a serious safety tool.
Bring a Paper Backup - A simple cue sheet or map doesn't run out of batteries.
Final Thoughts

So that's the deal. RAGBRAI 2025 is so much more than just a bike ride. It’s a challenge. It's a party. It's a moving city of people who love to pedal. It's an experience that will test you, reward you, and change you.
If you're on the fence, get off it. Sign up. Do the training. Get your gear dialed in. Get a mount that you can trust with your lifeline. Get gear that's tough enough for the ride. Our customers have some insane Survival Stories for a reason - our stuff is built to handle it all.
When your gear like our premium bike phone mounts are solid, you can focus on the adventure. Show up in Orange City ready for an experience that every serious cyclist should have at least once. You won't regret it.
Get your bike ready. Get your body ready. And get your gear Rokform-ready. Explore the mounting systems built for the toughest rides on Earth.