April 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter

RRVTA Celebrates 20 Years

Chuck Offenburger receives Trail Champion Award

The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s 20th Anniversary Banquet was a tremendous success, bringing together one of the largest crowds in the event’s history for an evening of celebration, connection, and support for the trail.

Held at Country Lane Lodge in Adel, the banquet highlighted not only the growth of the RRVT over the past two decades, but also the strong community that continues to rally around it.

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Trail Champion Award to longtime Iowa journalist and trail advocate Chuck Offenburger. Chuck’s passion for Iowa’s trails and rural communities has made a lasting impact, and his recognition was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Attendees also enjoyed an engaging keynote from Matt Phippen, Director of RAGBRAI, who shared insights on cycling in Iowa and the role it plays in connecting people and communities across the state, while also highlighting the unique impact events like RAGBRAI and trails like the RRVT have in showcasing Iowa’s towns and bringing visitors into local communities.

Both the silent and live auctions featured an outstanding lineup of items, generating strong participation and helping raise important funds to support the trail’s ongoing improvements and promotion.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported this special 20th Anniversary event. The continued enthusiasm and generosity of our trail community ensures a bright future for the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

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Celebrate Trails Day Ride a Great Success on the RRVT

The Celebrate Trails Day ride on Saturday, April 25 was a wonderful success, bringing together approximately 40 riders for a beautiful morning on the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

Participants gathered at the Forest Park Museum campus in Perry and were greeted with nearly perfect weather—ideal conditions for a relaxed, scenic ride to Minburn and back. The 12-mile round trip offered riders a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the trail while connecting with fellow cycling enthusiasts.

A highlight of the morning was the opportunity for riders to take advantage of free health and wellness screenings provided by Dallas County Hospital & Clinics. Many participants participated in these screenings, reinforcing the important connection between trails, active lifestyles, and community health.

We were also pleased to welcome Scott Sumpter as our celebrity rider for the day. As director of Bike Iowa, Scott has played a key role in promoting biking and trails across the state.

Celebrate Trails Day is a nationwide initiative led by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, highlighting the vital role trails play in connecting communities, supporting local economies, and promoting healthy living. This year’s ride was a great example of that impact in action right here on the RRVT.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you on the trail again soon!

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100% of proceeds support RRVT

PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL

Show Your Trail Pride with RRVT Apparel

The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is excited to offer a growing lineup of RRVT apparel—perfect for riding, relaxing, and showing your trail pride wherever you go.

Our custom RRVT cycling jerseys are now available through Bike World locations across the Des Moines metro. Designed for both comfort and performance, these jerseys are a great way to stand out on the trail while supporting the ongoing promotion and enhancement of the RRVT.

In addition, long-sleeve RRVT shirts are available and have quickly become a favorite among trail users—perfect for cooler rides or casual wear.

RRVT Apparel Options

Cycling Jerseys

Available at Bike World locations (Des Moines metro)

Long-Sleeve RRVT Shirts

Available at select trail-town locations, including:

• Minburn Convenience Store

• B&B Marketplace in Panora

• Kyle’s Bike Shop in Waukee

We’re continuing to explore new ways to make RRVT merchandise more accessible by partnering with local businesses along the trail.

Every purchase helps support the work of the RRVTA—from maintaining and promoting the trail to enhancing the experience for the thousands of people who use it each year.

So whether you’re riding the full loop or just enjoying a short trip between towns, gear up, show your support, and wear the trail with pride!

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Trail Maintenance Update

Work to maintain and improve the Raccoon River Valley Trail continues across the region, with several important projects underway.

In Guthrie and Greene Counties, efforts are ongoing to raise funds for the resurfacing of the trail between Winkleman Switch and Yale. This project represents a key investment in preserving the quality and safety of one of the trail’s most well-traveled segments, and fundraising progress continues to move forward.

In Adel, significant improvements are also on the horizon. The repair and replacement of the lighted bridge—damaged by fire—is expected to be completed in August, restoring a critical connection for trail users traveling through the community.

In addition, trail users can expect to see resurfacing work in Adel later this summer, further enhancing the riding experience and helping ensure the trail remains in top condition for years to come.

These projects reflect the ongoing commitment of local counties and communities to maintaining the RRVT as one of Iowa’s premier trail systems.

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The Power of Trails in Community Health

How trails like the RRVT support healthier people and stronger communities

Each April, communities across the country celebrate Celebrate Trails Month — a time to recognize the important role trails play in improving our quality of life. Here in central Iowa, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is more than just a place to ride a bike — it’s a powerful asset for community health.

From physical activity to mental well-being, trails like the RRVT are helping people live healthier, more connected lives.

Making Healthy Activity Accessible

One of the biggest benefits of trails is simple: they make it easier to be active.

Unlike gyms or organized sports, trails are:

• Free and open to everyone

• Accessible for all ages and fitness levels

• Flexible — walk, bike, run, or roll at your own pace

Whether it’s a short evening walk or a long weekend ride, trails remove many of the barriers that often prevent people from staying active.

Supporting Physical Health

Regular use of trails can lead to meaningful improvements in physical health:

• Better cardiovascular fitness • Improved strength and endurance • Reduced risk of chronic diseases • Support for healthy weight management

Even moderate activity — like a 30-minute walk or bike ride — can have lasting benefits when done consistently.

Boosting Mental Well-Being

Time spent on the trail isn’t just good for the body — it’s good for the mind.

Studies consistently show that outdoor activity can: • Reduce stress and anxiety • Improve mood • Increase focus and mental clarity

The combination of movement, fresh air, and natural surroundings makes trails one of the most effective ways to recharge.

Bringing People Together

Trails also play an important social role in our communities.

They provide a space where:

• Families spend time together • Friends meet for rides or walks • Community events bring people outdoors • Visitors connect with local towns

In this way, trails strengthen not just individual health, but community connections.

A Resource for All Ages

One of the most unique aspects of trails like the RRVT is how they serve people across generations.

• Children learning to ride a bike • Adults maintaining active lifestyles • Older adults staying mobile and independent • New riders — including those using e-bikes — exploring longer distances

Trails create a shared space where everyone can participate.

Healthy Trails, Healthy Communities

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is more than a recreational amenity — it’s a foundation for healthier living across central Iowa.

By providing safe, accessible spaces for activity, connection, and exploration, trails continue to play a vital role in building stronger, healthier communities.