August Trails Talk
SPORTSMAN’S TIKI RIDE
SUPPORTS TRAILS
Left: Dave and Dan Tryon from Sportsman’s Pub, present DCTB representatives Yvonne Taylor and Erin Reed with a check from the Tiki Ride.
In spite of the rain, the 8th annual Tiki Ride was the most successful yet. The event, held on August 6, brought in several hundred riders and with matching grant funds the proceeds will garner over $32,000 for Dickinson County Trails. The ride grows bigger and better every year and the DCTB thanks Sportsman’s, their staff and the many volunteers that work so hard to make this fun event happen.
OUR NEW TRAIL BENCH STORY
The family of Bob Bruett chose to place a bench across from the Spirit Lake Fire Department. Bob’s daughter Jan Gannon shared the story of their bench honoring her late father.
“When our father passed away last summer at the age of 98, we wanted to leave a small legacy of his life. We also wanted to have a place that we could sit and feel close to him. The bench we purchased from Iowa Great Lakes Trails was perfect. We were able to write up the words we wanted for the plaque and since he was the former Fire Chief for Spirit Lake, we chose to place it across from the fire station. We love the bench sitting there under a tree right next to the bike trail.
As an avid bike rider, I know I won’t ride past the bench without sitting for a minute or two to reflect and remember. I am confident that it will be used by fellow bikers, walkers and even some weary firemen who might take a moment to relax.
It has been the perfect memorial for our family and we appreciate so much the ease of working with the people involved with Iowa Great Lakes Trails and especially with Erin Reed. She would always get back to us to answer any questions we had and sent us the final draft on the plaque to assure we were happy with it. We could not be happier with our decision to memorialize our father with our donation of a bench for the trails. Thank you from the family of Bob Bruett.”
The bench program continues to grow as a popular opportunity to honor loved ones and friends. Throughout 2022, we have placed 25 new benches at various locations along the trails and six more are in line for placement before the end of the year. If you are interested in replacing or getting a new bench to honor someone in your life, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com/donate for more information and the Bench Program form.
UPCOMING TRAIL EVENT
31st ANNUAL U OF O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE: Registration is open for the 2022 Oktoberfest ride that will be held Saturday, September 24. Enjoy this fun bike ride along the scenic trails and lakeside roads of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. Proceeds from the ride benefit Dickinson County Trails and registration includes food and drink deals throughout the area, drink tickets and a long sleeve t-shirt. There are optional pit stops along the route and then return to the Arnolds Park greenspace for additional games, activities, live entertainment, food and beer. For registration and event information visit www.uofooktoberfest.com.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, Executive Director