Pork Belly Update-The Route is Out-PBV Shuttles

We mentioned in our last Update that we're trying out something new with our RAGBRAI 2026 communication. This will be the last RAGBRAI-specific Update that we will share with our "General Interest" list.

All future communications about RAGBRAI LIII with Pork Belly will be sent to our "RAGBRAI 2026" list. If you have registered with us, you will automatically be placed on this list, and we will update the list before sending each email. If you have not yet registered with us, but still want to continue to receive all of the information about RAGBRAI 2026, please sign up for the list using the form below.

We also have a "Trail Rides" list that we will use to share information about rides like Big BAM on the Katy, Black Hills Hundred, Rooster Tail Ride, Birds & Bees, and more. If you're interested in these smaller trail rides, please sign up for this list. As with years past, we will also be sharing our updates on our website and the app.

Sign up for this email list if you want to receive the emailed updates about Pork Belly on RAGBRAI 2026. If you have already registered with us, we will use the email you signed up with and place you on this list.

Sign up for this email list if you want to receive information about some of our other rides on the Katy Trail in Missouri, the Mickelson in South Dakota, the Wabash Trace in southwest Iowa, and more.

The shortest-ever RAGBRAI route in all 53 years!

391.4 miles total

16,027 Feet of Climb (FOC)

July 18th, Saturday, Gather in Onawa

July 25th, Saturday, Finish in Dubuque

Daily Mileage and FOC are available on the free Pork Belly Mobile App - download it now for Apple or Android!

Thoughts on this route...

RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen likes to break records and make history...so far under his leadership we've seen the hilliest RAGBRAI route, the flattest RAGBRAI route, the first RAGBRAI into Minnesota, and now the shortest RAGBRAI route!

This is another small-town RAGBRAI, which we love to see! More than half of our overnight towns are ~6,000 or less in population, all the way down to Guthrie Center at about 1,593. Marshalltown is our largest overnight town at 27,591, and Dubuque, our end town, is the 11th largest city in Iowa with 59,667 people. It warms our hearts to know that these little places will be blessed with the economic boost of RAGBRAI rolling through in July!

The first four days are moderate in length - in that sweet spot of 54 - 62 miles. Thursday is the longest - at 82 miles, and then the last 2 days will feel like a breeze at 42.2 and 33.7 miles. A final day of just 33.7 miles into Dubuque seems short - but as is typical with the last day, you'll see some hills. We will still be pressed to get all of our equipment moved on such a short day, but don't worry - you will still be able to get your post-ride showers and should have plenty of time to catch your shuttles.

Note to our E/W Shuttle Riders...remember that the end town volunteers in Dubuque are just getting started on their planning, and while we are anxious to share information about long-term parking in Dubuque. It will likely be a few months before they have everything figured out and ready to announce. If you're on our mailing list, we will alert you when you can sign up for long-term parking in the end town--possibly in April or early May, if past years can be an indicator.

BELOW: This photo shows the sunrise from one of our previous starts in Onawa!

Our RAGBRAI Invitation Letter went out late on New Year's Eve, and registration for services opened up on New Year's morning. Each year is different, so we never know if/when we will sell out, but we want to keep you informed of our status - in case you're planning on it but happen to be a Pork-crastinator and need that nudge....or are waiting to finalize plans and want a little reassurance that you may have more time.

• Weeklong Service: We are a little more than 50% sold out. You've still got some time, but it is possible that we could sell out.

• Rental Tent Service: We are about 80% sold out. If you want one, now's your time to book that! Note: if you have reserved a tent on a registration with no payment we will have to start removing those as we fill up. So, if you want it, you need to pay the deposit to secure it.

• PHAT Rooms: We have a long waiting list. If you're serious about wanting a room at some point in the future, you can complete the form linked here and get on the waitlist.

• Rental Bikes: When you add your services, you'll have the option to add a rental bike if you need one. Availability varies, so please reach out to Pete if you have any questions.

