By Jared Curtis

PHOTO By Dave Mable: Riders during last year’s BRR event battle the cold. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 4 starting at 10 a.m. in Perry. Registration is $25 in advance or $30 the day of. For more information, visit http://www.bikeiowa.com.

Annual winter bike ride warms up cyclists

Even though a majority of cyclists heads indoors to fight off the winter blues, one event will bring riders of all skill levels out for a frosty, fun ride known as the Bike Ride to Rippey — or BRR. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the annual bike ride from Perry to Rippey is more than a bike ride — it’s a celebration.

“The ride was started by the chamber director and a couple other guys in 1977 as a fun fundraising idea,” said Bob Wilson, executive director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce. “There were four or five riders the first year and eight the next. It’s continued to grow every year and is the largest fundraising event for Perry.”

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. in Perry with the annual cannon firing. From there, riders head north to Rippey, where they can enjoy plenty of festivities along with food (including the popular baked potato bar by the East Greene Youth Fellowship) and plenty of beverages including a beer tent. Riders are requested to leave Rippey by 3 p.m. so they can return to Perry safely before sunset. When the riders return to Perry, the party keeps rolling with live music and activities.

“Both Perry and Rippey provide plenty of fun for riders and supporters. We had more than 1,500 riders last year and more than 1,500 supporters who didn’t ride but showed up for the festivities,” Wilson said. “Even if you don’t ride, it’s still worth the trip because of all the entertainment available.”

The ride is 24 miles total, and Wilson encourages everyone, no matter their skill level, to participate.

“One of the coolest things about BRR is that everyone can ride it,” he said. “No matter if you’re avid cyclist or just someone who borrowed a bike and only rides once a year, everyone is welcome. I even saw a 7-year-old riding it last year. All walks of life are welcome.”

Registration (http://www.bikeiowa.com) is $25 in advance or $30 the day of. Day of registration starts around 7 a.m. Registration includes a T-shirt, hot chocolate, SAG Wagon and the chance to win $500 in Perry bucks. The first 300 registered will receive the commemorative BRR lapel pin. The event will kick off in downtown Perry this year, as officials hope to draw more local businesses into the mix.

“A big part of our move downtown was to incorporate the local businesses and encourage participants to visit the establishments and discover what Perry has to offer,” Wilson said.

Although the ride isn’t too strenuous, the cold weather usually affects the number of participants.

“We have are highest number of riders when it’s nice out, but when it’s too warm, it cuts down the challenge of the race,” Wilson said. “It’s a double-egged sword. I like it to be nice out so more people will participate, but I also know the hardcore riders that are here every year want the cold weather. Hopefully the cold we’ve had the last few weeks will get people ready.”

Wilson encourages everyone to bundle up and participate in the BRR experience.

“It’s an extremely unique event that is filled with fun for all demographics including family fun and late night celebrations. Not only is the ride enjoyable, but the camaraderie of the entire event is fantastic,” he said. “Plus, why wouldn’t you want to ride a bike in the beginning of February?” CV