Iowa is far from flat. There are a lot of long nasty rollers (west to east) where the road follows the terrain. The far eastern portion, as you approach the Mississippi River Valley, is very hilly with lots of 400-500 ft gain per mile switchbacks.

2013 is easier then most...I think last year's brutal heat was a factor


Total mileage: 406.6 mi. (2nd shortest route in history)
Total climb: 17,410 ft. (15th flattest route in history)