RRVT News Archives

Year: All20122011201020092008200720062000Author: AllgraficsChuckCarlaLori
January 2012(10 posts)
• 18: Feature Photo(0)
• 11: Marketpress cart test(0)
• 11: Store(0)
• 10: Your Account(0)
• 10: Transaction Results(0)
• 10: Shopping Cart(0)
• 10: RRVT Shop(0)
• 09: Charlie Wittmack, global adventurer & veteran bicyclist, is guest speaker for the fifth annual membership banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association. The event is set for Saturday, February 18, in Panora, and you should buy your tickets soon, as capacity will be about 300. In this story, we have a conversation with Iowa native Wittmack, and more details about the banquet.(0)
• 08: Jefferson & Greene County to host the first “Iowa Bicycle Festival” on May 26 — a fun “celebration of the bicycle and those who ride it.” The festival will have a parade of RAGBRAI team buses and decorated bikes, there’ll be a juried art show with the bicycle theme, a bicycle apparel fashion show, seminars on a wide range of cycling-related topics, contests, food and more. Make plans now to be in Jefferson that Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.(0)
• 07: Bummer! The U.S. Department of Transportation for now turns down the application by Dallas County officials, supported by many trail advocates, for $4 million in federal “TIGER” funds. A grant of that amount would have helped build a “connector trail” between the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry and the High Trestle Trail in Woodward. With project plans now in hand, hopefully other funding possibilities will materialize. (0)
December 2011(2 posts)
• 08: The proposed “Herndon to Coon Rapids Trail,” which would go west from the Raccoon River Valley Trail, receives a $300,000 Federal Recreational Trails program grant. That grant, plus an earlier $365,000 in funding, plus a donation of 7 miles of former railroad right-of-way, means that negotiations can now begin to complete the trail bed acquisition. Completion of the 17-mile trail is years away, but there may be some uses of it available much sooner — specifically for hunters and snowmobilers.(0)
• 04: Carroll’s newspaper, putting together a holiday gift package for its 22 full-time employees, included annual user permits for each of them on the recreational trail that runs through that community. It’s a terrific gesture and a real benefit for employees, something we think that businesses along the Raccoon River Valley Trail might want to consider. And we could also include memberships in the RRVT Association. (0)
October 2011(2 posts)
• 18: Another big step for the Raccoon River Valley Trail! The grand opening of 5.5 miles of new trail from Waukee to Dallas Center was held on October 15, and more than 70 people came out for a ribbon-cutting. Work is now underway to complete the “North Loop” in 2012, and when that happens there will be a huge celebration, an official said: “We’re all going to go to Jamaica!” (0)
• 17: Dallas County officials have decided to apply for federal funding that could build a paved connection between the Raccoon River Valley Trail at Perry and the High Trestle Trail at Woodward. The connector trail would be built on road rights-of-way in conjunction with a new road paving project. When a call went out for letters of support for the project, more than 130 individuals, organizations and agencies responded in a period of two days!(0)
September 2011(15 posts)
• 28: KCCI-TV covers the progress on the new “North Loop” of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Reporter Eric Hanson’s story aired on Wednesday evening this week, and is available online with a link you can find in this story. Be sure to notice in the video just how beautiful the trail looks now in autumn.(0)
• 27: Feature Photo – January 18th, 2012(0)
• 27: Feature Photo – December 23rd, 2011(0)
• 27: As this 2011 bicycling season winds down, we take a look at the growth of the “bike culture” in recent years in one of our communities on the Raccoon River Valley Trail — Jefferson and Greene County on the north end of the trail.(0)
• 26: Hey! Congratulations to, well, us! The membership of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association has reached a record one-year high during 2011 — with 407 members! And remember, if you buy memberships in the last three months of this year, they’re good for all of 2012.(0)
• 25: Yikes! On Friday and Saturday evenings this weekend in Panora, the Raccoon River Valley Trail becomes the “Halloween Trail of Terror”! There’s a whole lot of spooky fun planned in a unique fundraiser by Panorama High School’s senior class and the After-Prom Committee. Check this story for the details.(0)
• 07: Despite steady rain, about 50 cyclists took part in the “Trails & Trills” ride at the north end of the Raccoon River Valley Trail on Saturday of Labor Day weekend, and 10 musicians performed along the way — at least for a time. Here is a very brief story and 15 colorful photos of the event, which after being held seven consecutive years, is the oldest tradition on the RRVT!(0)
• 06: Larry & Beverly Murphy, of Jefferson, whose home and yard are right alongside the Raccoon River Valley Trail, get a salute from the local Chamber of Commerce for the way their well-kept flower and vegetable gardens “beautify an important entrance to the community.” The Murphys were nominated for the award by the RRVT Association.(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – December 4th, 2011(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – November 26th, 2011(0)
• 05: Portion of Raccoon River Valley Trail’s “North Loop” is completed between Dallas Center and Waukee, and the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and grand opening is set for this Saturday, October 15. The addition of that 5.5-mile stretch of new concrete brings the RRVT’s total current mileage to 69.5 — on our way to 89 a year from now!(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – November 7th, 2011(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – October 28th, 2011(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – October 17th, 2011(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – October 11th, 2011(0)
August 2011(5 posts)
• 18: Public’s interest in the Raccoon River Valley Trail is “greater than ever” according to RRVT Association board members who staffed the organization’s display booth at the big Adel Sweet Corn Festival. Everyone is excited about the new “North Loop” being completed, and everybody wants to know when the new High Trestle Trail can be connected to the RRVT.(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – October 7th, 2011(0)
