Iowa has been building a reputation as a bicycling destination.  As The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa™, RAGBRAI®,  begins to celebrate it’s 40th ride across Iowa cyclists continue to come fromevery state and many foreign countries.  Cities, counties, and the State of Iowa have invested in trail infrastructure to brand Iowa as the World Capital of Trails.  

It is not difficult to determine an increase of quality of life along trails or places where more people bicycle. But from a business aspect, what is the return on the investment? One statewide bicycling group was determined to answer that question.  

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition began the Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling (View Full Report) in Iowa study by working with the University of Northern Iowa Sustainable Tourism and Environment Program (STEP).  The project was sponsored by a grant from Bikes Belong, Creating Great Places, and members of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  Research tools were created to survey Iowa bicyclists, bikes shops, and bike clubs.  

The study cites the economic impact of recreational cyclists’ spending to generate $364.8 million in direct and indirect impacts to the State of Iowa. This is equivalent to $1 million per day spent for cycling.

“The return on investment was much larger than expected.  We know that communities recognize the impact that an event like RAGBRAI has on the local economy.   But what about the rest of the year when cyclists aren’t concentrated on one route?” said Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  

In addition to being an economic generator, bicycling can curb health care costs. Iowans need more physical activity.  The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 29.3% of Iowans do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.  The Centers for Disease Control report 67.2% of Iowan adults were overweight or obese.  Being sedentary and overweight leads to health problems increasing health care costs.

Bicycling can be part of the solution to Iowa’s health issues.  The study estimates that bicycling saves the State of Iowa $73.9 million in healthcare costs for those who cycle recreationally. Another $13,266,020 in health care costs is saved by those who commute to work.

“More opportunities for Iowans to bicycle will help Iowa become the healthiest state,” says Wyatt, referring to the Healthiest State Initiative to make Iowa number one in health and wellness.  “We know a lot of Iowans have bicycles, but may not have ridden them in some time.  We need to find ways to encourage more bicycle riding.” Trails are an investment in which 41% of Iowans use for physical fitness and 51% of the population is interested in using trails according to the 2006 Iowa Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Encouraging bicycling means continued investment in bicycle infrastructure like trails.  The study indicates 66.5% of respondents would bicycle more often if there were more or better bicycle facilities.  “Bike lanes, trails, cycle tracks, and other treatments make bicycling more convenient than driving.” states Wyatt.  “The bicycle facility workshop at the Iowa Bicycle Summit shows how cities can integrate bicycle facilities into their community infrastructure.”  

Small investments are made each year through the Iowa Recreational Trails Fund administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation through the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.  In 2011 the legislature invested $3million for trails. $2.5 million is in the budget for 2012. Efforts are underway to see the fund raised to $3 million or more.  “This study indicates there is a solid return on investment through trails with more than $21 million being returned to the state in the form of sales tax.  This study doesn’t include out of state tourism dollars and the potential in recreation tourism.  As demonstrated during the Iowa Bicycle Summit, there is more we can in addition to trails to encourage more bicycling in Iowa.”  

Also new this year is roller racing.  Racers are started on competing rollers and race against the clock and each other in a two mile sprint. 

Don’t forget about the FREE bicycle advocacy sessions. You can learn more about Safe Routes to Schools, dirt trails, trail marketing, safety, and more.

Iowa Department of Transportation is the lead sponsor for the Iowa Bicycle Summit and will be present to give away maps and talk about trails, transportation and other funding.  

Des Moines Parks and Recreation boasts some of the greatest trails in the world.  They have signed on a sponsor for 2012 and want to attract bicyclists to ride in Des Moines.  

Iowa Sports Foundation and Adaptive Sports Iowa are working to increase accessibility to athletes with disabilities.  Mike Boone has assembled a great team of athletes who are ready to take on RAGBRAI XL.  

Confluence is a planning and engineering firm that has worked on various projects across Iowa.  They are specialists in outdoor recreation opportunities.  

Scheels Sports has locations across Iowa and specializes in sport and active living.  Scheels is sponsoring the Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo for the second year.  

Iowans Fit For Life is a program from the Iowa Department of Public Health that works for better living in Iowa Communities.  Iowans Fit for Life has been a sponsor of the Iowa Bicycle Summit for three years running.  

