The second annual MinBRRn Ride was held this past weekend, and the weather was much improved from the inaugural ride.

Morning temperatures on Saturday reached 50 degrees, and were up to nearly 60 by noon. In stark contrast, the 2017 MinBRRn Ride had snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. The 24-mile ride started at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee, went along the Raccoon River Valley Trail to the Nineteen 14 bar in Minburn, and then returned to Waukee on the same path. The riders enjoyed food, drinks, and live music in both Waukee and Minburn. The ride was started last year to piggyback off the momentum of the annual Bike Ride to Rippey (BRR Ride), and people’s enthusiasm for cold weather bicycling.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association sponsored the ride, and 25% of each rider’s registration went directly to the Perry to Woodward connector trail fundraiser. The “Let’s Connect” project seeks to bridge the nine-mile gap between the RRVT and the High Trestle Trail. It’s currently around 55% of the way towards the $5 million goal for funding.