• 05: The “RAGBRAI Expo” at the start of the big bicycle ride across Iowa was a fantastic opportunity to tell the story of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Our RRVT Association board members did just that with hundreds of cyclists from across the nation & beyond. There was tremendous interest among RAGBRAIers in returning to ride the trail, officials say. Here is a brief story and some photos from the day.(0)
• 05: On the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Dawson, landscaping work is now underway to complete the tremendous renovation project on the historic Dawson Depot. Be sure to stop by to give it a look. The depot building was almost certainly a “goner,” before the trail project was initiated and historic preservation became a possibility.(0)
• 04: Work is completed now on removing trees & brush lodged against North Raccoon River bridge between Perry and Dawson. So that portion of the Raccoon River Valley Trail is again open and available.(0)
July 2011(15 posts)
• 29: Construction on the new trail surface between Waukee and Dallas Center is “getting closer” to completion, “but not finished yet.” Here’s an end-of-July update on that and other work on the new “North Loop” of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, plus five photos of the new construction that is happening.(0)
• 28: Terrific line-up of musical talent for Saturday’s “Trails & Trills” bike ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail between Jefferson and Cooper. Among the performers — two-time Iowa State Fair yodeling champion Marissa Miller, a 16-year-old from northeast Iowa, who will try to teach you to yodel! Also featured will be Von Ketelsen, the well-known farm broadcaster, singer, guitarist and bicyclist from KWMT radio in Fort Dodge. And the Falls, a family of Mennonite children who live trailside, will sing the distinctive songs from their church tradition. All that, and ribeye steak sandwiches for lunch in Cooper! Don’t miss it!(0)
• 27: Another “Full Moon Ride” is set this Saturday, August 13, on the Raccoon River Valley Trail from Jefferson to Cooper and back. Cyclists should gather at the Jefferson Depot at 8 p.m. that night with headlights and taillights on their bikes and helmets, of course.(0)
• 18: About 50 cyclists took part in the “Tour d’ Greene” on July 16, doing a 20-mile loop ride from the Jefferson Depot, on paved county roads and then the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The night before, many of them also enjoyed a “Full Moon(less) Ride” on the trail between Cooper and Herndon. Here are a brief story and photos.(0)
• 14: Another “Full Moon Ride” will be held this Sunday evening, Sept. 11, between Jefferson and Cooper on the north end of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The number of cyclists has grown on each of the four full moon rides this summer. Get the details here.(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – September 28th, 2011(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – September 20th, 2011(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – September 5th, 2011(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – August 30th, 2011(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – August 24th, 2011(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – August 18th, 2011(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – August 6th, 2011(0)
• 09: Great day on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, as a record turnout of 120 went through the foodline at the fourth annual RRVT Association members’ picnic on July 9. There was a vigorous wind, but otherwise it was not only a great day for a trailside picnic but also for a good ride!(0)
• 01: Here’s a first on the Raccoon River Valley Trail: A female cyclist from West Des Moines gets a verbal warning from sheriff’s deputies in Greene County after a public complaint that she was riding bare-chested. “Well, it’s hot!” she told the lawmen, who responded, “Oh, come on!” They persuaded her to use more modesty.(0)
• 01: July 4th weekend marked the start of the busiest time of year on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, with so many cyclists doing training rides before RAGBRAI. Other areas of Iowa have experienced flooding, but west central Iowa is fine and there are no floodwaters on the RRVT.(0)
June 2011(3 posts)
• 30: The “Hiawatha Classic Bike Ride” was challenged by thunderstorms, but 50 cyclists rode into and through the storms on Saturday, June 18. Here are a brief story and four photos from the event.(0)
• 10: An early Raccoon River Valley Trail tradition is being renewed, with “Full Moon Rides” scheduled on the trail in the Cooper area. The first one was held in mid-June. The second is July 15, with cyclists gathering for an 8 p.m. departure from the Cooper Way Station, for a cruise to Herndon and back, then free snacks in Cooper.(0)
• 10: Two bike rides in Greene County this weekend are using the Raccoon River Valley Trail — a “Full Moon Ride” Friday night from Cooper to Herndon and back, and Saturday’s second annual “Tour d’ Greene” ride from Jefferson on a 20-mile loop using paved secondary roads and the trail. Both are good ways to add some extra miles of training as you get ready for RAGBRAI!(0)
May 2011(12 posts)
• 27: As the Memorial Day weekend started another big season on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, we paused to remember Jack Jordison, an enthusiastic trail user from Waukee who died in early April. His family designated the RRVT Association for memorial contributions, and those will be used to help develop a nice trailhead park on the corner of Waukee.(0)
• 26: Feature Photo – July 29th, 2011(0)
• 26: Feature Photo – July 18th, 2011(0)
• 26: Feature Photo – July 9th, 2011(0)
• 26: Feature Photo – July 3rd, 2011(0)
• 26: “Tour the Raccoon” back in June finally got some good weather — well, at least one of the two days it did — and about 60 cyclists had an enjoyable weekend ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The new Jefferson Trailhead Campground was a real hit with the riders, who especially appreciated the new showers and restrooms and the close location to downtown. Here’s brief story & a dozen photos.(0)
• 26: Perry and Dawson are already showing the impact of having a fine new recreational trail coming through your town. Since the formal opening of an 8-mile portion of the Raccoon River Valley Trail through those towns, use of it is increasing every day. Perry is seeing bicycle commuters. New businesses are predicted to open in Dawson. “Trails here in Iowa are a tremendous asset,” speaker Lisa Hein said. (0)
• 25: 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)!(0)
