Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025
The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set for Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Country Lane Lodge in Adel. We have a fantastic lineup of speakers and an impressive selection of items for both the Silent and Live auctions.
Speakers
Amy Zeigler – State of Iowa Tourism Manager
Luke Hoffman – Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Curt Cable – Director of Dallas County Conservation
Auction Highlights
Here are just a few of the exciting items up for bid:
Four tickets in the Iowa State Athletic Director’s Suite at Jack Trice Field for the Arizona State game. This package includes a parking pass and food and drinks.
An evening swimming pool party for up to 50 people for two hours at the Dallas Center Aquatic Center.
A Retül Fit – an advanced bicycle fitting process designed to optimize comfort, efficiency, and performance.
A Guided Tour for 20 of Terrace Hills by First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds
Skybox for 10 to an Iowa Cubs game in April
One-year membership to the Waukee YMCA
Event Schedule
Please join us for a wonderful evening of fun, entertainment, food, and drinks:
Social Hour: 4:30 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM
Program: 6:15 PM
Ticket Prices
$50 per individual
$500 for a table of 8
The evening will be hosted by Jason Sydejko of KCCI, with Keith Kerkhoff leading the live auction.
Tickets are now available for purchase on the RRVTA website: https://rrvta.betterworld.org/events/2025-raccoon-river-valley-trail.
We look forward to seeing you there!
PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL
100% of proceeds support RRVT
Late last year we distributed a survey to gather feedback from trail cyclists to improve the trail experience, enhance amenities, and plan for its future development. With the survey we hoped to determine:
Trail Usage Patterns: How often people use the trail
Demographics: Information about the age and location of trail users.
User Satisfaction: Identifying what users appreciate about the trail and what could be improved
Future Planning: Gathering suggestions for upgrades and improvements
We had 128 responses and the insights are invaluable in helping us improve the trail experience. Here are some of the key findings from the survey:
Frequency Summary:
How often do you use the trail?
Monthly | 42 |
|---|---|
Weekly | 53 |
Daily | 15 |
Length Summary:
When riding the trail what is the typical distance you ride?
5-10 | 4 riders |
|---|---|
10-20 | 26 riders |
Over 20 Miles | 91 riders |
Do you feel safe while using the trail?
Yes, always | 102 riders |
|---|---|
Yes, most of the time | 21 riders |
No, occassionally | 3 riders |
No, rarely | 0 |
Where do you live?
In a town along the trail | 53 |
|---|---|
Elsewhere in Iowa | 64 |
Outside of Iowa | 8 |
Preferred Sections:Â
What section of the trail is your favorite?
Panora to Redfield
Frequent mentions of tree coverage, protection from wind, and scenic beauty, particularly Hanging Rock Park in Redfield.
Waukee to Perry
Highlighted for its smooth surface, good condition, and accessibility. Several users find this section convenient and enjoy the open farmland views.
Redfield to Linden
Loved for its shaded areas, gentle grades, and forested sections along the river. The quiet and scenic ride is often praised.
Dallas Center to Perry
Praised for being smooth, quiet, and scenic, with destinations like Hotel Pattee and other attractions in Perry.
Adel to Panora
Noted for the natural beauty of farmland, creeks, and wooded areas, creating a peaceful and immersive ride.
Perry to Herndon
Recognized for its smooth surface, scenic views, and secluded, low-traffic environment.
Top Eating and Drinking Spots on the Trail
The Handlebar (Dallas Center)
Friendly staff, great food, excellent pizza, and a relaxing patio. Conveniently located right on the trail.
Tojo’s (Jamaica)
Known for its classic Iowa charm, tenderloins, breakfast options, and cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Korner Kone (Dallas Center)
A go-to for ice cream treats and sandwiches. A favorite quick-stop for cyclists.
Downtown Perry (The Tin Pig and Pattee Hotel)
Vibrant with multiple dining options, outdoor seating, and small-town charm. The Pattee Hotel and Tin Pig Tavern stand out.
Just One More (Jamaica)
Quiet location with good food, friendly bartenders, and a laid-back patio. Ideal for long-ride breaks.
The Brickyard (Adel)
Celebrated for its spacious setting, good food, great beer selection, attentive service, and outdoor seating.
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Recommendations to Improve the Trail
Resurface Yale to Herndon (Top Priority)
This section is consistently highlighted as the worst part of the trail. Immediate repairs are needed to address severe surface issues for safety and rideability.
Add Public Restrooms at Key Trailheads
Locations like Adel, Panora, and Minburn need accessible, year-round restroom facilities. This will make the trail more user-friendly, especially for long-distance riders.
Repave Herndon to Jefferson
Similar to the Yale to Herndon section, the Herndon to Jefferson stretch is often avoided due to poor pavement. This area requires resurfacing to improve the overall experience.
Install Water Stations and Shaded Rest Areas
Adding water stations and shaded rest areas, particularly in areas like Herndon and Jamaica, would improve comfort for trail users, especially in warmer weather.
Trail Etiquette Campaign
Signage at trailheads encouraging riders to announce their presence and ride safely would address safety concerns, particularly around fast-moving cyclists.
Other Key Findings
Recommendation Rate:Â Nearly all respondents would recommend the trail to friends.
Age Groups:Â The majority of participants are aged 50 and above.
Residency:Â Responses were split among those living in towns along the trail, elsewhere in Iowa, and outside the state.
Trail Closure
The section of the RRVT between Ortonville and the Lighted Bridge in Adel is currently closed. However, the trail within Adel remains open, so access to Adel from the west (Redfield) is still available. Crews are in the process of removing the three bridges between Ortonville and Adel as part of the trail's overall rehabilitation. This spring, the existing asphalt will be replaced with concrete, creating a smoother and more durable trail. The bridges will also be widened to provide better access for maintenance and emergency vehicles.
Please refrain from entering this closed section of the trail, as Dallas County Conservation has not designated a detour. This area is expected to remain closed until August or September.
Summary
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the trail survey.
Your feedback was invaluable in helping us improve the trail experience. Moving forward we will work with the counties and cities to prioritize key improvements, including resurfacing sections and adding amenities like restrooms and water stations. We look forward to implementing these changes to enhance the cycling experience on the RRVT.Â