Bike World is the store that supports the sport.  If you are looking for the greatest gear in bicycling, Bike World is your stop.  Bike World has been a sponsor of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition since the beginning with Forrest Ridgway on the IBC Board of Directors and a major support of the silent auction at the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party.  This is a must-visit exhibitor!

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has also been a long-time sponsor of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition with Lisa Hein serving on the IBC board since the beginning.  If it has to do with trails, the INHF is involved.  

Cedar Falls Tourism Bureau is home to world class trails.  Stop by their office for some trail mix, but bring your bike.  There is a lot of riding to do in Cedar Falls.

Raccoon River Valley Trail has become a new sponsor for 2012 and we are happy to have them aboard.  This group has been marketing one of the best trails in Iowa.  It’s more than a great trail – it is businesses, lodging, camping, and more.  Spend some time exploring the RRVT.  

Winnesheik County Convention and Visitors is here to promote the trails in and around Decorah.  If you haven’t been there lately, there is a quite a bit of activity with trails and bicycling.  

American Discovery Trail runs from coast to coast and conveniently through Iowa.  This trail combines some of Iowa’s best trails in this ever developing trail.  

Primal Wear is a sponsor of the Iowa Bicycle Summit and has been designing the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s new jerseys.  If your team is going to have jerseys in 2012, this is the group to talk to.  

MyAlibi Clothing isn’t a new clothing firm, but has recently located to Iowa.  They specialize in clothing for women and bicycling.  

Snus Hill Winery is right off the High Trestle Trail and is as much of a destination as it is a winery.  Enjoy friends, live music and more.  

Rails to Trails Conservancy is a national organization that promotes more trails in the US.  We are lucky to have Eric and Lindsay speaking this year and helping promote trail development in Iowa.  

American Diabetes Association is promoting the 2012 Tour De Cure – a bike ride raising funds to help fight diabetes.  Come learn how you can join the fight on this year’s ride.  

Bar Mitts is helping solve the problem when your hands get cold in the winter.  Mittens attached directly to the bicycle!  

Iowa Rivers Revival has been working to improve river conditions and recreation in Iowa.  Learn more about Pedal and Paddle adventures.  

Bikes to You is one of the best shops in Central Iowa.  Find bikes, clothing, and gear at this top of the line store.  

HyVee is attracting athletes from all over the world to participate in the HyVee Triathlon.  Learn how you can enter this amazing race.  

Spokiz has been creating sunglasses out of recycled bicycle parts.  You can even get your team name printed on the sunglasses.  

Silos and Smokestacks is part of the National Parks Service working to help with promotion and development of tourism in central to northeast Iowa.  

Ready to Roll Bikes is helping to solve the problem of where to keep your bike when you aren’t riding.  Using your garage door opener, you can store your bikes up high and lower them only when you need them.  Great solution for tight spaces.  

Bike Fixtation operates self-service kiosks on an extended-hours basis for bicyclists in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. Bike Fixtation also designs and manufactures the products required for your bicycle specific infrastructure project.  

National Parks Service Rivers and Trails conservation unit has assisting Iowa to become the world capital of trails.  Find out more on how your community can get involved.  
Iowa Bicycle Racing Association is the sanctioning body for bike racing in Iowa.  Learn how to become involved in racing.

Q7 and Johnson County Trails Foundation.  Q7 is a clothing line for cyclists.  The Johnson County Trails foundation is helping build and promote trails in Johnson County.

All Ability Cycles is a new shop in Jefferson and is one of the only Brompton dealers. This is a great shop on the square.  

RAGBRAI is the longest, oldest, largest cross-state bike ride.  

MS Tour is a ride that raised funds to fight MS.  Join the multi distance ride and sign up today!

BikeIowa.com is your number one source for bicycle news and events in Iowa.  Check out the new jerseys!

Eco Lips is a premier organic lip balm company.  They have a variety of flavors and styles.  

Polar Water Bottles has the best insulated waterbottle on the market.  You can even customize this bottle for your team.

Foth Infrastructure & Environment and an engineering firm that works with bike facilities, trails, and safe routes to school projects.  

Multisport races are huge, but nothing is more fun than Penny’s Pieathlon. Substitute the swim for pie eating and you get a great cancer fundraiser.  

