To celebrate Bike Month, the Des Moines Bicycle Collective and the Bike Month committee have planned an entire month of activities. Whether you ride for recreation or for your commute, be sure to check out these events!
Tuesday Morning Coffee Rides in Perry (May 7, 14, 21, 28)
Casual ride to Dawson one week and Minburn the next, alternating throughout the month. All rides followed by coffee served by Big Chair Coffee shop. Contact Lee Coons @bikeperry.com for more information.
Wednesday, May 8
Volunteer: National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project
4:15-7 p.m. (includes training for new volunteers)
The City of Des Moines, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, annually participates in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. This effort provides a standardized methodology for counting and surveying bicyclists and pedestrians. The information helps city staff identify where new bicycle and pedestrian facilities should be constructed, evaluate the effectiveness of such facilities, and apply for grant funding.
Nineteen locations are surveyed every May and September. More details.
To volunteer: parksvolunteer@dmgov.org or 515-237-1451
Friday, May 10
Pedal-Powered Ice Cream –Kitchen Collage
11 am to 2 pm
Who doesn’t love homemade ice-cream? Come see area business leaders churn homemade ice cream via bicycle in front of Kitchen Collage in the East Village. It’s a great way to see how we transform an auto parking space for a higher use. Enjoy Velo Vanilla, ChainRing Chocolate and more. Available while supplies last—it’s a good day to eat dessert first!
Friday, May 10
Noon Ride with Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld – Hy-Vee on Merle Hay Road
Be ready to ride at noon
Join Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld on a 3-mile loop of Johnston’s trails. When finished, stick around for lunch provided by the Hy-Vee staff.
Friday, May 10
Handlebar Happy Hour at el Bait Shop
4:30 pm to 7 pm
After riding to work, or while you are out riding for errands or fun, join us for Happy Hour. Door-prize drawings for registered riders.
Saturday, May 11
Perry Mayor’s Ride to Dallas Center and return
9 am
This will be fun! The ride with Perry Mayor Jay Pattee will begin at the Hotel Pattee in downtown Perry. Riders will head up the Raccoon River Valley Trail to Minburn, where they will capture Mayor Mitch Hambleton and wrestle up Minburn riders before heading to Dallas Center. After joining up with Dallas Center Mayor Michael Pace, the entire bike posse will return to Perry for lunch at the Hotel Pattee. About 26 miles of riding.
Saturday, May 11
Bike to Downtown Farmers’ Market
Ride from Urbandale. Meet at Urbandale Public Library parking lot at 8 am. Helmets required.
Saturday, May 11
Volunteer: National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project
11:15-2 p.m. (includes training for new volunteers)
The City of Des Moines, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, annually participates in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. This effort provides a standardized methodology for counting and surveying bicyclists and pedestrians. The information helps city staff identify where new bicycle and pedestrian facilities should be constructed, evaluate the effectiveness of such facilities, and apply for grant funding.
Nineteen locations are surveyed every May and September. More details.
To volunteer: parksvolunteer@dmgov.org or 515-237-1451
Sunday, May 12
Bike to Art – Lucas State Building, 321 E. 12th
2 pm to 4 pm.
Join us for a bicycle tour of Des Moines’ downtown architecture and art in public places. Stops include the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Iowa Capitol grounds and the American Republic building (with its own sculpture park). To celebrate Mother’s Day, we’ll include a few art stops that honor mothers. Meet in the north parking lot near the WWII monument. Guides include representatives of the Iowa Architectural Foundation, the Iowa Capitol, and the Des Moines Art Center. A $10 per person or $20 per family donation is recommended. Rain date: June 2
Wednesday, May 15
Ride of Silence – State Historical Building in East Village
6:30 pm to 7:45 pm
Join cyclists nationwide in a silent, slow-paced ride (max. 10 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling. Ride begins at the State Historical Building and rides west Grand Avenue and back east to the Historical Building on Locust Avenue.
Thursday, May 16
Taco Truck Tour – Ichi Bike
6 pm to 9 pm.
Meet at Ichi BikeShop any time BEFORE 6:30. The route will be determined based on taco truck locations.
Friday, May 17
Handlebar Happy Hour – Gray’s Lake Park
4:30 pm to 7 pm
Join us on the Overlook Terrace (southwest corner of park; near boat docks) to celebrate the conclusion of Bike to Work Week. Valet bike service, of course. Live music: Brian Congdon, a popular singer and guitarist. Food and drinks available for purchase, sponsored by Des Moines Park and Recreation and Jasper Winery. Door-prize drawings for registered riders.
Saturday May 18
UCAN Loop Urbandale Mayor’s Ride – Walker Johnson Park
Registration begins at 11 am; rides begin at 1 pm.
Registration/Kid’s Bike Rodeo, 11 am to 1 pm; Join Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg for rides beginning at 1 pm with 5- 10-, and 20-mile loops on Urbandale’s streets and trails. Early Bird Registration is $20 plus $5 for each additional family member. After May 15, registration increases to $25 plus $5 for each additional family member. Registration includes T-shirt and lunch. On-line registration available at urbandalenetwork.org Hosted by UCAN and Northwest Rotary.
Saturday, May 18
Kids Ride with the Carlisle Mayor
Join Mayor Ruth Randleman for the First annual Mayor’s Bike Ride. Meet at the Summerset Trailhead at Hwy 5 and 165th Place from 8-11 AM for a bike check. Ride will begin at 11 AM. A complimentary bottle of water and snack will be provided and the Mayor has pledged to donate $5.00 per cyclist to the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation.
