Bike riders stop in front of Hotel Pattee
Bike riders stop in front of Hotel Pattee

With overcast skies and occasional sprinkles, thousands of bicyclists made the trek on the Raccoon River Valley Trail for the fourth annual Bacoon Ride.

Perry was one of the main stops along the route where cyclists got to taste bacon samples at the Hotel Pattee. Perry Chamber Executive Director Bob Wilson said events like the Bacoon Ride are a tremendous opportunity to treat tourists to what Perry has to offer.2017 Bacoon Ride pic 3

“It all boils down to tourism dollars and economic development. One way that I like to say it is, this isn’t the most fun one but, for small town business, think about those riders as dollar signs. That’s an opportunity, not only to make some money, but to showcase our community. So you never know who’s going to come back for an extended weekend. Heck you never know, maybe they’re opening a bakery or something and they’re looking for a town. You just honestly never know.”

2017 Bacoon Ride pic 2This year’s ride went in the opposite direction on the bike trail loop compared to past years. The ride started and ended in Waukee Saturday.