The BRR! Ride is hosted each year by the Perry Chamber of Commerce.  Thousands of riders descend upon Perry to ride to Rippey – about 13 miles – despite the first weekend of February conditions.  

Pedals to Petals is being hosted for the first time by the Des Moines Botanical Center. A great new ride to support a wonderful organization.  

Life In Motion Chiropractic is run by Dr. Chris Janning.  Dr. Janning works to improve health and overall quality of life for patients.  

Hardin County Recreational Trails has developed a series of trails running along the scenic Iowa River.  Make plans to visit Iowa Falls and bring your bike!

Des Moines Bicycle Collective refurbishes bikes and gets them back into hands that can use them.  But they do so much more.  Check out the new Central Iowa bicycling maps.  

Aspen Athletic Clubs has five locations in Des Moines and wants you to join.  Learn more about equipment, classes, and a great place for fitness.  

Remp Racks is a new Iowa based company that creates bicycle racks to fit on the back of vehicles.  This bike rack works well with RV and others who need increased storage, but needs to bring bikes too.  

Linn County Trails is the southern portion of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, but they also have more trails running across Linn County.  Visit this booth and plan your bike ride for next year.  

The Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo has grown into more than just a small gathering of engineers. It’s a winter fix for bicyclists looking toward warmer months.

Two years ago organizers added the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party to coincide with the conclusion of the two-day conference. This year’s Jan. 27-28 summit includes an expanded consumer bicycling expo, free and open to the public on Jan. 28.

More than 60 vendors will be set up at Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines to showcase new bicycling gear, training, trails and events.

Cyclists can drool over new gear or plan their summer bicycling vacations. Winneshiek County officials can show off information on their much-anticipated new trail and a new brewery opening up trailside. Raccoon River Valley Trail officials can give advice on new lodging and camping options along its trail. The Iowa River Revival team can suggest water trails to paddle a boat and complete a loop by pedaling back.

“There is an untapped market for biking tourism,” said Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition in Coralville, which partners with the Iowa Department of Transportation to organize the summit. “The baby boomer population is a very active group and getting those folks on bikes is a great opportunity for the state.”

Bicycling numbers in Iowa continue to grow, Wyatt said. With bike commuters, miles of trails and cycling events, he said, the League of American Bicyclists ranks Iowa No. 6 in bike-friendliness and he thinks the state can crack the top five this year.

The educational aspect of the summit is a way for professional city planners, engineers and advocates to integrate new research into their cities. Roger Geller, bicycle coordinator for Portland, Ore., will discuss the North American City Transportation Officials new guide to bikeways, and Rails to Trails Conservancy will speak about trail building. The biggest benefit of the summit, Wyatt said, has been the integration of bike lanes to Iowa’s fast-growing network of trails. Eight years ago, Iowa only had 10 miles of bike lanes, he said. The next step is “shared-lane marking,” which isn’t a bike lane but pavement markings to remind motorists and bicyclists to expect each other.

Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo

When: January 27-28
Where: Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines.
Admission: The expo and seminars on Jan. 28 are free and open to the public.
Information: For a list of exhibitors go to www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
RAGBRAI party: To join the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party, 8-11 p.m. Jan. 28, go to www.iowabicyclecoalition.org. Tickets are $30.

Saturday, January 28 – Seminar Schedule

8:30-10 a.m.

Session 1A: Bicycle Tourism Iowa Scenic Bikeways, Iowa Tourism, Iowa Economic Impact Study.

Session 1B: Iowa Safe Routes to School Partnership, iWalk and the Iowa Department of Public Health Local Program Implementation

10:30 a.m.-noon

Session 2A: Triathlon and multisport Triathlons in Iowa, Team in Training.

Session 2B: Safety & Accessibility, John Brunow — All Ability, Adaptive Sports Iowa, Adaptability Iowa.

1-2:30 pm.

Session 3A: Trails and Travel Bike Events 101, Iowa is the Trails Capital of the World! Branding a bigger message, Lewis and Clarke Trail Update.

Session 3B: Consumer Equipment: 29ers, Utility Bicycles on Campus/Business, What women want.

3-4:30 p.m.

Trail Session 4A: Dirt: High School Mountain Bike League, CVAST — Reggie Blanco.

