June 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter

Upcoming Events on the Trail

Bacoon Ride – June 20

The Bacoon Ride returns on June 20 and continues to be one of Iowa’s most popular and unique cycling events. This fun, social ride takes participants through several Raccoon River Valley Trail communities, with themed bacon stops along the way that have become a signature part of the experience.

Riders can choose their distance and pace, making this event accessible for a wide range of participants—from casual riders to more experienced cyclists. Along the route, you’ll find food, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to stop, relax, and enjoy the hospitality of local communities.

The Bacoon Ride is known not only for its fun atmosphere, but also for the energy it brings to trail towns—supporting local businesses and showcasing everything the RRVT has to offer.

Events like this highlight what makes the Raccoon River Valley Trail special—bringing people together, supporting meaningful causes, and driving visitors into our trail communities. Whether it’s a charity ride, a themed event, or a casual day on the trail, these gatherings strengthen the connection between the trail and the towns it serves.

REGISTRATION & INFO HERE

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RRVTA Welcomes Shae Bernhardt as Part-Time Employee

The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Shae Bernhardt as a part-time employee to assist with social media, website management, and special events. 

A 2026 graduate of Iowa State University, Shae is already a familiar face to many within the organization. During the 2025-26 academic year, she served as the RRVTA's intern, providing valuable support in a variety of areas and quickly becoming an important member of the team. 

As an intern, Shae played a key role in coordinating the silent and live auctions for the Association's annual banquet, helped maintain and enhance the RRVTA's social media presence, and assisted with website updates and communications. 

In her new role, Shae will continue to build on that success by managing social media content, assisting with website updates, supporting special events, and helping the Association communicate more effectively with trail users, communities, and businesses along the trail. 

Please join us in welcoming Shae to her new role with the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association. 

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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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Lighted Bridge Repair in Adel

Work continues on the repair and restoration of the iconic lighted bridge in Adel, with the project remaining on schedule for completion by August 7. 

The bridge sustained significant damage in a fire last year. Since then, the Dallas County Conservation Board, Adel Partners, and the RRVTA have led fundraising efforts to restore the structure and return this important trail connection to service. 

The project involves extensive repairs to bridge components damaged by the fire, including structural elements, decking, and railings. Crews are also conducting safety improvements and inspections to ensure the bridge meets all standards before reopening. 

The repair project represents a significant investment by Dallas County Conservation in maintaining and improving trail infrastructure. Trail users can look forward 

to the bridge reopening later this summer and restoring a vital link to the RRVT loop. 

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Fundraising Continues for Northern Loop Resurfacing Project

Fundraising efforts continue for the planned resurfacing of the northern section of the Raccoon River Valley Trail between Yale, Herndon, and Jefferson. This 13-mile segment represents one of the trail's most significant upcoming maintenance projects and is critical to preserving a safe, high-quality experience for trail users. 

Thanks to the generosity of trail supporters, local governments, businesses, and grant partners, approximately half of the funding needed for the project has already been secured. Efforts are now focused on raising the remaining $2.5 million needed to complete the resurfacing. 

This project highlights a growing challenge facing trail systems across Iowa. While the state is fortunate to have one of the nation's most extensive and successful trail networks, trails require ongoing maintenance and periodic major improvements to remain safe and attractive for users. Unlike roads and highways, there is currently no dedicated statewide funding source for trail maintenance, leaving local governments and trail advocates to rely heavily on grants, fundraising, and community support. 

Trails in Iowa have served residents and visitors for decades and continues to generate significant recreational, health, and economic benefits for the communities they serve. The current fundraising effort demonstrates the strong commitment of trail supporters, but it also underscores the need for Iowa to develop long-term solutions to help communities and counties maintain the trail infrastructure that has become such an important part of the state's outdoor recreation system. 

DONATE HERE

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Tire Technology: What's New for Today's Cyclists?

How modern tires are making trail riding smoother, safer, and more enjoyable 

When most cyclists think about bike upgrades, they often focus on the bicycle itself. But one of the biggest advances in cycling over the past decade has been something much simpler: tires. 

Today's bicycle tires are wider, more comfortable, more puncture-resistant, and more efficient than ever before. Whether you're riding the Raccoon River Valley Trail on a road bike, hybrid, e-bike, or gravel bike, modern tire technology can make a noticeable difference in your riding experience. 

Wider Is Better 

For many years, cyclists believed narrower tires were faster. Recent research has shown otherwise. 

Many riders now use tires ranging from 32mm to 45mm wide, even on paved trails. Wider tires provide: 

• Better comfort by absorbing bumps and vibrations

• Improved traction on corners and wet pavement

• Greater stability and control

• Reduced rider fatigue on longer rides 

• For RRVT riders spending several hours in the saddle, the added comfort can be significant. 

The Rise of Tubeless Tires 

One of the fastest-growing trends in cycling is the use of tubeless tires. 

Instead of using an inner tube, tubeless systems use a liquid sealant inside the tire. When a small puncture occurs, the sealant often plugs the hole automatically before the rider even notices. 

Benefits include: 

• Fewer flat tires

• Improved ride quality

• Better traction

• Lower tire pressures without increasing pinch-flat risk 

While tubeless systems require a little more setup, many cyclists feel the reduction in flats makes them well worth the effort. 

Better Puncture Protection 

Even riders who prefer traditional tires benefit from improved puncture protection. 

Manufacturers now use advanced layers of Kevlar, nylon, and other materials beneath the tread to help resist: 

• Glass shards

• Thorns

• Sharp rocks

• Metal debris 

For trail riders, this means fewer roadside repairs and more time enjoying the ride. 

Lower Tire Pressure = Better Ride Quality 

Another major change in cycling is the understanding that harder isn't always better. 

Many cyclists now run lower tire pressures than they would have ten years ago. Lower pressures help tires conform to the riding surface, improving comfort and traction while often reducing rolling resistance on real-world pavement. 

The result is a smoother ride with less vibration reaching the rider. 

E-Bikes and Tire Innovation 

The growth of e-bikes has also influenced tire design. 

Modern e-bike tires are built to handle: 

• Heavier bicycle weights

• Increased speeds

• Higher mileage

• Greater braking forces 

Many feature reinforced casings and additional puncture protection, making them especially well-suited for long trail rides. 

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What Does This Mean for RRVT Riders? 

For most RRVT users, the biggest takeaway is simple: today's tires can make cycling more comfortable and enjoyable than ever before. 

If your bike is more than a few years old, upgrading to modern tires may be one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. Wider tires, better puncture protection, and improved construction can help reduce fatigue, improve confidence, and keep you rolling longer. 

The next time you're riding the trail, remember that one of the biggest advances in cycling isn't found in batteries, electronics, or carbon fiber. It's found where the rubber meets the road.