What is a water tower and a bridge doing on RAGBRAI's newly released logo for its 2026 ride?

RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen ― who unveiled the new logo at a Saturday, Nov. 8, event at the ride's Des Moines headquarters ― likely has a pretty good idea, but he won't be revealing the where the ride will go next year until the Jan. 24 route announcement party at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee.

What we do know is that the 53rd edition of the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, to be held July 19-25, will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding and the 180th anniversary of Iowa's statehood, according to organizers.

Water towers are a familiar sight to RAGBRAI riders, the looming goal on the horizon as they approach each town. An "Iowa Classic," the one on the

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