Transport to and from RAGBRAI

My apologies in advance if there's already a thread going on about this. I did a quick search and didn't see one.

Anyway, I'm a RAGBRAI virgin. My friends and I signed up for this year's ride. They cashed our checks and we're waiting for the "lottery" to see if we're officially part of the ride.

The RAGBRAI site just posted the route and I'm weighing options on how to get everyone there.

1. It seems like you could take an Amtrak train to Omaha, which is a few miles from the start line in Council Bluffs. Then you could take an Amtrak train back to Chicago from the finish in Burlington. Amtrak sells bike boxes large enough for most bikes...you only have to remove the pedals and handlebars. It looks like $20 each way (including a $5 service charge) to get your bike on the train.

2. Renting a car one way to Council Bluffs, renting another car one way from Burlington to Chicago.

3. Using some of the charter, shipping and long-term parking services offered through RAGBRAI.

I'm looking at RAGBRAI's "logistics" page and it says to stay tuned for info on cross-Iowa shuttles and long-term parking. That seems like the way to go, but I just wanted to ask someone who has already done the ride.

Thanks for your help!!!

Brett

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Martin Hazard on March 16, 2009 at 9:16am
Get on to a tour bus or RV, for the week. You will have a much better experience, it is $ well spent.
Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on March 16, 2009 at 9:32am
Are you talking about this?

http://www.ragbrai.org/charter-services.html

Thanks for your help, by the way!!!
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 16, 2009 at 9:37am
Get a folding bike!! Cuts out the whole bike in a box business.....

(I have to drop one of my classes and go to church now because I have become a Chainlink addict)
Permalink Reply by Jamie on March 16, 2009 at 10:41am
I'm doing it in an RV this year (also my first RAGBRAI)
Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on March 16, 2009 at 11:17am
I'm gonna sound like a big dummy here, but I don't know what "get on to a tour bus or RV" means. It's a little vague, yo. Can you guys be more specific?

Who owns these buses and RVs? How do you find them and reserve a spot on one? Are they officially sanctioned by the RAGBRAI organizers or do they operate independently of the event? What are the advantages of doing it in an RV instead of doing it with the gear transport and campground services that come with the registration fee? Do I get on one in Chicago or do I get on one in Iowa?

Thanks!!!

Jamie said:
I'm doing it in an RV this year (also my first RAGBRAI)
Permalink Reply by Jamie on March 17, 2009 at 2:57am
I'm doing it privately.

if you're interested in a charter service check out RAGBRAI's page for that... and definitely check out their forums. there have been postings for Chicago based groups on there before.
Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on March 17, 2009 at 4:03am
Cool...that gives me something to go on.

I was looking at this page... http://www.ragbrai.org/charter-services.html ...but wasn't sure if that what what you guys were referring to.

When you say you're doing it privately, do you mean you and a group of people have rented your own RV and have someone lined up to drive it? That sounds like a good way to go, especially if the RV has its own shower/bathroom and you're camping somewhere with electrical and water hookup. Also, you'll have your own fridge, stove, oven, etc. so you can save on food $$$ and have a cookout every night!

My mom and dad are retired. They sold their house and live in a 40-foot motor home. I should rope them into being our chase vehicle!!!

Jamie said:
I'm doing it privately.

if you're interested in a charter service check out RAGBRAI's page for that... and definitely check out their forums. there have been postings for Chicago based groups on there before.
Permalink Reply by Kathy Schubert 'n Suzy Schnauzer on March 17, 2009 at 11:54am
The best way to get to Iowa for RAGBRAI is to find somebody who has room in their car. You only have to get to the finishline and then you can hire somebody like Out of Staters (oosbicycleclub.com) to take you and your bike to the start. You can also pay them to take your luggage each day and provide space in a smaller campground. But RAGBRAI will do that and it's included in your basic fee.

OOS can also pick you up at a nearby airport or train station, I think. Just take a look at their website and contact them for further details. I've used them about 6-7 times and I've always been very satisfied even though the price keeps going up.

It's lots of fun and I'd be happy to show you slides and photos and I can even link you to my website about past Ragbrais
http://www.kangarooconnection.com/Kathy%27s%20Ragbrai%201999%20.html
http://www.kangarooconnection.com/Ragbrai2001.html
Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on March 18, 2009 at 8:10am
This is really helpful! I will definitely check out "out of staters."

Thank you!

Kathy Schubert 'n Joey Schnauzer said:
The best way to get to Iowa for RAGBRAI is to find somebody who has room in their car. You only have to get to the finishline and then you can hire somebody like Out of Staters (oosbicycleclub.com) to take you and your bike to the start. You can also pay them to take your luggage each day and provide space in a smaller campground. But RAGBRAI will do that and it's included in your basic fee.

OOS can also pick you up at a nearby airport or train station, I think. Just take a look at their website and contact them for further details. I've used them about 6-7 times and I've always been very satisfied even though the price keeps going up.

It's lots of fun and I'd be happy to show you slides and photos and I can even link you to my website about past Ragbrais
http://www.kangarooconnection.com/Kathy%27s%20Ragbrai%201999%20.html
http://www.kangarooconnection.com/Ragbrai2001.html

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