Earlier this week, it was announced that the Marathon will be a virtual event so we won't need to worry about how to safely provide course support in a pandemic.

We'll be looking forward to providing Bicycle Course Support in 2021!

2) LOVE YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP
Jess shares a sad tale of a broken chain, but it's got a happy ending when Kyle's Bikes is able to help her out with a quick repair.

Bike parts are available online, but local bike shops provide unmatched service. If you're looking for a shop, check out this list: https://bikeiowa.com/BikeShops

3) RIDING STYLE
After a few years on a Salsa Cycles Vaya, Jess tries out her ten year old aluminum Giant Bicycles. She shares some thoughts about adventure bikes versus road bikes and wonders if you've had a similar experience.

4) PIGTAILS RIDE
Pigtails IV at The Prairie Trail is scheduled for this weekend, but today's COVID-19 Test Positivity Rate in Iowa is 10.7%, which is considered uncontrolled community spread. Even with precautions in place, it's irresponsible of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to host an event that will bring people together and provide plenty of opportunity to not social distance.

If it wasn't safe to have RAGBRAI from July 19-25 and it's not safe to have the Iowa State Fair from August 13-23, it's probably also not safe to have Pigtails on August 8.

5) CYCLOCROSS UPDATES
There haven't been many changes in the local cyclocross schedule, but the BIG NEWS is that USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals have been moved from Chicago to Iowa City. There's a World Cup caliber cyclocross course (used by Jingle Cross Cyclo-Cross Festival), but Jess theorizes that the event may have also been moved to Iowa for other reasons.

THAT’S IT FOR THIS WEEK ! You can find more information on all of these items by checking out https://bikeiowa.com/

And finally, it's still a pandemic. It's still important to SOCIAL DISTANCE!

If you've got any ideas for future Friday Fives, send us a message!

Have a great weekend, RIDE SAFE and stay healthy!