Ragbrai Newbies 101 crash course - What to expect when riding across Iowa!

[@Chihirolee3]

Guess I'm crazy cuz I'm bikepacking it. XD But last year I did a 750 mile bikepack solo (11 riding days), and im a NE IA native, so I know what expect here, despite never doing RAGBRI before. However, I need to learn to ride with other's around as im used to being alone (I'll be solo but the communication I need to learn more on). Other tips: -SUNSCREEN! Iowa is very sparse on trees, so the sun will be beating down on you constantly. If its super hot, you should apply every hour, and every couple applications, you should try to wipe off the old gunk. Not only will this get bugs and dust and grime off, but sunscreen becomes less effective the more its layered. -Water: can't emphasize water enough. You should make sure to drink water at every through town as well as on the ride, especially if you drink alcohol in the evenings. Late July can hit 100° in northern Iowa, and its often muggy, so you can never really have enough water. Bring salt packets and electrolyte supplements to ensure you are balancing your needs as you ride (as evening alcohol will make this imbalance worse). -Toilet paper: bring toilet paper with you on your bike. You can't be certain that porta potties will have toilet paper, and sometimes going in the corn is what you have to do. -Eye protection: Even something as simple as safety glasses, but have eye protection. Gnats are no joke here. Extra protein in the mouth, but not good on your eyeballs. -Ear Plugs: If you want to sleep...wear earplugs. Hope we don't have headwinds on the century day. >_< My hair matches my pfp, so if you see me, say hi! Happy and safe riding to all!

[@BrewersArcade]

Great tips!!

[@scottmiller1729]

I was wondering about the snoring. I plan to bring earplugs. Thanks for reminding me.

[@seththomas9105]

I've watched you crazy people do this for the last 50 years. Maybe next year I'll give it a try. Lifelong Iowan.

[@susanmarie3425]

Do it!

[@eamar98]

Thanks! Looking forward to do my first one this year. I am not new to long distance cycling but never done multiple days like Ragbrai

[@BrewersArcade]

Thanks for the support! Follow David Ertls training guide and you will do well. Just know it is TOUGH to do it seven days in a row. Train up!🤘

[@henkda1]

Practice your sleeping solution: a week in muggy tent among 1,000 people snoring and slamming doors to portable toilets (we call them Kybos on RAGBRAI) can make for some lonnnnggg nights.

[@PeskeDad]

Big fan of a mirror, thicker tires lessen the bumps. 2 RAGBRAI (& life) advice - 1. Build a base - you need nutrition and Move to maintain - dont stay someplace too long else you might get stuck... Also I'd say a gravel bike is better than roadie as long as you can power it. They are made for endurance. This year is RAG 32 in a row!

[@BrewersArcade]

Holy Moley 32 years! Amazing!!! See you on the road!

[@johndoiron9615]

Thanks for making this video. My wife and I are planning on doing it in 2025, but we want to soak it all in now so we can plan well.

[@BrewersArcade]

No problem! Best of luck and train hard!

[@lindsaylozano4652]

Just wanted to comment my appreciation for you taking the time to go through this. My husband is from Iowa and we moved away 8 yrs ago to Colorado. We've always talked about doing this and now that it will be ending in Burlington his home town we decided this is the year to head back to Iowa and do it! All of your tips were very helpful! We bike in Colorado so we hope that'll help us since we used to elevation 😂

[@BrewersArcade]

Thanks for the kind words! I would really start training now and follow the David Ertl guide just released on the Ragbrai site! Sounds like this really is going to be really tough so just put miles on and pace yourself! Have fun!!

[@coreyweitzel]

Great list. I’m planning on doing my first Ragbrai in 2023. Also your shirt is awesome, Ottobar great small place in Baltimore

[@BrewersArcade]

Awesome! Thanks for the support!

[@raetashax3]

Just stumbled upon your video & noticed you rocking a Baltimore shirt & looked like your plates were MD. My husband & I are driving out from MD as well! Doing Ragbrai for the first time this year.. Tandem. RIIIP to us haha. Maybe see you there!

[@BrewersArcade]

That’s awesome!! Reach out if you have any questions! Indeed a fellow Marylander!!

[@LB3.4A]

Another person from Baltimore doing a first trip here. Anyone want to transport a bike for gas money?

[@peterlyonsphoto]

This was a really fun watch… I’ve heard of this ride for decades and now putting it on my bucket list in a serious way. Gotta get there!

[@BrewersArcade]

Appreciate you tuning in! You have to do it at least once! Nothing like it.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

thanks, man. great info. damn...good deal on that bike! I appreciate the extra info as this year will be my first RAGBRAI.

[@BrewersArcade]

Of course! Glad I could help. You will be just fine but follow the training guide as best you can!

[@maxenra]

Our first year too! Wife and I just got bikes and we’re training. See ya there!

[@TheWellnessChannel4First]

Be sure to train on hills!! Iowa has tons of hills.

[@BrewersArcade]

Truth!!

[@juliaharbeck774]

Iowa can't wait to welcome you. Stop by Jackson St brewery in Sioux City.

