Perry’s pubs were packed Friday night on the eve of the 38th annual Bike Ride to Rippey, better known as the BRR Ride. This annual 24-mile round-trip rolls on regardless of the weather, which this year promises to be milder than last.
Known as the original winter bike ride, BRR riders have sometimes braved freezing temperatures, bone-chilling winds and blinding snow and other times enjoyed spring-like temperatures in February.
Participation tends to vary directly with the weather. Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Wilson said Friday night this year’s preregistration exceeds 600, and many day-of riders show up unannounced for the 10 a.m. start.
Registration and packet pickup begins Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the Hotel Pattee, 1112 Willis Ave. in downtown Perry. T-shirts and other bling will be available, and the Perry Lion’s Club and St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus will be serving a pre-ride breakfast starting at 7 a.m.
The Crooked Rail bar offered musical entertainment Friday night with the Hearts of Hedons and Brendan McKnight. Saturday will feature an 8 a.m. opening, a musical DJ all day and night, tent food starting at noon and gallon jugs of beer.
The Hotel Pattee musical lineup Kaleena Smith at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, High Crest at 11 a.m. and Jean Marie-Salem at 4 p.m. In the evening, Howard “Old Hippie Machine” Freerksen will perform.
The Otley Cat bar at Third Street and Otley Avenue in downtown Perry will offer several specially priced dishes.
Rippey, the midpoint for BRR enetertainment, will again see the Rippey Lions Club selling Hot beef sundaes, and the Rippey Fire Department will staff a beer tent with food, drink and music starting at 11 a.m.
A post-ride party will be hosted at La Poste at 1219 Warford St. in downtown Perry. Enthusiasts will enjoy live music from the Raccoon River Boys along with a soup supper and cash bar, with registered riders getting special treatment.
The BRR Ride will be held again this year regardless of weather.
