What
is RAGBRAI?
RAGBRAI®,
The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa®, is
an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into
its 36th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring
bicycle ride in the world.
In the
beginning, no one imagined that RAGBRAI® would become the
Iowa tradition it is now. We at The Des Moines Register thank
all the riders who have joined us over the years. We especially
wish to thank the thousands and thousands of volunteers in the
towns we've visited along the way for their tireless work to
show RAGBRAI riders the hospitality that has made our ride world
famous.
We encourage
you to follow the application procedures and come along only
if you are accepted as a registered rider. It is crucial that
we keep our number of riders at the level suggested by the Iowa
State Patrol and the Iowa Department of Transportation for the
safety of all riders. We thank you for your cooperation.
For those
of you who have never ridden, this rolling celebration of Iowa
attracts participants from all 50 states and many foreign countries.
It has covered thousands of miles through the years, and hundreds
of thousands of riders have hopped in the saddle to pedal part
of those miles.
RAGBRAI
is a bicycle ride-not a race. It started in 1973 as a six-day
ride across the state of Iowa by two Des Moines Register columnists
who invited a few friends along. It is held the last full week
in July and hosted by The Register's front-page cartoonist, Brian
Duffy. RAGBRAI is planned and coordinated by The Des Moines Register,
and riders who participate in RAGBRAI understand that they do
so at their own risk.
The RAGBRAI
route averages 472 miles and is not necessarily flat. It begins
somewhere along Iowa's western border on the Missouri River and
ends along the eastern border on the Mississippi River. We change
the route each year and announce the overnight towns in late
January in The Des Moines Register and on our Web site.
The route
is usually printed in The Des Moines Register on the last Sunday
in January. Eight Iowa communities along the RAGBRAI route serve
as "host" communities for overnight stays. RAGBRAI
is a guest in these communities and we ask our riders to behave
as such.
The people
of Iowa truly make RAGBRAI the special event that it is by opening
up their towns and communities to participants. We hope you can
enjoy this Iowa hospitality and join us for a memorable trip
across the state.
Return to the Information Index
APPLICATION/ENTRY
FORM
You may
enter online or print an application from our Web site at www.ragbrai.org.
The application is posted on the Web site Nov. 15 for the next
summer's event, and the deadline for application, waiver and
payment is a postmark of April 1 (or Feb 15 is if are completing
a manual/paper application). If you are not able to print an
entry form, you may request one by mailing a request to RAGBRAI,
PO Box 622, Des Moines, IA 50306, or by e-mailing info@ragbrai.org.
The event
is seven days of riding with an average of 68 miles per day through
the Iowa countryside. You may enter as a rider or a non-rider.
Anyone not riding a bicycle (a support vehicle driver, family
members, or friends riding in a vehicle) must enter as a non-rider.
A week-long rider fee is $125; a week-long non-rider fee is $35.
A vehicle permit is $35. See section on Vehicle Pass Instructions
for Support Vehicle Drivers.
Instead
of registering for the week, participants may enter for daily
wristbands. The daily wristband fee for one day is $25 for riders
or non-riders. There is a limit of three days per person.
The RAGBRAI
entry form allows you to enter as an individual or enter a group
of more than one person for purposes of the lottery. In order
to be considered in the lottery as a group, all participants
must enter as a group of more than one person, and appoint one
person to be the GROUP CONTACT. That person is going to accept
the responsibility for sending one payment to cover all costs
of the group, taking delivery of the group's Participant Packet
in May, distributing the participants' credentials and jerseys,
and registering vehicles.
Although
the capability exists to enter online, due to Iowa law a RAGBRAI
Waiver of Liability must still be completed by hand and a hard
copy must be received before your registration can be considered
complete. The entry postmark deadline is April 1 (or Feb. 15
is if are completing a manual/paper application). The entry form,
waiver and payment must be submitted in or before the deadline
to be considered for the lottery. RAGBRAI is not responsible
for delayed, lost or misplaced entry forms, waivers or payments.
Your cashed check will verify that your entry was received.
If you wish to receive confirmation that RAGBRAI received your
entry, you must mail your entry with "delivery confirmation"
of the delivery. Sorry, faxed waivers or photocopies will be
rejected. It must have the original and authentic signature of
the participant.
If you
are entering as an Individual, you will have a choice of paying
online with a credit card or mailing your check or money order,
along with your signed RAGBRAI Waiver of Liability, directly
to RAGBRAI. If you enter with a group, you will be mailing your
payment and your completed Waiver of Liability to your GROUP
CONTACT. The Group Contact will pay with one check or by credit
card online. DO NOT send a check to your group contact made payable
to RAGBRAI. If you are a member of a group, send your waiver
to the group contact. RAGBRAI cannot match waivers that should
have been sent to the group contact. This may cause your group
to be ineligible for the lottery.
THE GROUP CONTACT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING IN THE FOLLOWING
ITEMS LISTED BELOW, TOGETHER IN ONE PACKET TO RAGBRAI PRIOR TO
THE DEADLINE:
A) INDIVIDUAL ENTRY FORMS FOR EACH MEMBER
B) ORIGINAL SIGNED WAIVERS FOR EACH MEMBER
C) GROUP SUMMARY WITH VEHICLE REQUEST INFORMATION
D) ONE PAYMENT TO COVER ALL COSTS FOR THE GROUP
If you are the Group Contact and you wait past the deadline to
receive someone's waiver, your group has missed the lottery.
When in doubt, leave them out.
Only one
entry is allowed per person. If any person sends a duplicate
request, everyone on each entry on which that person's name appears
also will be rejected. Please be fair to everyone and enter the
drawing only once.
Link
to Application/Entry
Return
to the Information Index
Lottery
RAGBRAI
is limited to 8,500 week-long riders and 1,500 day riders. Entries
can exceed the number of riders allowed, so a random computer
lottery takes place after all of the entries are entered in the
computer. All checks will be cashed and if your entry is not
drawn, we will issue a refund check. Just because your check
is cashed, it does not mean you were selected in the lottery.
In 2007, RAGBRAI had too many entries (800 over the limit) and
had to turn away riders in the lottery. The odds of getting in
the lottery are very high, but certainly not 100%.
The computer
lottery can select Individuals or groups of more than one person,
so that people who wish to participate together are not split
up. In order to be considered in the lottery as a group, the
members of a group must register as a group, and appoint one
person to be the GROUP CONTACT. That person accepting is responsible
for sending one payment to cover all costs of the group, taking
delivery of the group's Participant Packet in May, distributing
the participants' credentials and jerseys, and registering vehicles.