[@BrewersArcade]

You got a beer or three waiting for me!?

[@Genzaijh]

Have a blast out there! One tip I have which I didn't hear you mention is when cycling use a higher cadence. Meaning spin your legs faster. A good speed is about 90 RPM. You can reduce the difficulty of your gear set and just spin at this faster speed. You'll move faster, it will be easier to ride, ( easier to climb hills ) and you won't be so tired or sore by the end of the day. If you can keep your legs spinning fast it will greatly boost your riding efficiency.

[@mitcho399]

Thanks nobody ever talks about doing rock Ragbrai using a motorhome thank you!

[@cousinbb]

Thanks for the tips! My husband is doing Ragbrai for the first time and we are doing all kinds of research to prepare! #TeamPennsRiders :)

[@smalltowncustoms9793]

I use to be a welder and would get gaulded in the nether region really bad.. I started using Right Gaurd Sport white solid.. Never gaulded again.. Good idea to carry 2, one marked Crack..lol It doesnt leave you feeling greasy and its not messy trying to apply.. It works period.. Try it you'll agree

[@timkarcher6724]

I recommend you get your bike tune up 3 or 4 months before your ride if you live in Iowa. Bike shops get really booked up the month prior to RAGBRAI.

[@GoldenK9Campers]

Thanks so much for the video. The most useful and straightforward video i've seen.. without any of the fluff. Question. i'm planning on bringing my dogs to RAGBRAI. My wife will be towing our popup camper between towns. We will try and get campgrounds for every nite with hookups.. but we do have a tow vehicle that has an inverter built into it, that can also power our trailer with AC if need be. Do you have any suggestions about bringing dogs along? Thanks so much!!

[@kedarmukherjee5007]

This is great stuff. Thanks a lot. I definitely want to do in 2023.

[@BrewersArcade]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@peacefulpathways3476]

Thanks for the video, very educational. I'm going to give it a shot in 2024. Does the RV support team That's traveling with me Have access to all the food along the way like the cyclists get. Like Mr. Pork chop and all the corn and pies. Again thanks for your videos. I look forward to your next ones happy cycling.

[@BrewersArcade]

RVs can stop in the passthrough town, otherwise no so they should fend for themselves until they get to the overnight town. Thanks for tuning in!

[@timkarcher6724]

There are many battery powered portable air compressors that work great ....you set the pressure you want and it shuts off at the desired pressure.

[@edwood7741]

Hmmm. My suggestion is to do whatever works for you. Be cautious of taking advice from someone who has done this ride ONCE! There are over 10,000 RAGBRAI bike riders out there each year. I've seen people ride unicycles, roller blades, kids bikes, e-bikes, hybrids... Everyone on RAGBRAI is free to do their own thing. Ride and have fun, that's what it's all about!

[@BrewersArcade]

Gee Ed, troll elsewhere.

[@edwood7741]

@@BrewersArcade Not Trolling. You asked for my suggestion...

[@richardwright5741]

Any advice for the motor home driver? We will be rolling in a class B van and have not found any recommendations for how prepare for each day, to navigate the stops, stay recommendations, how to meet up each day etc.

[@BrewersArcade]

There is a separate route for RVs as support vehicles so just be sure you know the map that Ragbrai provides. It’s best to get to the end town each day early so you can find parking. Make sure you pay for an RV pass because parking is very difficult without it. My wife never really met up with me at the passthrough town because it was too much of a headache to try and get there. There will be a LOT of RVs so just get to the end town and set up a good spot for your rider.

[@30OIvanova]

Get leather saddles, but break them in beforehand.

[@briangrondin1978]

Great video! I'll see you in 2023 (post retirement)

[@BrewersArcade]

See you then!

[@jimbeam1901]

Does Ragbrai reigstration include any gear hauling or SAG? Or is it only through charters or your own vehicles?

[@BrewersArcade]

It includes SAG. Not sure about gear hauling. I would check the website

[@miguelc1938]

Thanks so much

[@UTemHorns]

Words of true wisdom. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi would be proud of you my son (LOL.) "Don't take YOUR exhaustion or frustration on the ones you love."

[@BrewersArcade]

Haha I speak from experience!!

[@UTemHorns]

I could tell by your tone. We’ve ALLLL done it.

[@marlenemcnemar8770]

Getting ready and it will be just me, do you recommend a partner on the ride?

[@BrewersArcade]

Personally I prefer to ride solo but I believe that’s just my personality

[@lisasch1593]

No need for a partner...trust me, you will easily find new friends on RAGBRAI.

[@helmerporras6827]

Excelente compatriotas,,, estoy en Colombia,,,para este 2023 necesitó información..para ir a tan gran vuelta... Me gustaría saber todo inscripción,, hospedaje,,si consigo bicicleta alquilada ,acá en Colombia montó en ruta..

[@joell7586]

Great video with a lot of helpful information. I would disagree with only 1 part of your advice. Running tires at 110 psi is really an outdated way of thinking. When I rode with 23mm width tires lowering them to 90 psi made the road way more comfortable. Some people ride their 23mm tires at even lower pressures. It also does not have any impact on overall speed. Newer bikes use 28mm tires or even larger depending on the model.These tires use an even lower pressure and have no loss in speed. Looking forward to my first year of Ragbrai in 2024.

