Pedaler's Inn in Panora

Posted Mar 21, 2006
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What's on the trail? a Bed and Breakfast in Panora called The Pedaler's Inn and they are having an open house this weekend!

If you are looking for an overnight or weekend excursion right in the heart of Central Iowa, you'd better check out the Pedaler's Inn in Panora, IA

The Pedaler's Inn in Panora is having an open house on Friday, March 24th and Saturday the 25th 2006 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day to coordinate an "Early Bird" event with the retailers in town. Stop by and check us out! Pedaler's Inn Photos

Summary: Before there was Pedaler’s Inn, there was the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and Panora. The trail was constructed in 1989, and was one of the first of its kind in Iowa. Today the trail extends from Jefferson to Waukee for a total of 56 miles. It connects to the Clive Greenbelt Trail, and if all goes as planned, in the end there will be a complete 74 mile loop from Des Moines. The Bassetts, Dave, Michelle, 9 year old Sam, and 6 year old Katy moved to Panora three years ago. As it happens, the house they moved into is less than a block from the Raccoon River Valley Trail in town. It is also right on Highway 44. Little did they know they were in the perfect “location, location, location”. Dave is an IT specialist for Ryko Manufacturing Company in Grimes, Iowa. Michelle was a stay at home mom, until May 2005. From the time they moved to Panora, Michelle had been looking for something that this small town needed, but didn’t have that she could turn into an occupation once the kids were both in school. The one thing the town did not have was lodging. The Bassetts had an idea, but they weren’t sure how all the pieces of the puzzle would come together. A fascination with old houses, home improvement, and big dreams were all somehow related. The time however was just not right. In the meantime, Michelle started a custom gift basket service and learned how to frame and mat pictures. As time wore on, and the more involved in the community the family became, it was apparent to the Bassetts that the bike trail had enormous potential for the community not just recreationally but economically as well. They felt that the time for action was fast approaching. The couple began to look at different buildings and lots available in town for sale that would accommodate a Bed and Breakfast. There were many options, but nothing that fit what they envisioned or their budget. One day, Dan Quinlin (Vice President of Guthrie County State Bank) said, “You know, this might not end up looking what you think it should look like, or be where you think it should be. You have to be flexible enough to think outside the box.” Almost immediately, the house next door to the Bassetts went on the market, and it wasn’t long after that that Pedaler’s Inn was born. After many weeks, scribbles and scratches, Dave came up with the name capitalizing on the close proximity to the bike trail. This wasn’t the huge formal Victorian house that we had always dreamed about, but the fact that it was so close to home made it very convenient. It was also the type of house that could be made into a home away from home for traveling families with children. The house has gone through much renovation, and opened officially for visitors in November, 2005. So far visitors have come as far away as Alabama, Florida and Arizona. Bike riders, business travelers, individual, family gatherings, reunions, hunters, wedding parties, or church groups looking for a quiet retreat would find this location ideal. A 100 year old house, Pedaler’s Inn is one block east of the Raccoon River Valley Trail head. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. There is a family room ideal for a gathering, a large dining room, and there is a small informal dining area just off the kitchen. Also located on the property is a building that used to house a small paint shop, and it will be refurbished starting this spring. It will become the home of the gift basket and framing business.

Rates

The weekend room rate for the King bedroom with private bath is $89.00. Weekday rate is $79.00.
The Queen bedrooms on the upper level share a full bath at the end of the stairs and rates are $69.00 for weekend and $59.00 weekday (Sun - Thurs).
There is a room for kids that is $10.00 per child 12yrs and under.
A kennel for hunting dogs is available in the backyard for $15.00.

Each room includes tv/dvd. There is cable and dial up internet access in the family room, and the king room. Group rates are also available.

How Many Can Stay? There is room for 3 couples, and three individuals (this includes the bunk beds in the childrens room) for a total of 9. The rate for this number is $210.00 plus tax per night. All other rates do not include tax. Check in time is 4-6pm, and check out time is 11 am unless other arrangements are made in advance. Reservations require a credit card number or one night deposit. 7 day cancellation required.

What's there to do? Local activities could include a stroll down main street to explore our charming shops or fine dining. Panora is also a great place for families to come experience the small town atmosphere in the oldest community in Guthrie County. See our history preserved at the Guthrie County Historical Village. Golfing is available at Nearby Panorama National Golf Course, or visit nearby picturesque Springbrook State Park. Please check out http://www.panora.org for more information and activities.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail grows The local branch of the Raccoon River Valley Trail committee has been very active the last year and presently continues to seek all avenues of funding to refurbish the Guthrie County portion of the trail. Chuck Offenburger and the newly established Raccoon River Valley Trail Foundation have supported our local group valiantly. After seeing what Lanesboro, MN has done with their community by utilizing their bike trail system to it’s utmost potential, there is definitely a movement in Panora to learn by their example. There are many things happening right now that will ultimately affect the future of Panora, of which this bike trail is a large part. We at Pedaler’s Inn are excited to be along for the ride. If you would like to come visit Pedaler's Inn, we would love to have you as our guest to experience it first hand.

(Be sure to tell them that BIKEIOWA.com sent you!) Michelle Bassett Pedaler's Inn, A Bed and Breakfast 622 E Main Panora, IA 50216 641-755-3711 or 515-491-3789 pedalersinn@yahoo.com