September 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter

The Bridge Is Back: A Celebration to Remember

Approximately 150 cyclists gathered at the Waukee Trailhead on August 21 for the Bridge is Back Ride, celebrating the reopening of the iconic lighted bridge over the Raccoon River in Adel.

Riders traveled approximately seven miles from Waukee to Adel, where they joined other community members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. An estimated 200 people attended the ceremony, demonstrating how much the bridge and the Raccoon River Valley Trail mean to the region.

The program featured remarks from Jason Parkin, WHO 13 meteorologist and the ride’s celebrity rider; Curt Cable, director of Dallas County Conservation; Erin Milroy, president of Adel Partners; Julia Helm, member of the Dallas County Board of Supervisors; and Pat Steele, president of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association.

The reopening was especially meaningful because the bridge had been closed for more than a year. During that time, Dallas County Conservation also completed the resurfacing of the trail from Ortonville to Adel with a new concrete surface, giving riders even more reason to celebrate.

The event was presented through a partnership among the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, Dallas County Conservation, and Adel Partners. We sincerely thank everyone who rode, attended the ceremony, helped organize the event, and supported the reopening of this important trail connection. The strong turnout made one thing clear: the bridge is back—and the community could not be happier.

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Leadership Transition Becomes Official

As previously announced, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s leadership transition is now official. Doug Pfeiffer has moved from vice president to president, Dustin Lantz has become vice president, and Pat Steele has transitioned from president to past president.

Doug and Dustin bring valuable experience, a strong knowledge of the trail, and a shared commitment to the RRVTA’s mission. This transition provides continuity while bringing new leadership to the association.

The board congratulates Doug and Dustin on their new roles and looks forward to working with them as the RRVTA continues its efforts to promote, enhance, and sustain the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

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Trail Improvement Projects Moving Forward

Several important improvement projects are planned or under consideration for the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

In 2027, Dallas County Conservation plans to resurface the trail through Adel. Additional patching and repairs are also planned yet this year along the section between Adel and Redfield. It remains the goal to fully resurface that section in 2028 or 2029, depending on available funding and other considerations.

The section between Yale and the area near Jefferson remains a top priority. Approximately half of the funding needed for that project has been secured. Efforts are underway to raise the remaining $2 million this year, with the hope that construction can begin next spring.

The timing of the Yale-to-Jefferson project will depend on the success of those fundraising efforts. Completing it would represent another major step toward providing a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience throughout the entire RRVT loop.

We will continue to provide updates as funding is secured and project schedules become clearer. Donors can designate their contribution to Repaving, Repaving: Yale to Jefferson, or Repaving: Adel, depending on their preferred project.

DONATE HERE

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Ride the Thin Blue Line Memorial Proposed Along the RRVT

A proposed memorial along the Raccoon River Valley Trail would create a permanent place to honor Iowa law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Known as Ride the Thin Blue Line, the memorial would be located directly off the trail behind the Dallas County Law Enforcement Center, north of Adel. Its location would make it accessible from both the RRVT and Highway 6.

Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante recently presented the project to the RRVTA board. Plans include a memorial wall bearing the names of fallen Iowa officers, a metal “Tree of Life” art installation, attractive landscaping, and a peaceful area where families, trail users, and other visitors can pause and reflect.

The project has been in planning and design for several years and is expected to cost approximately $1.5 million. Ride the Thin Blue Line, the nonprofit organization leading the effort, is seeking donations from public and private sources. Dallas County and several area communities have already committed financial support.

In addition to honoring the service and sacrifice of Iowa’s fallen officers, the memorial would bring a significant work of public art and a meaningful destination to the RRVT.

Construction will depend on the success of the continuing fundraising campaign. 

More information, including an opportunity to contribute, is available on the Ride the Thin Blue Line website.

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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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A Visitor’s Perspective on the RRVT

Sometimes the best way to understand what makes the Raccoon River Valley Trail special is to see it through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time.

During this year’s RAGBRAI, Rod Shepherd, vice mayor of Mount Jackson, Virginia, discovered the RRVT while riding through Yale. His unplanned detour took him approximately 18 miles along the trail to Perry—and left him impressed by its scenery, history, community connections, and economic potential.

Shepherd later wrote the following commentary, using his experience on the RRVT to advocate for the development of a rail-trail in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. We are pleased to share his perspective with our readers.

Editor’s note: The following article is reprinted with permission. The views expressed are those of the author.

In July, I took part in the annual RAGBRAI 400-mile bicycle ride across the state of Iowa. One morning, as I was coming into Yale, a really small town with a population of 263, I saw what looked like a bike trail heading east. I detoured a half block to investigate and cycle along a section. Several 100 yards along the trail I found an information kiosk announcing that I had found the Raccoon River Valley Trail. I had stumbled upon Iowa’s renowned 89-mile rail trail. 

I asked a local if this trail led to the next RAGBRAI town. “Yes indeed,” she said. “Just keep on this trail, and at the junction, turn right and the trail leads to Perry where you can rejoin the official RAGBRAI route.” So, I got to ride some 18 miles of this lovely tree lined rail trail, which passes through "corn country" and crosses the Raccoon River. The views of Iowa farms and fields was spectacular. 

The first section of the Raccoon River Trail was opened in 1989. Subsequent additions brought the total length to 89 miles. And the Raccoon River Trail is listed in the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame being recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding rails to trail conversions. Additionally, many old historic train stations have been preserved as rest stops and information centers. About 400,000 visitors make use of this trail each year. The economic impact is significant but hard to measure. The trail passes through 14 Iowa communities and features some 45 restaurants along the route. In addition, some other RAGBRAI riders also took this detour. I met a few locals out for a ride. “We love our trail,” was the unanimous comments from the locals. I asked about trespassing and litter and was told those issues are not a problem. Which brings me to our own long delayed opportunity for a Rail Trail right here in our Shenandoah Valley. We have the opportunity to create a world-renowned trail right here. Stop with the delays and the fantasy of returning trains. Shenandoah County needs to get started on a rail trail NOW. Rail trails in other parts of the country have proven time and again to be positive economic and healthy impacts to communities. We really could use some of that economic energy here. 

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Help Shape the Future of the RRVT

Each year, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association asks trail users to share their experiences through our annual trail survey. The information we collect helps us better understand who uses the trail, how often they visit, what they value most, and where improvements may be needed.

Survey results are shared with trail communities, county conservation departments, and other partners. They also help guide decisions about trail improvements, amenities, promotion, safety, and future RRVTA priorities.

Whether you use the RRVT every week or visited it for the first time this year, we want to hear from you. The survey takes only a few minutes, and every response helps us tell the story of the trail and plan for its future.

Please complete the 2026 RRVT Trail User Survey here: https://form.jotform.com/262453935445160

Thank you for helping us make the Raccoon River Valley Trail an even better experience for everyone.