Lottery
Results
On May
1, you may go to the RAGBRAI home page accessible at www.ragbrai.org
on the Internet, and view the Lottery Results. The Participant
Packet with your credentials and a Participant Guide will arrive
near the end of May. If you registered with a group or team,
your GROUP CONTACT will receive your credentials for distribution.
If you were rejected, you will receive a full refund of your
fee in the mail.
If others
in your group were selected and your name does not appear in
the Lottery Results, a data entry error may have occurred so
it is extremely important that you complete the registration
form carefully and double check your work. E-mail info@ragbrai.org
to find out if a data entry has been made.
Return to the Information Index
Baggage
Transport
The baggage
tag permits you to put your bag on RAGBRAI's baggage semitruck.
Your bag must be clearly marked and can be claimed only by showing
that the number on your wristband matches the number on your
baggage tag.
Daily
riders must write their wristband number(s) on their baggage
tag.
Although
each rider is allowed one large, soft texture bag, you may bundle
or strap together a tent, sleeping bag or duffel bag and count
it as one. We cannot accept wood or hard plastic luggage or bike
cases. Bags should weigh no more than 40 pounds.
Be sure
to have your gear at the RAGBRAI baggage semitruck by 8 a.m.
You will need to walk your baggage onto the truck in the mornings,
however, your baggage will be unloaded for you in the afternoons.
A horn will sound 15 minutes before leaving time. The trucks
will load where they unloaded the day before. We will not be
responsible for baggage left at the semitruck in the mornings
before it is open nor after 6 p.m. Baggage security is provided
from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. only.
Return to the Information Index
Bicycle
Repair
Be sure
to include money for bicycle parts and repairs and other incidentals
in your planning for the week. Bicycle repair will be available
along the route and in the campgrounds. Repair service hours
in the campgrounds will be between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Sanctioned
shops have signs that say, OFFICIAL RAGBRAI BICYCLE SHOP, and
sell official RAGBRAI T-shirts, souvenirs, bicycling equipment,
accessories and helmets.
To signal
that you need help on the route, turn your bicycle upside down
or "wheels up" and motion a "thumbs down"
signal to let an approaching bicycle repair van or a sag wagon
know that you need help.
Be sure
to have a safety check done on your bike before you arrive to
ride!
Return to the Information Index
Bike
Shipping
If you
will be shipping your bicycle to the starting town, or shipping
it home from the ending town after the ride, here are some helpful
suggestions to follow.
- Bike
boxes should be marked "ASSEMBLE" or "DO NOT ASSEMBLE."
This saves the receiving shop confusion, time and money for you
when you arrive to pick up your bike.
- Boxes
AND bikes should be labeled to identify ownership. This is very
important to verify owners during pickup.
- Phone
numbers and email addresses should be included with labeling.
A quick call or email to the owner is sometimes necessary to
confirm shipment or report damage.
- Only
registered participants may take advantage of this benefit.
Shipping
your bike to the starting town
There
is usually a fee for receiving and storing your bike and/or a
cost associated with assembling your bike if you choose that
option. The Participant Guide that you will receive as a registered
rider contains contact information for shipping and receiving.
The starting town also will put this information on their Web
site that will be linked to ragbrai.org
Shipping your bike from the ending town
Shipping
will be available in the ending town on Saturday. Plan for there
to be a charge for a shipping box and/or disassembly of your
bike if you so choose.
Return to the Information Index
Camping
and Private Housing
Campgrounds
Camping
areas will be set aside by each community on school grounds,
county fairgrounds and/or city parks and are large enough to
accommodate all registered riders. It's possible that some communities
will not have space available to accommodate all vehicles at
the main tent campground, so support vehicles may be directed
to a separate campground.
If you
have a vehicle pass and are bringing a self-contained motor home,
you need to be aware that the campgrounds will not be equipped
with electrical or water hook-ups. All overnight communities
will, however, have a dumping station. Additionally if you will
be operating a generator in the campgrounds, please be courteous
of your fellow tent campers.
Campgrounds
must be quiet after 9 p.m. Late-night noisemakers will be asked
to leave the campgrounds. Camping will be available in the ending
town on the Friday night before the ride begins and on the Saturday
night the ride ends. Camping also will be available in the starting
host community the Friday and Saturday nights before RAGBRAI
begins.
Private
Housing
You must
remember that RAGBRAI is a camping ride and private in-home housing
should not be expected. If you do write to overnight host towns
for housing accommodations, enclose $3 to help cover their expenses.
Remember to include the names and wristband numbers of everyone
in your group, a brief description of your group's make-up; whether
you wish a bed or floor space; if you're a smoker or non-smoker;
male or female; if you want camping space in their back yard
or a place to park a vehicle or RV. If you arrive with unregistered
campers, your hosts may turn your group away.
Housing
applications will appear on the Overnight Town's web site beginning
May 1. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE TOWNS PRIOR TO THIS DATE OR
IT WILL JEOPARDIZE YOUR ENTRY.
Return to the Information Index
Daily
Riders
Daily
wristbands may be purchased for one, two or three days only.
They may be purchased by completing the regular RAGBRAI entry
form. Entry form, waiver and payment must be received by July
1 for daily riders.
A daily
wristband is valid only on the day for which it is issued. Daily
riders are entitled to sag wagon and medical services for that
day. These services are not available on any day for which a
wristband is not purchased. For example, if you have a daily
wristband for Monday only, but continue to ride, you would not
be entitled to sag wagon service.
Day riders
are provided with use of RAGBRAI's baggage service for the day
of their wristband. However, baggage tags (and bike license plates)
for daily riders are not numbered. Day riders who wish to use
the baggage service, should write their wristband number(s) on
the baggage tag. Wristband numbers must be listed on the baggage
tag for ALL days that they wish to use baggage service. You will
have a different wristband number and color for each day. Day
riders will NOT receive a bike band or a free patch certificate.
The Des
Moines Register, RAGBRAI and the host communities do not provide
shuttle service to daily riders at the end of the day. You are
responsible for finding your own way back to your car.
Return to the Information Index
Emergency
Medical Treatment
Paramedic
teams patrol the bicycle route and emergency medical treatment
will be available in each campground. Four ambulances and paramedic
teams patrol the route each day from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Expo
The
RAGBRAI Expo
is the annual bicycle trade show that kicks off RAGBRAI featuring
the newest and latest in bicycling and associated industries.
