Moving the Mayor's Ride for Trails?

Tue October 31 2006
Posted Oct 31, 2006
2,420

Des Moines are cyclists, WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK! I am sending you this to get some comments and feedback about the Mayor's Annual Ride (MAR). There is a possibility of changing the date of the MAR to coincide with Bike to Work Week in May. Traditionally, the MAR ride has been held on the 3rd Saturday in April. The 3rd week in May has been proposed. 2007 will be the 20th year for the MAR ride!

Some of the reasons for keeping the MAR at it usual date the 3rd Saturday in April include:

Since its inception it has been known as the first ride of the season.
It is an established date with riders.
Other rides start to being in May and it increases competition for the ride.

Reasons for changing the MAR ride date are:

Poor weather in April can cut attendance and revenues in half.
Attendence has been lacking in previous years. Need new ideas to keep it growing.
Better weather in May = more attendance and more revenues for trails.
3rd Sat in May can be BIG kick-off for Bike To Work Week and maybe downtown Bicycle Expo that day too.
Bicycle awareness is doubled with two large events that week.
May is Bike To Work Month

Please vote on the BIKEIOWA poll and email Biker@bikeiowa.com with your thoughts on why you think the date should change or stay the same. Either way, we need to get new participants involved! last year's MAR info