Annual RRVTA Banquet
The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet took place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Country Lane Lodge in Adel, Iowa. The event attracted approximately 150 attendees, all gathered to support and celebrate Iowa's iconic trail.
KCCI Chief Meteorologist Jason Sydejko served as the emcee for the night, while Keith Kerkhoff took on the role of auctioneer, leading the live auction.
The program included notable speakers who shared insights on cycling and trail developments in Iowa:
Amy Zeigler – State of Iowa Tourism Manager
Luke Hoffman – Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Curt Cable – Director of Dallas County Conservation
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the new Raccoon River Valley Trail marketing video, offering attendees an exclusive first look at the promotional efforts aimed at boosting trail usage and tourism.
The funds raised during the event are earmarked for marketing and promotional activities to enhance the trail experience for all users.
We were pleased that the mayors or council members from Adel, Perry, Minburn, and Panora attended the banquet and hope that the other trail communities will join us next year. Overall, the 2025 RRVTA Banquet was a successful and enjoyable evening, reflecting the community's strong support for the Raccoon River Valley Trail and its significance to Iowa's outdoor recreation and economy.
PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL
100% of proceeds support RRVT
Costs of Trail Amenities
Late last year, we conducted a survey to gather feedback from trail cyclists on ways to enhance the trail experience, improve amenities, and plan for future development. The top priority identified was resurfacing the trail from Jefferson to Yale, closely followed by adding public restrooms in each trail community.
In last month’s newsletter, we outlined the costs of resurfacing. This month, we’re focusing on the costs of building public restrooms.
The most recent data on restroom construction along the trail comes from Dallas Center, where two heated restrooms were built in 2017 for $155,464. A similar project in 2025 is estimated to cost approximately $204,716.
For a well-traveled trail like the Raccoon River Valley Trail, investing in quality restrooms can enhance the user experience, boost tourism, and support local businesses. However, the cost is significant, and many cities and towns face funding challenges due to competing priorities. In most cases, securing external funding—such as grants and a mix of public and private contributions—will be necessary to bring these projects to fruition.
Whether resurfacing a trail or adding amenities such as restrooms, the costs are substantial and often beyond the reach of most counties and towns. This highlights the need to develop dedicated funding to maintain and enhance Iowa's bike trails.
Celebrate Trails Day - April 26
Celebrate Trails Day is an annual event organized by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to encourage people to get outdoors and explore trails in their communities. This year, the event takes place on April 26, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, local organizations, and community groups for activities such as hiking, biking, walking, and other recreational events.
The goal of Celebrate Trails Day is to highlight the importance of trails and greenways for health, sustainability, and connectivity, as well as their benefits for individuals and communities.
The Raccoon River Valley Trails Association is excited to participate in this celebration with a special bike ride. This year’s route will primarily take place in Guthrie County, featuring a round-trip ride from Yale to Linden—a scenic 24-mile journey. The ride begins at noon at the trailhead in Yale and includes a unique stop: a tour of the historic round gymnasium in Yale, built in 1932 as the first of its kind in Iowa.
About Yale's Historic Round Gymnasium
The gymnasium has a circumference of approximately 242 feet, with an interior court measuring 65 by 30 feet. 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, banquets, and even a performance by the Harlem Globetrotters. The gymnasium remained in use for high school basketball until 1961, when Yale High School merged with neighboring schools.
Trail Highlights & Refreshments
After departing from Yale, riders will pass through Panora before reaching Linden. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy great food and refreshments, including:
Mickey’s in Yale
The Pedal Inn (just off the trail in Panora)
A bake sale in Linden (sponsored by the local library)
Stay tuned for more details, including ride registration, but be sure to mark your calendars for April 26 and join thousands of Americans in celebrating our nation’s trails!
Upcoming Events on the RRVT
Market to Market Relay
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
Gary’s Ride
Join other cyclists on May 17 at 10:00 a.m. 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
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 samplesA 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. 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 and get ready to ride!
A Farewell and a Warm Welcome
This month, we bid farewell to long-time board member and treasurer of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA), Keith Troester. Keith has served as treasurer for the past 10 years, bringing a high level of professionalism and dedication to the organization. Beyond his financial expertise, he played a key role in organizing the annual banquet and supporting various RRVTA activities. Though stepping down from his position, Keith will continue his involvement with the trail as a board member of the Dallas County Conservation Board. His contributions over the past 10 years have made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for his service.
As we say goodbye to Keith, we extend a warm welcome to Kevin Leininger, our newest board member and treasurer. Kevin is currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Dallas County Hospital and Clinics. A native of Gilbert, Iowa, and a Drake University graduate with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting, he brings valuable experience to our board. Coming from a bicycling family and actively engaged in community organizations, Kevin is a great fit for RRVTA. We are thrilled to have him on board and are confident he will find our financial matters a welcome change from his workday duties of dealing with the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance!
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.
