The official start of RAGBRAI

After a night full of lively music and homemade treats, RAGBRAI cyclists got up and early to dip their rear tire into the Rock River. Tim Grabacki, 54 of Barrington, Ill. dips his tire in the Rock River at the start of RAGBRAI on Sunday, July 20, 2014. (Linh Ta/The...

Lance Armstrong tardy but still popular in Rock Valley

Famed cyclist Lance Armstrong appeared about an hour later than promised Saturday night — leading to grumbling on social media about his punctuality — but he was swarmed by fans when he joined the crowd at the beer tent at about 10 p.m. “I’m just really glad he’s...

Day 1: What you need to know

Here’s a quick primer about today’s 69-mile ride from Rock Valley to Okoboji: WEATHER: The first leg of RAGBRAI will be warm, but very typical for July in Iowa, says Ed Wilson of Des Moines’ WHO-HD. It will be mostly sunny and humid. Starting temperatures will...

Flag flap: Is it OK to bike across the painted Stars and Stripes?

Rock Valley, Ia. – Here’s why RAGBRAI bicyclists won’t roll across 24 depictions of the Stars and Stripes painted on the highway as they roll out of town Sunday morning between and beneath an avenue of actual, flapping flags: A minor debate erupted here over...