| Several of my friends and I did some biking in Iowa last year and loved it. We would like to return and bike and also look for geodes. Is there a bike trail in the area where the geodes are? |
The geodes were probably in Keokuk.
The Mississippi River Trail would be a great trails to go on. http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/
Mississippi River Trail Keokuk to Burlington
Passing through: Keokuk, Airport Road, Cherry Street - Montrose, Elm Street, Water Street, Spruce Street, 1st Street, Hwy 61, 263rd Avenue X23, X32, 18th Street, Avenue H, 15th Street, J48, 330th, 175th, 354th, Hwy 16, Old Highway 61, Koestner Street, Main Drive, Downtown Burlington
Bikely map - http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/MRT-Iowa-Ride
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| Where can I find out about Cyclorcross Races in Iowa? |
www.BIKEIOWA.com and www.CyclingUpdate.com are your two best sources for races. There are several blogs and race team sites too.
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| How to Pack a Bike |
If you cannot afford a travel box for your bike or do not know of anyone you can borrow a box from, you can make your own.
Get an empty cardboard bike box from a bike shop. You’ll have to do some dis-assembly of your bike, but packed correctly the box will provide excellent protection. You’ll need the following tools/supplies:
- Pedal wrench or crescent wrench
- Various size hex/allen wrenches
- Foam pipe insulation (available at Home Depot/Lowes)
- Foam packing or wadded up newspaper
- Duct tape
- Garbage bag
Remove both pedals. Remove stem and/or handlebar. Remove saddle and seat-post. Hint: Use tape or a marker to mark original position of stem, handlebar, and seat-post so when you reassemble you can return bike to the same setup. Remove front wheel; remove front wheel skewer and springs from hub and tape skewer to the spokes with duct tape.
Pad the frame by cutting sections of foam pipe insulation to fit top, down, and seat tubes, chain and seat stays, head tube, stem, crank arms, fork blades, and seat-post. Once in place, secure with tape. Wrap pedals in newspaper or cloth and place in bottom of box along with seat/seat-post.
Tuck the handlebar/stem into the frame and slide bike into box. If rear wheel skewer is wider than the box, you can remove it and tape foam over the hubs, dropouts, and derailleur. Leave the rear wheel in place to protect the rear derailleur. Pad the contents with foam or wadded newspaper. You can fit lots of other stuff into the box as well, such as cycling shoes, helmet, gloves, clothes, etc. Throw in a large garbage bag to store all the padding when it comes off the bike. Tape the box closed, write your name on the outside of the box and you are ready to go.
Source: somewhere from the web
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| Is there a state-wide advocacy organization fighting for cyclists rights? |
YES- the Iowa bicycle Coalition is a fast-growing grassroots non-profit organization that focuses on cyclists rights, safety, Safe Routes To School and much much more. See www.IowaBicycleCoalition.org for more information
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| I want to get involved! How do I find out about local clubs and committees in my area? |
There are many citizen-based groups that are formed as advisory committees or forms specifically for one-purpose like getting a trail or a bike lane through a neighborhood.
These are great contacts to inquire about these types of groups and/or committees.
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| I want to join a bike club/team? How do I find the right one? |
You are in Luck! Iowa has an abundance of bike clubs and teams.
Here are a couple of lists to get you started
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| What types of cycling activities are there to do in Iowa? |
Iowa is a great place to ride your bicycle! Whether you are a recreational or sport rider, tourer or racer, Iowa has the trails and roads for you.
Cycling is a great past-time in Iowa. RAGBRAI has helped make cycling more accepted over the years.
Trails
Iowa has one of the largest trails network in the United States. Many trails are listed here.
Paved Roads
From the needs of Iowa farms to be connected, we Iowa cyclists are lucky to have a great rural grid-work of paved roads with towns every 10-12 miles. Most towns have convenience stores and/or small cafes. Some larger towns have hotels/motels if you need to spend the night.
These roads are perfect for training rides, weekend jaunts or multi-day touring.
Urban
Most larger cities have trails and/or bike routes running through the city. Iowa is becoming much more bicycle-friendly each year.
Gravel Roads
Just like the paved roads, there is an abundance of gravel roads that criss-cross Iowa in one miles grids.
Riding gravel is the perfect way to get off the beaten path and see a whole different kind of scenery, but watch out for the farm dogs.
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| How do I find out about Iowa attractions and amenities? |
check out BIKEIOWA's "Iowa Tourism Links" which lists the most popular sites you can use for finding a destination!
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| Does Iowa encourage cyclists to "Bike To Work"? |
Starting May 2003, The Des Moines Trails Committee, Avoid The Rush and BIKEIOWA.com joined forces and decided to host 'Bike To Work Day' in Iowa. The event has grown every year!
