When thinking about packing for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), timing is everything. You’ve got to strike a balance between being too early and forgetting crucial gear in the last-minute chaos. I usually start my packing preparations roughly two months in advance. This timeline isn’t arbitrary; it provides ample period to research, purchase the right gear, and make necessary adjustments.
The reason I start so early boils down to the sheer volume of items needed. We’re talking about clothing for all possible weather conditions, camping gear, bike maintenance tools, and personal essentials. The diversity of the items means you can’t expect to pull everything together in a week. The list might seem overwhelming at first, but with some organization and early planning, it becomes manageable.
One of the first things I consider is the bike itself. Ensuring it’s in top condition needs preparation time. This involves getting a thorough tune-up, replacing worn-out parts like chains, tires, or brake pads. Getting this done early avoids the stress of dealing with last-minute mechanical issues. Moreover, if you need to order specific parts, delivery times can vary. I had a friend who waited until the last week before RAGBRAI to replace his saddle and ended up overpaying for expedited shipping.
Clothing is next on my packing timeline. The weather during RAGBRAI can be unpredictable. I’ve experienced sunny days with temperatures hitting 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and rainy days that chill you to the bone. Packing a mix of moisture-wicking shirts, cycling shorts, a waterproof jacket, and warmer layers ensures you’re prepared no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. According to the event’s website, bringing along at least two sets of cycling attire is recommended because no one wants to wear damp or dirty clothes the next day.
Camping gear is another crucial aspect that requires attention weeks in advance. I always recommend testing out your gear before the trip. That means setting up your tent, firing up your camping stove, and checking your sleeping bag for any signs of wear and tear. Last year, I found a small leak in my air mattress the night before departure, leading to an uncomfortable first night. Learning from that experience, I now allocate one weekend a month before departure to do a trial run of all my camping equipment. A lot of riders suggest a footprint under your tent, especially if you’re dealing with wet ground, an often-overlooked but valuable addition.
A proper bike toolkit is vital and should include tire levers, a multi-tool, a patch kit, and a small hand pump. These items are not hard to find, but getting quality, reliable tools can sometimes mean ordering online, which takes a few extra days. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to have these on hand. In a 2018 RAGBRAI survey, 56% of participants reported having to perform some form of bike maintenance during the event.
Hydration and nutrition should also be a priority in your packing list. With the lengthy distances covered each day, typically between 50 and 70 miles (80 to 112 kilometers), maintaining energy and hydration is crucial. I find it helpful to carry a hydration pack or water bottles with at least 3 liters capacity, along with energy bars and electrolytes. Dehydration can sneak up on you, and no one wants to end up in the medical tent, something I unfortunately witnessed a few times.
Thinking about personal essentials, don’t forget first aid supplies, toiletries, and even some entertainment for down times like a book or a deck of cards. While these might seem minor, they add comfort and can significantly improve your overall experience. In a 2020 blog, experts emphasized the importance of mental relaxation during multi-day events, suggesting these small comforts go a long way in maintaining morale.
Lastly, early packing allows you to stick to a budget. Spreading out your purchases over a couple of months helps avoid a huge, last-minute hit to your finances. Also, by starting early, you can take advantage of seasonal sales and avoid the exorbitant costs of last-minute buys. I keep a spreadsheet with estimated costs, comparing prices to ensure I’m getting the best deal. This foresight saved me around $200 last year, allowing me to invest in a high-quality cycling helmet.
If you are searching for a comprehensive guide on what exactly to pack, check out this RAGBRAI Packing List. This list covers all the essentials and then some, making sure you won’t miss an item before hitting the road. Based on this guide, I added a few minor but handy items that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise, like a small roll of duct tape and zip ties for any emergency fixes.
You should never underestimate the importance of preparing early for RAGBRAI. Following a planned schedule for packing ensures you don’t find yourself scrambling for last-minute items, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy the ride.