1. Bicycle. Don't forget it, or your first day will be expensive. Remember to have it tuned even though there are good "wrenches" along the ride. Make sure your tires and equipment are up for the challenge.
2. Helmet. An absolute requirement.
3. Credentials. Remember your wristband and other credentials that you need for the trip.
4. Water bottles & Sunscreen. Keep the hydration up and the sunburn off.
5. Lip balm with sunscreen.
6. Sunglasses.
7. Spare tube and/or patch kit, including a pump or inflator.
8. Lock for your bike. You may or may not use it.
9. Bike bag or hip pack for daily hauling of your ID, money, sunscreen, lipbalm, ibuprofen, towelettes, toilet paper, plastic bags, etc.
10. Tent. Depending on whether you signed onto the charter's tent service.
11. Sleeping bag, sheet, pillow and some type of air mattress or pad. In 2004 it was 48-degrees the first morning however it can also be very warm overnight.
12. Flashlight. New Moon on RAGBRAI week.
13. Cycling clothes. Including raincoat or similar, windbreaker
14. "Campground" clothes. Regular summer clothes, but prepare for various weather.
15. Identification, health/dental insurance card,
16. Money and credit/debit card.
17. Toiletries. TP, toothbrush/paste, soap, shampoo, towels
18. Medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.
19. Ziplock plastic bags. Protect camera, cell phone, cash, TP, etc, in your bag or jersey pocket.
20. Folding chair. Lawn or bag style. See charter service if necessary.

Breakfast: expect to pay $4 - $7 on the route, such as a roadside tent or a town fire station.

Grazing: Good Iowa word… You will spend $5 - $10 throughout the day on pie, brats, pulled BBQ pork, bagels, Gatorade, or you name it! You will not starve.

Dinner: $6 to $9 which may be in a local charity tent, school cafeteria, or some other pasta dinner.

Showers: typically they run $2 - $3.

Evening vendors of souvenirs, repairs, clothing, and accessories will normally accept credit/debit cards, but daily food stops will require cash. You can spend more depending on your beverage of choice, restaurant versus food stand visits, and souvenir shopping.