Some 2013 RAGBRAI stats
 

78 riders come from 18 foreign countries.

The foreign countries are: Albania, Australia, Austria, Canada, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, U.S. Virgin Islands, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom.39.8% of the riders are from Iowa.RAGBRAI riders use a variety of bike types:
10.2% Hybrid
1.9% Mountain Bike
1.6% Recumbent
82.7% Road Bike
2.8% Tandem
0.3% Tandem-Recumbent
0.5% Trike
0.8% Other

The average age of this year’s RAGBRAI participants is 46.9 yearsThe age breakdown of this year’s participants is as follows:

4.8% 19 and under
3.4% 20-24
5.2% 25-29
5.7% 30-34
5.1% 35-39
6.6% 40-44
9.6% 45-49
12.6% 50-54
11.7% 55-59
8.3% 60-64
4.6% 65-69
2.0% 70-74
0.6% 75-79
0.2% Over 80

I'm a little surprised there aren't more recumbents, since the location (flat) and demographic (34% 45-60) seem conducive to recumbent use.

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)

I rode the last 5 years and the heat last year was brutal as you said. I ride self-supported and rode 2 day to the start and both of those days were 110 heat index too. Only riding the first day this year due to the fact i am leaving for a 20 day ride down the PCH in 3 weeks. i grew up 40 miles from Council Bluffs and 25 miles from Harlan so can do a long weekend and see the family too.

I believe last year or the year before had more elevation gain than some race out west know for it's hills. Iowa AIN'T flat, been there ridden it.

Aaron :)

It looks like it should be coming right by my front door.

I love when people say Iowa is flat. I grew up in Southeastern Iowa and I now live in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. I will attest, Iowa isn't flat.

Ok, on a logarithmic scale, Iowa is not flat. On a linear scale, it's flat. If it doesn't have 1000+ ft. climbs it's relatively flat. 2013 will be my 6th RAGBRAI. Go TEAM GOOD BEER.