Regional Industry & News

Thousands of riders gather in Onawa for start of RAGBRAI 2026

The 391-mile bike tour runs from Onawa to Dubuque through July 25

ONAWA, Iowa (WOWT) - Thousands of cyclists descended on downtown Onawa on Saturday ahead of the start of RAGBRAI 2026, the annual bike touring event billed as the oldest, largest and longest of its kind in the world.

The ride, which spans 391 miles from Onawa to Dubuque, draws riders from across the country and beyond. For some, it was a return trip.

Riders share what draws them back

“It was on our bucket list, and it was just so much fun that we ended up, we had to come back,” said Sherry Chlysta, a returning rider.

Others were experiencing RAGBRAI for the first time. “Well, this is my first year, and I got my lay,” said Dominic Calvarese, a first-time rider.

Rider Cindy Day said the event was a natural fit. “I had to do it because biking is my favorite thing to do. Always has been since I was in fifth grade,” Day said.

A ride known for its community

Chlysta said the variety of people on the route is part of the appeal. “I met a blind man who was riding on the back of a tandem. I met people here for their honeymoon. I met someone that rode the whole thing with a parrot on his back. I mean, they’re just such interesting people,” she said.

Day said she has ridden the same bike for three decades. “My bike is 30 years old, the same bike I used 30 years ago,” she said. “I used to have dreams when I was little about being a bird and flying like a bird. It’s the closest I’ll ever get to flying like a bird.”

Chlysta said the event is open to all skill levels and ages. “You have whole families, every age. And it’s just, that’s one of the best parts about it. It’s for everyone,” she said.

The tour officially begins Sunday, with riders traveling approximately 60 miles to Harlan. The full ride concludes July 25 in Dubuque.