An annual bike ride through central Iowa is coming up on Saturday that will include some delicious food.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is inviting people to register for the 11th BaCooN Ride that will take cyclists on a 71-mile journey throughout Dallas and Guthrie Counties. Iowa Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Luke Hoffman tells Raccoon Valley Radio that a portion of the ride will go through the City of Adel, but the route will be altered after the east side of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Bridge was set on fire by three teenagers, who were arrested, on May 12th. 

He describes the detour will have riders depart the trail, turn right onto Highway 6, then make a left on Prospect Avenue, where they will rejoin the trail heading east towards Waukee. Hoffman outlines that the Iowa Bicycle Coalition always gives a portion of the proceeds to Dallas County Conservation, who manages the bridge, and says that will be a further point of emphasis this year.

“Our hearts go out to the City of Adel and the residents of Adel for having to go through this tragedy. One of the best ways you can support the rebuilding of that bridge is to ride on the BaCooN Ride this year, and we’re going to be doubling up on our donation for them, so encouraging folks to do that.”

Hoffman reveals the theme is the “Riders of Hogwarts” and that there’s going to be bacon snacks available at the 12 stops along the way. Among the stops will be Perry and Panora as Hoffman acknowledges that between 1,500 and 2,500 riders participate each year and notes that registration is open now through the day of the event on Saturday. For more information or to sign up, click here.