Session 4B: Ride Right Meeting for RAGBRAI Clubs & Teams

8-11:00 p.m.

RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party
At the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party, 8-11 p.m. Jan. 28, the overnight towns along RAGBRAI’s 40th anniversary ride will be revealed.  Tickets to the party, at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, are $30 and include live and silent auctions, live music by Boogie and the Yo-Yoz, RAGBRAI-style hors d’oeuvres and drinks, free beer and more.  Kick it up a notch by reserving a table for 10 for $400. Purchase a membership to the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and attend a VIP pre-party starting at 7 p.m.  Tickets are limited, and the party sold out the last two years. Purchase tickets at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/routeannouncement  Proceeds benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Online bidding begins January 4th, and will be open through January 26th. The highest online bid will be the starting bid at the live auction on January 28th.  If an online pre-bid stands as the highest bidder at the end of the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party, the online bidder will be the winner of the item.

In addition to many bicycle items, we have a large variety of donations from great Iowa businesses and organizations across the state, including hotel stays, event tickets (concerts, plays, dance performances, sporting events, etc), museum passes, tour passes, and local products and memorabilia.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a statewide bicycle advocacy group that builds more bicycle traffic.  Their mission is to build partnerships, educate Iowans, and help create safe and enjoyable bicycle networks for all.

Items will be added to the silent auction as the RAGBRAI Route Announcement event nears. Be sure to visit ttp://www.32auctions.com/organizations/2755/auctions/3085 often to check for new items and keep your winning bid updated!

Be there as the RAGBRAI XL overnight towns are revealed for the 40th Anniversary Ride!  Join us for the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party benefitting the Iowa Bicycle Coalition on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Iowa Event Center’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium Ballroom in Downtown Des Moines. 

The first two years this event sold out quickly!  A limited number of tickets will be sold for the event!

RAGBRAI and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition have worked together for the past several years to bring you the Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo.   This year’s Summit will again include advocacy workshops and the January Meeting for Clubs and Teams in addition to the expanded consumer expo. 

The Iowa Bicycle Summit will once again conclude with a cycling-filled evening of fun with the revealing of the much-anticipated RAGBRAI XL route.

The evening will feature the live music of Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z, who are one of the premiere party bands in the Midwest! Check out this video of the band.

In addition to live music and the RAGBRAI route announcement, this special night will feature: 

• Live Auctions
• Silent Auctions
• Door Prizes
• “Guess the Route” Raffles
• Iowa Bicycle Coalition Updates
• Complimentary RAGBRAI-style hors d’oeuvres & Drinks
• Complimentary Michelob Ultra and Bud Light Drafts (also a Cash Bar)
• Special Commemorative Pint Glass
• Fun for ALL!

Tickets on sale now: $30

RESERVED TEAM TABLES:
Would you rather reserve a table for ten?  Click for information.

The doors will open at 8:00 p.m. and the fun lasts until 11:00 p.m.! Iowa Bicycle Coalition members and Reserved Table guests are invited to enter early for a VIP Pre-Party beginning from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

All proceeds from the event benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

Starting bids will be taken online for some items.  

Wine/Beer Tours and Tastings

1. Summerset Winery ($200 value)
Tour and tasting for 10
Indianola

2.  BrewNost 2012: National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library ($85 value)
This basket  includes four (4) bottles of the world famous Czechvar lager, a set of two (2) beautiful pilsner tasting glasses, and two passes for free admission to the NCSML’s Rising Above Exhibit located in the heart of the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, IA.  
Cedar Rapids

3.  Amana Oktoberfest Basket
T-shirt, sweatshirt, six-pack of Millstream, gift certificates
Amana Convention and Visitors Bureau

4. Millstream Brewing Company ($30.40 value)
Case of Beer: one six-pack of
Amana

Destinations and Travel

5.  Italian Bike Vacation 2-for-1 Certificate ($2500-5000 value)

• Italian Cycling Vacation 2-for-1 Certificate – join any CycleItalia guided tour* (value $2500-5000) and bring someone along for free.
• *Subject to availability of 2012-2013 vacations. Not valid on self-guided vacations. Free guest MUST share double room with certificate holder. Airfare not included. NO CASH VALUE.
• CycleItalia has its roots in the Italian cycling getaways they (Larry and Heather, CycleItalia operators) planned as a couple, exploring the little-traveled backroads of untouristed regions, discovering small family-run inns and enjoying authentic country cuisine. 
  Cycleitalia, Sioux City

