Two-wheeled fun
World’s biggest bike scavenger hunt visits Des Moines
It’s difficult to take the competition of the New Belgium Brewing Urban Assault Ride seriously, and with obstacle course names like “Human Bowling,” “Piggy Back Polo” and “Paper Boy Relay,” you may see why. But for founder Josh Kravitz, this isn’t about who wins or loses, but rather an event that promotes cycling advocacy and sustainability. The ride and funky obstacle course stops in Des Moines on Aug. 22, beginning and ending at Mullets, 1300 S.E. 1st St.
“My past has always involved bike rides and parties, and this is the most fun you can have when you combine both,” Kravitz said. “The day is a big celebration of bikes and beers.”
The Urban Assault Ride originated in 2003 in Austin, Texas, combining all things about bike races, adventure races and music festivals. This year’s ride has traveled across the country, beginning in April and running through September. The tour has already included Tucson, Seattle, Charlotte and Denver. After Des Moines, the tour concludes in Chicago and Madison. In just its eighth year, the ride is the biggest bike scavenger hunt in the world, attracting participation rates from 350 to more than 1,400 in established markets. Kravitz says approximately 250 competitors have signed up for the Des Moines race with less than one month to go.
“Iowans are very active when it comes to bicycling, and we just hope this event can add to the excitement,” Kravitz said. “The state has a lot of recreational opportunities when it comes to biking. Plus, Des Moines is a really cool city to get around on using two wheels.”
Broken down, the Urban Assault Ride involves teams of two — male, female or co-ed — adventuring on a citywide quest (15 to 20 miles) for “checkpoints” on bicycles. The goal is to complete all the checkpoints in the shortest amount of time. Des Moines’ obstacle checkpoints, which can be reached in any order, include Rasmussen Bike Shop, el Bait Shop, Greenwood Park Open Shelter, and Gray’s Lake Park at the Peninsula. There will be two “mystery checkpoints,” which all teams will have to locate. Officials will release the first mystery checkpoint the Thursday before the event, and the second mystery checkpoint clue will be revealed when participants reach the first mystery checkpoint. Teams must bring their own bikes, and tandems are welcome. Helmets must also be worn at all times during the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each division.
“The event really isn’t that competitive,” Kravitz said. “It’s more about the partnership of bikes and beer.”
Upon finishing, there will be a massive party of bikes and beers at Mullets, 1300 S.E. First St. Proceeds from beer sales will benefit the Des Moines Bike Collective, 617 Grand Ave. The nonprofit organization recognizes, encourages and facilitates the use of bicycles as a viable mode of transportation and recreation. Officials also pride the event on sustainability, using their solar powered start/finish venue. When the party is over, the event also composts or recycles 95 percent of what is left behind.
“This event allows bicyclists the opportunity to see that urban cycling is a viable means of transportation and a health lifestyle choice,” Kravitz said. “We want people to have a great day on the bike and to think twice about getting into the car. We want them to ask, ‘can I use my bike today?’ Biking is great way of transportation, and bikers will learn a lot more about their city than in a vehicle.”
Locker Room note: Register for the New Belgium Brewing Urban Assault Ride at www.urbanassaultride.com. Price ranges from $30–$65. Online registration closes Aug. 20. Teams that register before Aug. 8 save up to $30. There is no day-of registration. CV
Caption: The New Belgium Brewing Urban Assault Ride features various obstacles located throughout the city.
