The Raccoon River Valley Trail has been the site of a few major attractions in the last couple of years such as the Market-to-Market Relay and the BACooN Ride.

Adding to the list is a new event that will be happening this Labor Day weekend with a Pedaler’s Jamboree.

Greene County Conservation Director and RRVTA member Dan Towers says Michael Denehy is the creator of the event and he started it on the KATY Trail in central Missouri in 2009.  He describes how this event got to Iowa.

“They came to us and asked if something like that would be possible which we welcomed with open arms.  We know how successful Market-to-Market Relay has been (and) the BACooN Ride.  So another big event on the trail, I mean, we welcomed it.”

Plans are to start the two-day trip on Saturday, September 5th when participants leave from Waukee between 7 and 9am and bike on the “north loop” and then stop overnight in Jefferson.  The trip continues the following day on Sunday, September 6th when riders head back on the “south loop” of the trail and return to Waukee.

Towers points out that Denehy wants bands and other groups to be showcased at every town that’s along the trail for participants to enjoy.  A local benefit says coordinator Phyllis Drake, is the opportunity to get people to come off of the loop and head up to Jefferson.

“I just feel that this is something that the community needs to help to jumpstart and get our end part of our trail out on the map saying, ‘we are not just here and a sleepy, little town that we do have something to offer.  And I think bringing this venue into town is going to show that.”

More details will be released during the RAGBRAI route announcement party later this month.