6.  See Des Moines ($250 value)
Six free admissions to Science Center of Iowa, one deluxe room overnight at Stoney Creek Inn, three $15 gift certificates to Brilliant Sky Toys and Book, four tickets to a 2012 Iowa Cubs game, See Des Moines guide
Greater Des Moines Visitors and Convention Bureau, Des Moines

7.  Dinner and Poker Lesson
Dinner and dessert for four at the home of Mark Wyatt, IBC Executive Director
with Poker Lesson from Janelle Rettig – former participant in the World Series of Poker

8.  Grinnell Gift Package
Grinnell gift package (unknown contents)

9.  Canoe and Shuttle Vacation ($75 value)
One free canoe float and shuttle
Whiterock Resort, Coon Rapids

10.  Decorah, unknown

11.  Blank Park Zoo ($38 value)
Family four-pack
Des Moines

12.  Great Western Trails Center, unknown

13.  Visit Cedar Rapids Package
Two anytime tickets for Orchestra Iowa 2011-2012 season and Orchestra Iowa booklet ($80 value), Linn County Conservation package: 2 free nights certificate for Pinicon Ridge Cabin, 1 free night of camping ($198 value), Theatre Cedar Rapids package: 2 tickets to “The Wedding Singer” March 9-31, 2012, bag, cap, mug, water bottle, pen ($90 value), Brucemore Mansion package: 2 free tour tickets, 2 tickets to Bluesmore ($44 value)
Cedar Rapids

14.  Stauer House Bed and Breakfast ($100 value)
One night stay in the Ramage Suite
McGregor

15.  Bed and Breakfast Stay – Council Bluffs
Taco Ride pass

16.  Omaha Pedallers Bicycle Club Creston Overnighter
Amtrak Ride to Creston, overnight with Omaha Pedallers, and return bicycle ride.

17.  Marshmallow Ride and Marshalltown Weekend (value $300)
Two regsitrations to the Marshmallow Ride May 19 (t-shirts included), room for two at the Tremont Inn in Marshalltown, dinner for two at Tremont on Main, tickets to the Orpheum Theater
Marshalltown

18.  Mason City Overnight (tentative)
Stay at the Historic Park Inn – only existing Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel
Dinner for two in downtown Mason City

19. Spook Cave & Campground ($80 value)
2 gift certificate for cave tours (each certificate good for 4 cave tickets)
McGregor

20. Ballet Des Moines ($90 value)
2 tickets to Ballet Des Moines production of The Wizard of Oz on April 7, 2012 at 1pm. Performance details: The show will feature four guest professional dancers, over 150 local youth dancers, one-of-a-kind costumes and props, and live music provided by the Des Moines Community Orchestra.
Des Moines

21. Iowa Artisans Gallery ($49 value)
A reversible square map pendant by artist Kathy Loewenstern, with a road map of the state of Iowa on one side and a road map of the Iowa City area on the other side, set in sterling silver and resin on a sterling silver chain
Iowa City

22. Des Moines Symphony
Des Moines

23. Reiman Gardens ($17 value)
Two guest passes (each pass allows free admission for one adult or two children), Reiman Garden’s brochure
Ames, Iowa State University

24. Terrace Hill
Personal Tour for 2 (with tour guide)
Des Moines

25. Iowa Children’s Museum ($35 value)
Family Day Pass
Coralville

26. Elkader, unknown

27. Creston/Union County, unknown

28. Sioux City Events and Facilities Department ($379 value)
4 “We Built Sioux City on Rock and Roll’ t-shirts ($40).  Two tickets to “Sioux City Rockestra” ($56).  Two tickets to Blue Man Group ($124).  Two all week passes to the Girls Basketball NAIA Tournament ($70) and a one night’s stay at the Stoney Creek Inn ($89)
Sioux City

29. Park View Inn & Suites ($120 value)
One night suite stay
West Bend, IA

30. Kings Pointe Resort ($60 value)
4 waterpark passes
Storm Lake, IA

31. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad ($64-80 value)
4 passes for the 1920’s excursion train
Boone

