RAGBRAI LIV Supported Group Ride to Help New Cyclists
Chris Pochiba and Sara Aho will lead a supported cycling group for the seven-day event, providing gear and logistical help.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cycling
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Content creators Chris Pochiba and Sara Aho are partnering with Litespeed Bicycles to lead a supported group ride during RAGBRAI LIV. This initiative aims to assist riders who require both technical guidance and equipment for the week-long Iowa cycling event.
Why it matters
The partnership reduces barriers to entry for long-distance cycling by providing essential gear and logistics support for those who lack the equipment or experience to tackle the state-wide ride independently.
RAGBRAI typically draws approximately 20,000 riders annually, a significant increase from the roughly 300 participants who joined the inaugural ride in 1973. It remains unknown how many slots will be available in this specific supported group for the 2027 edition.
The players
Chris Pochiba and Sara Aho
Full-time travelers and content creators who manage a YouTube channel and will lead the RAGBRAI LIV group.
Litespeed Bicycles
A Chattanooga-based manufacturer specializing in hand-built titanium cycling frames and components.
The details
Litespeed Bicycles, a Tennessee-based manufacturer known for hand-crafting titanium bicycles for 40 years, will supply loaner equipment to select participants. Chris Pochiba and Sara Aho, who have traveled full-time since 2018, will manage the group's logistics, including registration assistance and nightly camping support throughout the seven-day journey across Iowa.
Timeline
1973: RAGBRAI inaugural ride occurred.
2018: Chris and Sara began full-time travel.
July 24 to 31, 2027: RAGBRAI LIV ride takes place.
Health Landscape
Cycling events like RAGBRAI serve as major community-wide physical activity drivers in the Midwest. This partnership highlights a growing trend of professionalized support services designed to integrate novice or equipment-limited cyclists into established long-distance endurance events.
For those interested in long-distance cycling, this support model offers a way to participate without the logistical burden of transporting specialized gear. Consider discussing your physical readiness for seven consecutive days of riding with your doctor before committing to an event of this scale.
The takeaway
Participating in multi-day cycling events requires both sustained physical training and reliable equipment. If you are new to endurance riding, prioritize building your base mileage gradually and consult with a local cycling coach or physician to ensure your setup is properly fitted to your anatomy.
Further reading
For more information on preparing for regional long-distance rides, visit the Cycling page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
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