Pork Belly Update-EFS & Onawa Indoor Sleeping

But first - a few reminders!

Account Balances

Just a friendly reminder that your account balances were due in full by May 15th. You may pay your balance via credit card by logging into your pkbelly.com account. If you'd like to save the credit card processing fees, you can mail us a check, but since they are past due please let us know if you'll be doing this. After June 15th, we will begin removing accounts with no payments beyond the deposit, so if you have an outstanding balance please help us out and write to us with your intentions at info@pkbelly.com. Thanks!

The Detail Form

The Detail Form collects some simple but important info that we need in order to better serve you! This is important, friends, and we appreciate you reading these instructions carefully and completing your form by June 15th. EVERYONE who uses any services of Pork Belly Ventures - even if it's only a shuttle - should complete at least some of the form. Depending on what services you are using, some questions may not apply, and that's fine. You can read more about the Detail Form, including complete instructions, in our last emailed update, linked here.

Cancellation Deadlines

We remind you of our Cancellation Policy and Refund Deadline, so that there's no misunderstanding. June 15th is the last day to cancel and get a 90% refund, for any reason, if you did not choose the cancellation protection. After June 15th, we don't make any refunds, unless you took our cancellation protection when you initially registered. If so - then you have extended your 90% refund to Wednesday, July 15th at 10:00 PM CST. If you have our protection and cancel by email by 10:00 PM on July 15th, we will make a 90% refund by check (mailed to you after RAGBRAI). After July 15th at 10:00 PM, we're sorry, we cannot make any refunds in any instances.

If you need to cancel services: Please send us an email!

If you need to cancel services, simply write to us at info@pkbelly.com. If you're due a refund, you can include your mailing address in the text of the email. An email establishes the date of your cancellation. It makes it possible for us to look you up by name, or if the name is very common, we can look you up by email address. And it allows us to copy members of our team on the reply and keep everyone in the loop. We are scouting and traveling to other events between now and RAGBRAI, and we don't promise that we will receive voice messages. Email is the way to cancel some or all services on your registration.

Do not go into your registration form and remove all services, please. This complicates the process on our end, causing us to search for confirmation emails and reconstruct your registration to determine whether a refund is due and the amount. Simply write us an email, and we'll take it from there.

The Early Finish Shuttle (EFS)!

While this is the shortest RAGBRAI in history at 391.4 miles, there's one day that is a tad on the long side! Thursday - Day 5 - from Marshalltown to Independence is 86.2 official miles. With our Marshalltown campsite being on the south side of town, there will realistically be a few extra miles on top of that for you Porkers. We've had some inquiries about an Early Finish Shuttle - which we try to offer for the longer days when possible. We're happy to share that we will have an Early Finish coach available to pick you up in Reinbeck so you can SAG in comfort to Independence.

What is an Early-Finish Shuttle?

• Some riders have written to say that they plan to take these options as "insurance," and use them or not use them, depending on how they feel on that day. This is always the case for some riders, who hope to make it, but want a back-up just in case.
• Our crew will be set up to load bikes at a pre-determined location in the meeting town about halfway through your cycling day on Thursday (the long day).
• Prior to RAGBRAI, we will publish maps of our Early-Finish Shuttle location/s.
• A motor coach will arrive 30 minutes prior to the published departure time.
• The Early-Finish Shuttle, like all other services, is subject to our cancellation and refund policy. Therefore, after RAGBRAI begins, we will not make refunds if you change your mind about using your Early-Finish Shuttle.

Details about the EFS Thursday, 7/23

Mileage on Thursday is about 88 miles with 2,487 feet of climb. The shuttle would cut this mileage roughly in half to about 42.5 miles.

The EFS departure time would be at Noon, with a target arrival in Independence before 1:30 PM, barring traffic. Those who take this option would be transferred by our shuttle directly to our next campsite at Indee Junior/Senior High School, where upon arrival, shuttle passengers may claim bikes and enjoy the rest of the day.