Today, events take place all week across the state for the annual Bike To Work Week. This focus in May has helped many employers come on-board and create amenities to aid their employees who commute to work.
Find out about Bike To Work Week here!
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| What kind of functionality is offered on the BIKEIOWA ride calendar? |
The ride calendar is the "meat" of the BIKEIOWA site. Hundreds of rides and events are added each year.
Ride and event coordinators can post their own events and edit them at anytime to make sure all information is up-to-date.
There are many ride/event categories to help filter your search and find the right event for you!
No longer will you be searching for something to do on a weekend. You will find yourself having many choices!
Search for keywords such as a city, ride name, team name, etc.
View upcoming rides up to two years in advance.
Sign up for BIKEIOWA.com biweekly ride Reminder to keep up to date on all the latest news and upcoming events! [to sign-up go to the BIKEIOWA home page and enter your email address in the upper left hand corner of the site.]
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| Where can I find Iowa Trails maps? |
The BIKEIOWA Trails page is a good source for trails listings.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is another great place for an Iowa trails listing: http://www.inhf.org/iowatrails/
With online maps becoming so popular and easy to use, many rides posted have their routes on Google Maps like this example
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| I am coordinating a ride and want to put my ride route online. What is the easiest way to do this? |
There are several sites who offer way to put online routes up.
Here are a few good examples.
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| I'm looking for a weekend trail destination. What do you suggest? |
The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association aims to make this trail one of America’s best!
A new organization was formed in early 2006 to market and promote the Raccoon River Valley Trail in west central Iowa.
The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, a non-profit membership group, will also facilitate tourism and economic development initiatives up and down the 56-mile-long paved trail, the first parts of which were constructed and opened in 1989. The trail now stretches from Jefferson on the north, to the Des Moines metro area on the southeast. A 33-mile north loop through Perry will likely be completed by 2007 or ’08, then making the RRVT, at 89 miles, the longest trail in Iowa and one of the longest in the nation.
http://www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/
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| What does RAGBRAI stand for? |
the Register's Annual Great Ride Across Iowa
http://www.ragbrai.org/
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| What is RAGBRAI? |
RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Ride Across Iowa) is an annual 7-day bicycle ride across the state. RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world.
The people of Iowa truly make RAGBRAI the special event that it is by opening their communities to participants. We hope you will enjoy this legendary Iowa hospitality and join us for a memorable trip across the state.
http://www.ragbrai.org/
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| When is RAGBRAI? |
RAGBRAI is held the last week of July
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| I'm looking to ride my bike in Iowa for a few days up to a week. What should I look at to make the best of it? |
Iowa has some of the best rural roads for bicycle touring. Check out the Tourism FAQ for more info on the roads and links to different state amenities.
There is plenty of places to ride and see anywhere in the state.
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| RAGBRAI |
Check out the RAGBRAI FAQ for the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. right here in Iowa!
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| What is the Mountain Biking like in Iowa? |
About 40% of Iowa's state park single-track is open to mountain bikes (http://www.iowadnr.com/). And most county conservation areas are open to bikes, too (http://george.ecity.net/iaccb/) -- though most of that is tacit approval.
Iowa has only a few 'epic' experiences -- single-track over 20 miles long. The closest to Des Moines is the Whiterock Conservancy:
http://www.whiterockconservancy.org/
Here is the best list of Iowa single track I know of that the Iowa Coalition of Off Road Riders (ICORR) created:
http://www.icorrmtb.org/page.php?Trails/TrailList
If does not mention several single-track trails near Des Moines. We've got some sweet stuff in the heart of Des Moines. Roughly 14 miles of wooded single-track with varying terrain. See info about "The Center Trails"
here: http://www.centraliowatrails.com/blog/
Here is one of the flavored locals blogs who helped build and maintain the trails: http://cyclinglyfestyle.blogspot.com/
Here is a calendar of the off-road mtn bike races in the area. It's not very well maintained, but it is something to review. http://iorcacalendar.blogspot.com/
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| Where can I find maps for Iowa trails? |
The BIKEIOWA Trails page is a good source for trails listings.
With online maps becoming so popular and easy to use, many rides posted have their routes on Google Maps like this example
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| Where can I find the Trails conditions in Iowa? |
Trail Conditions can be found in the BIKEIOWA forums. Note: this forum is not as active as it should be.
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| How to do contact other commuters? Learn tips on routes, clothing etc. ? |
Keep in contact with other commuters on the Commuting BikeIowa forum
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My wife and I will be in Iowa City for a family gathering in Late May/early April. Can you send me maps of the area, or send me to a link to order them? We would be interested in trails or bikeways along river valleys or rails to trails.