• Shuttles: Information about these, just out below! These will not sell out immediately - we try to build the number of buses around demand as much as possible. That being said, we have to make cutoffs at some point, so the earlier you know your plans the better chance of you getting on the bus you want (especially if you want the Friday E/W Shuttle)! Don't forget your group name, if traveling with other folks!

We will offer all the usual shuttles - E/W on Friday & Saturday pre-RAGBRAI, Omaha pre- & post-, Des Moines pre- & post-, Des Moines midweek Exit/Enter, and the Quad Cities Airport in Moline, IL post-RAGBRAI. All Pork Belly Ventures RAGBRAI shuttles are described below, with details and departure times. 

Pork Belly's shuttles are available to any registered RAGBRAI rider, using Pork Belly for other services or not.

A few reminders...

MAKE SURE YOUR AIR AND GROUND TRAVEL ARE ALIGNED!

Some of you are ready to buy airline tickets. Please bear in mind our shuttle departure times as you make your airline reservations. Problems arise from arriving too late or departing too early for your ground transportation. People have bought non-refundable tickets into airports we do not serve. Read carefully, please, and connect your travel dots! If you have any questions, we encourage you to email us at info@pkbelly.com or have a phone conversation with Pete before making any non-refundable reservations.

BIKE TRANSPORT INCLUDED

All shuttle prices include your seat on a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach, and transport of your baggage and a bicycle. We plan for one bike per person on our shuttles, and the shuttle price is the same, whether or not you want us to transport a bike (some folks will ship a bike to Iowa or rent a bike in Iowa). 

BIKE TYPES

There is no extra charge to transport a tandem, recumbent, trike, or virtually any type of bike. However, if your bike is way out of the norm in terms of size or shape, let us know so that we can adequately plan for it. Pork Belly Ventures will collect your bike type and other information later in the season.

ON SENDING BIKES WITH FRIENDS

If you are using one PBV shuttle and sending your bike with a friend on a different PBV shuttle, that is allowed (no extra charge), but we must know about it in advance. 

If you are not using one of our shuttles, and your friend is bringing your bike with him/her on a shuttle instead, then we must still know about it in advance, and we charge $75 per extra bike. 

Please write to Kay@pkbelly.com if you will have extra bikes on the E/W Shuttle from end town to start town prior to RAGBRAI. Give her the type of bike and name of the owner of the extra bike.

ADD SHUTTLES TO YOUR EXISTING REGISTRATION

Duplicate registrations are the bane of our existence--yours and ours! So let's sort it out from the get-go!

If you have an existing 2026 PBV Registration, please LOGIN with that username and password, then click Edit to add your shuttle/s. Do not invent a new username/password and create a duplicate registration for yourself or your group.

After you have successfully added shuttles to your existing registration, click "Make Payment" and bring your deposit up to 10% of the new total. Some folks prefer to pay in full.

Just don't start making up new login credentials, okay? If you create more than one registration and if you make payments on both, you'll be needlessly confused about your LOGINs and recording information later in the season. Our team will have to consolidate your duplicates into one registration. Let's avoid this!

IF YOU DON'T YET HAVE A PBV REGISTRATION

If you don't yet have a 2026 PBV Registration, then DO come up with login credentials, create your only 2026 account, and select any services, including shuttles. Please make the minimum 10% payment to secure your services.

If you've forgotten your credentials or if you're having trouble, write to us at info@pkbelly.com, please. We'll get back to you ASAP and maybe get on the phone together to add your shuttles if you need additional help. 

Three PBV Shuttle Options Before RAGBRAI

Pre-RAGBRAI East/West Shuttle, Dubuque to Onawa on Friday Afternoon or Saturday Morning: $210 per person

If you plan to get dropped off or park your car in Dubuque prior to RAGBRAI, we'll meet you there either on Friday afternoon (the 17th) or early on Saturday (the 18th) and transport you, your baggage, and your bike to Onawa. Our departure times are 1 PM and 3 PM on Friday, and at 7, 8, and 9 AM on Saturday.

