Oelwein will be the second to last overnight stop before thousands of riders descend on the Mississippi River to dip their tires at the conclusion of the 2025 RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).
Announced Saturday evening, this year’s RAGBRAI route will be one of the organization’s second shortest routes, covering 406 miles and 10,487 feet of climb.
Deb Howard, Oelwein Chamber and Area Development executive director, said that it’s been a while since riders graced Oelwein’s streets, but is ready to welcome all drivers, bikers and anyone who feels like celebrating the great ride.
“We are excited to be an overnight town for this year’s RAGBRAI event! It is an opportunity for us to showcase Oelwein to people from all over! We will provide a fun and safe stay for the riders and their support crews and for the area people who also come to Oelwein for the entertainment and fun,†Howard said. “It is amazing to see all the riders as they arrive. The last time they were in Oelwein was in 2014 when we were chosen as a pass-through community! We will need the community to help us prepare in the next few months and the day of the event by volunteering! We will make it another great event in Oelwein!â€
The ride will begin in Orange City then travel through Milford, Estherville, Forest City, Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls, Oelwein and Guttenberg over the next seven days, spanning from July 19-26. Soon, a committee will be formed to organize tent locations and volunteer helpers for stands and information booths to help riders get to locations around town.
Oelwein’s downtown will be the place to be when riders roll through main streets and enjoy festivities and the countless food vendors.
“We’re trying to get us across the state as efficiently as possible,†RAGBRAI Director Matt Pippen said. “This is the second shortest, so it’s a pretty easy route across the state. It’s the sixth flattest. Last year we had over 18,000 feet of climb and this year we’re a little over 10, so there’s an 8,000 feet difference from last year to this year, which is a good thing.â€
He said that this year’s route is a little closer to home for him.
“Towns are great. I have two towns that I’ve spent a lot of time in, more than half my life,†Pippen said. “Oelwein is my original hometown and then I went to Cedar Falls… met my beautiful wife in Cedar Falls so I have some strong ties there, but every town that’s on the map I am super excited to have on the route.â€
