April 29, 2024

Pedal CVT sees 120 cycle from Bondurant to Baxter

By Willa Colville

Bicyclists relax and grab a bite to eat Saturday at Cadillac Jacks in Baxter while participating in the annual bike ride, Pedal the Chichaqua Valley Trail. (Willa Colville)

Nearly two years ago, the greater Des Moines metro bike trail network was finally connected to the Chichaqua Valley Trail and into Jasper County.

The trail travels from Bondurant through Valeria and north into Baxter and has served cyclists in Jasper County for years.

In order to maintain the trail, each year the non-profit organization, Friend of the Chichaqua Valley Trail, holds its main fundraising event. On Saturday, the 57-mile ride dubbed Pedal the CVT gave riders the chance to stop in towns along the route and support local businesses.

More than 120 Riders registered at 7 a.m. in Bondurant and had a light breakfast with Bloody Mary’s at Founder’s Irish Pub before pushing off toward Jasper County.

Jeff Cook and his wife, Lori, have been volunteering with Friends of CVT for nearly 10 years. They said they’ve enjoyed meeting people while helping improve the quality of the trail.

“[The event] is all about promoting the trail,” Cook said. “We hope that fundraisers [like this] will allow us to add amenities along the trail and continue improving.”

Previously, the profits from this event have allowed the organization to donate to town trailheads and improve the overall trail infrastructure. The goal is for the trail to add “info hubs” throughout the route with maps and information on each town. Proceeds from past rides have also allowed the organization to donate and work with Jasper County Hometown Pride committees along the CVT.

The event Saturday started in Bondurant and traveled through Altoona, Mitchellville then came back around to Bondurant, Mingo, and Ira. In each of the towns, bikers were able to stop at local businesses and enter a raffle. At the end of the night, they stopped in Bondurant for a night of entertainment and to hear the results of the raffle.

The eight winners received $25 gift cards to local bike shops in Jasper County, while two grand prize winners won passes worth $100 to the Pedaler’s Jamboree, an event held on the CVT Aug 25.

The Pedaler’s Jamboree is an all-day event that begins in Baxter. From there, the bicycles ride the entire trail and end in Bondurant. The evening activities include food and music with opportunities for camping.

“One hundred percent of the profits from this event go to the improvement and promotion of the trail,” Cook said.