2,000 bike riders enjoyed the 40th annual Bike Ride to Rippey on Saturday.

The event started in Perry at 10am and participants rode up to Rippey, about ten miles, where they ate lunch and hung out in the small Greene County town. Then they headed back to Perry where they were treated to live musical entertainment at the starting point at Hotel Pattee.

Perry Chamber Executive Director Bob Wilson says BRR is a great way to highlight both cities to start the year.

“It’s such a great tradition. Forty years to do anything, let alone ride a bike in the middle of winter in Iowa is quite a feat. So, our numbers are up, the vibe is so great, everybody is being very positive and very friendly. It’s a great opportunity out here to explore the Perry area, as well as the Rippey area. It’s what we’re here to do, showcase our city and we’re doing it very well.”

Wilson adds that the only complaint was a strong head wind coming back to Perry from Rippey later on in the day. He would also like to thank everyone who helped make the 40th BRR a tremendous success.