Saturday, May 18
15th Hiawatha Classic Bike Ride-Perry
Registration at 9 am; ride begins at 10 am
Loops of 3, 14, 39 and 44 miles, all starting from Cabboose Park in Perry. Riders will use the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Dallas County roads. Details.
Saturday, May 18
Ankeny’s Mayor’s Ride – West First Street Trailhead
9 am
Meet at the West First Street Trailhead (HighTrestle Trail). More details to come.
Saturday, May 18
Carlisle Mayor’s Ride
Details to come
Sunday, May 19
Gears & Beers
Noon to 4 pm.
Event limited to 80 registered riders.
This social and educational ride begins at the High Life Lounge and rolls on to other Full Court Press bars, where participants learn a bike maintenance tip (provided by the Collective and friends) and experience a different beer style (presented by members of the beer-savvy Iowa Brewers Union). Participating bars include High Life Lounge, el Bait Shop, Mullet’s, Hessen House, Royal Mile and the Library Café and Bar. Sneak peek at two featured beers: New Belgium Rampart Imperial IPA and Boulevard 80 Acre. On-line registration to purchase sampling tickets ($10 in advance; $15 at the door). On-line advance payment. Rain date: June 2.
Sunday, May 19
Community Bike Picnic (rain or shine – indoor capacity)
4 pm to 7 pm
Meet at Woody’s Smoke Shack. BBQ and table service will be provided, compliments of Woody’s. Bring a side dish and something to drink. Drinks provided by Confluence Brewing. The Des Moines Bicycle Collective will recognize the Commuter and Advocate of the Year and all volunteers from throughout the year.
Thursday, May 23
Beaverdale Birthday Bicycle Bash – GoodSons -Beaverdale
5 p.m. social; ride begins at 6 p.m.
This social ride celebrates anyone with a May birthday (or November, half-way there). Meet at GoodSons near the Inter-Urban Trail in Beaverdale (2815 Beaver Avenue). Riders leave GoodSons at 6 pm and pedal to Valley Junction.
Friday, May 24
Handlebar Happy Hour – GoodSons – Beaverdale
4:30 pm to 7 pm
After riding to work, or while you are out riding for errands or fun, join us for Happy Hour. Door-prize drawings for registered riders.
Friday, May 24
The Brew Ha Ha Ride – Perry
A poker ride starting at Caboose Park. Ride at your own pace. Hosted by The Otley Cat, The Crooked Rail, The Rocking Horse, Mudders (Minburn), and the Hotel Pattee. Playing cards picked up at each bar and to opened at the Hotel Pattee at 9:30. Best poker hands wins $100.
Saturday, May 25
Bike to Lunch Day -Perry
11:30 to 1:00
Anyone biking to Soumas Court recieves a free box lunch. Hosted by the Hotel Pattee and Raccoon River Valley Bicycle Co.
Saturday, May 25
Preview to Yoga in the Park—Southeast side of Gray’s Lake Park
9-10 am
Yoga instructor Jen Veak (Grassroots Yoga) will lead the season opener at Gray’s Lake Park. No registration for the class is required—just show up Saturday morning at 9 am ready to relax, release and enjoy the experience of yoga on the shore of beautiful Gray’s Lake.
You are encouraged to bring a mat or a towel as well as some water and clothes you can move in. Yoga in the Park continues through September. (No class if it’s raining.)
Insider tip: Afterward, many participants pedal to the Downtown Farmers’ Market for coffee and a healthy breakfast.
Saturday, May 25
Full Moon High Trestle Trail Ride
8 pm to 10 pm.
This is a leisurely ride on the High Trestle Bridge Trail to see the bridge with a full moon. You can start at the Slater, Madrid, or Woodward trailheads. Bicycle lighting required.
Saturday, May 25
Iowa Bicycle Festival in Jefferson
Lots going on! A bike parade, juried art show, music, food vendors, bike vendors, fashion show and more. Details.
Monday, May 27
Metro Trail Ride
2 pm to 4 pm – Birdland Park
Celebrate the metro trail system with a special gathering at the Jon Anderson White riverboat docked near the Botanical Garden. Stop a five check points along the Neal Smith Trail and Des Moines River and drop off completed card to the riverboat between 3 to 4 pm. Completed cards will be part of a drawing for prizes. Door-prize drawings for registered riders include gift cards from local bike shops and restaurants. GRAND PRIZE is a Cocktail Cruise for Four on the JA White Riverboat (valid for 2013). Cash bar open on the Riverboat from 3 -5 pm.
Friday, May 31
Handlebar Happy Hour – Gramercy Tap – Hotel Kirkwood Building/downtown Des Moines
4:30 to 7 pm
After riding to work, or while you are out riding for errands or fun, join us for Happy Hour. Door-prize drawings for registered riders.
Friday – Sunday, May 31-June 2
PedalArt Poster Show –Des Moines Social Club
7 pm to 10 pm
Our fourth annual poster show featuring Iowa artists who create an original bike-themed art poster. Each artist will have 30 prints of their poster for sale at $30. Posters will be on display and for sale on May 31 from 7 to 10 pm; June 1 from 10 am to 3 pm; and June 2 from Noon to 3 pm. Volunteer to help us for the May 31 gallery opening. More details. Exhibit will continue at RAYGUN June 3-15. More details.
Friday, May 31
The Brew Ha Ha Ride – Perry
A poker ride starting at Caboose Park. Ride at your own pace. Hosted by The Otley Cat, The Crooked Rail, The Rocking Horse, Mudders (Minburn), and the Hotel Pattee. Playing cards picked up at each bar and to opened at the Hotel Pattee at 9:30. Best poker hands wins $100.
Tuesday, June 18
Bike Commute Challenge Awards Celebration
5-7 p.m.
Details to come
