RAGBRAI

[AlanDB]

I am wondering if any e-bikers participate in Iowa's RAGBRAI? And if so, how do you handle battery charging / swapping? Maybe when e-bikes become more popular someone will start a SAG Wagon charging/swapping service.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I am wondering if any e-bikers participate in Iowa's RAGBRAI? And if so, how do you handle battery charging / swapping? Maybe when e-bikes become more popular someone will start a SAG Wagon charging/swapping service.

Is it not possible to carry a spare battery and charger and charge during the breaks?
I mean with an E-bike, you can hold better speeds and carry more stuff and that should give some extra time for charging.

 

[harryS]

One of my friends has done it twice in the past 3 years on a regular bike. It's around 65-70 miles a day depending on the leg. His team had its own support vehicle, and a place indoors to sleep every night. I believe loners camp out, but can have their luggage carried by the event vehicles too.

It's not a speed event, so a pedal assist biker should be able to cover 70 miles with two spares. Charge at night somewhere. Of course, you won't get much sleep having to swap the charger every 5 hours. OK. Bring three chargers. Mine are not very expensive.

I think one day would be fun.

 

[AlanDB]

It is a large event (10000 riders) and accommodations at the overnight stops book quickly after the route is announced. I suppose if you plan well, you might be able to find a place to plug in and charge a couple of batteries each night. I haven't checked the rules, but AFAIK ebikes are not prohibited from this event.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

My worry would be that every one of those ten thousand riders is going to be eyeing any available plugs at any stops to charge their iPhones. However, if you stay at hotels or other paid places and had two batteries, I imagine it would be highly possible, given the (mostly) flatter nature of the state and some judicious planning as far as Eco mode whenever possible to keep the range up.

On my trip across the Erie Canal last fall I charged at pizza places, libraries and a gas station or two... but it was just me, not those other pesky 9,999 guys as well.

I know there are plenty of hills in Iowa, but in the grand scheme of things you know what I mean by "flatter". It ain't the Rockies or even the Adirondacks!

I'd do it in a heartbeat, sounds like a blast.

 

[harryS]

My friend's club has standing "reservations" in church basements, etc. Still gotta bring air matresses and sleeping bags, but you don't have to pack them or your food/gear and it's always dry with bathroom facilities. Like a catered ride.