April 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
- Shaun Riekena
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Celebrate Trails Day Bike Ride on the RRVT - April 26
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location: Yale, Iowa
Start Time: 12:00 PM (Pre-Ride Tour at 11:00 AM)
Cost: $10 per rider (includes an RRVT koozie)
Registration Deadline: April 23, 2025
Join the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association for a relaxed, scenic bike ride in celebration of National Celebrate Trails Day! This non-competitive ride begins at the trailhead in Yale at 12:00 PM, following the beautiful Raccoon River Valley Trail to Linden before returning to Yale. Riders are encouraged to go at their own pace and enjoy the journey—this is not a race.
Before the ride, don't miss a special opportunity to tour Yale’s historic round gymnasium at 11:00 AM. This unique landmark is one of the few remaining round gymnasiums in the country, offering a fascinating glimpse into local history. The Harlem Globetrotters once played there! In addition to hosting basketball games, it featured a stage and bleachers, serving as a venue for various community events such as band concerts, commencements, plays, and banquets.
Von Ketelsen, president of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition board of directors and local radio personality, will serve as our celebrity host for the ride. Gymnasium tours will run from 11:00 AM until 11:45 AM, and the ride will begin at 12:00 PM.
Registration is just $10 per rider, and each participant will receive a commemorative RRVT koozie!
Register online by April 23
Trail Highlights & Refreshments
After departing from Yale, riders will pass through Panora before reaching Linden. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy great food and refreshments along the way, including:
In Yale:
In Panora:
The Pedal Inn
Crafty Coffee
https://www.facebook.com/craftyscoffee/
Owl’s Nest
https://www.facebook.com/downtown.panora.iowa/about
B&B Market Place
In Linden:
A bake sale sponsored by the local library
Bring your bike, bring your friends, and celebrate trails with us!
PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL
100% of proceeds support RRVT
Upcoming Events on the RRVT
Market to Market Relay – May 10
Following the Celebrate Trails Ride, more exciting events are coming to the trail! On May 10, the annual Market to Market Relay returns, starting in Jefferson and ending in downtown Des Moines, with much of the race taking place on the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT).
This year, due to construction, there is a course adjustment: the relay will pause in Adel and resume in Ortonville.
Registration is now open—sign up and get more details at www.markettomarketrelay.com/locations/iowa
Gary’s Ride – May 17
Join other cyclists on May 17 at 10:00 AM for Gary’s Ride, starting at the trailhead in Waukee. This annual ride honors the memory of a beloved cyclist who passed away from brain cancer, with proceeds supporting RDCC Integrative Medicine and Clinical Trials for terminal brain cancer patients.
Participants can choose from several route distances, all finishing at The Handlebar Restaurant in Dallas Center, where food, beverages, and live music await.
For more information, contact Kristin Wiedenfeld at 515-512-3835 or email garysrideiowa@gmail.com.
The Bacoon Ride – June 14
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 14—the Bacoon Ride is back! This wildly popular event draws cyclists from all over the country, combining two Iowa favorites: bacon and the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Riders will stop in various towns along the route to enjoy bacon-themed food and drinks, making for a tasty and memorable experience. Plus, the ride supports local charities, blending fun with philanthropy.
Registration perks include:
Multiple bacon stops with delicious samples
A PassPORK (your official punch card for bacon treats!)
A special Bacoon-themed commemorative item
Despite ongoing construction between Adel and Ortonville, the entire loop will be open for the Bacoon Ride. Crews are working on the bridges in this section, with completion expected before the event. The remainder of the trail work, replacing old asphalt with concrete, will begin after Bacoon.
This event is also part of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's official training rides for RAGBRAI—don’t miss out on the fun!
Sign up today at www.eventbrite.com/e/bacoon-ride-2025-tickets-1218016011679
Phase IV of the South Loop Rehabilitation is underway, involving the widening of bridges and resurfacing the trail with concrete. The three-mile section impacted by this closure is from Ortonville to Adel or the Dallas Center exit off of Highway 6. This construction is expected to continue through the summer, and the trail is closed at each end of the affected sections. There is no official detour for this closure. However, there is still access to Adel from Redfield.
RRVT Marketing Video
RDG Planning & Design created a marketing video for the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which premiered at the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association's banquet in February. The video showcases the trail’s scenic landscapes, highlights its importance as part of the Great American Rail-Trail, and emphasizes its role in promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in Iowa.
Featuring interviews with local community members and trail users, the video captures personal experiences and the trail’s positive impact on the region. Stunning aerial footage further highlights the trail’s expansive beauty, inspiring viewers to explore and appreciate this valuable community asset.
The video is now available on the RRVTA website—we encourage you to watch and experience the RRVT from a new perspective!