The cost to reserve your spot on the EFS is $60. You can go in and add this service to your account now, if you know you would like it, or if you need help just let us know at info@pkbelly.com and we can help you do that.

Subject to availability, you can add the EFS at a later date - as long as there are seats available. If you are certain you want this option, it's best to not wait.

Indoor Sleeping - Onawa just added!

Please note that all rules surrounding Indoor Sleeping mentioned in the previous email apply to this opportunity as well (if you missed it, or need a refresher, you can scroll down - we included it here for reference also!).

We were hopeful, and are glad to announce, that we have just added Indoor Sleeping in Onawa on Saturday night, July 18th, at West Monona High School's gym. Just like Indee, they'll be rolling out the welcome wrestling mats for us. This indoor sleeping opportunity has a $25 option (no mats) and a $30 option (mats), and you can reserve your spot by emailing Kay at kay@pkbelly.com.

Saturday, 7/18

Onawa

• $25 per person for floor space in the gym
• $30 per person for floor space with wrestling mats rolled out for extra padding!
• Donations benefit West Monona High School

The High School is located about 5 blocks from Pork Camp at the Onawa Country Club. We will provide transportation of gear from the Country Club to the High School from 6 - 7 PM on Saturday, and will have designated locations outside the High School for you to place your luggage for return to Pork Camp in the morning (separate piles depending on whether you're using one of our rental tents or setting up your own tent). You may walk or ride your bike between camp and the High School, but please remember you can't take your bike inside with you.

Some reminders about Indoor Sleeping

You Must Be With PBV

We can only offer these opportunities to people who are using Pork Belly Ventures Weeklong Support or Partial-Week Support.

Be Sure of Your Commitment

Please read this description in full. By responding, you are committing to paying for these affordable opportunities. We will put these charges on your PBV applications. Our cancellation policy applies. You will need to settle your balance before you come to Iowa. Do keep your word to us and to our hosts. *Reminder-full payment for services is due by May 15th.* 

Game-Day Decisions

Some people look at these opportunities as a kind of insurance. If it's nice outside, they'd rather camp. But in case of extreme heat or overnight thunderstorms, they have reserved an indoor spot. They figure it's a small donation to a good cause, whether or not they end up using it. If you don't use it, there's no refund.

About your Baggage

Due to our larger responsibilities, the PBV Crew can move baggage to and from indoor sleeping venues only on those days when the venue is not in camp. So far, all of our indoor sleeping locations are located in camp, so you should plan on carrying your own luggage to and from. Depending on if you're a self-tenter or in a rental tent, the location might be nearer or farther from where your baggage is on any given night. If necessary for an off-site location, PBV crew will be happy to help move baggage during specific hours of the afternoon.

NO Late-Nighters

IF YOU WANT TO GO TO STREET DANCES IN THESE OVERNIGHT TOWNS, PLEASE DON'T SIGN UP FOR INDOOR SLEEPING. You would wake your fellow Porkers when you come in late. These offers are for folks who hit the hay early (before 10:00 PM), who can be quiet, and who clean up after themselves.

When You'll Have Access

We think indoor sleepers will be able to get into most of these spaces in the early afternoon--but we're still working on those details. Plan to check in with our front desk (our announcement boards) to find out when each venue opens on each day. 

COURTESY IS ESSENTIAL

Bear in mind the importance of courtesy to our hosts and to your fellow Porkers who will be sleeping indoors. Most people sleep quietly. Some snore lightly. Some snore...well, we all know someone. People do have to get up in the night. If you're concerned that you may be awakened by others, just bring earplugs, or we sell earplugs at our front desk.

After reports from indoor sleepers, we must say that if you know that you have an EXCEPTIONALLY LOUD SNORE, then we ask that you don't take any indoor sleeping options in common areas. You WILL see a couple of opportunities below, more expensive, for a cabin or a room to yourself. (If you have a normal or light snore, we don't intend this message for you. Please be honest with yourself!)

The only beverage that is appropriate in your sleeping room is a bottle of water with a lid. (Obviously, no alcohol in any indoor sleeping spaces.)

