Bike Van Buren set for Aug. 19

Jun 15, 2023

KEOSAUQUA — The Villages of Van Buren County will be hosting the 37th annual Bike Van Buren on August 19-20.

Bicycling enthusiasts will pedal their way through the rolling countryside and Des Moines River valley of the historical villages during this two-day event in southeast Iowa. The Villages will welcome the bicyclists with refreshments and outstanding hospitality, all included as part of the registration fee.

The routes will lead cyclists through some of the most picturesque settings in Iowa.

Cyclists can register for Bike Van Buren online at villagesofvanburen.com through Aug. 15. Walk-up registration will be available and will be held at the Keosauqua City Park Aug. 19 from 7-8:30 a.m. Walk-up registration will also be at the park Aug. 20 from 7:30-8 a.m. for riders that only plan to go that day.

Two-day registration fees are $45 for adults, $40 for children under 18. Single-day registration fees are $35 for adults and $30 for children under 18.

Routes for both Saturday and Sunday have a primary route along with alternate routes, though riders are always welcome to create their own route. All routes will begin and end at Keosauqua City Park, and all are clearly marked with large colored arrows.

Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness of Burlington will provide technical support and sag wagons will be en route with the riders each day. Phone numbers for staff support crews are provided in the registration package riders will receive at registration which also includes the route maps and hospitality stops. Riders are encouraged to carry a cell phone. All support crews will be equipped with free cold bottled water, courtesy of Rathbun Regional Water Association, and limited first aid.

Riders will have the option to purchase a lunch band at registration ($15 adults, $10 youth). Saturday’s lunch will be prepared by Indian Lake Park, located just outside of Farmington. Sunday’s lunch will be provided by and held at the Douds United Methodist Church, located right on county highway V64.

Registered riders will enjoy free refreshments at each hospitality stop. Hospitality stops will include some fascinating sites such as the spectacular view of Lake Sugema, Waubonsie Park, Lebanon Church, and the Birmingham Shelter (right next to the beautifully restored historic log cabin).

Registered riders may also participate in the Poker Run, in which they will build their best hand of poker by drawing cards at designated hospitality stops. The best hand on each day will win $50 cash. Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness in Burlington will provide prizes for the remaining place winners.

Join the Keosauqua Lions Club on both mornings before the ride for their annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 6:30-9 a.m. under the big tent in the Keosauqua City Park.

On the evening of Aug. 19, there will be a street dance on First Street in Keosauqua at 7 p.m. featuring Rushmore, a 2023 inductee into the Iowa Music Association’s Rock N Roll Hall of Fame!

For more information contact Villages of Van Buren at (800) 868-7822, (319) 293-7111, or online at villagesofvanburen.com.

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