We estimate that the E/W bus ride will take about 5-1/2 hours, depending on traffic. We will share information about Dubuque's week-long parking when that is available, likely by May.

Pre-RAGBRAI Omaha Airport to Onawa on Saturday, various times: $78 per person

This is the most popular airport shuttle. For those who fly or drive into Omaha, this shuttle operates throughout the day from 8 AM until 4 PM on Saturday. On Saturday, the 18th, we'll meet you at the Candlewood Suites hotel parking lot near Omaha's Eppley Airport and transport you, your baggage, and your bike to our campsite in Onawa. We emphatically recommend arriving on Friday, especially if you're traveling by air. We usually have ten departures with a coach leaving for the start town every hour or so throughout the day on Saturday, between 8 AM and 4 PM. Again, we highly recommend arriving on Friday, but if you can't - try for an early Saturday morning flight. Note: You will not select a departure time for this shuttle yet. Later on, we will ask you what your preferred departure time is and match you up with the closest shuttle. Most shuttles typically leave Omaha by 10:30 AM.

We estimate that the bus ride from Omaha to Onawa should take about 1-1/4 hours, depending on traffic.

Pre-RAGBRAI Des Moines to Onawa:  $151 per person

The shuttle departs from the Des Moines Holiday Inn airport hotel parking lot. On Saturday, July 18th, it will depart at 9:15 AM. The post-RAGBRAI shuttle returning to Des Moines will return to this same hotel. Please note that Des Moines is in the south/central part of the state, not near the start or the finish. This shuttle usually makes sense for those who live nearby in Iowa or Missouri, or who have other reasons for visiting Des Moines.

We estimate that the bus ride from Des Moines to Onawa should take about 3-1/2 hours, depending on traffic.

Three PBV Shuttle Options After RAGBRAI

*UNDERSTAND, PLEASE, THAT THERE COULD BE LENGTHY TRAFFIC DELAYS added onto your normal travel time. We cannot make the coaches go faster in congested traffic. Take the pressure off by booking your return flight on Sunday.

Post-RAGBRAI Dubuque to Omaha on Saturday after RAGBRAI:  $214 per person

On Saturday, the 25th, we'll transport you, your baggage, and your bike from Dubuque (exact location TBD) to the same Omaha Airport hotel (see Hotel section below), so you can fly or drive home Sunday.

There are 33.7 cycling miles with hills on the last day of RAGBRAI.

We will have several coaches, with ONE DEPARTURE TIME at 2:15 PM on Saturday, 7/25. We will try to stage all coaches 30 minutes early, so that we can depart on time.

We estimate that this will take 5.5 to 6 hours, barring traffic congestion, which would not be unusual in a RAGBRAI end town.

Post-RAGBRAI Dubuque to Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, IL: $99 per person

On Saturday, the 25th, after your last day's ride, we'll transport you and your baggage (let us know if you'll have a bike) from Dubuque (exact location TBD) to the Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, IL.

There are 33.7 miles and some hills to cycle on the last day of RAGBRAI.

We will again have two departure times to the Quad Cities this year - Noon and 1:30 PM.

We estimate that this will take about 2 hours on the coach, barring traffic congestion, which can happen in a RAGBRAI end-town.

***Our shuttle will carry you directly from our staging area in Dubuque to the Departures area of the Quad Cities International Airport. From there, you may go to car rentals, you may catch a free shuttle to any number of airport hotels, or you may go directly to the gates to catch your flight.

We don't have relationships with any particular hotels on the east side of Iowa. But you will have no trouble reserving a room in advance near this airport. Simply google hotels near MLI.[Note: we don't shuttle from the Quad Cities airport before RAGBRAI.]

Post-RAGBRAI Dubuque to Des Moines: $154 per person

This shuttle returns to the same Des Moines airport hotel parking lot that the pre-RAGBRAI shuttle staged from. For the return trip, it departs Dubuque on Saturday, July 25th, at an afternoon time TBA. Please note that Des Moines is in the central part of the state, not near the start or the finish. This shuttle usually makes sense for those who live nearby in Iowa or Missouri, or who have other reasons for visiting Des Moines.

