Join Scott from BIKEIOWA.com to hear about what's on his radar in the Iowa cycling scene this weekend. #FridayFives is a new series for Summer 2020 and we plan to share fun destinations, events and happenings each week.
For Week #3, it is:
1) TWO NEW BIKE SHOPS
Two new bike shops recently opened in Central Iowa. Last month (May 2020) Michael’s Cyclery opened in Perry (in the old Raccoon River Valley Bike Co. and adjacent to Hotel Pattee) and today (June 5, 2020) RynoVelo opened in Ankeny (in the former Pingora Outdoors). Check them both out - but check in on social media first - because as we all know, it's a new normal for retail operations!
2) ADVENTURE ON HEART OF IOWA NATURE TRAIL
If you're looking for an adventure this summer, check out the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (HOINT). From the Nite Hawk Bar & Grill in Slater, you can head west on the paved High Trestle Trail towards the High Trestle Bridge or you can head east on the partially paved/partial limestone/partial grass doubletrack Heart of Iowa Nature Trail for a different awesome bridge! The former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad railbed makes up both trails. If you adventure all the way over between Collins and Rhodes, be sure to check out the Hoy Bridge - a 212 foot long open spandrel arch bridge constructed in 1913. The bridge is 60 feet in the air. Definetly take time to walk down to the Hoy Bridge Observation Deck - but step carefully because it's pretty overgrown!
3) BARN TOWN BREWING CARRY OUT
In the interest of safey, our friends at Barn Town Brewing are only open for carryout and curbside service. We love their Brussels Sprouts, Beer Cheese Soup, and always interesting beers. Give them a call at 515-978-6767 and place an order for some of their from-scratch comfort food. You won't be dissappointed! When you order at Barn Town, tell them we sent you!
4) GREEN PLAID FOR WOMEN
We've opened a pre-order for Green Plaid Women's Gemini Tanks! The original pre-order was only for Men's Crew Shirts, but we've heard from the LADIES and will be taking pre-orders through June 15, 2020. To order: https://bikeiowa.com/…/green-plaid-crew…
5) BUY YOUR RRVT ANNUAL PERMIT
If you're out riding the Raccoon River Valley Trail make sure you have a trail permit. Permits are $2/day or $10/year or you can be a "Friend of the Trail" for $25/year. It's one of the few trails in the state that requires a permit and the right thing to do is is BUY ONE if you're going to ride the RRVT. It's a tremendous asset to the Iowa cycling scene and the permit fees help pay for trail maintenance and amenities. Our friends at Dallas County Conservation Board can help you out with more info. You can purchase a permit at a trailhead, online (raccoonrivervalleytrail.org) or over the phone.
And finally, it's still important to SOCIAL DISTANCE! Please only go out and about if you are healthy and feel safe! It's up to all of us to get through this pandemic together.
If you've got any ideas for future Friday Fives, send us a message or email Scott at biker@bikeiowa.com.
Have a great weekend, RIDE SAFE and stay healthy!