RAGBRAI Reveals 2027 Theme, Peace-Sign Logo
Organizers unveiled the logo for the 54th RAGBRAI ride, themed "Spirit of '73," honoring its founders.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Theme Parks
RAGBRAI LIV revealed the logo for its 54th ride, themed "Spirit of '73," which pays tribute to RAGBRAI founders John Karras and Donald Kaul. Registration for the RAGBRAI 2027 ride opens on November 15.
Why it matters
The logo's peace-sign rider references the founders' "wannabe hippie" vibe and riders who have gestured the sign over the years. The announcement sets the tone for the 2027 ride, which draws riders from around the world to cross Iowa.
The announcement covers the 54th edition of the ride, which runs July 24-31, 2027. Full route details remain unannounced until a Route Announcement Party on January 23, 2027.
The players
RAGBRAI
The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, a weeklong cycling event that has run across the state since 1973.
John Karras
A former Des Moines Register writer who co-founded RAGBRAI alongside Donald Kaul.
Donald Kaul
A former Des Moines Register columnist who co-founded RAGBRAI alongside John Karras.
The details
Organizers said the logo's peace-sign rider is a throwback to the "wannabe hippie" vibe of founders John Karras and Donald Kaul, both former Des Moines Register writers. The theme also nods to riders who have gestured the peace sign over the years.
Timeline
November 15, 2026: Registration for the RAGBRAI 2027 ride opens.
January 23, 2027: Route Announcement Party reveals 2027 ride details.
July 24-31, 2027: RAGBRAI 2027 ride takes place across Iowa.
Roadmap
The "Spirit of '73" theme ties the 54th ride directly to the 1973 founding of RAGBRAI by Des Moines Register writers John Karras and Donald Kaul. The peace-sign logo extends that countercultural origin into the ride's identity for its 2027 edition.
Riders planning to join the July 24-31, 2027 ride should note that registration opens November 15, 2026. Route details will not be available until the January 23, 2027 announcement party.
The takeaway
Riders who want a spot on the 2027 ride should mark November 15 on their calendar for registration. The "Spirit of '73" theme offers a reminder that the event's counterculture roots still shape its identity.
What happens next
Registration for the RAGBRAI 2027 ride opens November 15, 2026, and the Route Announcement Party on January 23, 2027 will reveal the route.
Further reading
Explore more Theme Parks coverage tied to the state's annual events.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kcrg.