The final day of RAGBRAI is 33.7 miles (subject to change) with hills.

The Des Moines coaches will depart at 2:30 PM and return our passengers to the Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn on Fleur Drive on Saturday the 25th. 

We estimate that this will take about 3.5 to 4 hours on the coach, barring traffic congestion, which can happen in a RAGBRAI end-town.

Subject to availability, the hotel may be able to offer you weeklong parking in the hotel lot--check with them. A free shuttle can take you to the airport on Sunday morning. See below for information about our hotel block.

Three PBV Shuttle Options for a Half Hog

Partial-Week Options: Shuttles for PBV Riders or any RAGBRAI Rider

Some folks can't go Whole Hog this year, and here are your options for going Half Hog, what we call a Partial-Week Rider. You can ride the first several days or last several days of RAGBRAI -- with Pork Belly Ventures or some other way. PBV's Partial-Week Support is $95 per day, and it can only be used for consecutive days. We can't have people jumping in and out during the week. 

1) You can ride the first three days and jump out on Tuesday afternoon at Boone, or 2) you can jump in on Tuesday at Boone and ride the last four days. And finally, at the end of Day 4 in Marshalltown, 3) you can exit RAGBRAI in the late afternoon, after riding Sunday to Wednesday.

Whether or not you are with PBV during the week, you can use the midweek transportation options described above. Select the Tuesday Exit Shuttle, the Wednesday Exit Shuttle, or Tuesday Enter Shuttle on your PBV online application. 

If any RAGBRAI rider needs to do an unplanned exit from RAGBRAI midweek, you can come to the PBV campsite (find our front desk) on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon and sign up for the shuttle to a Des Moines airport hotel parking lot. From there, you can check in for the night, arrange to fly, or rent a car.

Des Moines Hotel and Parking for Partial-Week Riders

On Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21 and 22, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Des Moines airport Holiday Inn on Fleur Drive. To take advantage of our block, call 515-287-2400 and mention Pork Belly Ventures for a reservation. It may be possible to use an inexpensive parking option at the hotel, Park and Fly, depending on availability. Other inexpensive airport parking is available in the airport area. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the Des Moines airport just down the road. NOTE: We only run the half-week enter/exit shuttles to/from the Des Moines airport, no other locations!

Tuesday EXIT Shuttle:  $91 per person

This shuttle runs from our Boone on Tuesday afternoon to the Des Moines Holiday Inn airport hotel. This shuttle is for those who ride the first three days, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and then exit RAGBRAI.

Tuesday, 7/21: 59.5 cycling miles

Exit Shuttle departs our Boone campsite at 6 PM.

We estimate that the coach ride to the Des Moines Holiday Inn on Fleur Drive near the airport will take about 1-1/2 hours.

You may choose among our shuttles to the start town, or but if you're parking a car, you should park in Des Moines at or near our designated airport hotel and use our shuttle to the start ($151). Our partial-week support is $95 per day, and three days is $285.

Tuesday ENTER Shuttle: $89 per person

This shuttle goes from the Des Moines Holiday Inn airport hotel to our Boone campsite on Tuesday afternoon. This shuttle is for those who enter the ride midweek and cycle Wednesday through Saturday.

Enter Shuttle departs Des Moines airport hotel at 4 PM.

We estimate that the coach ride to our Boone campsite will take about 1-1/2 hours.

If you are joining Pork Belly for services, our partial-week support is $95 per day, and four days is $380. Partial-Week Riders may check in right away at our front desk (or set off to find your charter). You may spend four days with us, pedaling into Dubuque on Saturday, the 25th. From here, you can use our Dubuque/Des Moines Shuttle to return you to the Des Moines airport hotel by early evening. (In fact, you can use any of our post-RAGBRAI shuttles--to Quad Cities, Omaha, or Des Moines, whichever is best for your situation.)

