The University of Okoboji will host the 25th annual Oktoberfest Bike Ride Saturday, Sept. 24. An estimated 500 cyclists will participate in the nearly 27-mile ride. Some of the proceeds from the event go to benefit the Dickinson County trails systems.

"It's not a race," ride director Ken Hanson said. "It's just a fun ride where you can get outside with your friends. The Dickinson County Trails Board makes sure the trails are all swept off for us since you get some stuff falling in the fall. The trails are in good shape. The weather is beautiful. It's just a good time."

The ride was initially part of the Milford Jaycees schedule of events. The club dissolved, but a few former members approached Herman Richter with the idea.

"We got together with Herman at The Three Sons in Milford," Hanson said. "We wanted to keep the ride going, so we did. He turned it into a U of O event. It's been growing and fun ever since."

Cyclists will depart at 10 a.m. from Arrowwood Resort. Riders will travel along Spine Trail, then pedal past the Pearson Lakes Art Center and Keune Park. They will then head counterclockwise around West Lake Okoboji on Lakeshore Drive.

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