Bikes stay outside, locked (with your own lock) in camp or near the venue.

Properly dispose of any trash--don't leave it where you slept.

It's lights-out by 10:00. After 10:00 PM (and if you get up in the night), make an effort to be quiet and not disturb others. 

Say thanks to our hosts-- the volunteers, church members, whoever you meet in these nice buildings—for the privilege of sleeping inside. 

Don’t leave any mess in the restrooms—tidy up and use the trash barrels. 

If you're okay with these terms, we welcome you to write to kay@pkbelly.com for a reservation! 

Our 2026 Indoor Sleeping Opportunities

Generally a $25 donation per person per night

with some special higher-prices options, specified below

Friday, 7/17, Dubuque, Holy Trinity Catholic Church

• Please note: this is the Friday before RAGBRAI and is ONLY for those taking the E/W Shuttle on Saturday!
• $25 per person
• Air-Conditioned space and restrooms in the church basement, located a short drive from the shuttle staging area and the long-term parking

Saturday, 7/18

Onawa

• $25 per person for floor space in the gym
• $30 per person for floor space with wrestling mats rolled out for extra padding!
• Donations benefit West Monona High School

Sunday, 7/19

Sold Out - Waitlist

Harlan, Iowa Western Community College

• $25 per person
• Atrium portion in the college building, centrally-located in camp
• Donations benefit our hosts, IWCC

Monday, 7/20

Sold Out - Waitlist

Guthrie Center, Guthrie County Fairgrounds

• $25 per person
• 60'x100' Event Hall, centrally-located in camp
• Donations benefit the Guthrie County Fairgrounds

Tuesday, 7/21

Sold Out - Waitlist

Boone, Grace Community Church

• $25 per person
• Floor space in the church, centrally-located in camp
• Donations benefit our hosts, Grace Community Church

Wednesday, 7/22

Sold Out - Waitlist

Marshalltown Community College (2 options!)

MCC Gym Space

Waitlist

• $25 per person
• Floor space in an air-conditioned gym, centrally-located in camp
• Donations benefit our hosts, MCC

MCC Apartment-Style Dorms

Waitlist

• A more private indoor sleeping opportunity - including a real bed! (bring your own bedding) Get a good night's rest before the longest day of riding.
• $150 per bedroom (single occupancy $150, double occupancy $75)
• 2 twin beds per bedroom, 2 bedrooms per apartment unit (shared bathroom & living space)
• On the east side of camp
• Donations benefit our hosts, MCC

Thursday, 7/23

Some Availability

Independence Junior/ Senior High School

• Indee is rolling out the red carpet...er, wrestling mats for us!
• $30 per person
• A little extra cushion after your long day!
• Centrally-located in camp
• Donations benefit our hosts, Indee Junior/Senior High School Wrestling Program

Friday, 7/24, Dyersville

• Nothing in Dyersville yet, but we will update you if we are able to arrange something!

Thank you for supporting our hosts' fundraising efforts!

How to Reserve

Please read everything above before you write to request sleeping space. Only after you have read this information thoroughly and spoken with any friends, you may write to Kay with the nights you request and your name. You may give Kay the first/last name of a friend (who is on PBV Support), only if you’re sure of his or her plans and have permission to add this to their account. Please SPECIFY YOUR CHOICES ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. Then Kay will put the corresponding charges, your $25 (or larger, as appropriate) donation for each night, on the application of your friend and yourself. Be certain before you write.

Having read this info and agreed to the terms, please feel free to write to Kay with the first and last name/s of those for whom you would like to reserve space, and the night/s you want. Here's an example...

To Kay@pkbelly.com

Kay, after speaking with my friend, Petunia Pig, I'm requesting indoor sleeping for both of us on these nights:

Tuesday - in the church ($25 ea)

Wednesday - we would like to share one dorm room ($75 ea)

Thursday - on the wrestling mats ($30 ea)

Thank you,

Porky Pig

We'll be in touch when we have more news to share, friends!

Cheers, from all of us here at Pork Belly Ventures!