[@BrewersArcade]

Thanks for tuning in! Higher PSI, lower rolling resistance. Lower PSI isn’t gonna make anything comfortable on a stiff road bike. Finished my third Ragbrai last year. Good luck this year! Gonna be a tough one! Appreciate you tuning in

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

will they take ur stuff to the next stop? if so is that included in the price?

[@BrewersArcade]

You would need to pay for a charter service

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

will i have to make reservations before hand ? I am just trying to get everything in play befor getting a ticket.

[@BrewersArcade]

@@pyromancyglassart8975 Places like Pork Belly sell out fairly quickly so if you need a tent and your belongings brought along they are the number 1 option. You may be able to book with them now.

[@koryfigura8712]

RAGBRAI registration includes hauling from overnight town to overnight town. You DON'T have to go with a charter, BUT the included hauling requires that your ONE bag be under 50 lbs (including tent). They WILL check weight. He's not clear (or correct) on this, but it is possible to register, do RAGBRAI, and NOT have to have a charter, an RV/driver, or carry all your own stuff. Sounds hard to some, but hundreds of people do it every year.

[@egyptiantomatoes7784]

do you still own your major havoc machine? If so is it for sale?

[@helmerporras6827]

Tengo amigos en San Diego California y en new York.. y montan en cicla,, quisiera saber todo sobre el evento, gracias

[@apriljohnson6191]

What is the grade on the steepest hills of Ragbrai? 5%? 10%?

[@BrewersArcade]

Overall mostly rolling hills but on a couple of days it was steep and once I had to get off and walk because I was nervous being clipped in on a steep hill. Not sure of the grade

[@shanemarnach3665]

The path is different every year so it varies

[@carylanzoni489]

I have a Trek Hybrid.....I have upgraded it with better peddles, new chain, etc. It is fitted.....Is a hybrid ok over a road bike?

[@BrewersArcade]

Yea you gotta do what’s best for you. My guidance is only suggestions. A road bike is great because you can change up hand positions and they are typically lighter

[@ShawnKehoe]

Would a "gravel bike" be recommended over a regular road bike?

[@BrewersArcade]

It’s on a paved surface so not really. If you use a gravel bike I would at least recommend you put smooth tires on it to give you less rolling resistance unless you are planning to do the gravel day. See you in Iowa!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Is the event always west to east???

[@BrewersArcade]

Yep! Different route each year though

[@changinlooks1]

Yes! Always different communities. Well, not always, but close! We Iowans love it! And you don’t HAVE to have a bike, I have ridden small parts and then rode with shuttles or buses etc. people are getting super smart about riding and it’s great. I’m partial to the NE part of the state cause that’s where I’m from, but Iowa and our natives are amazing! We can’t wait to have the route go near our farm so can be a host location!

[@tjellis1479]

Centimeters? there is none in Iowa

[@johnmeggers5059]

Trying to figure out what the anti-chafing product is. CC shows it as “desolatin” but I’m not getting any hits searching on that.

[@BrewersArcade]

You want Chamois Butt’r before you ride. You want Desitin in case you get a rash or really sore skin down there after a day of riding.

[@williamtheriault4090]

Don’t buy new if you can’t afford it but if you can there’s nothing wrong with buying new, especially now days they have great financing options

[@BrewersArcade]

Financing anything is never good advice! Don’t buy what you can’t afford!

[@fabes326]

@@BrewersArcade those poor home owners with a mortgage

[@BrewersArcade]

@@fabes326 actually true. Hence why I paid off my mortgage at 39

[@brandonclark8736]

LOL, moral support and he has an RV....lol

[@4epatterson]

I prefer the smaller rides. Just too many people on the road for my taste

[@Rottingboards]

Advice: Throw your road bike away and buy a recumbent. Bacchetta Giro. Your bum will thank you. 😎

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Too many people for me.

[@christopheralix8554]

It’s a saddle, not a seat. Seats are supposed to be comfortable Saddles are should be tolerable for riding bikes, not comfortable.

[@BrewersArcade]

Literally who gives a fuck. You have nothing better to do than critique calling a seat a saddle?!

[@christopheralix8554]

@@BrewersArcade ​​⁠I guess I don’t Nor do I have anything better to do than comment on someone commenting on someone. I guess that makes me the worse idiot? The moral of the story is this. If you think you’ll find comfort for 7 days of centuries you are wrong. Just trying to save the guy a buck. Saddles are expensive and they tend to be an item cyclist waste money on looking for “comfort” better to see a bike fitter and get the one that fits. And they are saddles, not seats. Not sure why it’s an issue to call something what it is and not what it isn’t. Again, I would hope that someone would correct me if was calling something by it’s wrong name. No beef, just offering helpful criticism. Cause I’m lonely and pathetic. Hence the reply. Your turn. You who is neither lonely nor pathetic and has better things to do than reply to a comment.