32. Quad Cities package ($75 value)
1 free 2012 TOMRV registration, 1 jar Boetjes Mustard and Boetje Food Inc brochure, 1 jar Lago’s Hot Fudge, 1 copy of “The Ask Anything about the Quad Cities Book”
Quad Cities

33. Civic Center of Greater Des Moines ($90 value)
Two tickets to the dance performance of Diavolo on Saturday, February 18th at 7:30pm
Des Moines

Iowa Originals

34.  Team Print by Steve Pope Photography
16×20 print of either a team or individual to be taken on this summers ride either Saturday or Sunday

35. YMCA of Greater Des Moines ($100 value)
Tri-annual 2 Adult/Children Membership to YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Des Moines

36.  Team Cuisine Dinner for Two on RAGBRAI ($200 value)
TBD

37. Motion Initiatives ($100 value)
Two Registrations for the Cascade Gran Fondo on August 4, 2012
Bend, Oregon

38. Pork Belly Ventures ($475.85 value)
Pork Belly Ventures Charter with weeklong support $385 value, a Pork Belly Ventures Jersey (whatever size they need) $70 value, a Pork Belly Ventures “Live Like a Pig T-shirt” any size $20 value, a cup .85 cents value!

39. Pork Belly Ventures
Pork Belly Ventures “Pass the Corn” jersey.

40.  Jazzercize Class Package
Iowa City

41. North Iowa Spin ($75 value)
Bikes, Blues and BBQ registration and jersey
Clear Lake

42. Peas Creek Studios ($120 value)
High Trestle Trail Framed Photos
Boone

43.  Citizen’s Watch with EcoDrive ($100 value)
Atlantic

44. Iowa City/Coralville CVB ($90 value)
Fry Fest package (Dan Gable Bobble Head, Iowa pin, 3 tshirts)
Iowa City/Coralville

45. Iowa Artisans Gallery ($49 value)
A reversible square map pendant by artist Kathy Loewenstern, with a road map of the state of Iowa on one side and a road map of the Iowa City area on the other side, set in sterling silver and resin on a sterling silver chain
Iowa City

46. Greater Des Moines Music Coalition ($120 value)
Two regular 2-day tickets to 80/35 Music Festival (July 6-7, 2012 at Western Gateway Park)
Des Moines

47. Raygun ($60 value)
Three t-shirts (Iowa Bicycle, Bicycle Swirl, “Please Don’t Run Me Over”), several Raygun postcards
Des Moines

48. Campus Bicycle Classic
Two registrations
Three Sons, Milford

49. World of Bikes ($125 value)
Chris King salt and pepper shakers
Iowa City

Bicycle Gear

50.  Bones 3 Bike Rack
Saris, Madison, WI

51. Bikes to You
Schwinn Sid Bicycle ($469.99), Jandd Hurricane Panniers ($199.99), Fat Tire Pint Glass Set ($28), Fat Tire Frisbee ($14.99), Are U Bike Curious t-shirt ($20), Smart People Rid Bikes t-shirt ($20), Schwinn Child’s Roadster Trike ($129.99), Vintage t-shirt from the “Mystic 50” ($??), Maintenance Gift Bike Basket – road tires, tubes, chain cleaning kit, LPD-9 lube, etc ($150), Serfas Rechargeable Headlight and Tail light ($150), Bikes To You RAGBRAI charter seat ($240), Fender Set Sunlite “Woody Style” ($52), Vintage Schwinn Cruiser-Chopper style ($~175)

52. Barr Bike and Fitness ($200 value)
Giro Prolight Helmet, size large, red/black color
Clive

53. BIKEIOWA
Jersey, cap, t-shirt, stickers, other items

54. Spokiz ($90 value)
Spokiz sunglasses

55. Headsweats ($120 value)
Five Dry Visibility hats

Sports

56. Des Moines Menace Soccer Game ($36 value)
4 tickets
Des Moines

57. Climb Iowa
4-day pass certificate
Grimes

58. Dubuque Fighting Saints
Dubuque Fighting Saints blanket, a vuvuzela horn, and a team autographed championship photo
Dubuque

One of the best parts of the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party, besides the overnight town announcement, is the silent auction. It is your opportunity to buy gear and support a great organization, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. We are continuing to seek silent auction donations over the next few weeks for the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party.  A big thanks goes out to Bike World for the huge contributions you see at this event.  There are more great partners donating items that we will announce in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for online pre-bidding!  

