I am taking this opportunity to document the fact that there was an active bicycle club in Marshalltown, Iowa for 50 years, 1974 – 2024. It was the Iowa Valley Bicycle Club (IVBC).
Mid December 1974, My wife and I were invited to a Christmas party at the home of Dan Ring, an avid cyclist. At that party, made up mostly of local cyclists, there was discussion of starting a bicycle club – “the conception and birth”. On Thursday, Dec. 19, the club president, treasurer and I met at the Lennox Credit Union to close the banking accounts of IVBC – “the funeral and burial.”
Through the years, IVBC club activities included, to name just a few, Saturday rides, weekend campouts/rides, rides viewing Christmas lights, Ride of Silence, area parade rides and our annual Marshmallow Ride. The club also operated a successful, official RAGBRAI Charter. Although relatively small (110 riders), IVBC was well known and respected in the RAGBRAI Community.
The money made from dues and RAGBRAI was used to support a host of local non-profit organizations, trail development and maintenance.
It was a great ride Iowa Valley Bicycle Club — Rest in Peace.
~ D
ana Bresler
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About Iowa Valley Bicycle ClubThe Iowa Valley Bicycle Club (IVBC of Marshalltown) was formed in 1974 to promote recreational bicycling and bicycle safety. IVBC is a community-minded club. We donated to TRAILS Inc., the Community Y Partner With Youth, Marshalltown Floral Baskets, Youth and Shelter Services of Marshall County,Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Marshalltown Police Crimestoppers, Bikes2Share, Dairy Queen Bicycle Safety Award Program, Bike to Work Week, and worked with the city working toward making Marshalltown "a bicycle friendly community". Through donations it has also aided in the development of the Marshalltown Bike Path and the Discovery America Trail.
More details.
IowaValleyBicycleClub.com
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BIKEIOWA NOTE: The Marshmallow Ride was one of our first organized rides that we attended back in the day! THANKS for all the club has done over the years and RIDE SAFE !!