Join us on America's largest bike tour this July!
It's called RAGBRAI !

Imagine: 10,000 riders on pastoral roads for seven days of biking and parties! Every year the countryside of the Middle-west begins buzzing as groups of cyclists from across the United States converge in Western Iowa to cross the state. Small towns swell in size and open their doors with concerts, parties, barbecues and games. Few foreigners attend, so you'll be a guest of honor as part of our Swiss contingent of riders.

Accommodations

While most cyclists on RAGBRAI will be staying at large campgrounds, you will be welcomed as special guests in the homes of the local townspeople at each stop along the way. You'll meet a variety of families, discover the American way of life and practice your English every day.

Arrival

We fly from Geneva to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Once at the airport, you'll be picked up by your host family and spend a few nights in the Twin Cities area enjoying American hospitality with your new friends. We leave for Iowa by bus a few days later for RAGBRAI.

The Tour

Organized by the state newspaper, RAGBRAI has been around for almost 40 years. The itinerary changes annually to include different small towns in Iowa. Motor traffic is stopped on each day and cyclists bike in long ribbons stretching for tens of kilometers. Riders cross the state from West to East in 7 days. Each day is about 100 kilometers of rolling hills. Support vehicles, water stands and food vendors line the route to create a rolling festival. There are dinners, parties, concerts and events planned each night of the ride. Even Lance Armstrong is set to attend.

Bike Switzerland

Bike Switzerland is based in Carouge, Switzerland and has been working to bring American cyclists to Switzerland for over five years. John Klemme is Bike Switzerland's director and an Iowa native with a long RAGBRAI experience.