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Pedal power! Iowa cycling enthusiasts gather for Iowa Bike Expo later this week

News, Sports

January 20th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

It’s the middle of winter but Iowa’s bicycling enthusiasts are already thinking about the summer ahead. The 10th annual Iowa Bicycle Summit will be held this weekend in Des Moines. Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says Friday is the first day of the gathering and it will feature guest speakers, an all-day workshop and breakout sessions on a host of bicycle-related topics.

“That’s our opportunity to have a lot of education,” Wyatt says. “It really focuses on community planning, bike lanes, bike facilities, trails, that sort of thing. We’re really excited because it’s really some of the best formal education communities are getting.” The other half of the weekend is the Iowa Bike Expo, a free event on Saturday featuring more than 100 exhibitors.

“You’re going to be able to see the latest bikes, gear, destinations, trails, events,” Wyatt says. “They’re all going to be at this expo. It’s a great time to come down and plan your summer vacation.” After the expo, there’s also the route announcement party for RAGBRAI, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, on Saturday at 8 P-M. “That’s a ticketed event that happens in the ballroom at the Iowa Events Center,” Wyatt says. “A lot of fun will be had there but most of all, the evening caps off with the eight overnight towns announced.”

The reception will feature live and silent auctions, door prizes and more. All activities are at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Learn more at: www.iowabicyclecoalition.org