• 25: This weekend, the third annual “Tour the Raccoon” ride is going to give the Offenburgers and a lot of other fun folks another chance to “reconnect with the absolute joy of riding a bike,” as the columnist says. And you’ll meet a lot of notable characters and places along the way, too, because the Offenburgers know most all of them. Come ride along!(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – June 14th, 2011(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – June 9th, 2011(0)
• 19: The new Jefferson Trailhead Campground is now taking shape as the first full-service campground located right on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. A new pre-cast concrete showerhouse was lifted and lowered into place May 19; finishing work on the campground will be completed soon, and the facilities are expected to be opened for camping by the June 10-12 weekend.(0)
April 2011(9 posts)
• 27: Wow! Our new neighbor, the High Trestle Trail, with its amazing half-mile long bridge that is 13 stories high, is even better than people were saying it’d be. Dignitaries and the media got a preview of it on April 27, and a huge turnout from the public was expected on April 30 for the opening “Grand Celebration.” We’ve got photos & details here.(0)
• 23: A look at the decision by the City of Coon Rapids to step up and help save the possibility of a new recreational trail being developed across northern Guthrie County, to connect with the Raccoon River Valley Trail. They made the decision to accept a state grant of $365,000 to be used to keep the project alive, even though Coon Rapids is not located in Guthrie County. City council members made it clear, though, that eventually they’d like to see ownership of the new trail be given back to Guthrie County.(0)
• 12: Hiawatha Classic Bike Ride(0)
• 12: Tour d’ Greene(0)
• 11: Adel Sweet Corn Festival(0)
• 11: All Iowa Wine Festival(0)
• 10: 3rd Annual Tour the Raccoon Ride(0)
• 10: Dawson to Perry RRVT Dedication(0)
• 03: Lemonade Ride(0)
February 2011(9 posts)
• 20: Wow! The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s banquet brought in a record of $17,776 – topping last year’s banquet total by more than $7,000! Thanks to all! Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack was the guest speaker and enchanted the audience with her tales of bicycling, saying “each of us bikers love going out to reprise what Walt Whitman called ‘the song of the open road,’ ” even if we might stop in a bar or pie shop along the way.(0)
• 20: Feature Photo – June 2nd, 2011(0)
• 20: Feature Photo – May 26th, 2011(0)
• 20: Feature Photo – May 19th, 2011(0)
• 20: Feature Photo – May 5th, 2011(0)
• 20: The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s banquet is featured in 23 photographs here. (0)
• 19: Trail advocates & northern Guthrie County towns take a hit: The county’s Board of Supervisors votes 3-2 to turn down an already-approved grant of $365,000 for a 17-mile east-west trail across the county! The board’s majority also made it clear they do not want the trail developed, will not accept ownership if it should get built, and would not pay for maintenance on it. This reverses a previous board’s support of the same project two years ago.(0)
• 09: RRVT Annual Association Banquet(0)
• 02: Raccoon River Valley Trail users start getting “loopy!” The Perry-Dawson section of the new North Loop will have a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 14, and everybody is invited. It will be a big, big day for the RRVT. Details & photos of the new trail available here.(0)
January 2011(14 posts)
• 31: National TV show’s crew joined local snowmobilers recently to do video report on the Raccoon River Valley Trail as a new “destination” for snowmobilers from out-of-state. The episode is scheduled to for broadcast sometime next fall.(0)
• 30: Feature Photo – April 27th, 2011(0)
• 30: Feature Photo – April 26th, 2011(0)
• 30: Hurrah! Jefferson’s new trailhead campground on the Raccoon River Valley Trail is going to become a reality by June, after 4-1 approval vote for showers & restrooms by the Greene County Conservation Board. It will be the first campground located right on the trail in the three counties.(0)
• 29: Two new “camping cabins” are now completed and available for rent for Raccoon River Valley Trail users, at beautiful Sportsman Park on the east edge of Dawson, on the RRVT’s “North Loop.” You can see the cabins here and get the details. With both heat and air-conditioning, they are available year ’round.(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – April 19th, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – April 14th, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – April 10th, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – April 3rd, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – March 20th, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – March 10th, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – February 24th, 2011(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – February 21st, 2011(0)
• 28: The most-sought-after bicycling jersey in the 2011 season? Raccoon River Valley Trail Association has partnered with Iowa artist Brian Duffy, and with the acclaimed Louis Garneau jersey-making company, to offer the brand new RRVT jersey – available now. Check the photos of Duffy wearing the jersey in this story to see all the fun design touches.(0)
October 2010(4 posts)
• 31: Feature Photo – February 16th, 2011(0)
• 31: Feature Photo – February 12th, 2011(0)
• 29: Here’s the updated listing of donated auction & raffle items available at the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s annual banquet on February 19 at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. Ever dreamed of feeding a giraffe? Here’s your chance. We’ve got a terrific package for a Bill Cosby performance. You can bid on lunches with Michael Gartner and with Iowa State broadcasters John Walters & Eric Heft. There are bicycles, kayaks, tailgating equipment. There are several terrific meals you can bid on, as well as overnight stays in places spread from Dawson, Iowa, to Scottsdale, Arizona! Landscaper Jerry Kluver will do a consultation on your lawn & garden. And there’s original artwork by Brian Duffy. Be there!(0)
• 28: Christie Vilsack, guest speaker at the annual banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, has started polishing up her favorite tales from riding on RAGBRAI and on her favorite trails — both in Iowa and in the Washington, D.C., area. She shares some of those stories right here.(0)
September 2010(10 posts)
