Brr Ride focuses on fun, stamina

Wed February 04 2009
Posted Feb 4, 2009
3,325

Perry By MIKE KILEN mkilen@dmreg.com Cyclists braving winter temperatures for the annual Brr Ride have long had a fondness for Perry. The host city of Saturday's 24-mile party ride to Rippey and back not only hatched the crazy February tradition that attracts hundreds of riders but is positioning itself as a future hub of Central Iowa biking. The 72-mile loop of the Raccoon River Valley trail will one day be the longest loop in the United States. The trail from Herndon to Perry was expected to be finished in the next year and from Perry to Waukee the year after that, although the project is subject to funding. With the reopened Hotel Pattee and renewed interest in the North Raccoon River running through town, an outdoor recreation focus is encouraging for businesses in the slow economy. "We've love to be the center of the loop," said Wendy Goodale, executive director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, who organizes the Brr Ride as its biggest fundraiser. "When the trail from Ames to Ankeny and Woodward is complete in the future we would be at the center of a figure 8." Trails within the city are also under construction, including widening the sidewalks along Willis Avenue and eventually connecting the new Raccoon trail to those in city parks, said Kevin Kanealy, parks supervisor. "There are lot of bikers in Perry and that's why they started Brr," said Scott Stokely, owner of Hiawatha Bicycling Company. "We just need to get those trails done, but money is tight everywhere. Everybody should be trying to tie into those trails because, at the end of the day, all we have is enjoyment." The Brr Ride is a major factor in a biking reputation since it started in 1978. That year 13 riders tackled the ride to Rippey and back in a blizzard. It is held regardless of weather and as many as 3,000 riders from all over the country have participated. Two years ago, it was 6 degrees below zero and 500 riders participated. This year's forecast is 39 degrees. That kind of dedication to biking should come with some kind of title. For now it might be: Future Bicycling Capital of Central Iowa.