Wednesday EXIT Shuttle: $99 per person

This shuttle goes from our Marshalltown campsite on Wednesday afternoon to the Des Moines Holiday Inn airport hotel, late in the afternoon. This shuttle is for those who ride the first four days - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - and then exit RAGBRAI.

Wednesday, 7/22: 62.2 cycling miles

Exit Shuttle departs Marshalltown campsite at 6 PM.

We estimate that the coach ride to the Des Moines Holiday Inn on Fleur Drive near the airport will take about 1.5 hours.

You may choose among our shuttles to the start town, but if you're parking a car, you should park in Des Moines at or near our designated airport hotel and use our shuttle to the start ($151). Our partial-week support is $95 per day, and four days is $380.

Hotel Options to go with your RAGBRAI Shuttles

In Omaha Before/After RAGBRAI

On the nights of July 18th through the 24th, you will be camping with PBV, but if you're flying into Omaha on Friday, the 17th, and/or returning with us to Omaha late on Saturday evening, the 25th, you will need Omaha hotel reservations. We will have room blocks for both nights at two side-by-side airport hotels.

All Pork Belly buses will depart from and return to the Omaha airport Candlewood Suites, next door to the Best Western Plus. Both are across the street from a large convenience store, Subway sandwich shop, and Perkins Restaurant (with breakfast all day and other options). You can work with your respective hotel to secure very reasonable weeklong hotel parking, arranged between you and your hotel on the day.

Best Western Plus - Call the local number: 402-505-4900.

Mention our name to reserve your king or double queen room, $147 plus tax per night. Hot breakfast, a swimming pool, and Triple-sheeting is the standard at this hotel. We hear they will have a complete remodel between now and July! Unused rooms that the Best Western Plus in Council Bluffs has set aside for our group on Thursday July 16, Friday July 17, and Saturday July 25 will be released on 7/3/2026.

Candlewood Suites - Call the local number: 402-342-2500.

Mention our name to reserve your king or double queen room, $142 plus tax per night. The north side of Candlewood is the site of our bus loading and unloading (Best Western Plus guests walk over and back.) No breakfast is offered to Candlewood guests, but there is a great convenience store off the hotel lobby or you can buy breakfast nearby. Free laundry service to guests, Hospitality areas available to our guests before and after RAGBRAI, Triple-sheeting is the standard at this hotel. Unused rooms that the Candlewood Inn and Suites in Council Bluffs has set aside for our group on Thursday July 16, Friday July 17, Saturday July 25, and Sunday July 26 will be released on 6/1/2026.

In Des Moines Before/After RAGBRAI

On the nights of July 18th through the 24th, you will be camping with PBV, but if you're flying into Des Moines on Friday, the 17th, and/or returning with us to Des Moines and flying out on Sunday, the 26th, you will need Des Moines hotel reservations. All Pork Belly shuttle buses will depart from and return to the Des Moines Holiday Inn airport hotel.

Holiday Inn Conference Center - Call the local number: 515-287-2400.

Mention our name to reserve your king or double queen room, $129 plus tax per night. On-site restaurant, airport shuttle, pool, fitness center, laundry, and hospitality areas available to our guests before/after RAGBRAI. You may arrange for weeklong parking directly with the hotel. Unused rooms that the Holiday Inn in Des Moines has set aside for our group on Friday July 17, Tuesday July 21, Wednesday July 22, and Saturday July 25, will be released on 6/26/2026.

We do not recommend flying into any airport on Saturday, July 18th or out of any airport on Saturday, July 25th. The first Saturday is part of the RAGBRAI experience, and you miss it (and maybe your shuttle!) when you fly into the airport at 1 PM. You'll want to get to the start town as soon as possible to enjoy the big bike expo on Saturday, the festivities, and a town filling up with people and bikes. Depending on the difficulty of the riding on the last day and the traffic situation leaving the end town, there can be delays on the last day as well. We have seen some things in our time, including delayed flights, cancelled flights, closed airports, and lost luggage--which can cause a rider to miss their shuttle to the start town. When you fly in on Friday and out on Sunday, you hedge your bets against most of the problems an airline can cause. Please give yourself some breathing room and book your flights for Friday, July 17th and Sunday, July 26th, if possible.

