Be there when RAGBRAI's 50th anniversary route is announced Saturday

From Des Moines Register staff
·2 min read
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Sioux City. Storm Lake. Fort Dodge. Ames. Des Moines. Williamsburg. Davenport.

That was the route of the original Great Six-Day Bike Trip in 1973 that evolved into the seven-day Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, becoming the world's largest annual multi-day bicycle tour.

This year brings the 50th edition of the ride, and RAGBRAI and the Des Moines Register will be celebrating in style.

More:Registration for 50th anniversary RAGBRAI opens with attendance record expected

How close will the July 22-29 ride stick ― or not ― to the original? Will it pass through the Des Moines metro with a crowd of riders that, by some estimates, could reach 100,000 and set a world record for a single-day bike excursion? What sort of events will host towns put on to welcome the pedaling horde? Will it live up to its reputation as the greatest rolling party in the universe?

To be among the first to find out the golden anniversary route and other details, join the RAGBRAI crew this Saturday, Jan. 28, for the biggest announcement celebration in RAGBRAI history.

The party runs from 6-10 p.m. in Hy-Vee Hall B at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. Capping the night will be the big announcement, made via a special video to mark the anniversary. Admission is $50 ($60 day of) or $500 for a table accommodating 10. Tickets may be purchased at ragbrai.com/events/ragbrai-route-announcement-party.

Riders line up to dip their bike tires in the Mississippi at Lansing on the last day of RAGBRAI July 30, 2022.
Riders line up to dip their bike tires in the Mississippi at Lansing on the last day of RAGBRAI July 30, 2022.

Previously:As RAGBRAI 2022 ends in Lansing, new director says first-day ridership was close to record level

Admission includes an appetizer buffet, a free Big Grove beer and 50th anniversary pint glass, a silent auction and entertainment including RAGRBAI perennial favorite The Pork Tornadoes.

Can't make it in person? The Des Moines Register will provide live, exclusive coverage of the announcement at desmoinesregister.com and on the Register's Facebook page.

And if you're already certain you want to make the ride, go to ragbrai.com/ragbrai-l-registration to sign up.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: RAGBRAI 50th anniversary route announcement party is Saturday