I am not doing RAGBRAI this year, but did it in 2010. It was awesome!!! Over 10,000 riders! It's like a river of riders...it I call it The River of RAGBRAI. Most everyone is friendly, accepting that lines, rain, heat, whatever happens and just has a good time. Your husband anf friends will have a good time!

Michael_p
(also in Ohio!)

There are about 12,000 bikers that will be riding through Iowa July 22nd-July 28th. (I just keep thinking 'Iowa in July!!!!!????)
This is a most-appropriate reaction. After all, who in their right mind would bicycle 471 miles in 7 days in the heat of July? It is arranged this way so that those on school vacation can participate (hence it's held in July, not August) and so that the severe Midwest weather is avoided (hence it's held in July, not June).
My husband and his friends are camping each evening but he does have me applying to each destination city's lodging coordinator to see if I can find them some lodging. Some kind host families actually open their homes and yards to the riders.
Yes, this is a great idea! Even to throw down the sleeping bag in the basement is better than wrestling with putting up a tent in the blazing afternoon, only to have to dismantle it less than 12 hours later. Plus, he'll be able to toss back a few with the local family which is hosting him for the night. This is the PRIME benefit for riders each year; to be able to talk with people you may not otherwise meet in your circle of influence. My first RAGBRAI, I talked with the president of Plochman's Mustard (Chicago). I've not seen him since, but it goes to show you that there is no way of predicting who you'll meet on this ride.

I think I will visit my daughter in Chicago that week maybe ride her bike along the lake path.
Also a great idea. Not nearly as many miles as RAGBRAI, but exercise of any kind is better for the body than being sedentary.