How do you attend this great event? Purchase RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party Tickets. Over 25% of tickets are sold for the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party. You can purchase a reserved table for 10 or individual tickets, but you have to act quickly.  

You might as well come early and see the Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo. Roger Geller from Portland will lead a workshop on January 27 for engineers, planners and city officials.  Also Lindsay and Eric from Rails to Trails will present on trail issues.  Does your city have staff attending? January 28 also has great sessions on bike safety, safe routes to schools, dirt trails, triathlons and more.

Did you say Expo? Oh yes!  We have over 30 exhibitors so far and many more are expected.  See the latest in bicycle trends, trails, rides, events, and more at the Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo on January 28!

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition in partnership with the Iowa DOT are bringing national experts in trails and bikeways so you can learn the best practices to implement in your community.  

Roger Geller, the Bicycle Coordinator from Portland, Oregon will lead a workshop on the new NACTO Urban Bikeways Design Guide.  This new guide is just off the presses and features some of the cutting edge designs used in areas across the United States.  

Lindsay Martin and Eric Oberg from the Rails to Trails Conservancy will be speaking about trail maintenance and what is new in trail building.  This is a great opportunity to learn from industry experts.  

We’ve lower the early registration price.  Register for $120 by January 1 to receive a $30 discount.  In addition, the Saturday education sessions are free AND we have a larger consumer expo area.  

The Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo has one of the best lineups of speakers as we have ever had.  Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to bring more bicycles to your community.  Visit http://www.IowaBicycleCoalition.org/summit to learn more.

Geller will set the stage for these next generation designs by talking about the context in which we are introducing new designs.   The sessions will discuss the challenges with implementing facilities that provide the best combination of access to normal destinations and yet provide the degree of safety and comfort (separation from high volumes of fast-moving traffic). Differences will be discussed between safety and the feeling of safety, which the Dutch stress in their designs.

Detailed presentations on bicycle lanes, cycle tracks, intersections, signals, signs and markings will be presented.  Also, bicycle boulevards are presented as a useful facility type and also as a successful compromise.  

Geller states, “ In addition to providing technical design information I will talk about the needed trade-offs to implement them in cities that have been designed principally for automobiles since the late 1940s.”  The sessions will be concluded with policy discussions that can help implement these designs in Iowa.  

About the NACTO guide

The NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide is based on the experience of the best cycling cities in the world. The designs in this document were developed by cities for cities, since unique urban streets require innovative solutions. Most of these treatments are not directly referenced in the current versions of the AASHTO Guide to Bikeway Facilities or the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), although many of the elements are found within these documents. The Federal Highway Administration has recently posted information regarding approval status of various bicycle related treatments not covered in the MUTCD, including many of the treatments provided in the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide. All of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide treatments are in use internationally and in many cities around the US.

Roger Geller Photo © J. Maus

The most noticeable change is the venue.  The Iowa Bicycle Summit & Expo is moving upstairs at the Iowa Events Center to the newly remodeled Veterans Auditorium.  “This is a great facility for us”, states Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  “We can have more speakers and new space for vendors.”  

This year will feature a consumer bicycle expo on January 28 free to the public.  More than 60 exhibitors will be on hand to show the latest in new bicycle gear, training, trails, and events.  A large group of destination exhibitors are slated to attend.  “If you want to plan your summer bicycling vacation, you need to visit all of the trails displayed at the event,” states Wyatt.

The event will also feature a technical workshop on Friday, January 27, 2012.  Roger Geller, bicycle coordinator in Portland, Oregon will be presenting on the NACTO Urban Bicycle Guide.  This guide has some of the cutting edge designs for cities to implement.  This session is designed for engineers, planners and other community officials.  Registration for the Bicycle Facility Workshop is online at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org.  

There is also a big expansion of the technical workshop to include trail building.  Twelve sessions are slated to discuss trail maintenance, design, and policy issues.  Land managers, trail supporters, and community officials are urged to attend these sessions to learn more about trails.  

The event caps off with the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party on January 28.  

More information is available at www.IowaBicycleCoalition.org/summit or by calling 515-309-2867.