'Save the Trails!' Bike Ride to Benefit Raccoon River Valley Trail

If you've ridden the Racoon River Valley Trail at all, you might have noticed a few - how shall I say it? - "bumps" in the road.

The 56 mile-long trail that winds along the Raccoon River through Greene, Guthrie and Dallas counties, has the inevitable gravel road crossings that can jar even the most experienced riders. Thanks to owners Andy and Amy Walsh, your ride could soon be a lot smoother.

This Sunday, the Walshes and Mickey's Irish Pub are sponsoring the "Save the Trails!" bike ride to raise money to pave two of the 13 gravel road crossings in Dallas county. Several groups, companies and individuals have already committed to paving six crossings but at a cost of $2,400 per intersection, it could take a while to complete the others.

Sunday's event begins at 10 a.m. at Mickey's Irish Pub with registration, drinks and breakfast burritos. Riders will take the new north loop of the Raccoon River Valley Trail to Dallas Center to The Longest Yard Bar & Grill. Afterwards, cyclists will loop back to Waukee where the party begins at Mickey's Irish Pub at 2 p.m. with the band “Ira Grace and the Bible Belt Prophets” playing for the crowd. Total distance of the "Save the Trails!" ride is 16 miles.

Registration is $25 per person with all proceeds going toward paving the gravel road crossings.  There will also be raffle tickets sold for a chance at winning a New Belgium “Fat Tire Ale” cruiser bike. Raffle tickets are $25 each.

Co-sponsors of the ride include: BikeIowa.com, New Belgium Brewing and The Longest Yard Bar & Grill in Dallas Center.

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"Save the Trails!" Charity Bike Ride

When: Sunday, Sept. 16

Where: Registration begins at 10 a.m. at in Waukee

Cost: Registration is $25 per person.

For more information: Visit the BikeIowa website at www.bikeiowa.com.