(Iowa) -- 20,000 riders are expected to bike between 40 to 70 miles each day across Iowa in this year’s RAGBRAI event that kicks off tomorrow.

"We call it one of Iowa’s biggest family reunions. We have riders and support people from 50 states and 20 countries coming to Iowa in July to ride their bikes across our state and show them what Iowa Nice is all about," said Matt Phippen, RAGBRAI Ride Director.

Phippen said the main purpose of RAGBRAI is showing off Iowa communities, and the bike is just what ties it all together. Communities have been preparing to host each night of RAGBRAI for months. Riders can expect festival-style areas at each stop, with live music, food vendors, and local entertainment.

Last year’s route was through southern Iowa. Phippen tells WHO Radio News that this year’s ride will be a lot less hilly than last year’s.

This year’s ride will go through northern Iowa communities and even up into Minnesota on day two. This is the first time RAGBRAI has traveled into another state.

"For 51 years we have explored almost every area of Iowa, and on day two we are going to take our riders up into Minnesota. We’re definitely testing the waters. So far, it’s been easy to work with Minnesota, they’ve been fantastic to work with, so we’ll see how it goes," said Phippen.

This year’s theme is Take Flight.

"We do have a flyover on day zero in Orange City. Local airports will be showcasing planes in the area. Honor Flight is our benefactor and will be receiving donations from riders and RAGBRAI this year. We will have veterans who have flown with Honor Flight before on stage with us, so that will be our give-back at the end of the ride," said Phippen.

Flight-themed events are planned throughout the week, celebrating veterans and pilots from across Iowa.

Phippen tells WHO Radio News that a flyover has been in the works for many years. This year’s flyover will take place during the opening ceremony in Orange City.

Emery Songer