QCBC Members,
It is my pleasure to be the 2026 RAGBRAI coordinator for the QCBC. We wanted to get the word out early so when you plan your vacation time you include RAGBRAI in 2026. It is always the last full week of July – July 18-25th.
RAGBRAI has opened its registration for 2026 on November 15th. QCBC will once again provide a charter service. Our charter registration is now open as well. This year we are limiting the number of riders for our Charter so please get your reservations in so you do not miss out. QCBC Charter is the only Charter to have participated in every RAGBRAI.
If you have ridden RAGBRAI in the past, you already know how wonderful it is and how terrific our Charter service is.
If you have never ridden RAGBRAI you should seriously consider it this year. It is a cycling event like no other in the world. It is the people of the Iowa which make it an amazing experience. They open their homes and their towns to a horde of cyclists each year the last week in July. It is like a county fair in every town RAGBRAI passes through. The overnight towns have entertainment each night. It is one of the only places where you can ride your bike 50-100 miles each day and gain weight (the food is really that good). It is truly a bucket list event that many people have on their lists, but few experience. Many people think that it is too hard for them. When really it is really a bunch of small rides each day over a week. To truly experience RAGBRAI you need to stop often along the way, and visit with residents and fellow cyclists from all over the world. It is a ride not a race so there is no emphasis on speed.
This year we plan to offer training group rides so people can get comfortable riding in groups and longer distances, for not only RAGBRAI but TOMRV, Heartland Century ride and the tailwind rides.
Each year we try to improve the charter in recent years we have added air-conditioned private showers with a sink, mirror and flush toilet. We have added e-bike charging as more & more people are riding e-bikes. We have made cold beverages and snacks part of the charter at no extra cost. We allow Cots and 5-gallon buckets (to carry sleeping bag and use as a seat) on the Charter that do not count as one of your two bags. This year we are adding bike stands for pumping up your tires! These are only to name a few. So, if you have not ridden with us in a while, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Our logistics partner ARGO provide a family type environment at each private campsite, with their friendly staff who go over and beyond to make sure each person has a terrific experience.
Some people have expressed interest but have doubts or questions. We will once again be hosting our RAGBRAI for Rookies on February 21st. This is where everyone is welcome to come and see what RAGBRAI is all about and see demonstrations and talk with seasoned riders. But feel free to send any questions you may have to our qcbccharter@gmail.com and we will do our best to get you answers to your questions.
Although the 2026 route is not announced until January 24th, 2026, it is not too early to make plans it is truly worth a week of your life that you will not regret.
Roger Killion
QCBC RAGBRAI Charter Coordinator |