By Matt Miller matt@dmcityview.com
Big wheel fun
Ingersoll Avenue will host upcoming Big Wheel Rally on Dec. 11
Bicycles have become more prevalent along Ingersoll Avenue, but is the city ready for big wheels? That question will be answered, as a couple hundred big wheels will rumble down Ingersoll Avenue during the ninth annual Big Wheel Rally on Dec. 11. The fun- natured event brings out the creative side of bicycle rides all for a good cause.
“The event really breaks up the winter season,” said Austin Gill, one of the event’s many organizers. “Iowa winters can be brutal, so this is a fun way to get people out and enjoy what Des Moines has to offer.”
The ninth annual Big Wheel Rally will take place along Ingersoll Avenue as participants begin at Zimm’s Food & Spirits, 3214 Ingersoll Ave., and end at Carl’s Place, 1620 Woodland Ave. Other stops include GTs Race Car Bar and The Yacht Club. The event’s purpose is to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Connection, a nonprofit organization that provides support services and programs for children and families affected by cancer in Iowa since 1988. The organization sponsors two, week-long summer camps for children with cancer and their siblings. Official say that more than 400 children attend camps on a yearly basis. Children’s Cancer Connection also provides support through weekend retreats and educational materials.
“The Big Wheel Rally is a great opportunity to have a bunch of fun in the middle of winter and also raise funds for an outstanding nonprofit organization,” said Randy Kramer, who has helped with the annual event for a number of years. “Our main goal is to help those in affected by cancer.”
Held rain or shine, the Big Wheel Rally has been gaining momentum in attendance and proceeds since it first began. Early years drew around 50 participants, but now the event attracts approximately 200 freewheeling riders. Leaders raised around $1,200 the first year, and proceeds have increased annually. In 2009, the rally raised more than $17,000. This year’s target is $20,000.
“By the looks of things, we think we will reach the $20,000 mark,” Austin said. “We’re on track for our biggest year so far.”
Although rally participation is free with a donation, Austin says the biggest contributors to the event are the high number of sponsors — more than 40 participated in 2009.
Big Wheel Rally officials say one of the unique aspects about the event is that you never know who might show up in what kind of costume.
“We’ve had some really outrageous and creative ones over the years,” said Molly Gill. “We’ve seen guys dressed up like Hooters’ girls, Legos, and even the Abominable Snowman. It’s kind of like Halloween but only in the winter.”
Awards will be given out for many categories including “Best Big Wheel,” “Best Costume” and more.
The Big Wheel Rally held a kick-off pre-party downtown at Johnny’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 12 to encourage people to sign up, and organizers also revealed the annual “Big Wheel Rally” T-shirt design, which always receives a lot of attention.
“We had a very good pre-party at Johnny’s,” Austin said. “We hope that momentum will carry over to the big event.”
While the main goal is to raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Cancer Connection, Kramer says he’s tired of people say the metro doesn’t have much to offer, especially during the winter months.
“People are always complaining that Des Moines has nothing to do,” Kramer said. “Well, they can’t make an excuse on Dec. 11. This is a unique event that will be a lot of fun.”
Locker Room note: The Big Wheel Rally begins at 11 a.m. on Dec. 11 at Zimm’s. For more information, visit www.bikeiowa.com. CV
Caption: Approximately 200 people are expected to participate in this year’s Big Wheel Rally. Photo courtesy of Austin Gill