Feel free to call Pete (402-681-2613) to discuss logistics for getting to/from RAGBRAI. We really want to be sure that you make the best plan for you while considering all available options.

PLEASE LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF OTHERS, WHO BOOKED NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES WITHOUT KNOWING THE CRITICAL DETAILS.

We and our crew can only operate in three places--listed above. Some airports get only a few flights per day, so it's not practical for us serve those airports even if you may be able to find a flight there.

NOTE: Pork Belly Ventures does not make stops along the way to drop off riders going to different destinations. We also do not return to long-term parking in the start town.

That's all on our shuttles! 

Any RAGBRAI rider can login and reserve a PBV Shuttle with a 10% deposit.

If you wish to add shuttles (or any service) to your existing application, be sure to do the following:

--LOGIN with your current credentials

--write to us if you have trouble - info@pkbelly.com

--MAKE A PAYMENT so that all services are secured with a 10% deposit.

We've got some great new Pork Merchandise coming your way this year! New tote bags, ball caps, t-shirts, and of course PBV jerseys! Inspired by the rolling hills of Iowa, endless cornfields, and the joy of cycling, this jersey is great for hammering the headwinds as well as cruising into town for a cold beer or lemonade. Pull one on and remind yourself that every mile is better when it's corn fed! Available in men's and women's sport cuts. Think about sizing up as they run a little small. We hope to see our Porkers embracing Corn Fed Miles on the saddle this summer!

The Pork Belly Essentials tote is made for those who know what a cycling event with PBV demands. From corn and watermelon to butt butter, a cold beverage, and the ever-important roll of toilet paper, every illustrated detail celebrates the wonderfully practical chaos of long ride days and overnight stops. This tote is perfect as a shower bag or hauling your water bottles back to your tent at the end of the night. We can't wait to see everyone around camp with their PBV essentials totes! Also, provides great use when hauling groceries and goodies back home. Who doesn't love a sustainable substitute? Thoughtful and funny, this tote says you've done this before and came prepared for all things PBV.

The Midwest Summer with PBV t-shirt captures everything we love about a long day of cycling--the visions of corn stalks, sunny side roads, and of course that ice cold beer and crisp watermelon during stops when the heat peaks. Printed on a comfortable green t-shirt with soft artwork, this shirt is perfect for expressing all of what you love about the small towns of the midwest in the summer. 

The Corn Fed Miles edition ball cap feels perfectly worn in with its sage green wash and all around embroidery. The ball cap is finished with the classic Pork Belly Pig on the back and includes an adjustable strap. The "Corn Fed Miles" stitching on the back gives a knowing nod to cyclists who earn every mile the Iowa way! 

We will have information about how to order these soon!

Saturday, January 24th was a big day! We were at the Iowa Bike Expo from 9 AM - 3 PM at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, chatting with many of our friends from across the state and even as far as both coasts!

Above - clockwise from top left: RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen stopped by to chat with Pete during the Expo. Bella, Gracie, and Wes in their coordinated outfits. A rare photo of Dave Kennedy relaxing in his retirement.

After the Expo, we made our way to the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party, at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee. RAGBRAI put together another great event and got us psyched up for another great Week in the Corn! Above, the full route announced on stage - and below - some of the Pork Crew (even a rare photo appearance by George) celebrating the 2026 route!

We'll be in touch when we have more news to share, friends! Remember, all RAGBRAI-specific info will be shared through our RAGBRAI 2026 list from here on out - so be sure you are either registered with us or signed up for the list here. As always, let us know if you have any questions as we dive into the details planning for your Week in the Corn!

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