Bike Van Buren
August 16-17, 2008
Join the hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts who claim Bike Van Buren to be one of the "best rides in Iowa!" The 11 historical Villages of Van Buren sponsor this annual event on the third full weekend of August. This year join us on August 16-17, 2008 in beautiful Van Buren County, Iowa.
Nestled in the scenic SE corner of Iowa you'll truly enjoy the beautiful landscape and gentle rolling hillsides of one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Iowa. Come experience the friendliness and hospitality that only Van Buren County can deliver.
The designated routes wind through 11 historic Villages nestled amongst the gentle rolling hillsides including the new "Historic Hills Scenic Byway." Participants will be sharing the roadways with vehicular traffic. Although the majority of the route is on sparsely traveled paved county roads there are sections that include travel on state highway. For your own safety, helmets are strongly encouraged, but not required.
All participants, upon registration, will receive a free T-shirt and a detailed map, with both days' routes, shortcuts, hospitality and restroom stops identified. SAG & Technical vehicles will be en route with participants throughout the ride providing water, first aid and assistance as needed.
NEW THIS YEAR!!
A "Fun Poker Ride" will be incorporated into each day's route. Upon registration each participant will receive a "Score card" for each day. At designated hospitality stops, riders will draw a playing card from a regular deck of cards which will be recorded on their Score Card. At the end of the ride, players will turn in their cards at the final stop in the Keosauqua City Park. The rider with the best "poker hand" each day will win $100 cash! Other prizes, courtesy of Bickel's Bicycle & Fitness in Burlington & Trek Bicycle Corp., will be awarded for a variety of hands i.e. worst, most red, most 7's etc. for both days.
Total weekend mileage is approximately 110 miles with 70m. on Saturday and 40m. on Sunday. Also NEW this year, we will have "Bike Shuttle Service" to help ease the trip for beginners and those not yet conditioned for the longer stretches of the route. Complimentary (donations appreciated) snacks and drinks are abundant in each of the Villages and throughout the ride. Many organizations will also be selling food for a variety of causes. The routes include designated lunch stops (+/-$5) or you may choose to dine in one of our fine restaurants. The Keosauqua Lions will be serving a pancake & sausage breakfast ($5.00), both mornings, in the Keosauqua City Park. We invite you to come experience the friendliness and hospitality that only Van Buren county can offer!
Cost of this wonderfully relaxing and fun bike ride (1 or 2 days) is only $25.00 per rider if you register prior to July 20, 2008. ($30.00 if you register after 7-20-08). Your registration fee includes a Bike Van Buren T-shirt. (T-shirts will be mailed after the event for those registering after July 20) All riders (under 18 will require parent/guardian signature) will be required to sign a release of liability waiver at registration on Saturday morning (beginning at 7:00 AM downtown Keosauqua City Park). For Sunday only riders, registration ($30) will be from 7:00-8:00am in the Keosauqua City Park.
DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR YOUR BIKE HELMETS!!! THEY DO SAVE LIVES AND HELP AVOID SERIOUS INJURIES.
** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR BIKE VAN BUREN XXII **
. . or contact the Villages of Van Buren with questions.
A Bike Van Buren XXII T-Shirt will be given to all Pre-July 20 Registered Participants. Shirts for late registrants will be mailed after the event. Pre-Register by July 20 - $25.00 Registration (7 AM in Keosauqua City Park) after July 20 - $30.00 ANYONE UNDER 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
Lodging Info and Camping Info
Read What the Des Moines Register's "Iowa Boy" Wrote About Bike Van Buren! Click here.
For Details on Participating in the next Bike Van Buren . . . Contact The Villages of Van Buren: Ph. 800-TOUR VBC (868-7822) or Email Us!
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