Perry is ready to welcome cyclists for the 13th annual “Hiawatha Classic” bike ride on Saturday, June 18. There are three routes this year — 35, 44 and 60 miles. As always, the cyclists will be sent on their way by the “Dawson Artillery” (which really means that Chuck Scheib will shoot off his cannon again)!
PERRY, Iowa, June 15, 2011 – The community of Perry hosts the 13th annual Hiawatha Classic Bike Ride this Saturday, June 18, and for the first time cyclists will have an option of three different routes — of 35, 44 or 60 miles.
The ride takes its name from the old Milwaukee Road’s sleek “Hiawatha” zephyrs that used to run on the east-west railroad through Perry.
The bicyclists will gather early at Pattee Park on the south end of West 3rd Street in Perry. They’ll be sent on their way at 8 a.m. with a big charge from what Perry City Administrator calls “the Dawson Artillery.” Actually, that’s Chuck Scheib, who hails from the Dawson area, and is a cannoneer. It’s become a tradition that he fires his cannon to start the ride — and to wake up anybody trying to sleep late in southwestern Perry.
All three routes on the bike ride will go through Dawson, where they’ll be a rest stop at the wonderfully-renovated Dawson Depot. Those who are riding the 35-mile route will then pedal on back to Perry on the new 6-mile-long trail that is part of the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s new North Loop.
For registration and information, click here.
Proceeds from the bike ride are used for trail development in the Perry area. The event is coordinated by the Perry Parks and Recreation Department.
