Fairfield, Iowa To Host RAGBRAI Riders For A Daytime Stopover On July 26th

Fairfield is gearing up to welcome the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) on Friday, July 26th, where the town will serve as a pivotal meeting point for support vehicles and riders embarking on their journey to Mt Pleasant.

This year Fairfield will host only a portion of the group for the day. Seeing mostly support personnel and some riders who will arrive in the morning and stay until about 3 PM before moving on to the next stop. The full RAGBRAI event encompasses an estimated 20,000 weeklong riders, along with 3,000 support teams, and an additional 1,500 daily pass holders. According to a survey by The Des Moines Register, RAGBRAI riders represent a wide spectrum of professions and backgrounds, with a majority expressing appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended by Iowa communities.

Various Fairfield officials will be spearheading a group of dedicated planners to curate an unforgettable experience that showcases the very best of Fairfield.

In preparation for the event, various local committees focusing on entertainment, communications, vendors, and public safety will be formed to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. Volunteers interested in contributing to this daytime celebration are encouraged to sign up at www.fairfieldragbrai.com.  Additionally, vendor information will be made available on the website starting April 10th.

The 2024 ride will begin in Glenwood, which is just south of Council Bluffs, before ending on July 27th in Burlington. This year’s ride will be the shortest on record at 434 miles, but at 18,741 feet of climb, the elevation will be the steepest. Fairfield previously hosted RAGBRAI as an overnight town in 1979, 1988, 1997, 2013, and 2019.

The organizers are asking for everyone’s patience as they get all the details sorted out and announced. All planning and activity announcements for the Fairfield meeting stop will take place on the Fairfield RAGBRAI website, www.fairfieldragbrai.com or their Facebook page. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].