The Expo takes place in the starting town on the Saturday afternoon
before the ride begins. All RAGBRAI participants, friends, family
and community residents are invited. It's FREE for all to attend!
The annual Expo features RAGBRAI's official ten bike shops, bicycle
and equipment manufacturers from around the country and retailers
that are associated with the cycling world. Come see the latest
in cycling technology and the newest products on the market.
It's also a great place to check out and demo the latest bikes
from the world's top manufacturers, pick up a new pair of cycling
shorts, a RAGBRAI souvenir or have that new bike computer installed
that you've been thinking about.
It's a Don't Miss Event!
Interested in
participating as a company? Click here for details.
Return
to the Information Index
First Time Support Vehicle Drivers
Participating
in RAGBRAI as a support vehicle driver could be addictive. (You
may catch the RAGBRAI bug like everyone else.)
Drivers
are expected to attend an informational meeting held in the starting
town the day before RAGBRAI departs.
Bring
an Iowa state road map along. It can be very helpful to supplement
the support vehicle map RAGBRAI provides and will assist you
in determining on which roads you should be driving.
Make sure
you check in with the Information Center at every overnight town.
This helps your group find out where you're camping, and also
gives the Information Center volunteers an idea of where to find
you if they should need to notify you about someone in your group.
Please
be courteous. You are a guest in the community and should act
like one. Turn your generators off when they're not needed. It
is hard to enjoy the great outdoors with the fumes and noise
of multiple generators.
Be patient.
There will be lines everywhere you go, even when you're driving.
Be careful.
When driving a large straight truck or pulling a trailer, be
especially aware of what or who is behind or beside your vehicle.
Overhead clearance is critical. Remember, you may have a bike
rack on top of your vehicle that could hit tree branches or signs.
Share.
You are sharing camping sites with more than 10,000 bikers. Give
everyone his/her space.
Be neat. Encourage your group to pick up after themselves. Have
garbage bags on hand for trash. Before you leave in the morning,
walk your area. You'll find the misplaced billfold, watch, sunglasses
and bike computer. Your group will appreciate your efforts.
Always
buckle up and don't drink alcoholic beverages if you're going
to be driving.
Make sure
you're getting plenty of rest the night before driving so you
stay sharp. Drowsiness can lead to becoming distracted and inattentive.
Have
a safe and fun trip!
Return
to the Information Index
Friends
of RAGBRAI
The
Friends of RAGBRAI program is a marketing program allowing both
national and Iowa-based companies the opportunity to partner
with RAGBRAI. The goal is to recruit companies with products
or services that benefit RAGBRAI riders or host communities.
For more information about becoming a Friend of RAGBRAI, contact
info@ragbrai.org.
Return
to the Information Index
How
to Ride RAGBRAI
Concentrate
first on learning how to ride safely and with endurance. RAGBRAI
likely will be one of the most difficult things, physically,
that you've ever attempted.
Always
stretch before and after riding.
Have your
bike in the best mechanical condition possible. A touring or
road bike is going to be the easiest to ride and is the most
common type found on RAGBRAI. A hybrid bike will be easier to
ride than a mountain bike.
Safety
involves several items. The first is your helmet. DON'T GET ON
A BIKE WITHOUT A HELMET. Safety equipment also includes gloves.
If you fall they protect the palms of your hands. Riding safely
is very important and very difficult to learn because there is
no other ride like RAGBRAI in terms of just numbers of bikes.
Have a mirror on your helmet or your bike and use it.
Carry
a spare inner tube in case you have a flat. There are repair
vans along the route, but chances are you will be waiting in
line. Even if you do not have the knowledge to change a tire
yourself, someone will be glad to help.
The greatest
threat to your well-being on the route is not cars or trucks
but other cyclists. Many riders may be riding for the first time
surrounded by thousands of other cyclists. And, while this circumstance
promotes a certain euphoria, it also holds hidden dangers, i.e.,
running into each other and falling down.
Before
you stop, make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately
behind you. Stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately
move to the shoulder. Stay clear of the roadway. Stopping is
especially dangerous at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
Call out
to fellow cyclists when you are going to pass on the left or
right or up the middle, or are pulling off or pulling on.
Be predictable
and don't weave. Ride in a straight line to make it easier for
those riding behind you.
Don't
draft. Drafting in a crowd is dangerous to yourself and others
around you. There is no place for it on RAGBRAI. Drafting vehicles
is also dangerous and will not be tolerated on RAGBRAI.
Ride to
the right. Leave room for others to pass on your left. There
have been many close calls and at least one serious accident
because a passing rider was forced into the lane with oncoming
traffic.
To learn what the signage on the ride means, click here to review
the RIDE RIGHT road signs.
Food
and Hydration
While
on your bike, be sure to carry with you at least enough money
to buy the all-important food. Food, both standard fare and the
unusual, is available at every turn. RAGBRAI is a major economic
boost to every church, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop, 4-H club,
VFW post, etc. that it passes. It is not unusual to spend $35
per day on food and drink. Remember you "eat today to ride
tomorrow."
You also
should carry some type of high energy food. (Usually food is
available when you want it, but there are always times when you
may need a boost.)
Don't
put yourself in danger because you're not drinking enough fluids.
The temperature, wind, distance and previous day's events will
determine your need for fluids. One rule of thumb is that a bicyclist
should drink water every 15 minutes, but water is not enough.
You should carry at least two water bottles with you. Because
we sweat and lose those precious minerals when we exercise, we
have to replace them through sports drinks and other fluids.
And since certain beverages can hinder the effectiveness of some
important vitamins and minerals, it's a good idea to have some
vitamins on hand.
Sugar
and carbohydrates keep your body going on RAGBRAI, but don't
try to eat them all at one sitting. It's much better to eat several
times a day than to try to pedal on a full stomach. And, as all
seasoned RAGBRAI riders know, there's always a food stand just
up ahead.
Information
Centers
The
Information Center for each town is always located in the main
tent campgrounds. This is where you can leave notes for people,
find information about the town, ask riders questions and find
Information Center volunteers. Teams are asked to check in at
the Information Center when they arrive in town and give the
volunteers your camping location so that others may find you.
Also, the Register's RAGBRAI Information and Merchandise stand
is always parked near the Information Center in the campgrounds.
RAGBRAI staffers will be happy to answer all your questions.
