ADEL, IA – Organizers of the 11th annual, June 14th “Bacoon Ride,” that winds through several central Iowa towns along the Raccoon River Valley Trail, have announced a detour for the route, that would normally cross a key bridge east of Adel. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition says the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) was impacted by a fire during the early morning hours of Monday, May 12th. As reported, the fire was allegedly caused by  three 19-year-old’s from Adel, who had built an uncontrolled fire that spread to the bridge. All three suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Dallas County Conservation Director Curt Cable, said due to extensive damages, the bridge is currently unusable. The bridge was along a portion of the trail previously closed for a construction project. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition, the host organization for the ride, wants to assure riders and community members that the ride will still be taking place as planned, and has been coordinating with Dallas County Conservation, the City of Adel, Adel Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, and Iowa DOT to create a safe detour for riders to get out of Adel and back on the RRVT. The detour will stretch from S. 6th  St. in Adel to Prospect Ave., where cyclists would then rejoin the RRVT as they head east toward Waukee.

2025 Bacoon Ride detour route

The name “Bacoon Ride” is a play on words that combines “bacon” (a beloved food in Iowa) and “Raccoon” (the trail’s namesake). During the ride, cyclists stop at each town to indulge in bacon-themed food and drinks, making for a delicious and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the event supports local charities, making it both fun and philanthropic.

Iowa Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Luke Hoffman says, “Our hearts go out to the City of Adel as well as to Dallas County Conservation, who are showing tremendous leadership in this dramatic moment. We want both our registered riders, residents of the area, and the general public to understand that the Bacoon Ride will continue to support Dallas County Conservation with a portion of proceeds from ticket sales going directly to the county based on the number of registered riders. We are pleased to announce that, in cooperation with the Iowa State Patrol, The City of Adel, Adel Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, that the ride will go on for its 11th year with an approved detour using Highway 6 in place that will be protected by the State Patrol and Coalition volunteers.”

Individuals can support Dallas County Conservation’s efforts to rebuild the bridge by donating directly to the organization, or by registering for the Bacoon Ride. A portion of the proceeds will go back to Dallas County Conservation.

• Bacoon Ride is the largest single day bike ride in Iowa

• Bacoon Ride has had participants from over 23 states in the country

• Bacoon Ride generates more than $500,000 in economic impact each year for the communities along the route, which include: Waukee, Dallas Center, Jamaica, Yale, Herndon, Panora, Linden, Redfield, and Adel.