• 19: Big change in the project renovating the old hotel in little Yale on the Raccoon River Valley Trail: The 120-year-old hotel is being moved a mile north and just east of town, where it is to be completed and opened as the owner’s residence, with B&B rooms available, too.(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – February 1st, 2011(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – January 17th, 2011(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – January 11th, 2011(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – January 5th, 2011(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – December 26th, 2010(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – November 9th, 2010(0)
• 18: Feature Photo – November 1st, 2010(0)
• 18: Iowans are voting now on a constitutional amendment which could create a significant funding stream for recreational trails development and maintenance, along with new financial support for the natural resources, conservation and other outdoor recreation. Here is some background information on “Iowa’s Water & Land Legacy,” as it is called.(0)
• 01: Rob Davis, a veteran rider on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, caught one of those last fine days of early November and spent the better part it on the north half of the trail. He shares a brief report and four photos on the adventure, and says it’s one he’ll remember all winter while he anticipates another bicycle season next spring.(0)
August 2010(11 posts)
• 30: Ever wonder where people on the Raccoon River Valley Trail are from? Check this report from Joe Hanner, the RRVT manager in Guthrie County, from the addresses listed on “daily permit” applications over a week’s time. He was surprised and delighted to count people from 11 different states and a Canadian province!(0)
• 29: The art mystery grows on the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Greene County! An unknown artist has now hung four bicycles decorated with colorful beads in trees along the RRVT. We don’t know who’s doing this, but it sure is fun! See photos of the pieces with this story.(0)
• 29: Feature Photo – October 24th, 2010(0)
• 27: Anxious for the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s “North Loop” to be completed? It could take 3 to 4 years, unless creative ways can be found to expedite funding pledged for future fiscal years. Here are some insights and tips on that huge, 33-mile addition from Mike Wallace, the Dallas County Conservation director who is coordinating most of the work on the project. (0)
• 27: Feature Photo – October 17th, 2010(0)
• 26: Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s picnic drew a record of 80 people Saturday at the Redfield trailhead. Great food and conversation on one of the prettiest and busiest trail days of 2010. You can see the fun in seven color photos with this story.(0)
• 25: People using the Raccoon River Valley Trail are increasingly bringing along and using mobile communications devices like cell phones. So we’re now rolling out an additional Website, one that is specially designed for “mobile applications.” This story has the details. Give the new site a try and please give us your suggestions for improving it!(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – September 10, 2010(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – August 31, 2010(0)
• 23: Feature Photo – August 23, 2010(0)
• 16: Feature Photo – August 16, 2010(0)
July 2010(11 posts)
• 31: Feature Photo – July 31, 2010(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – July 24, 2010(0)
• 20: Cyclists are now rolling between Panora & Yale on the newly reconstructed 5-mile section of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. It’s not officially open yet, but the barricades are down, the surface has been swept and it’s now in use — just in time for the RAGBRAI migration! (0)
• 18: Feature Photo – July 18, 2010(0)
• 11: Feature Photo – July 11, 2010(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – July 5, 2010(0)
• 04: Feature Photo – July 4, 2010(0)
• 04: Two events Saturday, August 14, are available in Raccoon River Valley Trail communities. Adel hosts the annual Sweet Corn Festival, with serving after the 11 a.m. parade. Jefferson & Cooper host the sixth annual “Trails & Trills” bicycle ride, with musicians scattered along the trail between the two towns. Get the details in this story.(0)
• 03: Update for this weekend of August 13-15: Area’s flooding problems are not affecting the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which is fully open and available.(0)
• 01: On the weekend of July 10 & 11, there were still two closures affecting users of the Raccoon River Valley Trail — between Panora and Yale, and under the bridges of Interstate Highways 80 & 35. Work on both projects is very near completion. There are no closures on the RRVT because of flooding.(0)
• 01: Need one more good training ride for RAGBRAI? Here are details on “Tour de Greene,” a new ride on Saturday, June 17, from Jefferson. It uses part of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and offers routes of 20, 40, 75 and 100 miles around Greene County. Your $10 fee includes lunch at the county fair. You’ll also be helping a new local bike club, Cyclists Of Greene, launch its first major event.(0)
June 2010(9 posts)
• 30: Construction update for the weekend of July 16-18: Hurrah! The Clive Greenbelt Trail is now reopened where it passes under the Interstate highway bridges on the west side of the Des Moines metro area. But the Raccoon River Valley Trail reconstruction project between Panora and Yale is not yet completed, so that five miles of our trail remains closed. Regardless, this week should be the busiest week of the year on the RRVT.(0)
• 30: Sad news on the Raccoon River Valley Trail — after 21 years, the first fatality has been reported. A West Des Moines bicyclist apparently ran a stop sign west of Adel Friday evening, July 9, and crashed into a moving SUV. State Patrol and RRVT officials once again remind all trail users to ride with caution and to definitely stop at stop signs.(0)
• 28: Feature Photo – June 28, 2010(0)
• 20: Feature Photo – June 20, 2010(0)
• 18: When trail users get to the town of Perry, Grant Eklund sure hopes they’ll stop and give his snacks business a try. He’s the 12-year-old owner of “GEP’S” (stands for Grant Eklund’s Perry Snacks), which you can’t miss in the historic orange caboose in the heart of downtown!(0)
• 17: If you’re on the Raccoon River Valley Trail on the 4th of July, and want to experience some classic Americana, you need to spend some time at the Independence Day celebration in the trail town of Yale! This story has the full schedule of events and activities.(0)
• 15: Feature Photo – June 15, 2010(0)
• 15: The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is seeing a surge of requests for more information about the trail from people all over the Midwest and beyond in response to our marketing campaign. The RRVT’s reputation as a tourism destination seems to be spreading far and wide.(0)
• 12: Feature Photo – June 12, 2010(0)
