RAGBRAI Riders Conquer Record-Breaking 160-Mile Day in America 250 Challenge

For the first time in its 53-year history, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa pushed riders to their absolute limit with a single-day route stretching 160 miles. The America 250 Double Loop, held on Thursday, July 23, tested even the fittest cyclists as they pedaled through rolling hills and headwinds to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday.

What Made This RAGBRAI Day Historic?

The Day 5 route already was the longest of the week at 87.1 miles. But organizers added two optional loops — the traditional Karras Century Loop and a second loop — creating a 160-mile trek that became the longest one-day ride in RAGBRAI history. About 600 riders out of tens of thousands took on the challenge, according to RAGBRAI officials.

Riders faced tough conditions earlier in the week, including nearly 100-degree heat and thousands of feet of elevation gain from the Missouri River valley. But Thursday brought cooler weather with a high of 76 degrees and lighter winds, making the historic ride more manageable.

How Did Riders Prepare for the 160-Mile Trek?

Annika Sisac, a seasoned cyclist from Colorado, said she didn't decide to tackle the double loop until she was 10 miles away from the starting point in Jesup. After struggling through the first two hot days, she questioned whether she could finish all seven days of RAGBRAI. But her boyfriend, a first-time rider, hyped her up to take on the challenge.

“I will say the hills in Colorado are steeper and longer, but rolling hills are really hard,” Sisac said. “It's its own type of challenge. I struggle with them personally, even though I come from Colorado. So it is definitely hard. Iowa is not flat.”

Brian Kelly, another rider, delayed surgery to make the ride. “I trained really hard this year, so I wanted to do it,” he said, pausing for a cigarette before setting out on the next 80 miles.

What Did Riders Say About the Experience?

Matt Hammer, on his sixth RAGBRAI, could only ride Day 5 this year due to work. After completing the century loop every year, he had to add the 160-mile day to his list of accomplishments. “How many times do you get an opportunity like this?” Hammer said. “I don't think RAGBRAI is going to do a 250 day again for a long time.”

Alan Hulstein, also on his sixth RAGBRAI, held off on pie and beer until he finished. “You have to give up some things to do the loop,” he said. “So I am really looking forward to my celebratory beer.”

Juan Valencia, who has returned to Iowa from Rochester, Minnesota, each year since 2013, trained 1,000 miles before the ride. “This is an addiction,” he said, adding he would celebrate with a pool plunge.

How Did the Air Force Cycling Team Support Riders?

Zack Naqvi, riding with the Air Force Cycling Team, completed his first RAGBRAI and the America 250 Loop. He started solo but joined three other team members he didn't know before Thursday. “Honestly, I could not have done it without these three guys,” Naqvi said, noting they maintained a 20 mph pace and motivated each other.

The more than 100-member team helps anyone needing assistance, whether medical or mechanical, said Jason Matsuoka, an Air Force commander based in California. “It's literally what we're here for,” Matsuoka said. “It doesn't matter how long it takes. We are spread out into the entirety of the route while riding. That way we can be there right as things happen.”

What Does This Mean for Iowa?

RAGBRAI remains a celebration of Iowa's rural communities and cycling culture. Hammer called it “the most special event that we have in the state each year,” appreciating that riders from across the country and world get to experience rural Iowa. The record-breaking day underscores the grit and determination of Iowans and visitors alike, highlighting the state's unique role in American cycling history.