I know a carload of fellow riders who drove out and did it last year.
Every single one was underwhelmed, and would not do it again.
Too many people. Too many lines. Boring scenery. Lots of logistics.
I was surprised. -These are generally positive people. They do not fit into curmudgeon status like I do.
I spend a lot of time watching the ragbrai yt videos, and early morning starts look cool, before the fog blows off the land, but the obligatory lines at every stop is just ridiculous. Even the line to dip your bike at the end was 1/2 mile long or something.
As much as I'd like to do it (and there is an alluring element to it), I'd rather plan something a little closer and smaller (participant wise). It looks like the ride is a victim of it's own greatness. At 10k-20k riders- perhaps.
I'll share a quick peek of those early morning sunrises though. Surreal!
EDIT- also for training, it looks like a lot of people show up underprepared and do just fine. The beer will get you through!
Good luck!
Ron