Return
to the Information Index
Lost
and Found
The
RAGBRAI Information and Merchandise Trailer in the main campground
also serves as the Lost and Found site during the ride. If you
have misplaced something during the ride, be sure to check periodically
at this trailer. It's open until 9 p.m. daily.
Sometimes found items are reported to the RAGBRAI office after
the ride ends, so you can also call the RAGBRAI office at 800-474-3342
or by e-mail at info@ragbrai.org.
You will be asked to supply your wristband number in addition
to a brief description of the item that you lost.
Return
to the Information Index
Meals
Food
and drink will be available in bountiful amounts at a very nominal
cost in the campgrounds, in churches and restaurants, and along
the route. Concessions that are officially sanctioned will be
identified by a sign reading, OFFICIAL RAGBRAI VENDOR. A discount
will usually be offered when you show your participant wristband.
Please support the officially-sanctioned concessions and be sure
to bring along enough money to cover your meals and beverages
for the week. Plan on about $35 a day. Traveler's checks are
accepted by most vendors while credit cards are accepted by only
a few.
Return
to the Information Index
Merchandise
RAGBRAI
Information and Merchandise Trailers will be located near the
town's Information Center in each main campground, as well as
a downtown trailer in each host community. RAGBRAI memorabilia
such as posters, jerseys, mugs, patches, pins, playing cards,
pens, jewelry, caps and copies of the daily Des Moines Register
may be purchased at these stands.
In your packet, you will find a merchandise catalog to order
RAGBRAI merchandise any time of the year, if it is not convenient
for you to purchase items during the ride. RAGBRAI merchandise
can also be purchased online at https://shop.ragbrai.org/home.php
Return
to the Information Index
Minors
on RAGBRAI
All
minors must be accompanied by responsible adults during the ride,
preferably their parents.
RAGBRAI will include a medical release form in the participant
packet for each minor under 18 years old to be signed by his
or her parent or guardian. The minor must have the form in his
or her possession at all times during RAGBRAI. Without the card,
there could be a delay in medical treatment.
Legal
Drinking Age
If
you plan to have an alcoholic beverage during RAGBRAI, be prepared
to prove that you are of legal age. Legal drinking age in Iowa
is 21 years. Local establishments and community-sponsored beverage
tents where alcoholic beverages are sold will not accept the
excuse that bikers wearing biking gear have no way to carry the
necessary identification. They may issue a colorful wristband
to individuals who are of legal drinking age but have a youthful
appearance. If you are under 21 and are found with alcoholic
beverages in your possession, you will be prosecuted and sent
home! We appreciate your cooperation.
Young
Children
It's
a rare child who can pedal all of RAGBRAI before the age of 11.
Children recover quickly, but a day of adverse weather will wipe
them out.
It takes a truly superior child to pedal a mountain bike with
knobby tires across the state. If a road bike isn't in your budget,
consider buying slicks for the mountain bike.
You just about have to force a child to eat well to have the
strength for all seven days.
Push water. A child who will drink only Gatorade will keep you
standing in line at an ATM.
A colorful T-shirt will help child and parent keep track of each
other on the route and in the pass-through towns.
Helmet mirrors are a great investment to keep an eye on the children
(or even adult riding partners).
Have firm meeting places. Town squares, third food stop on the
right, Dove bar stands. It's incredibly easy to get separated
from your group.
Return
to the Information Index
Official
Rider Benefits
Having
your entry selected in the lottery makes you an officially registered
participant entitled to the following benefits:
- Four ambulances and paramedic
teams on the route each day.
- Traffic controlled by Iowa State
Patrol officers at select high traffic intersections throughout
the day.
- Baggage transported from overnight-to-overnight
community and unloaded for participants at the end of each day.
- Free sag service, which patrols
the route to pick up riders who break down either physically
or mechanically.
- Ten bicycle repair shops dispersed
throughout the route, and additional repair services available
in the campgrounds during the day and in the evenings. Participants
will pay for their own repairs, however, the shops will offer
discounts for registered participants on all repairs, accessories
and RAGBRAI apparel.
- Provision for camping locations
in each host community, in addition to food vending areas, shuttle
services, shower services and entertainment.
- Portable toilets with hand-washing
stations distributed among the community campgrounds.
- Route maps handed out at the
community Information Centers and the RAGBRAI Merchandise Trailers.
- Colorful and distinct, route
signs that mark the bike route and the separate support vehicle
route.
- A free Campground Edition of
The Des Moines Register each day.
- A free embroidered patch for
week-long riders.
- Bicycle shipping stations at
the end of the ride.
- Gifts for registered support
vehicle drivers who attend the training meeting on the Saturday
before the ride starts.
- Discounts at food vendors, bicycle
repair shops, merchandise booths, and shower facilities for all
registered participants displaying their wrist bands. Displaying
the wrist band also will give you priority for sag service, bicycle
shop repairs and many other services.
- The annual Exposition on the
Saturday before the ride starts. The Expo features the latest
in bicycle equipment, accessories and apparel.
- Entry in a drawing for a free
bike for those who watch the RIDE RIGHT®
safety video.
- A free century patch for registered
participants who complete the 100-mile loop and have their photo
taken on the loop.
Wristband
Discounts
You
will need to wear your wristband at all times on the ride for
ID purposes and because discounts will be offered to wrist-banded
participants by most towns. Most Official RAGBRAI Vendors will
have discounts on food and merchandise. In the overnight towns,
you will receive discounts for showers, shuttle service and other
products. Your wristband also will give you priority to sag wagons,
bicycle shop repairs and many other services.
Return
to the Information Index
Parking
at the Starting Town and Ending Town
Participants
wishing to leave their vehicles in the starting or the ending
town for the week will be provided with the cost and location
of a parking area in the Participant Guide for registered riders
and also on the RAGBRAI web site link for the towns. Liability
for damage and/or stolen goods is the responsibility of the vehicle
owner. Long-term parking service will be denied for individuals
not registered for RAGBRAI. You do not need to purchase a RAGBRAI
vehicle pass for this service, but you must be a registered rider.
Return
to the Information Index
Participant
Packets
Near
the end of May the Participant Packet is sent to the Team Contact
for each group. If you are a single rider and did not send your
entry along with any others, the Participant Packet is sent directly
to you. Enclosed in the participant packet, you will find OFFICIAL
RAGBRAI IDENTIFICATION that contains a unique identification
number for each of the registrants in your group.
If you are a rider, you will find a rider wristband, a bike band,
a bike (license) plate and a baggage tag. If you are a non-rider,
you will receive a non-rider wristband. If you have requested
and been selected to receive a vehicle pass, one is included.
