RAGBRAI 2026: CARRYING THE LITESPEED FLAG FOR THE RIDE ACROSS IOWA
Every summer, 20,000 cyclists pedal together across the state of Iowa. They start at the Missouri River and finish at the Mississippi seven days later. Why? Because they can! That's RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) in a nutshell.
This isn't a race or a time trial. It's just the biggest, loudest, most joyfully chaotic group ride in the country. There are no podiums and no official timing. There is, however, pie. A lot of pie. And beer. And live bands in cornfields. And endless good times.
RAGBRAI has been running since 1973, which makes it one of the longest-standing cycling events in America. Arguably, it's the one event that's done the most to prove that a great ride doesn't need to be a competition to be unforgettable. For the second year in a row, the Litespeed team packed up the van, loaded up their titanium gravel bikes, and went to experience everything RAGBRAI is about.
Litespeed Supports RAGBRAI Rides
Our pro mechanics, Michael, Chris, and Justin, were joined by our Project Manager, Audrey. Together, they took turns riding the RAGBRAI route on their Litespeed gravel bikes, but their main mission was supporting all 20,000 cyclists along the way. They set up the Litespeed booth at every overnight town.
A couple of fun Litespeeds we encountered!
This gave everyone the chance to check out Litespeed's new Cerokote bikes, but the main reason they were there was to provide mechanical support. They spent their mornings and nights wrenching on bikes, ensuring as many of the 20,000 riders who started could make it to the finish.
Carrying the Litespeed Flag across Iowa
"We had to work hard to play hard!" Michael said. "That moving expo is no joke. It’s so much work for all staff, vendors, volunteers, and so on, and it's amazing how much everyone puts into this to make it all happen. It's just such a crazy event. Non-stop. Every day was up early and late to bed for us!"
Outside the "Field of Dreams"
During the day, the team rode along with the RAGBRAI crowd. They got to experience the amazing RAGBRAI atmosphere and see all of the amazing sights Iowa has to offer along the way.
Audrey and her Toscano and the M&M Divide.
"It was one of the best times I've had at a bike event ever!" Audrey said. "I got to ride every day, then hang out at the tent once I rolled into the overnight town and talk to the continuous stream of RAGBRAI riders stopping through."
The Litespeed booth was the place to come hang and watch the World Cup.
Not only did they wrench on bikes and ride, but the Litespeed team even provided a plethora of post-ride "recovery" activities. They transformed the Litespeed booth into a post-ride hub where they provided plenty of seating, libations, sang Karaoke late into the night, and even had the 2026 World Cup regularly playing on a TV.
Only at RAGBRAI
The Litespeed team had the time of our lives at RAGBRAI this year. "We found a beautiful troll in a boat, the Field of Dreams, and had a karaoke party," Michael said. "What a great event. See ya next year, riders!"
