SEPTEMBER TRAILS TALK
IOWA GREAT LAKES BIKE RIDES SUPPORT TRAILS
There are many great bike rides and trail events every year in the Iowa Great Lakes and a number of them support the Dickinson County Trails. These events take a lot of effort on the part of the organizations that put them on. We appreciate their hard work and commitment to bringing bicycle and trail enthusiasts to the area. In 2019, the contributing rides brought in over $9,000 in donations to DCTB and with the addition of matching grants the rides will provide $36,300 in total for trail projects. Thank you to everyone that helps make the Iowa Great Lakes an exciting recreational trail destination!
UNIVERSITY OF OKOBOJI CAMPUS RIDE
Left: Jim Carpenter from the Okoboji Cycling Classic Foundation presents Erin Reed, Executive Director and Jason Harrington, President of the DCTB a check for $3,000 as part of the U of O Campus Ride that was held on June 29, 2019. The ride, that is also supported by Three Sons and Milford-Okoboji Fire Departments, includes 25, 50 and 100-mile routes along scenic trails and lakeside roads around the Iowa Great Lakes.
BRASL
Right: Blaine Andera and Nancy Vierkant from the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce present the DCTB with a check for $750 from the Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake (BRASL) that was held on July 6, 2019. The ride includes a 15-mile bike cruise around Iowa’s largest natural lake with optional 25 and 50-mile routes around the Iowa Great Lakes and Minnesota.
SPORTSMAN’S TIKI RIDE
Left: Dave, Donnie and Dan Tryon from Sportsman’s present DCTB with a check for $2,825 from their annual Tiki Bike Ride that was held on August 3, 2019. Riders of all ages enjoy this ride with 16, 24 and 40-mile routes that include many prizes, games and fun surprises along the entire ride.
UNIVERSITY OF OKOBOJI OKTOBERFEST RIDE
Right: Cari Jack, Kiley Zankowski and Blain Andera from the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber present DCTB with a check for $2,500 from the Oktoberfest Ride that was held on September 29, 2018. This year’s Oktoberfest Ride is coming up this Saturday, September 28. opens in a new windowBe sure to join in all of the Oktoberfest fun this weekend, go to www.okobojioktoberfest.com for details on all of the events.
UPCOMING TRAIL & BIKE EVENTS
28th ANNUAL U of O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE: Saturday, September 28, 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, drink tickets and a long sleeve 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.
TRAILS 4 TAILS: Saturday, October 12 – Bring your dogs and family to enjoy the first annual charity K9 walk at the Dickinson County Nature Center. The walk will help raise funds for community programs and local animals with 10% of proceeds going to the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa. Get your pictures professionally taken at the scenic Nature Center and kids can enjoy a free scavenger hunt. There are different walking routes to choose from and everyone will meet back at the registration area to enjoy refreshments and a prize drawing after the walk. Visit the Colton Baschke Foundation Facebook page for more information.
3rd ANNUAL FAMILY GLOW WALK: Saturday, October 5 – The Dickinson County Conservation Board, Pearson Lakes Art Center and YMCA of the Okobojis join together once again to put on this fun-filled family event in Okoboji. Enjoy a fall evening outdoors with the family, wear glow gear and participate in fun glowing activities along the way! The walk starts at the Pearson Lakes Art Center and treks the 0.75-mile trail to the Nature Center with a stop along the way for games and cotton candy with the YMCA staff. Visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com to register for the event.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, Executive Director