The Perry Parks and Recreation Department will host its 18th annual Hiawatha Classic Bike Ride Saturday, May 16 in Perry. The 10 a.m. ride starts at Caboose Park, 1018 Willis Ave., and ends at the Hotel Pattee in Perry.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. Online registration is also available now.
Proceeds from the Hiawatha Classic support the development of the Perry-Bouton-Woodward link trail connecting the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the High Trestle Trail.
Mary Laborde, coordinator of the annual event, said the link trail “is going to mean so much for the communities that they pass through. Not only from an economic standpoint but just think how much this will improve the health of the communities the trails pass through.”
“This is huge for our community now and in the future,” Laborde said.
“The more riders we get, the faster we can get connected,” said Perry Assistant City Administrator Sven Peterson. He said in some years the event has drawn as few as 30 or 40 riders, but numbers have been growing more recently as interest builds over connecting the two premier central Iowa tourist attractions.
Dr. Richard Deming, medical director of the Mercy Cancer Center, will speak at the start of this year’s ride. Deming is the founder of Above and Beyond Cancer, a charity group leading cancer survivors on travel adventures. According to its website, Above and Beyond Cancer’s mission is “to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer, to create a healthier world.” Deming will also be riding his bicycle.
Riders should register by May 1 to be guaranteed a Hiawatha Classic shirt, Peterson said. Registration includes a free continental breakfast, and the route will include a sag wagon, with rest and water stops in Jamaica and Herndon.
After the ride, bikers can enjoy a swim or soak at Perry’s McCreary Community Building at Eighth and Pattee streets until 5:30 p.m. Hiawatha Classic riders receive a free day pass at the McCreary Community Building, including the use of the basketball courts, pool, sauna and spa.
There will also be a celebration sponsored by the Hotel Pattee, 1112 Willis Ave. in Perry, following the ride. Von Ketelson will entertain, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. The hotel is also offering special Hiawatha Classic rates on rooms. Contact the Hotel Pattee at 515-465-3511 for details. For more information on the event, contact the Perry Parks and Recreation Department at 515-465-5621 or MCB@perryia.org.
The 18th annual event is part of May Bike Month.
