RAGBRAI® XLVIII postponed to July 25-31, 2021 due to COVID-19

posted on Thursday, April 23, 2020 in News

Des Moines, Iowa April 20, 2020 – RAGBRAI XLVIII postponed to July 25-31, 2021 due to COVID-19. 

As we’ve watched the impact COVID-19 is having on the world, we’ve continued to plan and adjust our timelines, hold key conversations with our trusted partners, and determine the best course of action for all parties involved.

After deep consideration and collaboration with the eight overnight town executive committees, government agencies, the public health department, and official business partners of RAGBRAI, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone RAGBRAI XLVIII to 2021. 

“The safety of our riders has always been the most important focus for our RAGBRAI team and we feel the decision to postpone to 2021 is the right one,” said Dieter Drake, ride director. “We strongly feel that this is in everyone’s best interest.”

RAGBRAI takes months of planning and preparation. Based on the extreme disruption COVID-19 has had and will have on the planning, we didn’t feel it was responsible to move forward and put the safety of our riders, crew, communities, or residents of Iowa at risk. 

“While we wish we were biking across Iowa this July, our resolve is to make 2021 even better and we look forward to lifting up these communities when it is safe,” Drake said.

The RAGBRAI XLVIII route will remain the same for 2021. The towns along the route have already put a substantial amount of work and resource into planning and will have the opportunity to showcase their communities in 2021. The full route with meeting and pass-through towns will be announced later.

Refund options for registered riders. 

All riders who have registered and paid for 2020, will have three options.

Transfer their 2020 registration to the 2021 ride. Any rider who chooses this option is not subject to the lottery and will receive their wristband and bike band in 2021. In addition, they will receive a $15 merchandise voucher good through Dec. 31, 2020.

Request a full refund of their 2020 registration.

Donate their registration to Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The non-profit works 365-days a year to advocate, educate, and enhance bicycle laws and safety in the state. Their work goes a long way in making Iowa safe and fun for cyclists.

All riders will be required to fill out a request form by June 01, 2020 to be eligible for the full refund. Riders who do not fill out a form by June 01, 2020 will automatically be transferred to the 2021 ride.

Registered riders can access the form and more information at: ragbrai.com/registration.

For a detailed FAQ, please visit ragbrai.com/about/faqs

WHAT’S NEXT:

RAGBRAI is planning summer and fall activities including a weekend ride this fall. More details will be released this spring.