July 2025 Trails Talk
2025 BIKES-BREWS-BITES & HOPE ROLLS
Left: DCTB Executive Director Erin Reed presents a fundraiser check to Shanna Clabaugh and Maria Mellman of Hope Rolls.
The 2025 Bikes-Brews-Bites trails celebration, held on July 18, was a great success! The Dickinson County Trails Board extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible – attendees, sponsors, donors, and volunteers alike.
The enthusiastic response from local businesses and generous community members helped create an unforgettable day filled with fun, connection, and a shared love for the Iowa Great Lakes Trails. Your support plays a crucial role in helping us continue our mission of expanding and maintaining the trail system for all to enjoy.
Hope Rolls Partnership: Paving the Way for Inclusive Recreation
In conjunction with Bikes-Brews-Bites, the DCTB is proud to continue its fundraising partnership with Hope Rolls, another highlight of the day. Together, we raised an incredible $8,650 for trail development and recreational accessibility. Hope Rolls, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, gifts adaptive tricycles to children who are unable to ride traditional bikes. Their mission is simple yet powerful: Every kid, of every ability, should have a bike to ride with their family and friends.
Maria Mellmann, a founding member of Hope Rolls, shared: “Hope Rolls was founded in 2019 and so far, we’ve gifted 26 adaptive rides with 3 more on the way. We are fully funded by donations from our community and love involving donors and nominators when gifting a bicycle. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey.” You can follow Hope Rolls on Facebook to see the joy they are spreading throughout our community.
TRAIL GRAND OPENINGS
West Okoboji Trail Connection: Join the Dickinson County Trails Board and West O Beer as we celebrate the opening of this latest addition to the trails system with the Summer Beer Fun Run on Thursday, July 31 at 6:00PM. This is a great connection that gets trail users off a busy street route and fits in perfectly with the evermore popular Summer Beer Fun Runs!
Organizer Brittany Streufert adds, “The Summer Beer Fun Runs have been crushing it – record turnouts with lots of happy miles and smiles. Being part of the grand opening of the newest Dickinson County Trail is the cherry on top. We’re all in!”
Lakes Art Center Loop: Join us with the Pearson Lakes Art Center on August 7 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM as we officially open this new section of recreational trail featuring seven stunning new sculptures that will be rotated annually. We’re thrilled to share this exciting addition with the Okoboji community and you will have the opportunity to meet some of the sculpture artists, hear the stories behind their creations, and enjoy refreshments as you explore the trail.
UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS
Sportsman’s 11th Annual Tiki Ride: Saturday, August 2 – Riders of all ages can enjoy 16, 22, 38 or 60-mile routes with prizes and games along the way. The ride includes a shirt, gift bag and lunch at Sportsman’s with live entertainment during lunch and after the ride. There will be many prizes, games and fun surprises along the route and riders will receive a raffle entry at each of the sponsored stops. Proceeds from the ride will support Dickinson County Trails. More information on the ride and registration is available at Sportsman’s Tiki Ride website.
MOVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WALK: Saturday, August 23 – Registration is open for the 2025 Rotary Move for Mental Health Walk/Run starting at Pearson Lakes Art Center. The event is a collaboration between the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary and Dickinson County Behavioral Health Coalition to not only promote movement and activity as a great way to boost mental health, but also to raise funds to sponsor behavioral health speakers and resources for Dickinson County schools. To learn more or to register, visit the Move for Mental Health Event Page.
LAMA BIKE ROUTE TOUR: Ongoing through September 1 – The Lakes Area Museum Alliance (LAMA) invites you to bike the trails while visiting 13 local museums and historical sites. As you explore, collect punches on your LAMA summer punch card for a chance to win great prizes including a two-night stay at Pick’s Resort in Arnolds Park, Nutty Bars, T-shirts, and more. It’s a perfect opportunity to combine scenic rides with fascinating local history. For full details on the tour and the many museums you can visit, go to www.lakesmuseums.org.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director