May 2010(14 posts)
• 30: Feature Photo – May 30, 2010(0)
• 29: Mobile News(0)
• 25: Feature Photo – May 25, 2010(0)
• 07: Feature Photo – May 7, 2010(0)
• 04: Feature Photo – May 4, 2010(0)
• 03: Here come the fun, regularly-scheduled events that enhance the Raccoon River Valley Trail experience for all trail users. There are the Sunday afternoon “BRA” gatherings in Adel, steak nights at restaurants in Adel and Redfield, the big Saturday morning breakfasts in Redfield, and don’t forget the goodies at the Redfield Depot. If you know of more regularly-scheduled or special events, please let us know.(0)
• 03: Raccoon River Valley Trail users will soon be able to “Pedal, Paddle & Play in Greene County.” In addition to cycling, there will be canoeing and canoe shuttle service available from the Jefferson Depot at the trailhead, for adventures on the North Raccoon River. Planning continues for a trailside campground in Jefferson, too. The county is also preparing for the second “Ride the Raccoon” on Bell Tower Festival weekend June 11-13, and a new bike club has organized, “Cyclists Of Greene.” (0)
• 03: Here’s the latest update (June 4) on trail closings and construction on the Raccoon River Valley Trail and its connecting trails. The biggest disruption for trail users is closing of the trail under the Interstate Highway 35/80 bridges in Clive, on the west side of the Des Moines metro area.(0)
• 02: The “Tour the Raccoon” ride this year battled conflicts, trail detours and crummy weather, but the riders still managed to have a good time on the weekend of June 12-13. Here is a brief story with nine colorful photos. Hope you’ll come join the event in 2011!(0)
• 02: The Raccoon River Valley Trail and Jefferson are helping host a 15-year reunion this weekend of many of the cyclists who rode across the U.S. together in 1995 on the “Iowa 150 Bike Ride/A Sesquicentennial Expedition.” More than 90 are registered for the reunion.(0)
• 02: Hy-Vee gave the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association a big boost, hosting a “Community Yard Sale” at its big West Lakes store in West Des Moines. Store employees even grilled and sold sandwiches. The effort produced more than $1,000, and maybe more important, trail officials got to meet hundreds of shoppers who were super enthusiastic about the trail.(0)
• 02: Two bicycle rides will roll this weekend in the neighborhood of the Raccoon River Valley Trail — Saturday’s “Hiawatha Classic” bike ride around the Perry area, and Sunday’s “Charles Gabus Memorial Ride” from Urbandale to the west using a portion of the RRVT. Check this story for the details.(0)
• 02: If the Raccoon River Valley Trail has you in Redfield on this weekend of June 25-27, be sure to take time to enjoy an amazing line-up of music, food and fun. It’s the annual “Old Settlers Celebration,” and this is Redfield’s Sesquicentennial — 150 years as a community! You can get the details and a list of activities in this story.(0)
• 01: There are 10 great reasons you should quit debating about it and sign up now for next weekend’s “Tour the Raccoon” event on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and most of them probably haven’t occurred to you. Like what? Like pedaling right to the best place to neck in all of west central Iowa. Do we have your attention now?(0)
April 2010(9 posts)
• 30: Registration for the second annual “Tour the Raccoon” is now open. The sponsoring Des Moines Cycle Club sets a goal of having 250 riders using the full length of the Raccoon River Valley Trail on the weekend of June 12-13. There will be special activities in all trail communities, and the riders will spend the night in Jefferson, in the middle of the annual Bell Tower Festival. Also in Jefferson, there’ll be a special theatrical performance riders can attend. We’ve got the details here on how to sign up for the tour!(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – April 24, 2010(0)
• 22: Greene County 4-H Young Leaders volunteer their time to do a Raccoon River Valley Trail tidy-up on the four miles of trail leading into Jefferson. Thanks to the 4-Hers, and we hope to see them back on the RRVT on their bicycles soon!(0)
• 19: Feature Photo – April 19, 2010(0)
• 16: Here’s something to put a friendly smile on every mile of the Raccoon River Valley Trail: On May 1, Hy-Vee’s big West Lakes store in West Des Moines is having a “Community Yard Sale” with all proceeds going to the RRVT Association. Check this story for the details.(0)
• 15: Feature Photo – April 15, 2010(0)
• 15: Hurrah! Paving on the new “North Loop” of the Raccoon River Valley Trail is now officially started, with the new concrete going down from Dawson east toward Perry (0)
• 14: The New York Times profiles the emergence of Perry as an example for small town redevelopment, and the Times cites the Raccoon River Valley Trail as one of the essential pieces in the Perry plan. You can get a link to the story here.(0)
• 08: Feature Photo – April 8, 2010(0)
March 2010(6 posts)
• 31: Feature Photo – March 31, 2020(0)
• 31: Nice surprise! Work on the concrete resurfacing of the Raccoon River Valley Trail between Panora and Yale, got an early start and is now underway! It should be completed by early June. The 5.5-mile stretch is the last original section of the RRVT.(0)
• 23: They’re a real hot fashion item — the new lapel pins that use the logo of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. They’re only $7 and they’re a great way to help support our trail. This story tells how to get ‘em!(0)
• 21: Feature Photo – March 21, 2010(0)
• 17: Feature Photo – March 17, 2010(0)
• 14: Feature Photo – March 14, 2010(0)
February 2010(5 posts)
• 27: Feature Photo – February 27, 2010(0)
• 23: The “Christopher Klinzman Memorial Wildflowers Garden” has now been planted and will continue to develop along the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Greene County. It honors a talented Kansas Citian who loved bicycling, canoeing and camping in the rural areas around the RRVT.(0)
• 22: Feature Photo – February 22, 2010(0)
• 22: Big crowd at Raccoon River Valley Trail Association banquet could see, hear and feel that a “whole new era” is now starting on the RRVT. Guest speaker Kevin Cooney, the Des Moines TV news anchor, sure emphasized that: “All that’s happened on this trail is going to increase a millionfold over the next 10 years!” The 200 in attendance helped raise $10,604 in one night! Full story & 19 photos here.(0)
• 09: Feature Photo – February 9, 2010(0)
January 2010(1 posts)
• 24: Feature Photo – January 24, 2010(0)
December 2009(10 posts)
• 31: Feature Photo – December 11, 2009(0)
• 27: Feature Photo – December 27, 2009(0)
