The RRVT is now one of the longest paved recreational trails in the U.S. The celebration Saturday, June 1, in Perry.
After 10 years of planning and hard word, the new 33 mile "North Loop" of the Raccoon River Valley Trail will finally get its well-awaited “Grand Opening”.
Bicyclists are urged to ride to and from Perry and all over the
fully-completed RRVT.
The RRVT "North Loop" is a 33 mile
addition to the nationally acclaimed Raccoon River Valley Trail which
was established in 1989. The new addition creates a 72 mile loop trail and
brings the total miles of the RRVT to 89. This 72 mile loop is
considered the Longest Paved Loop Trail in the Nation. It connects 4
counties and 14 communities as well as tying into the Des Moines-metro
trail network. The total cost of the project was about $8.5 million in federal, state
and county grants, as well as significant private donations.
The RRVT is the Grand-daddy of bringing "Trails Tourism" to Central Iowa by connecting the communities with the trail; getting folks involved and making it a true destination! They have been a long time supporter of BIKEIOWA and their years of hard work has paid off! Lets support this Celebration with cyclists from all over Iowa!
Read a recent North Loop Trail Review from Team Stray and more info on the Grand Opening on the RRVT website.
North Loop Celebration
After a rainy Memorial Day Weekend, we are all pumped to get some riding in right?? The weather forecast looks to be party cloudy with a high of 72 on Saturday. Right now it shows a 20% chance of rain... Don't worry, we've informed Mother Nature that we had our fair share last weekend!
Celebrate a full day of Grand Opening activities from 9 am to 1pm.
Activities include a Poker Ride, Food/Vendors (BIKEIOWA is one!), Bike Rodeo, DJ Music, Bike generator demo, Team Contest (Bus, Number of Members and Best Costume), RRVT Mascot photo opp, Parade of Flags, and several other contests!
The Master of Ceremonies is Chuck Offenbuger and Keynote Speaker is Kevin Cooney
A list of the Schedule of Events and more info can be found HERE.
Vendors
- Raccoon River Valley Bike Company
- Iowa Bicycle Coalition
- Bike Rags
- BikeIowa
- Perry Junior Class Fundraiser
- Tour de Cure
- Pj’s Restaurant
- Taqueria Villa
- Perry Bicycle Co Op
- RRVTA
- Rocky Mountain Kettle Corn
BIKEIOWA says "Don't Miss"
- Kevin Cooney talk about "the vision for this loop project – so big that at first it sounded like a pipe dream at the time"
- Hearing the man with the vison - Chuck Offenburger speak
- Giving High Fives to Bob Wilson of the Perry Chamber of Commerce and man behind the BRR Ride
- Visiting the Hotel Patee - A Beautifully Distinctive Historic Luxury Hotel. Why not make a reservation and stay Saturday night? BIKEIOWA is!
- The new Bike Shop called the Raccoon River Valley Bicycle Co. near the Hotel Patee
- The fact that Perry will be hosting the overnight for RAGBRAI on Monday, July 22nd.
- Stopping at all the bars and restaurants in Perry that you enjoy on BRR but without your coat and gloves!
- Mickey's Irish Pub in Waukee is a BIKEIOWA Sponsor and Big Supporter of the campaign to pave all the gravel crossings on the RRVT.
- The Longest Yard in Dallas Center is a BIKEIOWA Sponsor. Please support them. Dallas Center will be a pass-through town on RAGBRAI this year.
- The Dew Drop Inn at 403 Third Ave. in Jamaica. It is more of a harley bar, not quite as "bike friendly" as some, but well worth the stop as it is in an old school. the bar is in the shop area
- The Owl's Nest in Panora. We added a review on it last year. great food.
- Stopping at the BIKEIOWA Tent to talk shop. We've got some great new Lady-Tees and some new coozies! Buy a Trails T-shirt and we'll give $5 back to the RRVT!
Riding to the Celebration?
If you are riding from Des Moines watch the water levels along the Clive Greenbelt Trail. We'll try to post last minute updates.
Cities along the RRVT.
The 5 new "North Loop" cities are followed with an "NL". All cities offer some sort of parking area. Printable Map
It is well worth noting the number of great amenities, museums and restored railroad depots in each of these cities.
-
Adel
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water
- Clive
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water
- Cooper
Amenities: Restrooms, Water
- Dallas Center (NL)
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water, Lodging
- Dawson (NL)
Amenities: Restrooms, Vending Machine, Water, Restored Depot, Lodging
- Jamaica (NL)
Amenities: Restaurant, Bars, Water, Convenience Store
- Jefferson
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water, Restored Depot, Lodging, Museum, Hospital
- Linden
Amenities: Restrooms, Water
- Minburn (NL)
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water, Restored Depot
- Ortonville (ghost town near Adel)
Amenities: Parking
- Panora
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water, Museum
- Perry
(NL)
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water, Restored Depot, Lodging, Hospital
A BIKEIOWA sponsor and home to the BRR Ride! site, facebook, twitter
- Redfield
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water, Restored Depot, Museum
- Waukee
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water
- Yale
Amenities: Restrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Water
Counties along the RRVT.
GEM
If you cannot tell, the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is one of Iowa's many gems. It is a true Iowa Destination worthy for any cyclist. Plan an training ride, day ride, overnight, stay-cation, or a multi-day vacation along the trail and embrace what it has to offer! YOU can be one of the first to ride the North Loop. Now that is something to tell your grandchildren!
See everyone on Saturday!
Ride Safe!