Each of the items is labeled to help you figure out whether you
are looking at a bike band or a wristband. Each of these identification
pieces and the redeemable patch certificate for seven day riders,
are imprinted with the unique identification number. Before attaching
your wristband, bike plate or bike band, make sure the number
corresponds to the numbers on your baggage tag and patch certificate.
You will find a printout in your packet that details which number
is assigned to which individual in your group.
It is the responsibility of the Team Contact who receives the
participant packet to carefully distribute these items to the
proper rider or non-rider. Any correspondence to The Des Moines
Register's RAGBRAI office should include the unique identification
number assigned, along with the person's name, address and telephone
number.
Wristband
and Bike Band Instructions
NOTE:
Do not put the wristband on until the week of RAGBRAI. The only
way to remove it is to cut the band or ruin the snap. If the
snap was ruined in the mail or a part of it is missing, stop
by the Register van in the campground for replacement. The wristband
is to be worn on the wrist-not attached to the bike, an ankle
or hanging from a key chain. The bike band should be fastened
on the top bar of your bicycle.
To attach:
- Insert one finger behind snap
when closing to exert pressure and create the proper "comfort
space" for the wearer.
- Cut off band excess.
Bike Plate Instructions
The number on your bike plate
corresponds to the number on your wristband, bike band and baggage
tag. One-day riders must write the number on the bike plate.
Please print your name and hometown on the plate and use the
cable ties included in the packet to hang it from the back of
your bike seat. It is our hope that the bike plates will encourage
conversation and introductions among riders.
Return
to the Information Index
Refunds
and Selling or Transferring Tags
Wristbands
will become nonrefundable as of a request date of June 12. If
you have already received your wristbands, then you must return
the five ID credentials issued to you, along with your request
for a refund by a postmark date of June 12. The five rider credentials
with an ID number are the wristband, the bike band, the baggage
tag, the bike license plate and the redeemable patch certificate.
A $25 processing fee per applicant is deducted for refunds. Your
refund will be mailed to you in the form of a check, even if
you made payment by credit card. RAGBRAI is not responsible for
delayed, lost or misplaced application forms, waivers and payments.
Because of the assignment of numbers on the credentials that
coincide with the entry and waiver/release of liability that
you signed, RAGBRAI is not in the business of reselling credentials.
The sale of ride credentials is a private transaction, and RAGBRAI
is not responsible for misunderstandings between the two parties,
misplaced credentials, or the failure to transfer the credentials
into the new owner's name. The five credential items include
a wristband, a bike band, a baggage tag, a bike license plate
and a redeemable patch certificate
A resold
credential will not be valid unless it is officially transferred
in the RAGBRAI office to the new owner before the event begins.
This procedure not only transfers the wristband, but also the
liability associated with it. To transfer a wristband, RAGBRAI
must have the new owner's entry and signed waiver of liability
in our office before the ride starts. At the top of the entry
form simply include a statement that says it is a transfer and
give the wristband number. If we do not receive this transfer
application and waiver, the wristband and the liability for it
will remain in the original purchaser's name.
MESSAGE
BOARD on www.ragbrai.org
Many people post messages looking to sell or buy credentials
in this forum. You might be able to find a person that is looking
to sell and transfer their credentials on the RAGBRAI message
board. If you do purchase credentials through a private sale,
the credentials MUST be transferred.
Call RAGBRAI at 1-800-I RIDE IA (474-3342) if you have questions
about this procedure.
Return
to the Information Index
Ride
Hours, Daily Route and Traffic Control Ride Hours
6
a.m., is considered the official RAGBRAI sunrise when you may
begin riding. Safety and medical support services monitor the
route between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
If you race ahead, lag behind or leave the official bicycle route,
services will not be available to you. Riding in the dark on
unknown roads without support is foolish, even if you have lights.
Ride at a speed that will enable you to finish each day well
in advance of sundown.
Daily
Route Maps/Marking
The
complete week of daily route maps, with mileage between pass-through
towns and other information, will be available at campground
Information Centers as well as at the Register's van downtown
and the Information and Merchandise Trailers in parked in the
main campground. The route for the day is published each morning
in The Des Moines Register available in the campgrounds. The
route is not closed to vehicular traffic but, by publishing the
maps, drivers can plan to use other highways while the riders
are in the area.
The bike route will be marked each day with bright orange arrows
and patrolled by emergency medical crews, repair vans, the Iowa
State Patrol and RAGBRAI personnel. Bright green arrows will
be used to mark the vehicle route in and out of town.
Meeting Towns
Each day, one of the pass-through towns is designated as a meeting
town for you and your riders. We will indicate on the support
vehicle map the routes into the meeting towns that you may use
to meet your riders and enjoy the hospitality of the local residents.
Traffic
Control/Rider Safety
Whenever
possible, we select roads with low traffic volume for the bicycle
route. The Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement authorities
direct traffic at select high traffic intersections to help make
the ride as safe as possible. They do not lead the riders on
the route.
Be sure to obey all Iowa traffic laws and be courteous to motorists
and other riders. Please wear a helmet, ride predictably, sound
off when passing another rider, don't stop on the roadway, don't
cross the yellow line, and please keep to the right if you are
traveling more slowly than others! Most importantly, RIDE RIGHT,
it's right!
For
further information on how to ride RAGBRAI, click here.
Return
to the Information Index
Sag
Service
Sag
wagons patrol the route to pick up riders who break down physically
or mechanically. There is no charge for this service if you show
your rider wristband. You will be asked to sign on when riding
a sag wagon. Again, to let the sag driver know you need help,
turn your bicycle upside down or "wheels up" and motion
a "thumbs down" signal.
Sag wagons do not provide taxi service from campground to campground,
nor should riders make a habit of using them. If you aren't in
condition to ride the distance, you should not come on the ride.
If you are picked up by a sag wagon, they will take you to the
next campground to the Information Center. If you are in need
of bike repair service, the sag wagon will drop you off at one
of the official RAGBRAI bike shops along the route.
Return
to the Information Index
Severe
Weather Guidelines
Weather
in late July in Iowa is typically very hot and humid, with highs
in the 80s and 90s. But it's not uncommon for temperatures to
dip to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the evening. Weather is very
unpredictable and rain is a very real possibility. RAGBRAI continues
to move along on schedule despite poor weather conditions. You
should pack accordingly.
In
case of lightning on the road
- Take
immediate shelter at a farm house, if available.
