RAGBRAI 2023 daily planner: Route, mileage and highlights along the way

The 2023 edition of RAGBRAI marks the 50th anniversary of the first ride in 1973. This year's ride will go 500 miles, starting in Sioux City on Sunday, July 23, and ending in Davenport on Saturday, July 29.Here's what riders can look forward to each day during the ride.Day 1: Sunday, July 23 – Sioux City to Storm Lake Mileage: 77 miles Elevation: 3,504 feet Pass-through towns: Kingsley, Washta (meeting town), Quimby Concert: Spazmatics in Storm Lake Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss:Tire Dip in Missouri: Dipping bicycle tires in the Missouri River signifies the beginning of RAGBRAI for most riders. Thousands will kick off this year's 500-mile ride by doing so. Sergeant Floyd Monument: Part of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, this Sioux City monument honors Sgt. Charles Floyd, Jr., the only member of the crew to die during the Lewis & Clark expedition.Day 2: Monday, July 24 – Storm Lake to Carroll Mileage: 62 miles Elevation: 1,818 feet Pass-through towns: Early, Lake View (meeting town), Breda, Mt. Carmel Concert: The Pork Tornadoes in Carroll Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss:The Iowa Legendary Rye: Need something different than the beer trucks? Carroll, Iowa claims the world's No. 1 rye liquor. Born in the 1930s during Prohibition, the Prohibition-era recipe rye whisky continues today with local ingredients from Carroll and Crawford counties.World’s Largest Popcorn Ball: Weighing in north of 9,000 pounds, the largest ball of popcorn in the world resides in Sac City, a short detour between Early and Lake View.Day 3: Tuesday, July 25 – Carroll to Ames Mileage: 83 miles Elevation: 1,479 feet Pass-through towns: Glidden, Jefferson, Rippey (meeting town), Luther Concert: Hairball in Ames Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss:The Century Loop: an optional route taking riders 100-plus miles, also known as the Karras Loop after ride co-founder John Karras, is between Carroll and Ames. It’s only 17 extra miles on top of the day’s regular route, so why not? Mahanay Bell Tower: Keep an eye out: The 168-foot-tall bell tower in downtown Jefferson should be easy to spot. The Mahanay Bell Tower is a staple to the Jefferson community and a perfect place to stop and snap a picture.Reiman Gardens: Ever seen a 15-foot-tall gnome? You'll have your chance when you stop in Ames. Located at Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University, this gnome is known as the World’s Tallest Concrete Gnome.Day 4: Wednesday, July 26 – Ames to Des Moines Mileage: 50 miles Elevation: 1,216 feet Pass-through towns: Slater, Madrid, Polk City, Ankeny (meeting town) Concert: Lynyrd Skynyrd in Des Moines Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss:Ankeny Bicycle Bash: Ankeny has big plans for Wednesday’s meeting town. Ankeny’s Bicycle Bash will have two locations, Uptown and The District at Prairie Trail. Expect live music, art, food, games, shopping, and, of course, plenty of cold drinks.High Trestle Trail Bridge: If you're looking for more cycling options, the 25-mile-long High Trestle Trail runs near the Day 4 route. The High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid is a popular attraction due to the scenic views, especially around the time of the sunset. Day 5: Thursday, July 27 – Des Moines to Tama-Toledo Mileage: 82 milesElevation: 3,652 feet Pass-through towns: Altoona, Mitchellville, Colfax, Newton (meeting town), Kellogg, Grinnell Concert: Foghat in Tama-Toledo Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss: Elias Arbuckle Magician and Troy Peters Mind Meddler Show: It's showtime: don’t miss the magic Thursday morning and afternoon. First, Elias Arbuckle will be showing off his fast-paced magic performance and Troy Peters will hit the Newton Public Library lawn afterward with his Mind Meddler Show. Altoona art: Public art made by metal sculptor John Brommel ― Freddy: Big Frog head at the Altoona Public Library; Praying for Prey, a 12-foot praying mantis at the city's Enabling Gardens; and Moai Dude: Easter Island Head at Ironwood Park ― would make for a quick Instagram-worthy detour about 15 miles into the day's ride.Day 6: Friday, July 28 – Tama-Toledo to Coralville Mileage: 82 miles Elevation: 3,303 feet Pass-through towns: Chelsea, Belle Plaine, Marengo (meeting town), Amana, Oxford Concert: Bush (with Plush) in Coralville Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss:Amana Colonies: Stop by the Amana Colonies on your way to Coralville and pick up food, beer or wine at one of the many small shops and restaurants in the area. Iowa Firefighters Memorial: One sight to swing by while in Coralville is the Iowa Firefighters Memorial. On Russell Slade Boulevard, the memorial includes a wall of recognition and a statue. There is also a piece from the World Trade Center in recognition of 9/11. Day 7: Saturday, July 29 – Coralville to Davenport Mileage: 66 miles Elevation: 1,604 feet Pass-through towns: Iowa City, West Liberty, Muscatine (meeting town), Buffalo Concert: TBA in Davenport Weather: Check our daily forecast here.Don’t miss:Tire Dip in Mississippi: No RAGBRAI would be complete without the ceremonial tire dip in the Mississippi River to finish.Iowa City landmarks: There's plenty to do and see in Iowa City, such as the Old Capitol Museum, the University of Iowa campus and Kinnick Stadium.