So, where are you going to ride is summer? If you are a bicyclist in Iowa or dreaming to ride in Iowa, you might have April 1 circled on your calendar as the last day to register for RAGBRAI. As long as we are dreaming about riding bikes during the much-warmer-than-now Iowa summer, let’s dream up some good events that are on our ride calendar.
April 1 Legislative Bike Ride [Des Moines]
This is a first-time event starting and ending at the Iowa Capitol. Roll along downtown Des Moines on streets, bike lanes, and trails. <Hopefully>, Iowa Legislators will take a quick break from lawmaking and join Iowa bicyclists on a 5 mile ride.
April 5 Mr. Porkchop THAW Ride [Bancroft]
Do you miss that famous porkchop? Come to Bancroft and ride a 38-miler benefit to purchase a new scoreboard at the Bancroft Park. Oh, and at the finish, Mr. Porkchop will be cooking.
April 12 Q7 Tweed Ride [Iowa City]
So spandex isn’t your thing? Join the Tweed Ride in Iowa City. Tweed rides are part antique bike show and daper fashion show. Bust out that tweed jacket and bow tie to jump aboard that old three speed and join the Tweed Ride.
April 19 Des Moines Mayor’s Ride [Des Moines]
Lead by RAGBRAI’s Dream Team, this ride is a traditional kick-off for warmer weather and fun. This event supports the Des Moines Trail System. First 700 registered get a Zombie Burger meal card.
May 3 Des Moines Gran Fondo [Des Moines]
Gran Fondo means “Big Ride” in Italian. This is a first time event and should be a great addition to the calendar. Come enjoy a 100 mile ride along the Des Moines countryside.
May 10 Full Moon High Trestle Ride [Slater]
The High Trestle Trail is spectacular any time, but during night it is even more special. During each full moon in the lunar cycle a ride is scheduled to enjoy the High Trestle Trail. This ride is at your own pace. Don’t forget to bring lights.
May 24 Confluence Brewery Bike Tour [Des Moines]
This is a new event in conjunction with Confluence Brewery. The Confluence Bike Tour has 50 and 25 mile options. And, visit the tap room following your ride for a free beer! The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a sponsor of this great event.
June 7 Bike SUX [Sioux City]
Ride 15 to 42 miles with sag stops and a poker run. This ride has been growing into a great one-day trial before the big ride in July. Lunch at Minerva’s.
June 14 Multiple rider all over Iowa
Bridges of Madison County (BRAMCO), Cedar Valley Trails Festival (Cedar Falls), Orchard Place Moonlight Classic (Des Moines), Tour The Raccoon (to Jefferson), and Tour of the Mississippi River Valley (Davenport to Dubuque) all take place on this weekend.
June 21 Biking Bondu [Bondurant]
This is the 7th Annual Ride that supports the area trails. You can find pie and ice cream along this route and a band to finish the ride. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a sponsor of this ride.
June 28 Bacoon Ride [Waukee]
This event is already the second largest bike ride in Iowa. 10 stops featuring bacon specialty foods along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. This event is not one to miss. Sponsored by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
This is a small sample of what is going on. Find links and information on more events at www.bikeiowa.com.