• 19: Dramatic evidence of the expected impact of the expanding Raccoon River Valley Trail: City of West Des Moines pledges $60,000 toward the development, even though that city is not on the actual RRVT. Officials there recognize that thousands of visitors will come their way from the networked trail system.(0)
• 19: Numbers on the Raccoon River Valley Trail are expected to jump this winter, with snowmobilers now authorized for the first time to use the trail in all three counties. A new regional snowmobile club is helping with the coordination and cooperation. New rules are established. Details are here.(0)
• 18: Wondering where you can find trails that are being cleared after snowfalls? Here’s the report!(0)
• 17: Clive Greenbelt Trail is re-opened under I-80 & 35 bridge on the west side of the Des Moines metro area. The snow is all cleared there now, too. “A great holiday gift” to trail users!(0)
• 17: Kevin Cooney, KCCI-TV news anchor and an avid bicyclist, will be the featured speaker for the third annual membership banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, set for February 20 at the Panorama National Conference Center. You can order tickets now by using a form available in this story.(0)
• 17: Wow! Check out the bargains and unique deals that will be available this Saturday night in the fundraising auctions that are being held as part of the membership banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association(0)
• 11: BRR! Find your helmet hoods, big mittens and booties! The 33rd annual “Bike Ride to Rippey” will roll from Perry on February 6 — regardless of the weather!(0)
• 02: Feature Photo – December 2, 2009(0)
November 2009(2 posts)
• 10: Feature Photo – November 10, 2009(0)
• 03: Feature Photo – November 3, 2009(0)
October 2009(6 posts)
• 14: Feature Photo – October 14, 2009(0)
• 13: The long-sought “North Loop” on the Raccoon River Valley Trail is now “a reality, it sure is!” The last of the $6.6 million total cost of the project was covered with a $484,995 grant in mid-October from the State Recreational Trails Program of the Iowa Department of Transportation. Some construction work is already underway on the loop, and completion could be as quick as the next two construction seasons. Trail communities are celebrating the news and predicting lots more private development of trail-related amenities in their towns.(0)
• 09: In early October, $367,000 in funding for the “North Loop” of the Raccoon River Valley Trail came from the state’s REAP program! That left less than $500,000 needed to complete funding for the $6.6 million project!(0)
• 08: A temporary trail closing is in effect now at I-80-35 and the Clive Greenbelt Trail, to allow for re-construction of an interstate highway bridge. Here’s information on how trail users can detour around the closure on rides this fall.(0)
• 06: Feature Photo – October 6, 2009(0)
• 05: Lousy weather limited participation in the Fall Festival on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, but the communities did welcome the few who braved the cold and wind. Here is a brief story and some photos from the event.(0)
September 2009(3 posts)
• 26: Hey “tweeps”! You can now get updates on the Raccoon River Valley Trail (and other trails) on the social networking tool Twitter. Follow along on the user name “Iowabiketrail.”(0)
• 15: Feature Photo – September 15, 2009(0)
• 03: Feature Photo – September 3, 2009(0)
July 2009(10 posts)
• 25: Here we go! It’s time to “Build the Loop!” Fundraising has now started to find the last $850,000 that’s needed to build the $6.6 million “North Loop” of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, adding 33 miles, creating a 72-mile loop and making the trail at 89 miles one of the longest in the USA!(0)
• 25: The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has now joined the effort to complete fundraising and get the “North Loop” of the RRVT completed as soon as possible(0)
• 24: Feature Photo – July 24, 2009(0)
• 23: The “Trails & Trills” ride had 70 cyclists on the slow-go, Jefferson to Cooper, in perfect weather on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, musicians performing along the way, tra-la, tra-la!(0)
• 23: RRVT to close three miles of trail, in north Guthrie County, for one day — Tuesday September 8 — to apply an asphalt “rejuvenator”(0)
• 23: 4th annual Fall Festival on the Raccoon River Valley Trail is Saturday, October 3 — “poker ride,” tram rides, a trail trek by costumed dogs(!), special food, live music — all in celebration of another great year on the trail! The details in this story.(0)
• 23: Special program on September 16 in Perry to help celebrate the 20 years of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. We hope people from all the communities along the trail, as well as trail users, come join-in on an important & interesting free event(0)
• 05: It’s picnic time! Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s second annual membership picnic is set midday Saturday, July 11, at Hanging Rock Park in Redfield. Bicycle in, or drive in, and join the fun. It’s free to members, with a bargain price for non-members, who are welcome, too! (0)
• 04: He has been working on and for the Raccoon River Valley Trail for 20 years, and now Joe Hanner, the Guthrie County Conservation director, takes his first bicycle ride on the trail — and loves it!(0)
• 03: The “Trails & Trills” bicycle ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, postponed in June because of bum weather, is now rescheduled for Saturday, September 5. Here are the details for the event that happens between Jefferson and Cooper, where musicians will play along the trail, there’s a good lunch and the weather will be perfect!(0)
June 2009(5 posts)
• 26: Feature Photo – June 26, 2009(0)
• 10: Feature Photo – June 10, 2009(0)
• 10: Vision Iowa board awards $1.6 million in “CAT” funding to help pay for the 33-mile “North Loop” of the Raccoon River Valley Trail! That leaves $800,000 for trail advocates to raise against a deadline of 180 days. If that effort is a success, work can begin to complete the 89-mile RRVT system, including a 72-mile loop within it. This is how a local & regional attaction becomes a national one!(0)
• 09: This weekend’s “Tour the Raccoon” ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail now has 160 pre-registered. Another 100 or more are expected to sign-up when they begin riding Saturday, say officials of the sponsoring Des Moines Cycle Club. RRVT towns are going all-out to provide receptions & information both days. Tour will overnight in Jefferson in the middle of the 30th annual Bell Tower Festival! (0)
• 02: Feature Photo – June 2, 2009(0)
May 2009(7 posts)
• 27: Feature Photo – May 27, 2009(0)