Thanks
CT
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Here is a good link to the Iowa River Corridor Trail in Iowa City. The existing trail is 6 miles long.
http://www.inhf.org/iowatrails/iowacorridor-intro.htm
Iowa City Metro Trails Map
http://www.jccog.org/documents/trailsmapltr.pdf
Here is another link with a future master plan of trails in that area.
http://www.iowaytrail.org/index.php
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| I posted my ride on the BIKEIOWA calendar. How long does it take to post? |
After posting the ride, a confirmation email will be sent to the first contact email listed ont eh ride. Click on the link in the email to activate the ride and it will instantly be posted.
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We would like to display bike trail maps and information in our bike shop in XXXX IA. Many of our customers inquire about bike trails that are located within our state. We could display 25 - 50 maps and information.
Any help on this project would be appreciated.
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Unfortunately, BIKEIOWA.com does not have anything to do with trail maps other than help promote them as well. I would contact you local conservation office or visitor's bureau. I know there is definitely a need for this all over Iowa, and paper maps and web-based maps are a tough thing to find for most trails.
Did you know you can order the state-wide cyclist map for FREE on the IDOT site? There are also other trails related items here and Safety freebies.
http://www.iowadot.gov/iowabikes/
I try to keep the BIKEIOWA.com trails maps and links as up to date as I can.
http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/trails/trails.asp
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is the best place online for state-wide trails. http://www.inhf.org/iowatrails/
I'm certain the time will come where there are good maps for all trails, but not sure when, or who will fund/create them.
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| Is this website the only publication Bike Iowa has, or do you have physical publications (magazines, etc.) available? |
BIKEIOWA is only web-based at this time.
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| Our city is approaching completion of [insert trail here]. How can we promote the trail on BIKEIOWA and beyond? |
BIKEIOWA can help promote the trail in a couple of ways.
A listing on the trails page http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/trails/trails.asp
One photo and a quick blurb about the trail can be listed.
A BIKEIOWA Feature - Here we can list lots of photos with a full-fledged home page feature that is search able.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is another great place for an Iowa trails listing: http://www.inhf.org/iowatrails/
Another avenue for promotion is you local visitors bureau, or city, county and conservation websites.
We all know Iowa needs more ways to promote our trails. No single entity has stepped up to the plate yet and made it happen - yet.
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| Where can I find a decent map of the bike trail that runs through Cedar Rapids? |
Here is the best map I know of for that area.
http://www.linncountytrails.org/index.php
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| I was wondering if there is any place in the Des Moines area where I can donate a used bike? |
You can donate a bicyce here:
Des Moines Bicycle Collective
www.dsmbikecollective.org
617 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-8022
tags: donate bicycle, donate bike
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I'm trying to find some good mountain biking trails in the
Des Moines area. Are there enough to invest in a solid
$500 mountain bike? |
Oh yes [reader]... there is plenty of singe-track in the DM area...
There are 14+ miles of well-groomed mtn bike trails near the old science center in Greenwood Park (called Center trails). There are 7+ miles of Sycamore trails. there is Banner Pits at Summerset State Park, Peterson Pits in Ames.
Organzied group rides ride the Center Trails (weather permitting) Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Find out all about central Iowa single-track goodness at http://www.centraliowatrails.com
Just holler if you need anymore info on these trails, bikes etc.
Ride Safe!
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| Are there any cycling clubs in the Newton area? I've only been riding for about a year, but I enjoy doing some decent distances on my road bike, and would love to have a group of (not TOO serious) riders. Please let me know. |
The Central Iowa Cyclists are from the Netwon area. They host the chili-ride every year and they have all types of riders.
You can get their contact info from this ride posting.
http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/calendar/Ride.asp?m=&e=3666
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| We live in XXXXX and would love more paved trails in this area. Currently, we have to go to XXXXX to bike regularly. How do we start a group to work on a project like this? |
The best way is to get a plan going and get your your city council members, the mayor, business owners, etc. on board. Start a committee and have regular meetings.
It is a long process, but well worth the efforts on the long run.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation may be of assistance as well if you are working with abandoned railroads, land ownership, etc.
http://www.inhf.org/
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| I was wondering if there is a "registry" of people that helps self supported bikers that are biking across the country. That would let them stay at their homes etc. |
The best hospitality site for touring cyclists is http://www.warmshowers.org/
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| Iowa bicycling facts |
- Bicycle and pedestrian travel is allowed on all trails and most streets and highways in Iowa, except interstate highways, certain four-lane highways and some city streets.
- Iowa has more than 1,350 miles of multi-use trails and off-road paths.
- In 2004, there were 478 bicycle/motor-vehicle crashes involving one or more bicyclists. Six riders were killed and 447 injured. Forty-six percent of those injured were age 14 or younger.
