Frequently Asked Questions

1. Contact Us: To cancel your trip, kindly send us an email at contact@pedalingpandas.com. We're here to assist you throughout the process.
2. Cancellation Fees: If you choose to cancel your trip before May 15, 2024, a cancellation fee of $200.00 will apply, and the remaining amount will be refunded to you.
3. No Refunds after May 15, 2024: Please note that, due to contractual obligations, we are unable to offer refunds for any reason if the cancellation is made after May 15, 2024. 
4. Trip Insurance: We strongly advise considering the purchase of Trip Insurance to provide coverage in case of unexpected cancellations. Trip insurance options are available from various providers, and we encourage you to explore these options for added peace of mind.
5. Rollover Option: We understand that plans can change, and as a one-time exception, any cancellations made after May 15, 2024, can be rolled over to the following year's trip. We'll be pleased to honor this rollover opportunity once.

Luggage - Each Rider is allowed 2 Pieces of luggage at 30lbs a piece ( Additional Luggage can be brought for an added fee). Bedding is not included in the two luggage items, but it does need to be neatly rolled and bagged. At check-in, we will have a hanging bag scale and all items will be weighed, For anything over 30 pounds an additional fee of 25.00 will need to be paid. 

The cost of showers is not included in your registration package.

The arrangements may vary from town to town, as the availability of facilities differs. In some instances, we're able to secure sites near local amenities such as schools, car wash showers, or rec centers ensuring that you have quick access to clean and comfortable shower spaces. In other cases, we might be in close proximity to a dedicated shower truck, which offers the same level of convenience. In rare cases, you may need to use the shuttle service to get to the showers. 

For early risers expecting to reach the next town before noon, consider preparing a small bag with fresh clothes and shower items. This way, you'll have what you need for a shower upon arrival. Please hand over these shower bags to either Johnee, Ebony or Desiree each morning before departing on your ride. 

Yes!  Moving forward, we are taking steps to enhance the overall experience for all participants by providing two of our own portable restrooms, often referred to as Port-a-Johns/Kybos. 

Our primary goal is to ensure your convenient access to each towns festivities. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with each overnight town to secure locations that are in close proximity to shuttle services or vendors. 

At this time, we do not offer SAG (Support and Gear) service as a standard part of our event package. However, we understand that there may be exceptional circumstances where SAG support is necessary for the well-being of participants. Therefore, we are open to making an exception for SAG support only in cases of documented medical or Emergency situations.

We offer electronic charging until the generator is turned off after 10pm. Charging is also available in the morning when the generator is started for breakfast.

We will be providing a separate charging station exclusively for E-Bikes. It's important to be aware that the main charging station is not suitable for charging E-Bike batteries. To ensure the safety of both your E-Bike and the charging infrastructure, we kindly request that you remove the battery from your bike before utilizing the designated E-Bike charging station. 

We aim to assist individuals with Sleep Apnea machines, though it's not guaranteed. Portable battery packs are available for rent at $100.00 for the week. These packs ensure your comfort in your tent. For inquiries or rentals, contact us at contact@pedalingpandas.com 

It depends on the situation. If everyone is using the tent and porter service, we can definitely arrange for you to camp together. However, if there's a mix of participants with their own tents and those using the tent and porter service, we won't be able to accommodate camping together. 

If you're comfortable handling bike repairs yourself, we'll have a basic set of bike tools/stands/bike pumps available. However, if you're not, rest assured that RAGBRAI includes bicycle Stands/Shops along the route, staffed with mechanics capable of addressing a wide range of issues. 

Laundry service will be available Mid-Week. To take advantage of the laundry service, kindly deliver your laundry to the Pandas on Tuesday evening.

• Laundry should be placed in a mesh laundry bag labeled with your name.
• We recommend using mesh bags for washing; overloading the bag might affect the washing process.
• For reference, you can find the mesh bags we use for the Panda Crew on Amazon.com: [Link to Mesh Bags]. This is the only bag that will be allowed for laundry, Other laundry bags become loose and items get lost. 

• All laundry will undergo washing using a gentle, scent-free soap on the cold setting.

• To ensure efficiency, please have your cycling shorts turned inside out before handing them over for laundry. This step helps us manage your laundry effectively.

If you miss Laundry day or do not wish to have your cycling shorts washed, we will have a small hand crank washer available for on site use. 

Recognizing past concerns, we're using brighter and more Panda Directional signs this year for better visibility. A dedicated Panda Guide will set up signs early each day in each overnight town. Detailed campsite locations will be emailed in advance, so please download the maps and coordinates to your mobile devices in case of limited cell service. The Life360 app will also be in use and will be set up during check-in. 

Camping 

• Bedding - Sheets for air mattresses, a pillow & a sleeping bag or blanket. Bedding needs to be neatly rolled, packed and secured for ease of loading. (Amazon offers quite a few low-cost options) - https://www.amazon.com/MISSLO-Resistant-Organizer-Carrying-Comforters/dp/B077XFWHSV/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=blankets+and+pillow+holder+for+camping&qid=1611623819&sr=8-5
• Portable fan for hot summer nights
• Hanging light for inside your tent and/or a flashlight
• Clothes pins
• Earplugs and sleep shades help with light and sound in the evenings 

Cycling

• Cycling gear for 7 days. (jerseys/shorts)
• Chamois Cream for your bum
• 2-3 water bottles for your bike. 
• Sun screen
• Cycling shoes 
• Extra pairs of socks 
• Tennis shoes or sandals in case you have clip ins 
• Rain coat 
• Cycling gloves 
• Helmet
• Sun glasses
• Zip-Lock bags to keep items dry ( Phone, Cash, ID...ETC)
• Bike tools, patches, and portable bike pump
• Portable bike lock for riding as well as in camp

Bring money (cash - Not all locations have the ability to accept plastic (Most overnight towns do have ATM's however)). Riders spend anywhere between $20-$200 per day. Each day has a meeting town mid ride where all of the cycling shops set up. You can purchase upgrades & repairs to your bike as needed. Also you will be responsible for your lunch as you ride throughout the day. In the overnight towns, RAGBRAI has an expo set up. There you have access to gear, apparel, food and beverage.

Personal

• Change of clothes for evening and sleeping (shorts, T-shirts, sweatpants, socks and under garments)
• Swim trunks/suits (you never know where the surprise pool parties are)
• Toiletries ( shampoo, conditioner, face wipes, toothbrush, tooth paste, body wash, loofah, Q-tips, razors, hair brush, combs....ETC) 

Must Haves

• Please keep medication stored in a cool dry place 
• ID/ Cash and CC can be kept on you in the evening or can be locked up in the Panda Safe for safe keeping
• Cell Phone Chargers 
• Emergency Contact Card 
• RAGBRAI Wristband and Bikeband