RAGBRAI LII Route Announcement Party

The 2025 RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party in Waukee, Iowa

RAGBRAI Announcement Party Sets the Stage for Cycling Excitement

The RAGBRAI Announcement Party, the much-anticipated annual event for cycling enthusiasts, is taking center stage tonight, signaling the beginning of fervent preparations for the world's oldest and largest recreational bike ride. RAGBRAI, which is short for the "Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa", has become a celebrated tradition that brings together cyclists from all walks of life. The annual Announcement Party, held on the last Saturday of January, serves as the grand curtain-raise, reveal for the route for the upcoming summer adventure.

This year's Announcement Party is not being hosted in its customary home of downtown Des Moines. This year, the party moves 25 miles west to the Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, Iowa. But no matter the location, this party creates a dynamic setting for attendees to gather and share their passion for cycling. The air is filled with anticipation as cyclists, supporters, and community members eagerly await the unveiling of the latest RAGBRAI route. The venue's festive atmosphere, accompanied by live music, live-streaming commentary and interviews, sets the perfect backdrop for the occasion.

As we count down the minutes to the 2025 route reveal, the organizers will take the stage to unveil the carefully guarded secret – the overnight towns for the upcoming RAGBRAI. As in previous years, there will be the expected hush falling over the the crowd as each overnight town sign is flipped, revealing the name of the much coveted overnight towns. , challenging terrains, and scenic landscapes that riders would traverse during the multi-day journey across Iowa. The cheers and applause that followed reflected the enthusiasm and eagerness of the participants to embark on this unique cycling adventure.

The RAGBRAI Announcement Party is not just about the cyclists; it's a celebration that involves entire communities. Local businesses, restaurants, and vendors will all hold their collective breath as the full route unfolds. Each hopeful town anticipates their name being announced so that they can kick in their full efforts to put together a festival for the riders that represents their town's personality. Food trucks offering a variety of culinary delights, local artisans showcasing their creations, and community groups organizing activities. The imaginations and expectations of town representatives are dancing in wild anticipation. All of this makes the Announcement Party a true community affair.

One of the highlights of the RAGBRAI Announcement Party is the sense of camaraderie that permeates the event. Cyclists, both local and out-of-town, have made the trip to this party. Many are clad in team jerseys, but all are there to mingle and share their stories of their past RAGBRAI experiences. The spirit of teamwork and the shared love for cycling are evident as participants exchange tips, discuss training regimens, and form new connections.

With the route soon to be unveiled, the countdown to RAGBRAI officially begins. Cyclists waste no time in discussing logistics, planning their itineraries, and making necessary preparations for the challenging journey ahead. The Announcement Party serves as the catalyst, igniting the collective passion for cycling that will drive participants to train rigorously and ensure they will be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

The RAGBRAI Announcement Party is always more than just a revelation of the route; it's a celebration of the cycling community and a prelude to the epic adventure. As cyclists disperse from the event, the excitement lingers, motivating them to pedal through the diverse landscapes of Iowa, forging unforgettable memories and reinforcing the enduring spirit of RAGBRAI.