• 27: “Last link” is completed! You can now ride your bike on paved trail all the way from Jefferson in west central Iowa to the Des Moines River downtown in the capital city. City’s trails director says it’s a 70-mile stretch.(0)
• 26: Raccoon River Valley Trail is going back into negotiations in June for possible Vision Iowa/CAT funding, and “we hope to hear some good news,” trail official says. “This major funding source could put us over the top for the funds to complete the 33-mile new addition to the trail.” (0)
• 25: Here it comes, 5th annual “Trails & Trills” bicycle ride, June 6, on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Musicians include 20-piece Town & Country Band as well as a brass quintet, and more. Cyclists can get a handy registration form here. “Iowa’s slowest bike ride” will again cover 8 or 16 miles between Jefferson & Cooper. Lots of fun musical stops and lunch, too!(0)
• 09: WOW! Guthrie County Board of Supervisors votes 4-1 to proceed with fundraising to develop 17 miles of new trail along the northern border of the county. It will head west from the Raccoon River Valley Trail at Herndon, and connect to Coon Rapids. It’ll take years, but this is a major step.(0)
• 04: Stunningly good news! The small town of Dawson (pop. 155) steps up with a $30,000 contribution to the expansion project of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The new “North Loop” of the trail is expected to become a new economic lifeline for the community, and “the city leaders see the value” of the project.(0)
• 04: Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s board of directors schedules special nighttime meeting, in Perry, to hear presentations from groups, answer questions and hear the ideas of people for improving the trail. You’re all welcome on Wednesday, May 20, 7 to 9 p.m.(0)
April 2009(1 posts)
• 26: Feature Photo – April 26, 2009(0)
March 2009(4 posts)
• 23: Feature Photo – March 23, 2009(0)
• 13: Feature Photo – March 13, 2009(0)
• 10: Raccoon River Valley Trail receives $945,000 in federal stimulus money to rehabilitate the worn-out section of the trail in Guthrie County, between Panora and Yale. It’s great news for the trail’s larger enhancement project, too.(0)
• 05: Feature Photo – March 5, 2009(0)
February 2009(20 posts)
• 24: Big crowd, big donations at the banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association – they are “validation” of all the efforts to enhance the trail. And Brian Duffy tells the crowd that “it’s amazing what’s happening here.”(0)
• 21: RRVT Store(0)
• 19: Feature Photo – February 19, 2009(0)
• 18: About(0)
• 12: Submissions and Privacy Policy(0)
• 10: Three leaders in Iowa Senate support rapid completion of the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s expansion “for long-lasting economic stimulus.”(0)
• 07: RRVT News Archives(0)
• 05: RRVT Video(0)
• 05: Contact RRVT(0)
• 05: Submit your photos(1)
• 05: Rule is changed to allow snowmobilers to use the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Greene County. Snowmobiling is also allowed on the trail in Guthrie County, but not in more populous Dallas County.(0)
• 01: Photo Galleries(0)
• 01: West Central Iowa’s Raccoon River Valley Trail(0)
• 01: Partners & Patrons(0)
• 01: History(1)
• 01: RRVT News(0)
• 01: Trail Events(0)
• 01: Membership(0)
• 01: RRVT Association(0)
• 01: Communities(1)
January 2009(1 posts)
• 30: Maps and Fees(0)
December 2008(1 posts)
• 12: New “Tour the Raccoon” ride expects to put “hundreds” of bicyclists on the trail the weekend of June 13-14. Des Moines Cycle Club’s ride includes overnight in Jefferson during Bell Tower Festival. Special events needed in all our trail towns.(0)
October 2008(3 posts)
• 06: Several hundred people took part in the third annual Fall Festival on the Raccoon River Valley Trail on October 4. Go into this story for all the details and 17 colorful photos.(0)
• 05: Editorial cartoonist & cyclist Brian Duffy will be the special guest speaker at the second annual membership banquet of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, Saturday, February 21. Tickets are available now!(0)
• 05: An original Brian Duffy drawing of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, pen and ink with watercoloring, tops a list of more than 50 items to be auctioned at the RRVT Association membership banquet this Saturday night, February 21. Check the items here!(0)
September 2008(2 posts)
• 25: Raccoon River Valley Trail Association announces a campaign to raise more than $2 million to help fund the 33-mile addition to the RRVT, plus five miles of resurfacing on the oldest portion of the current trail, and other amenities. Can you help?(0)
• 22: The Raccoon River Valley Trail’s 3rd annual Fall Festival is Saturday, October 4, and here is the latest listing of events — with something for everybody! Free breakfasts, free tram rides, cheap lunches & fun all up and down the trail!(0)
August 2008(2 posts)
• 12: “Do I ride the Raccoon River Valley Trail a lot?” said Irving Stone, repeating our question. He opened his fanny pack & pulled out 19 annual passes for the RRVT, dating to the trail’s first full year — 1990! His wife Virginia Stone has a dozen of them!(0)
• 11: An “asphalt rejuvenator” has just been applied to the Raccoon River Valley Trail north of Yale in Guthrie County, and will be applied next week north of Cooper in Greene County, as an innovative new way to extend the life of the trail surface.(0)
July 2008(2 posts)
• 20: Monday, July 21, is expected to be a busy day on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, with cyclists riding from the Des Moines metro area to RAGBRAI’s overnight stop in Jefferson(0)
• 03: Here are the details of our first-ever free picnic for members of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, to be held Saturday, July 12, along the trail in Hanging Rock Park, on the edge of Redfield.(0)
June 2008(4 posts)
• 20: This weekend of June 21-22 looks like another good one on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which is clear of all floodwaters and fully usable all the way from Des Moines to Jefferson.(0)
• 19: “Trails & Trills” ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail between Jefferson and Cooper drew its biggest crowd ever, on June 7. Here is a brief story and 23 colorful photos of the event, which had 10 musical groups performing trailside for the cyclists.(0)
• 13: BULLETIN: The Raccoon River Valley Trail is now fully open and usable. The flood waters on the trail have receded, and storm damage to trees has been cleared, So enjoy all 56 miles of the RRVT!(0)
• 02: “Trails & Trills,” Iowa’s “slowest and happiest bike ride,” is set to happen Saturday, June 7, on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Here is the preliminary line-up of musicians the cyclists will hear.(0)
May 2008(1 posts)
