IA to MN and Beyond
A multiple bike route event with a choice of:
– Family Route (22 miles round trip, entirely on the WGWL Trail, an out-n-back)
– Skilled Route (56 miles, on WGWL Trail, Shooting Star Trail and county hard-surface roadways, a loop)
Family Routes 22 Miles
WGWL Northern Branch Option – Out-and-Back that starts at WGWL Trailhead to Bailey Station or IA/MN state line and returns.
WGWL Southern Branch Option – Out-and-Back that starts at WGWL Trailhead to Lylah’s Marsh or Elma and returns.
Skilled Route 56 Miles
An Iowa/Minnesota Loop Route that starts and ends at WGWL Trailhead, goes to Minnesota and on the Shooting Star Trail then returns – a combination of WGWL Trail, public roadway and Shooting Star Trail.
$12 to ride*
$15 same day registration*
Event shirts for $14 are available to pre-registered riders who select during online registration prior to August 7th. No guaranteed availability to same day registrants for $15.
This is a self-supported event in regards to hydration and support vehicle. A SAG Wagon is available for riders who experience a bike breakdown or their health physical limit. Stand-alone toilets are available along the route at city parks and points-of-interest along the WGWL Trail. Listing of refreshment establishments (restaurants) and a map will be provided to pre-registered riders prior to the event and to same-day Border Bike registrants. Many establishments providing specials to officially banded Border Bike riders, like free coffee, bottled water or soda pop with a purchase of any kind, etc.
Proceeds support the existence of the Wapsi-Great Western Line – a linear park preserving the past for the future, giving active people a safe place to run, hike and bike.
See you on the trail July 13, 2024!
*The WGWL Trail reserves the right to cancel the event due to situational status of the COVID Pandemic or other unforeseeable events. Riders take the responsibility for personal safety, including any infectious exposure. If canceled, online registrants will receive a full refund, minus the online service fee +$1 and taxes. Refunds are allowed until 11:59 P.M. the night prior to the event.
See all WGWL Trail events at WGWLTrail.com
IronHorse Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K Saturday, May https://ironhorse.wgwltrail.com/
Wapsi Wiggle Training Half Marathon & 5K Saturday, August https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/Riceville/Wapsi5K
Border Bike Ride IA/MN Interstate Ride Saturday, July https://borderbike.wgwltrail.com/
DeRailed Adventure Multi-Sport Saturday, September https://derailed.wgwltrail.com/
Experience a biking environment that includes the following scenic views:
Nine plus miles of former rail road bed traveling through the towns of Riceville and McIntire, plus a peek at what was formerly the villages of Acme and Bailey, then miles of winding trail that twice crosses the Wapsipinicon River plus an 800 foot boardwalk that hovers over the flood plain that borders the river. You may include an optional side trail that runs through the park next to Lake Hendricks.
You will travel next to Mennonite and Amish farms with a view of pasture paddocks grazed by a variety of dairy breeds, different breeds of draft horses and right past one of the many Mennonite greenhouses that supply buyers of flowers, fruit and vegetable products.
Skilled riders and above will cross the border from Iowa into Minnesota where you have pleasant views of lady slipper flowers, Lake Louise State Park and the Upper Iowa River and along the Shooting Star Trail.
Check-in and Same Day Registration at WGWL Trailhead at 110 Main Street (Hwy #9) in Riceville.
Register online at https://borderbike.wgwltrail.com/.
See you on the trail!