- If
no shelter is available, find a clearing away from trees. Never
stand near a tree. Lightning strikes the tallest point and travels
downward, sometimes arcing to things - including people nearby.
Once you find a clearing, squat on your toes with as little of
your body touching the ground as possible.
- Staying
on a bike is an individual choice for each person. It's not the
safest place to be, but sometimes it's the safest place at the
time. The rubber tires won't protect you from lightning. But
you're traveling and not high up, so chances are extremely slim
of getting hit.
In
case of hail on the road
- A
bike helmet will protect your noggin from getting hit. If the
hail stays on the ground and you're riding your bike, you could
slip and fall. If there is no lightning, get under a tree. Generally
if there's hail with a severe storm, that probably means lightning
in which case standing under a tree is not advised.
In
case of a tornado on the road
- A
tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for formation
of a tornado. It doesn't necessarily mean a tornado has been
spotted.
- A
tornado warning means that rotation has been spotted in the clouds
or a funnel has actually touched down. If there's rotation and
there is a warning, take cover immediately.
- A
tornado will generally come from the southwest moving northeast.
Most injuries and deaths from a tornado are the result of being
hit by flying debris. A tornado can force a blade of grass into
a fence post so obviously it can kill a person. Tornadic storms
can produce more than one funnel, lots of lightning, rain and
hail. In this storm, everyone should take immediate action and
find shelter.
- If
there are no homes, caves, etc., lay down in a low spot on the
ground not subject to flooding!
In
case of lightning in camp
- If
there is a storm with lightning, people who are camping under
trees should leave their tents for safer places. Go to a building,
picnic shelter, car, pool house, etc., away from metal and power
poles with conductors in them. Be aware of your surroundings
and locate the storm shelter in the area once you establish your
campsite. The campground Information Center and the town's tabloid
(the free publication that each community prints and distributes
in town) will also be able to identify the shelter locations.
In
case of hail in camp
- In
camp, there's not a whole lot you can do. You are okay in your
tent unless it is large hail, which will go right through. The
biggest problem here is that if you have hail, you have a severe
storm coming.
In
case of a tornado in camp
- If
there is a need to evacuate, move quickly but safely.
- The
safest places are basements, inside rooms (never near windows)
on the northeast corner of the building, under stairs and in
bathrooms.
- Depending
on your local weather service, you should have 10-15 minutes
after a tornado has been spotted to evacuate.
Each
overnight town has a severe weather plan in place, so follow
the organizers directions.
Return
to the Information Index
Showers/Bathrooms
Showers
will be available at schools, swimming pools and converted car
washes. Shuttle service is usually available from the campgrounds
to the showers. RAGBRAI provides for 80 portable toilets to supplement
the ones provided by the overnight towns in the campgrounds.
If you must have bathrooms close to your campsite, please set
up your campsite close to the bathrooms. They will not be moved
once the bathrooms are in place.
A
number of campers use sun-heated portable showers. According
to state law, it is illegal to dispose of waste water into any
state-owned natural or artificial lake. Additionally you are
requested to dispose of this water through appropriate sewage
access. Please do not dump portable showers on the ground.
Return
to the Information Index
Training/Preparation
RAGBRAI
is a leisurely ride-not a race. You will get the most enjoyment
out of it if you have trained for the ride. Plan on riding at
least 600 training miles as you get ready for RAGBRAI week. The
route is always challenging, so the more miles you put into training,
the more you will be able to enjoy the event.
The daily mileage averages more than 68 miles a day, and ranges
from 49 to 95 miles per day. The Iowa terrain can vary from flat
to very steep hills.
RAGBRAI should not be your training, but a culmination of your
training effort. The biggest cause of injuries is lack of conditioning.
If you are unable to complete the ride, you are responsible for
your own transportation home, but RAGBRAI personnel will advise
with travel logistics whenever possible.
Personal
Preparation Tips from Register Host Brian Duffy
For those of you who have not heard, RAGBRAI Co-founder John
Karras penned his last postcard from the ride in 2000 and retired
as a co-host. John assures us that he will still be riding RAGBRAI
but he has joined the ranks of cyclo-tourist whose only worry
will be what type of pie to have. I am the front-page cartoonist
for The Des Moines Register, and was named as a co-host of RAGBRAI
in 2000. I have ridden and drawn cartoons on the ride since 1988,
so I am not brand new to RAGBRAI.
I have dabbled in every type of cycling from criterium racing
to a few ultra-marathon events. It was through the ultra-marathon
experience that I discovered riding 400 kilometers in a day can
make the hands go numb and that is not a good thing for someone
in my business.
In addition to the host gig, I have inherited Karras' traditional
training tips column. For those of you who live in Iowa or other
northern climes, our winters are not conducive to outdoor riding.
Many of you are forced to sit on a trainer, rollers or take spinning
classes to get your cycling fix. I'm sure one thing that you
have found is how exceedingly difficult it is to force yourself
to sit on a trainer for an hour, even with a whole library of
old Tour de France tapes to keep you pedaling. The key to indoor
cycling workouts is to vary the types and intensity. One day
a week, work on hill climbs doing a group of steady efforts lasting
five to seven minutes a piece. Another day, work in an easy gear
and concentrate on your pedal stroke. Another day, practice short
hard intervals that get you close to your maximum heart rate.
If you feel nauseous or light-headed while doing a workout, stop
immediately.
Many health clubs offer spinning classes that incorporate many
of the techniques already mentioned. Don't forget that cycling
uses other parts of your body, not just your legs, heart and
lungs. Do crunches for the abdominal muscles because strong abs
help decrease the chance of back problems. Push ups and bicep
curls with weights are great exercises for your arms. If you
find you are experiencing shoulder or neck pain when riding,
try this exercise. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms
relaxed at your sides. Shrug your shoulders for three sets of
10 reps.
Some people wait until it gets warm outside before attempting
that first ride of the year. Don't wait! If the roads are clear
of snow and ice, bundle up and head out on your bike. One major
mistake that many people make is to charge out on their first
ride and mash big gears until their knees explode. Start out
with short rides and spin, spin, spin. The French have a term
for a supple, smooth pedal stroke. They call it souplesse. That's
your goal!
Slowly add miles to your rides and try to make sure you begin
your ride by heading into the spring winds to push you home when
you are tiring. Take advantage of the wide selection of two-day
weekend rides in the late spring and early summer. These are
the kinds of rides you need to get accustomed to longer rides
on consecutive days. A base of at least 600 miles with a healthy
dose of hills thrown in should go a long way to prepare you for
the rigors of RAGBRAI.