- 96 percent of Iowa bicyclists injured or killed in bicycle/motor-vehicle crashes were NOT wearing a bicycle helmet.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation
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| What kind of browsers is BIKEIOWA optimized for? |
Internet Explorer 4.0 , Netscape 4.0 and above. Some functionality be hindered with older browsers. The site is optimized for Internet Explorer.
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| What does CIBROC stand for? |
CIBROC stands for Central Iowa Bike Ride Organizations & Clubs. This was the name of the website before switching to BIKEIOWA.
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| What is the purpose of BIKEIOWA? |
BIKEIOWA is the number one interactive Cycling site in Iowa that keeps bikers informed on rides, news advocacy and other events.
The ability to post your own rides, news, classifieds and forum discussions lend to a very interactive experience amongst the bikers.
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| Where does www.BIKEIOWA.com fit in? |
CIBROC began slowly switching it's name to BIKEIOWA after purchasing the URL in early March 2001.
It was also decided to keep the CIBROC URL as well. CIBROC was the start, and still has a 'cult' following.
BIKEIOWA has proven to be much more easier to remember!!
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| Where does all the information come from? |
Almost all of the rides and events posted come from cyclists like yourself. The ride coordinators can post and edit their own rides. Rides added are monitored to make sure all rides are valid. Always contact the Ride Coordinator if there are questions about the ride.
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| Does BIKEIOWA sponsor rides? |
In time BIKEIOWA plans to sponsor many rides. The feasibility to sponsor other rides is dependent on the advertising, sponsorship, success and usage of the site.
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| What is a Ride Reminder? |
A Ride Reminder is a just that. It is an email you receive about every 2 weeks providing information on upcoming rides, news and events. Now you can never say "No one told me about that ride!" Sign up today!!
As of Dec 31st 2007, the Ride Reminder is sent to over 2,000 cyclists.
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| How long has BIKEIOWA been an active website? |
BIKEIOWA, formally known as 'CIBROC (Central Iowa Bike Rides and Organizations)' was launched in 1996 for a couple of years by Fred Collins. It then proved to be too much maintenance, and the site was brought down for over 2 years until it was re-developed and re-launched by Scott Sumpter in March of 2000.
A new and fresh site layout was launched in May 2001 with many new features.
The BIKEIOWA URL became available, thus providing a more memorable name. The site slowly transitioned from CIBROC to BIKEIOWA.
Each year the site content, it's functionality and it's user base grows rapidly.
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| Does BIKEIOWA make any money running a site like this? |
BIKEIOWA has attempted to gain sponsorship and advertisers. All monies received are put right back toward advertising and maintenance expenses. In the future BIKEIOWA hopes to become more active with trail and bike lane funding.
Many THANKS goes out to those who have gave to support BIKEIOWA!
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| Why would someone spend their time creating a site like this? |
Good question! The love of biking? The love of programming? The need for a one stop shop for Iowa's cycling needs ?
A little of all the above! It s is almost always more fun to ride in a group than by yourself. A centralized place to inform cyclists about upcoming rides is key.
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| Does BIKEIOWA have it's own RAGBRAI team? |
Nope... Everyone rides on their own teams and just uses BIKEIOWA to track rides throughout the year as well as using the forums, and news items.
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| How do I email BIKEIOWA? |
Click here to email Biker@BikeIowa.com.
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| I've added my ride. How can I edit it? |
There are a couple of ways to get there
- From BikeIowa's home page
- Click on the "Ride Calendar" from the main navigation
- Choose "Edit your Ride" from the right column
OR
- From BikeIowa's home page
- Look in the "Local Ridin'" section
- Choose "Edit a Ride"
OR
- you can click on this link - http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/calendar/postride.asp?action=editlogin
NOTE: the UserID is the primary email address for the event.
To delete a ride, you must email biker@bikeiowa.com
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| Where can I find Iowa Road Racing information? |
Iowa has a very active road racing community.
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| Where are the Mountain Bike Trails located in Central Iowa? |
There are several single-track trails near Des Moines. We've got some sweet stuff in the heart of Des Moines. Roughly 14 miles of wooded single-track with varying terrain. See info about "The Center Trails"
here: http://www.centraliowatrails.com/blog/
Here is one of the flavored locals bloggers who helped build and maintain the trails: http://cyclinglyfestyle.blogspot.com/
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| I'm coming into town on business or vacation. Where can I rent a bicycle? |
Here is a list of Iowa businesses that rent bicycles.
I know there are many more places across the state who rent bikes. email me if you know of a place that is not listed.
http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/links/Links.asp?Link_Type=30
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| Where can I find out about Mountain Bike Races in Iowa? |
www.BIKEIOWA.com and www.CyclingUpdate.com are your two best sources for races. There are several blogs and race team sites too.
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