Des Moines, Iowa April 20, 2020 – RAGBRAI XLVIII to postpone 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.
1. 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.
2. Request a full refund of their 2020 registration.
3. 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
RAGBRAI Frequently Asked Questions:
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Will next year be RAGBRAI XLVIII or RAGBRAI XLIX?
Next year we will celebrate RAGBRAI XLVIII from Sunday, July 25 – Saturday, July 31, 2021.
What are the dates of the 2021 ride?
RAGBRAI XLVIII will be held Sunday, July 25 – Saturday, July 31. The RAGBRAI Expo will be held on
Saturday, July 24, 2021 in Le Mars, Iowa from 12pm-9pm.
Will the route be the same in 2021?
Yes, RAGBRAI XLVIII will follow the same route. As with any year the full route is subject to change based on road closures and construction. The full route will be released in 2021.
If I requested a refund prior to the April 15 announcement can I request my processing fee back?
Unfortunately, any refund requested prior to cancellation is subject to a $25 processing fee per our
refund policy.
I’ve registered for 2020 but haven’t paid, can I be transferred to 2021?
If you’ve registered and haven’t paid you have until May 01, 2020 to pay in full. Anyone who pays in full
between April 15 and May 01 will automatically be transferred to 2021. No further action is necessary.
If you aren’t sure if you have paid, please check your RAGBRAI.com account or email info@ragbrai.com.
When will registration open for the 2021 ride?
Registration for RAGBRAI XLVIII will open on November 15, 2020.
Once registration opens for 2021 will I be able to make changes to my registration?
Yes, if you need to make changes to your registration you will be able to make changes once registration reopens and will be subject to any policy or refund deadlines set forth at that time.
Note that any refund requests received after June 01, 2020 for RAGBRAI XLVIII will be subject to the $25 processing fee per our refund policy.