One of the questions neophyte RAGBRAI riders invariably ask is
what kind of bike to get for the ride. In years past, a majority
of bikes on the ride were the typical drop-handled road variety.
Over the last few years, tandems, hybrids, mountain bikes, and
recumbents have been showing up in increasing numbers. It really
depends on what type of bike you are comfortable riding. People
with shoulder and back problems might ride a mountain or hybrid
bike because it allows them to sit in a more upright position.
Gearing is another area where personal preference comes into
play. Many RAGBRAI riders like a third chain ring known as a
"granny gear." This small chain ring allows a rider
to spin comfortably up even the biggest hill. One of the greatest
cycling inventions in my opinion has been the clipless pedal.
The system incorporates technology first used on ski bindings.
A cleat attached to the sole of a cycling shoe clicks into the
pedal. The pedal can be adjusted for lateral movement which eliminates
a lot of knee problems associated with the older toe clip system
that locked your shoe into one position.
What to wear on RAGBRAI? You see everything from jeans to bikinis.
I personally wouldn't recommend either. A helmet is a number
one necessity. Bike shorts are advisable. And don't be embarrassed
about wearing those lycra numbers. Everybody else is wearing
them too. If you really don't want to wear something that looks
like it was painted on you, many bike shops have alternative
shorts that have a padded seat. Cycling gloves are another must.
Many of the gloves have gel padding which helps reduce road vibration.
To steal a phrase from an old TV show, "Let's be careful
out there." RAGBRAI has close to 10,000 riders of all different
levels of experience on the road at one time. Accidents are bound
to happen, but RIDING RIGHT can reduce many of them. Essentially
practice the same common sense that you use every day in the
car. Don't turn right from the left lane in your car and don't
do it on a bike. Signal when merging with traffic in a car, and
signal when merging on your bike. Ride your bike like you would
drive your car.
Practice road etiquette. Slower riders generally stay over to
the right, sometimes, especially on hills and at corners, they
move further to the left. If you are smoking up from behind,
be patient, slow down and don't scream at them, "ON YOUR
LEFT!" Announce signals in a calm and clear manner. We don't
allow road rage on RAGBRAI.
You have already read it several times in this guide, but it
bears repeating that this is not a race. This is a discovery
tour of Iowa. Scenery and communities along the way are meant
to be savored. I can tell you that every community along the
route is excited to have you visit them. They have spent thousands
of dollars and untold volunteer hours just to welcome you to
their little piece of the world. So when you come to RAGBRAI,
leave your cell phones, palm pilots and all other tools of the
ever-quickening world at home...slow down and enjoy!
For more training information you can also visit the RAGBRAI
Website for monthly training features by Brian Duffy (from January-July
in the RAGBRAI E-Newsletter.
Return
to the Information Index
Travel
Arrangements
Travel
to the starting point of RAGBRAI and back home from the ending
point of the ride is each rider's responsibility. Many rely on
relatives and friends for transportation while others take chartered
buses offered by bicycle clubs, shops and other organizations.
Because the route changes each year, you must wait until you
receive confirmation that you were selected before you will be
able to schedule any flights or make charter arrangements. The
RAGBRAI office will be glad to answer any logistical questions
you might have.
If you are coming from out-of-state, the starting host town usually
coordinates a shuttle from the nearest commercial airport. The
starting town also will put this information on their web site
that will be linked to ragbrai.org.
You also could choose to fly into Des Moines or Omaha and take
a charter to the starting town and a charter back to Des Moines
at the end of the ride.
For transportation to and from the start and the end of the route,
consult the list of charters.
If you call or write to any charter, you must have a wristband
number to prove that you are a rider with credentials.
Return
to the Information Index
Use
of the RAGBRAI® Name
Simply
put, you cannot print RAGBRAI on your team's shirts or jerseys.
Illegal use of the these protected marks can lead to confiscation
of non-permitted jerseys, t-shirts and other items.
Legal restrictions exist for the use of the RAGBRAI® name,
marks and logos. Vendors are not allowed to use the name "RAGBRAI®"
or any derivative thereof without written permission from The
Des Moines Register. The marks and names RAGBRAI® and Register's
Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa are and shall be
the exclusive property of The Des Moines Register and Tribune
Company. Both the RAGBRAI and RIDE RIGHT® logos are registered
trademarks, and therefore cannot be used without prior written
permission of The Des Moines Register.
Only official RAGBRAI bicycle shops and the Friends of RAGBRAI
have limited permission to use these marks on t-shirts, ads,
etc. Permission for all other uses must come from RAGBRAI. We
will take enforcement action against those found using any of
the above marks without written permission.
Return
to the Information Index
Vehicle
Pass Instructions for Support Vehicle Drivers
Any
vehicle accompanying RAGBRAI participants during the week must
have a vehicle pass adhered to the lower-right hand corner on
the inside of the windshield. Drivers and other non-riders traveling
in vehicles must wear a non-rider band during RAGBRAI. Please
Note: You do not need a vehicle pass if you plan to park your
vehicle at the starting or ending towns during the week of RAGBRAI.
In an effort to control traffic congestion on the routes and
in the towns, we must limit the number of passes we issue each
year. The number of vehicle passes is limited to only 1,500.
The vehicle passes are for groups of three or more who have requested
vehicle passes.
RAGBRAI officials and the Iowa State Patrol will prepare a route
for support vehicles that avoids the riders' route and leads
drivers directly into the next overnight community. The map of
the support route will be available only at the Information Centers
in the starting and overnight towns, and at the RAGBRAI Merchandise
and Information stands located near the Information Center in
the campground and in each downtown area.
Our number one concern is the safety of the riders and we're
sure it's yours also. The bicycle route isn't closed to motor
vehicles, but we ask your cooperation by not driving on it. By
accepting a vehicle pass, you agree not to travel on the bike
route and not to go into any pass-through towns. If you are found
on the bicycle route, the Iowa State Patrol will remove your
vehicle pass, and your campground privileges will be forfeited.
We have been advised by the Iowa State Patrol that, for your
safety, all speed limits and motor vehicle laws will be closely
enforced on all highways leading to overnight towns. Please drive
carefully.
