Note: This is a preemptive post if there is such a thing. It is written as a placeholder for the actual event when it occurs. The content will be changed at that time.
July 19, 2026 – Today’s ride is from Onawa to Harlan, listed as 59.3 miles (96 km).
The breakfast (first) town will be Turin (population 72) at 8 miles. It was here in 1955 that Turin Man, a 10,000-year old fossil was discovered, making it the oldest human remains found in Iowa. The eight miles to Turin may well be the only flat stretch on RAGBRAI and will surely fool many into thinking that Iowa is flat. Wait until Mile 9.
The next pass-thru town is Soldier at Mile 19 (population 184).
Dunlap, at Mile 32, is Meeting Town (food!). Population: 1,038.
In 13 miles is Earling (population 397) at MP 45. Old railroad town best known for a 1928 exorcism.
Earling has a number of large painted rocks. Worth seeking them out. Also Troy’s Burgers.
Freedom Rock, Earling IA
In eight miles, MP 50, is Westphalia, a tiny (population 126) community that was founded by German Catholics and named after the province of Westphalia in Germany. Their motto is A German Drinking Community with a Farming Problem.
Earling will have hot off the grill brats and burgers and homemade pie from the cattlemen and members of the community. And it will be the first stop of the week for Beekman’s Homemade Ice Cream!
It’s just eight miles is Harlan, the finish town. Population 5,000.
Of note: Free Wifi provided by FMCTC in Earling, Westphalia, and various locations downtown in Harlan.
