It’s true that pioneers did not bicycle on the California, Oregon or Mormon trails – or the Missouri River, which served as Lewis and Clark’s path.
However, the city trail that passes the Western Historic Trails Center that interprets the history of the trails is used by many bicyclists, said Teressa Sward, museum technician.
“We have, on average, 100 bicycles go by a day – and that’s just during the hours we’re open,” she said.
In addition, the museum is the starting point for the annual Xtreme Winterfest Bike Ride.
So maybe it’s appropriate that the trails center offer a program on bicycling.
“Bicycling Through History: Iowa’s Love Affair with Two-Wheeled Travel” will be presented at noon Friday by Leo Landis, curator of the State Historical Museum. Attendees are advised to bring a lunch.
“Bicycling started in Iowa as a pastime for wealthy men, and soon others joined in the fun,” Landis says in an excerpt from his presentation.
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