As thousands of cyclists prepare to roll across Iowa for RAGBRAI LII, the Iowa State Patrol is already in motion—mapping traffic patterns, coordinating control points, and sharpening its focus on rider safety. Trooper Kevin Krull spoke with us to shed light on how the Patrol plans to support this iconic summer trek, from managing high-traffic zones to staying alert for unpredictable hazards on the route.
Trooper Krull went on to explain more about their patrol and assistance to the riders.
This year, for the first time ever, RABGRAI will traverse into a neighboring state, by riding in Minnesota for a few miles. Krull spoke on the logistics of that.
He highlighted the route leaving Orange City on Sunday, and suggested that local traffic, if not involved in the ride, avoid the area and the route.
Sunday’s route then progresses to some more heavily trafficked areas, especially in the summer with Lakes traffic.
Monday’s path then takes the riders from Milford to Estherville, traveling through Minnesota as mentioned before. From Estherville, they journey through Armstrong, Swea City, and Bancroft, before overnighting on Tuesday in Forest City. Iowa Falls, Cedar Falls, and Oelwin are also set to host overnight stops, finally ending in Guttenberg on July 26th as the concluding host sight. This will be the second shortest route and sixth flattest ever RAGBRAI, at 406 miles and 10,487 feet of climb.
With tens of thousands of riders from all 50 states and beyond gearing up for RAGBRAI LII, Iowa is once again transforming into the stage for the world’s largest—and longest—recreational bicycle tour. Stretching across rolling hills, bustling small towns, and miles of open road, this iconic event is more than a ride—it’s a celebration of endurance, adventure, and community spirit. And as the stream of cyclists winds its way across the state, the Iowa State Patrol, with help from county and local officials, along with Minnesota this year, remains a watchful partner, ensuring that safety and support keep pace with the spectacle.