Each day one of the pass-through towns is designated as a meeting
town for you and your riders. We will indicate on the support
vehicle map the routes into the meeting towns that you may use
to meet your riders and enjoy the hospitality of the local residents.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
If you have vehicle pass and are bringing a self-contained motor
home, you need to be aware that most of campgrounds will not
be equipped with electrical or water hook-ups. All overnight
communities will, however, have a dumping station. Additionally
if you will be operating a generator in the campgrounds, please
be courteous of your fellow tent campers.
Return to the Information Index
Vending
during RAGBRAI
RAGBRAI
participants are assured a wide selection of food from which
to choose during the week. Food vendors and other types of vendors
will be everywhere along the route. RAGBRAI does not make any
decisions about what the vendors may offer to sell to participants,
nor does RAGBRAI receive any funds from vendor fees. The vendor
must have an Iowa Sales Tax Permit if they are a for-profit business.
If they are selling food, the vendor must obtain an Iowa Retail
Food Establishment License, which requires an inspection.
Vendors who wish to set up within the city limits of an overnight
town or a town that RAGBRAI passes through need to contact the
vendor chairperson of the organizing committee in each town where
they wish to be a vendor. The organizing committees determine
the vendor fees, which are used by the communities to cover the
costs of services provided to RAGBRAI participants. These services
include additional sanitation services, additional law enforcement
for traffic control, additional medical personnel, etc. Vendors
setting up inside city limits are identified as OFFICIAL RAGBRAI
VENDORS by a sign or a permit posted in their booth.
Vendors choosing to set up outside of city limits must obtain
permission from the person whose property they are on. The county
must be contacted regarding any county permit or ordinance. Additionally,
for safety reasons, the vendor should set up on the right-hand
side of the road and allow enough room to allow for bicycle stopping
and parking. Vendors setting up without proper permission or
proper documentation may be asked to leave by the property owner
or by state and county health officials. If the location selected
by the vendor creates a safety or health risk, law enforcement
officials may require the vendor to move.
Who
to Contact
- Any
vendor wishing to sell alcohol must meet state vending standards.
For information about selling alcohol, contact: the Licensing
Division, Alcohol and Beverage Division, (866) 469-2223.
- For
information about obtaining an Iowa Sales Tax Permit, contact:
Mr. Larry Fox, Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance, at (515)
725-0223
- For
information about obtaining food service licenses, contact: Judy
Harrison, Food and Consumer Safety Bureau, Inspections Division,
at (515) 281-8587.
- Any
time after the RAGBRAI route is announced in March, you may feel
free to contact the vendor chairperson in each community. The
best way to do this is to contact the city clerk's office or
the local Chamber of Commerce.
Return
to the Information Index
What
to Pack
Find
your helmet, make sure it fits correctly, and pack it now. Wear
it whenever you are on a bike during RAGBRAI! Here are some tips
to help make sure you and your helmet are meant for each other.
Three Tips to Help Insure
a Proper Helmet Fit
- The
shake test. Put the helmet on your head and move it side to side
and front and back, making sure the fit pads hold the helmet
securely to your head.
- Make
sure the helmet sits level on your head. You should have about
a finger's width between your eyebrow and the bottom of the helmet
when the straps are tight. If the helmet tends to creep up where
it looks more like a sunbonnet, the straps in front of the ear
will need to be shortened.
- Most
importantly make sure that your straps are adjusted correctly.
The straps should feel somewhat tight so that when you open your
mouth, you feel the helmet press firmly against your head. You
also should not be able to pull the helmet off when the chin
strap is tightened.
Bicycle
Equipment:
Bicycle shops can handle most any mechanical need you have, but
you might consider bringing a small repair kit that includes
a tire, spare tube, tire irons and small wrenches. In addition,
a rear view mirror, bike gloves, pump, bike bag, rain gear, bicycle
lock and water bottles are necessary equipment.
Camping Equipment: For camping you'll need a
duffel bag, sleeping bag, pillow, pad, tent, ground cloth, rope,
stakes and a flashlight.
Toiletries: Pack a towel, washcloth, toothbrush,
toothpaste, skin lotion, shampoo, soap, razor, nail clippers,
brush/comb, hair ties/barrettes, deodorant, mirror and toilet
tissue.
Clothes: T-shirts, shorts, a jacket, pants,
warm-up suit, underwear, socks, shoes, thongs, sleepwear, swimsuit,
and sweatbands/bandannas should get you through the week.
First Aid: Pack aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins,
Band-Aids, gauze, tape, first aid cream, lip balm, sun block,
insect repellent, safety pins, special medicines, Campho-Phenique,
and sanitary protection if needed with disposable bags. Paramedic
teams patrol the bicycle route and emergency medical treatment
will be available in each campground.
Miscellaneous: Bring an alarm clock, spare glasses,
sunglasses, a scouting knife, camera, film, watch, earplugs,
ID, money, traveler's checks, credit cards, journal, pens, pencils,
stamps, address book, several plastic trash bags for rain protection
and zip-lock bags. Be sure to enclose everything in a water-tight
plastic bag.
Please
put identification on everything you bring along on RAGBRAI.
Personal Hygiene Precautions
While
RAGBRAI has never had a reported incidence of food-borne illness
causing gastrointestinal symptoms that spread among the riders,
the potential is always there. A ride in another state suffered
an outbreak of diarrheal illness, which might have been better
controlled by riders practicing improved personal hygiene habits.
A few tips to prevent you from becoming ill include:
- Frequent
washing of hands can wash away the germs picked up from other
people or from contaminated surfaces.
- Always
wash your hands after using the rest room and before eating.
- Carry
a small bottle of antibacterial hand-washing solution - the kind
that does not require water to be effective. Use when hand-washing
facilities are not available.
- Do
not reach into a tub or container of water or ice to retrieve
a canned beverage or other food item. The water or ice may have
been contaminated by others who have reached in before you.
- Before
purchasing any food from a vendor along the route, note whether
they are taking precautions to prevent the spread of food-borne
illness.
- RAGBRAI
is working closely with the overnight and pass-through towns
to help them provide adequate facilities for hand washing, which
is the most effective way to prevent food-borne illness. We are
also in contact with the Iowa Department of Public Health and
the Department of Inspections and Appeals, which are providing
guidance for food preparation and storage for food preparation
and storage for food establishments that set up along the route.
Return
to the Information Index
For
More Information
RAGBRAI
PO Box 622
Des Moines, IA 50306-0622
Should you need additional information about RAGBRAI, please
write to the above address, or call the RAGBRAI Hotline 1-800-I
RIDE IA (474-3342).
FAX: 515-284-8138, or email info@ragbrai.org.
Return
to the Information Index |