Last weekend, riders from across Iowa gathered for the annual Hillbilly Ride along the Chichaqua Valley Trail, enjoying a beautiful day of cycling, community, and small-town hospitality. The trail once again proved to be a wonderful destination for cyclists of all ages and abilities, with communities along the route welcoming participants throughout the day.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition was excited to be in Mingo to greet riders as they made their way through town. Our team enjoyed meeting cyclists from across the state, sharing information about the Coalition’s advocacy, education, and events, and connecting with both longtime members and those learning about our work for the first time. Events like the Hillbilly Ride are a great reminder of the strong cycling community that exists throughout Iowa.
While riders stopped to refuel in Mingo, Iowa Safe Routes to School was busy helping the next generation of cyclists build their confidence on two wheels. Families joined us for a bike rodeo where children practiced important riding skills in a fun, supportive environment. Young riders worked on steering, stopping, balancing, and navigating simple obstacles while learning the rules of the road and how to ride predictably.
Our team also gave away and properly fitted bicycle helmets, helping ensure that more children have the equipment they need to ride safely. A properly fitted helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious head injury, and we’re proud to help make helmets accessible to Iowa families.
The day highlighted what makes Iowa’s cycling community so special—bringing together recreational riders, local communities, and families to celebrate active transportation and safe bicycling. Whether participants were riding miles along the Chichaqua Valley Trail or learning to ride more safely at the bike rodeo, everyone played a part in making the event a success.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and the community of Mingo for welcoming us. We look forward to seeing everyone at future rides and continuing our work to make bicycling safer and more accessible for Iowans of all ages.
The Safe Routes to School program is funded through a matching grant. You can help us meet the match here.