• 19: Water main installation from Waukee east means construction near the Raccoon River Valley Trail, but the trail won’t be blocked(0)
March 2008(1 posts)
• 18: The Raccoon River Valley Trail is showcased in a spectacular new, six-minute-long video which you can view free here in this story. It is the work of one of Iowa’s top video production companies.(0)
February 2008(2 posts)
• 24: The RRVT Association’s first-ever banquet drew a capacity crowd on Saturday, February 23, and raised more than $8,500 in auction of donated items(0)
• 21: The RRVT Association’s membership banquet this Saturday, Feb. 23, is now a sell-out at 140, and ticket sales are closed! If you missed out, sorry, but it’s a nice problem for us to have!(0)
January 2008(2 posts)
• 17: Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s first banquet for members and other trail supporters is set for Feb. 23. Here are details about the evening’s activities, including items to be auctioned.(0)
• 08: A MILLION DOLLAR DAY FOR THE RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL! With several major grants just announced, we hope to begin taking some huge steps toward making this trail one of the best in America!(0)
December 2007(3 posts)
• 11: New RRVT signage system is completed along the trail in Dallas County, with Greene and Guthrie County signs going up next. You can “Buy an RRVT Sign” for a $500 contribution and help make it happen(0)
• 11: Need quick holiday gift ideas? How about a 2008 RRVT Association membership, or a 2008 trail pass? And don’t forget to check the RRVT logo apparel available here online(0)
• 11: First-ever RRVT Association membership banquet is set for Saturday, February 23, at The Port in Panora(0)
October 2007(3 posts)
• 12: The story in words and photos of the second annual Fall Festival held October 6 on the Raccoon River Valley Trail(0)
• 04: Here is the latest, updated list of events scheduled for the 2nd annual Fall Festival on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, on Saturday, October 6(0)
• 04: This fall marks 10 years of the Raccoon River Valley Trail’s completion in Greene County, where after a somewhat contentious start, it has provided “a marvelous recreational opportunity”(0)
September 2007(3 posts)
• 29: KCCI-TV in Des Moines tells the story of the Raccoon River Valley Trail in the first segment of reporter Jason Parkin’s “Happy Trails” series, and you can see it on video here(0)
• 26: 2nd RRVT Fall Festival is October 6 with 56 miles of fun: “Poker ride” for cyclists, “Trick-or-Treat Trail Trek” for costumed dogs, a chat on railroad & RRVT lore during trail walk, free tram rides, live music, info displays, food & more(0)
• 06: There’s big news in little Cooper for users of the Raccoon River Valley Trail — cold drinks and snack machines will be available in springtime ’08 at an all-new “Garrity’s Garage,” a grand old name in the community(0)
August 2007(6 posts)
• 23: Close encounters of the raccoon kind, on the Raccoon River Valley Trail!(0)
• 23: Flood damage to nationally-known Root River State Trail in southeast Minnesota will top $1 million, DNR says, but community leaders say most of the trail “is open and unaffected”(0)
• 19: A big day for the Raccoon River Valley Trail: Five miles of new concrete surface is officially opened from Linden to Panora in Guthrie County(0)
• 18: There are a whole lot of stories we need to tell along the Raccoon River Valley Trail, including explanations from the front-row seat the trail has for viewing agriculture(0)
• 13: Hurrah! Resurfacing project is completed on the five miles of the RRVT from Linden to Panora, and a formal re-opening is set for Saturday, August 18, with ribbon-cutting and bike ride(0)
• 01: Update on resurfacing of the RRVT from Panora to Linden: Concrete is now in place, shoulder work near completion but some cracking is delaying the re-opening(0)
July 2007(2 posts)
• 13: New concrete is being poured now between Panora and Linden, so that five miles of the RRVT is closed, but it will be worth the wait!(0)
• 12: Here’s a breakfast that seems ready-made for RRVT cyclists and their big appetites(0)
June 2007(1 posts)
• 24: So who will get the ceremonial “first flush” of the new RRVT toilets trailside in Yale?(0)
May 2007(7 posts)
• 25: You’ll love this musical line-up for the RRVT’s June 2 “Trails & Trills” bike ride, Jefferson to Cooper(0)
• 20: Here’s a college course we’d love to enroll in — Coe College prof and students are riding Iowa’s top trails, including the RRVT, and writing about their adventures(0)
• 20: The newest board member of RRVT Association comes with a relic — the first T-shirt produced to promote the trail back in 1989(0)
• 15: New safety locator signs along the RRVT will help trail users tell emergency dispatchers precisely where help is needed(0)
• 10: First of the new RRVT trailhead signs have now been placed in Dallas County, with more coming all along the trail(0)
• 05: A great way to start the 18th cycling season on the RRVT — getting a ride with a huge tailwind!(0)
• 04: He loves the RRVT, but he says it’s also fun to loop off of it to some attention-getting hills if you want to test yourself(0)
April 2007(1 posts)
• 18: Volunteers to do clean-up along the RRVT on Sunday, April 22. Want to help?(0)
March 2007(1 posts)
• 13: Pancake breakfast will help an Eagle Scout trail project(0)
February 2007(4 posts)
• 28: Four more grants help with the RRVT fund drive for new signage(0)
• 18: Trail talk & visions: ”The trail’s not the answer. The trail’s just a tool. You’re the answer.(0)
• 07: Kevin Wilbeck’s whimsical drawings of what COULD happen to old ag and railroad buildings along the RRVT(0)
• 06: Kevin Wilbeck’s whimsical RRVT drawings(0)
January 2007(2 posts)
• 20: Jefferson Telco Trust gives 11,550 dollars for RRVT signs(0)
• 18: A seminar on trail-related business possibilities(0)
December 2006(2 posts)
• 15: Guthrie County’s bold move to resurface the RRVT(0)
• 02: RRVT designated one of the “National Recreation Trails”(0)
October 2006(2 posts)
• 16: First “RRVT Fall Festival” gave us “a good launch pad”(0)
• 04: “Bicycle sculptures” on the trail in Greene County(0)
July 2006(3 posts)
• 10: Another step forward for RRVT’s “north loop”(0)
• 07: Old hotel in the trail town of Yale, Iowa, will get new life!(0)
• 06: Dead trees trailside are turned into “art” in Cooper(0)
May 2006(2 posts)
• 10: RRVT resurfacing in Guthrie County gets $175,000 boost(0)
• 06: A new trailside picnic shelter is completed in little Cooper(0)
January 2006(2 posts)
• 02: The story of SE Minnesota’s Root River State Trail(0)
• 01: Here is the latest, updated list of events scheduled for the 2nd annual Fall Festival on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, on Saturday, October 6(0)
February 2000(1 posts)
• 05: RRVT Video(0)