The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Quick Take: After decades of solo touring, I’m shifting to shared roads—Oklahoma Freewheel in 2026 and RAGBRAI in 2027. Same love of the open road, new kind of joy: community, stories, and pie. Why I’m Riding RAGBRAI and Oklahoma Freewheel Next Even though I’ve decided to hang up my solo touring shoes, I’m nowhere close to done chasing the open road. The difference now is the kind of adventure I want—one shared with thousands of riders moving toward something unforgettable. From Solo Tours to Shared Roads For years I chose the rhythm of planning my own route, being alone with the road, and letting each day unfold. Now I’m craving the laughter, the mid-ride conversations, and the festival energy that big events bring. In 2026 I’m riding Oklahoma Freewheel , and in 2027 I’m finally checking RAGBRAI off the list. Last time I rode a week-long event like these was BRAG — the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia — back in 2001 . That was 25 years ago this coming summer. The memor...

RAGBRAI: A Legendary Ride Across Iowa Every Cyclist Should Experience RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is more than just a ride—it's a rite of passage for cyclists around the world. Held every summer, this seven-day adventure takes riders across the state of Iowa, from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River , and offers an unforgettable experience rich with community, challenge, and camaraderie. 📅 This Year's Ride: July 22–29 The 2024 RAGBRAI route, shown in the image below, winds through a series of small towns and rural communities, offering cyclists a chance to immerse themselves in the heart and hospitality of Iowa . Alt text for route image: Map showing the 2024 RAGBRAI route across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River, with marked overnight towns. 🚴 Who Rides RAGBRAI? Each year, 10,000 to 20,000 cyclists take part, coming from all corners of the globe. Riders range from seasoned touring cyclists to fir...