Best bike rides to kick off the Iowa summer
Pump up your tires and oil up those chains because it’s officially bike season.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a newbie dusting off your old ride, there are a plethora of bike tours and trails to take advantage of right here in Iowa. From brewery rides and scenic views, to charity events of all endurance levels, you’re sure to find the perfect pedal-worthy event.
Naturally, RAGBRAI (July 23-29) is the highlight of Iowa's cycling season. But these rides in June will help you get ready for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.
Pint Night Ride
Date: June 1
The skinny: Sign up for a leisure ride through Waterloo, where you’ll end up at the SingleSpeed Brewery. Spend the evening riding through some of Cedar Valley’s finest and flattest trails. Make sure to register and check in with Bike Tech and enjoy your first beer on them.
Website: biketechcf.com/pndetails
2nd annual Bike for a Cure
Date: June 3
The skinny: Annual Bike for a Cure in Estherville is a riding event with the choice of a 34-mile ride or a 12-mile ride. This family-friendly event benefits a great cause with all of the proceeds going toward the Emmet County Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
Website: zapevent.com/reg/event/12693
Bike SUX
Date: June 3
The skinny: Bike SUX was started to help two needs: Raise money for the Goodfellows Charity, and promote cycling in the Siouxland area. This is a fun yet challenging ride, but newbies are encouraged to join in. Don’t forget to pick up your swag bag and T-shirt at the end.
Website: bikesux.com
Pedaling For Pets By Heartland Humane Society
Date: June 3
The skinny: Ottumwa's Pedaling for Pets proceeds go toward the Heartland Humane Society. There are three routes to choose from: Dachshund (six miles), Greyhound (19 miles) and Wolfhound (42 miles). The race will start at Courtside Bar and Grill between 9 and 10 a.m., and you can start your ride anytime after registration.
Contact: wha-lex55@hotmail.com
Ride 4 Youth
Date: June 4
The skinny: Ride 4 Youth is a charity bike ride in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids hosted by the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine. This bike ride supports Waypoint Services, a charity that provides shelter and support to women and families in crisis. This bike ride has nine routes ranging from beginner to professional.
Website: ride4youth.com
Cedar Valley Cyclists – Waterloo On Wheels Series – #2
Date: June 8
The skinny: If you’re looking for a group cycling opportunity, then Cedar Valley’s monthly Thursday night rides are just what you’ve been searching for. These rides are moderate paced distances with routes that include both urban and rural areas.
Website: ridecvc.org
Pedal for a Purpose
Date: June 10
The skinny: Pedal for a Purpose raises funds for the Opportunity Village friends and family, a nonprofit that supports more than 600 people with disabilities in 30 or more communities in Iowa. The ride will start and finish at Shimkat Motors in Fort Dodge.
Website: eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-pedal-for-a-purpose-registration-33534373213
Full Moon High Trestle Bridge Ride
Date: June 10
The skinny: Full Moon High Trestle Bridge Ride is a bike ride in Madrid on the gorgeous High Trestle Trail Bridge. Enjoy an 11-mile ride from Slater under the stars or a 3-mile ride from Madrid.
Contact: jabo19522@msn.com
6th annual Lake to Lake Ride
Date: June 17
The Lake to Lake Ride is a 50-mile bike ride through Iowa River Valley’s abundant greens and rolling hills. Enjoy pedaling through George Wyth State Park in Cedar Falls, on multiple country roads to end up in Pine Ridge Park.
Website: www.ridecvc.org