July Trail Talk
Bike Bash Committee Members: (front row) Kathy Stuart, Sandi Wilmot, Karen German, Jan Stauss, Sheryl Jones and Mickey Harrington, (back row) Brigid Wilkening, Jeanne Sieh, Paula Henry, Kathy Beachem and Erin Reed
BOOTS & BOOGIE BIKE BASH II
The 2018 trails fundraiser was a huge success! Funds raised will be used to support the Dickinson County Trails Board in planning and development of priority projects. These projects include the Highway 71 PLAC Trail, Jones Pasture Trail, East Lake Trail and connecting Tatonka Ska Trace (rail trail) to the West Okoboji Trail at the north tunnel in Okoboji Harbor.
A huge thank you goes out to the fundraiser committee members that include Kathy Stuart, Sandi Wilmot, Karen German, Jan Stauss, Sheryl Jones, Mickey Harrington, Brigid Wilkening, Jeanne Sieh, Paula Henry and Kathy Beachem. They did a wonderful job organizing a fun and very successful event. We also extend our gratitude to all of the sponsors that supported our fundraiser who are key in helping us continue our mission of making the Iowa Great Lakes a renowned biking destination.
DCTB SECURES FUNDING FOR 2019 PROJECTS
RAIL TRAIL: DCTB has been awarded $344,048 in Federal Recreational Trails and $49,050 in REAP grant funding for the next phase of Tatonka Ska Trace. The grants will provide for one mile of trail construction from Hy-Vee at Peoria Avenue continuing west to Hudson Avenue. Project development will continue through 2018 with construction slated for summer of 2019.
JONES PASTURE TRAIL: The Jones Pasture Trail along the northeast side of Big Spirit Lake has been a development priority for several years and DCTB has now secured $250,000 from the Region 3 Transportation Alternatives Program. The grant provides the additional funding needed along with $50,000 from the Okoboji Foundation and $50,000 from REAP grant funding to move forward with construction. Plans are complete for the project and construction is programmed for summer of 2019.
UPCOMING BIKE RIDE EVENTS
Sportsman’s Annual Tiki Bicycle Ride: Saturday, August 4, 2018 – Riders of all ages can enjoy 16, 24 and 40-mile routes with prizes and games along the way. The ride includes a moisture protection shirt and lunch (Burgers, Hot Dogs and Oak Tree BBQ at Sportsman’s). There is also a free sag truck that will be on call from 9:00am – 7:45pm. Prizes will be awarded at 8:00pm at Sportsman’s with proceeds going to Dickinson County Trails. Ride information is available at Sportsman’s Facebook page.
27th annual u of O oktoberfest bike ride: Saturday, September 30, 2018 – Enjoy this fun bike ride along the scenic trails and lakeside roads of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. Registration includes a wristband to receive food and drink deals throughout the area, two drink tickets, and a t-shirt. There are a number of optional pit-stops along the route and then return to the Arnolds Park greenspace for additional games, activities, live entertainment, food, and beer. For event information and ride registration visit www.okobojioktoberfest.com
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director