The FVBSC RAGBRAI TEAM is getting ready for our legendary (and fun) ride across Iowa. Visit https://ragbrai.com/ to learn all about it!
THE RIDE (July 25-July 31, 2021) – Arrive in Le Mars, Iowa (start town) on July 24
RAGBRAI is an enjoyable ride, not a race. Averages 67 miles per day – moderately hilly (some days extremely hilly), winds supposedly blow W to E but don’t count on it, ride in all weather.
When you ride RAGBRAI, you can ride self supported (carry your gear with you), camp in the RAGBRAI campgrounds (very crowded, few amenities) or hook up with a charter. FVBSC uses the Pork Belly Ventures Charter, the oldest and largest charter ... and best in our opinion. So you will register for both the RIDE and the CHARTER.
THE RIDE - RAGBRAI
Instructions to Register for RAGBRAI and Join FVBSC Group:
- Registration opens December 7, 2020
- Go to https://ragbrai.com
- Create an account / login to your account
- Go to MY RAGBRAI
- Go to JOIN A GROUP
- Find FVBSC #16583
- Weeklong rider fee = $175 (due by April 1)
- Sign waiver
2021 Course
Starts in Le Mars, Iowa and ends in Clinton, Iowa
https://ragbrai.com/2021-route-maps/
THE CHARTER – PORK BELLY
Instructions to Register for Pork Belly Charter:
- Registration is open NOW (until July 31)
- Go to https://pkbelly.com
- Create an account / login to your account
- Weeklong support fee = Approx $65 per day (due by June 1)
- Sign waiver
PORK BELLY fees go to the PORK BELLY CHARTER (independent from RAGBRAI) and include:
- Baggage transport from host town to host town
- RESERVED campsites
- Port-A-Potties (known as kybos)
- Royal Flush, the restroom trailer, with flushing toilets and urinals, sinks and soap-dispensers, mirrors and lights
- Team T-Shirt
- Juice Thingy Trailer for charging electronic devices (charging is available 24 hours), plus electric air mattress inflator/deflator
- Your Daily Shower and Towel, hot, private showers in camp. The shower trailers are air-conditioned, and you'll find soap and shampoo dispensers in every stall.
- Hot Coffee, start brewing at 4:30 a.m.
- Three Suppers in Camp. We aim for nutritious and delicious menus provided by the best local caterers.
- Massage (optional, extra charge). A deep-tissue, athletic massage.
- Professional Bike Mechanics, set up in camp daily from 3:00 p.m. on to help you with minor repairs.
- PBV's Midweek Laundry Service (optional, extra charge)
- Pump Thingy, a special compressor and pressure regulator to make pumping your tires a breeze.
- Free weeklong storage of your hard-shell bike case or bike box-$20 value, free to weeklong Porkers.
- Optional Rental Tents ($495 per week), includes set up, take down, duffle bag delivery and pick up
PORK BELLY’s limit is two duffels, one for clothing and toiletries, and the second for camping stuff. Everything you bring should fit inside your two bags. Don’t spend much on a RAGBRAI bag. It’s going to get some wear.
COST ESTIMATE ($1,000 to $2,000 depending upon your desired level of luxury)
TRANSPORTATION
Riders will drive themselves to Clinton, IA on July 23rd and stay overnight in a hotel. Book the "End Town to Start Town" shuttle ($160) with Pork Belly Charter. Shuttle will depart Clinton early Saturday morning, July 24. Be sure to include "FVBSC" in your Pork Belly Charter registration form to enable all of us to ride together on the shuttle. Reserve "long-term parking" ($100) in Clinton with Pork Belly Charter as well.
THE NIGHT BEFORE
We have a block of rooms reserved in Clinton, IA for the night before (Friday, July 23rd). The next morning we will most likely catch the Pork Belly shuttle to Le Mars, leaving at 8am. Rates are $110 per room ($99 for room plus $11 for taxes), all rooms have 1 queen bed. Please let me know if you would like one of these rooms.
Travelodge by Wyndham Clinton Valley West Court
2300 Valley West Court
Clinton, IA
Once we arrive in La Mars on Saturday afternoon July 24th, we check in with Pork Belly, set up tents and prepare for RAGBRAI to begin on Sunday, July 25th.
TRAINING
To make RAGBRAI enjoyable, the minimum recommended training is 1,000 miles by start date, including several back-to-back riding days. And don't forget to throw in some hill training! At the end of each day, you should be tired (but not exhausted) and should be able to recover with a hot shower, square meal and good night’s sleep for the next day in the saddle.
Please contact Carrie, RAGBRAI event coordinator, at 630-567-2300 or ckhalle@gmail.com for questions.